When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, independent journalist Terrell Jermaine Starr knew he had to be creative with his storytelling. Otherwise, his reporting would never compete with that of the hundreds of journalists who helicoptered in from around the world. Using his area studies training, years of reporting on the ground, and unique experience as a Black American man, Starr was able to leverage his social media platforms and distinctive storytelling style to make his audiences connect with Ukrainians on a personal level. His use of social media, coupled with a willingness to break traditional reporting norms attracted every major media outlet in the world, leading to appearances on MSNBC, CNN, BBC, and many more.

Starr’s talk will focus on the stories he covered during the start of the war and his ongoing reporting from Ukraine more than two years later. He will share why he chose these stories, seen by millions of people online and on cable news, as well as how he uses his personal experience with American racism at home to tell the story of Russian colonialism in Ukraine.

Terrell Jermaine Starr is host and founder of Black Diplomats YouTube, where he publishes weekly feature-length videos of his travels documenting life in war-time Ukraine and his reports interviewing people of color across Europe. He has an MA in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies and an M.S. in News-Editorial Journalism, both from the University of Illinois. He has a BA from Philander Smith College, an HBCU in Little Rock, Arkansas.

If there is anything we can do to make this event accessible to you, please contact us at crees@umich.edu. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.