Excellence in Political Reporting

Shirsho Dasgupta, “What the Vote?: Gen Z and the Uncommitted Movement,” NPR Michigan Public

ABOUT THE WORK: The violence and destruction in Gaza has dominated the headlines for the past year. It's had a major impact on the political landscape for many Arab and Muslim American voters–and it’s mobilized young students on college campuses across the country.

The Uncommitted National Movement, which asked voters in the Democratic primary to choose “uncommitted” rather than support President Joe Biden, began in Michigan. It was a desperate plea from pro-Palestinian voters seeking to have their voices heard.

And not only did they force elected officials to listen, but they made history.

Zena Issa is a Missouri-born, Michigan-based multimedia journalist and graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Raised between the U.S. and Kurdistan, she brings a global perspective to every story she tells. Zena is also one of Michigan’s first hijabi TV broadcast journalists.

Honorable Mention: Kimmy Yam, “The emerging Asian American electorate” (1/2/3), NBC Asian America

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