Jessica Alvarado Gamez is a master’s student in the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State University. She earned her undergraduate degree in journalism from ASU in 2019 and holds a minor in Spanish linguistics. Originally from San Jose, California, Alvarado Gamez also studied in Germany, learning about travel writing and global journalism. She is an award-winning storyteller and visual content creator whose work has been featured on Univision Arizona, KTAR, Arizona PBS, the East Valley Tribune and Phoenix’s PHXTV/know99.
Fighting hate: Approaches range from expanding hate crime definitions to gathering data
LOS ANGELES – The system for reporting hate in America is broken. The FBI’s database has limited scope, and people often don’t – or sometimes can’t – report hate crimes to authorities. But federal, state and local entities are tackling hate in a variety of ways – from expanding definitions and launching hotlines to capturing data.
Exodus from police departments could be an opportunity for change
PHOENIX – Police departments across the country are in a workforce crisis. Some leaders see this as an opportunity, and they’re trying harder to attract candidates who reflect the communities they serve, with a focus on women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Battle for police reform has been fought for decades
OAKLAND, Calif. – Activists are pushing for police reform, building on the struggles of the past to improve the future of policing in the U.S. To long-time activist Elaine Brown in Oakland, that means being willing to risk your job, to consistently confront the uncomfortable.
Artists depict people killed in police encounters
SALT LAKE CITY – Across the U.S., artists paint murals to memorialize victims of police violence. For some, they serve as public gravesites, spaces of remembrance and community. For others, they are difficult reminders of loss.
