Binford-Ross, High School Editor-In-Chief, Wins Journalism Education Association’s Top Honor

Eddy Binford-Ross, working for the South Salem High School student newspaper, Cypian, was recently awarded the Oregon “Journalist of the Year” award for her work on the daily Portland protests which began last May 28. She is now in the running for the national award.

Imagine a 17 year old journalism student traveling from Salem to Portland to cover the story—every night! Since the police were known to target journalists, Binford-Ross wore a bulletproof vest, eye protection, a helmet clearly marked “press”, and reflective tape spelling “press” down her pants leg. Even though the Mayor, Ted Wheeler, and a federal court told the city police and federal officers it is illegal to intentionally harm or arrest journalists, Binford-Ross was tear-gassed and subjected to flash-bangs along with the adult journalists on the scene.

In a story on the Student Press Law Center website, Warren Binford, Eddy’s mother, said “she’s a machine.” She is concerned for her daughter, but she also wants to do what she can to support Eddy’s development as a journalist.

From Eddy Binford-Ross’ Twitter feed.