Journalism Professor Quoted in Cardinal News Article Patrick Walters’ comment appears in a story about the 1963 Civil Rights Movement in Danville, Virginia.

By Brian Laubscher
July 7, 2025

Patrick Walters, assistant professor of journalism at Washington and Lee University, was quoted in a recent article produced by the Cardinal News about local newspaper coverage of the 1963 Civil Rights Movement in Danville, Virginia.

The article, written by alumnae Grace Mamon ’22, recounts the Civil Rights Movement through the perspective of Dorothy Moore, an 18-year-old Black protester whose arrest photograph appeared in the local newspaper. The story reveals how Danville’s two daily newspapers, the Register and the Bee, systematically downplayed and mischaracterized the peaceful Civil Rights demonstrations as violent and criminal, often refusing to cover local protests while extensively reporting on national Civil Rights activities. In contrast, a weekly publication, the Commercial Appeal, provided more accurate coverage that the Black community relied upon for truthful reporting.

“Journalism is the first draft of history,” said Walters in the story. “If the first draft of history doesn’t get written, then it’s not surprising that it wouldn’t make it into the history books.”

The article’s narrative sets the stage for the events leading up to June 10, 1963, which culminate in “Bloody Monday,” a pivotal moment when violence erupted between local law enforcement and protesters, altering the course of the movement.

Walters has been a member of the W&L faculty since 2022. He also taught at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia University and Washington College during his career. He also previously served as a reporter for The Associated Press, Reading Eagle, Carroll County Times and The Cavalier Daily. Walters holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia, an MFA in creative nonfiction writing from Goucher College and a Ph.D. in media and communication from Temple University.

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