In my Writing for Interactive Media course at Full Sail University, I was tasked with writing a feature-length news article that demonstrated my ability to research, interview, and craft a compelling story using journalistic principles. The assignment required a third-person narrative, direct quotes from multiple sources, and a deep dive into a subject that would resonate with a targeted audience.

For this project, I chose to cover the historic election of my father, E.P. Edwards, as the first Black Worshipful Master of Washington Lodge No. 4—a milestone in the lodge’s 167-year history.

The Scope of the Assignment

The goal of this assignment was to develop a well-researched and engaging article, expanding it over several weeks with:

✔ Primary Interviews – Conducting and analyzing interviews with E.P. Edwards and fellow Masonic brother Tim Hyclak.
✔ Historical Research – Providing historical context on Washington Lodge No. 4 and Prince Hall Freemasonry.
✔ Story Development – Structuring the article to ensure a strong lead, smooth transitions, and a compelling conclusion.
✔ Ethical Journalism Practices – Ensuring accuracy, proper attribution, and a clear, objective narrative.
✔ Promotion & Distribution Planning – Creating a strategy for sharing the article via social media, LinkedIn, and my PR website.

Key Takeaways from the Process

This project reinforced the importance of narrative journalism in shaping how we document and interpret history. It also underscored the need for precision in storytelling, ensuring that every quote and fact is accurately represented while allowing the story to flow naturally.

Beyond the technical skills, this article was an opportunity to highlight leadership, diversity, and the evolution of historically exclusive institutions, making it an important and meaningful piece in my portfolio.

Download the Full Case Study

For a deeper look at the final article, you can download the assignment, here.

By showcasing this work, I aim to illustrate how PR, journalism, and storytelling intersect—not just to document history, but to engage audiences in meaningful conversations about leadership, tradition, and progress.