Cheyenne Pennington

Citizen journalism is not some new phenomenon born out of social media. It has deep roots in American history, particularly in the very principles upon which our nation was founded. In 1735, John Peter Zenger was tried for publishing criticism of a colonial governor. His acquittal became a defining moment in America’s fight for freedom of the press. In 1776, Thomas Paine anonymously published Common Sense, challenging British rule and helping inspire a movement for American independence. Mercy Otis Warren published political writings challenging British authority and later warned against excessive federal power, advocating protections for individual liberty. These individuals understood something we seem increasingly willing to forget. Questioning authority is not un-American. It is fundamentally American. 🇺🇸 Our nation was built by people who challenged powerful institutions, questioned established narratives, and refused to surrender their right to speak freely. You do not need permission to investigate, but you do have a responsibility to substantiate your conclusions. Truth is not determined by who presents the evidence, but whether that evidence withstands scrutiny. History of Citizen Journalism: archive.blogs.harvard.edu/be…

I want to take a moment to recognize @billiewebbb and all the time, energy, and effort she puts into what she does. So much of the work that goes into researching, sharing information, and giving others a platform happens behind the scenes, often without recognition or compensation. Billie consistently shows up for others, and I think it’s important that we show up for her, too. If you appreciate what she does and have a few dollars to spare, please consider supporting her. Even the smallest contribution is a meaningful way to say thank you. 🩶⬇️ buymeacoffee.com/4dxLGX2G7z