Reshaping Narratives: Carroll Bogert's Quest for Social Justice
My name is Joshua Bevill. I'm serving a 30-year federal prison sentence for a low-level, nonviolent offense. I've been in prison for nearly 15 years. During my time on the frontlines I've witnessed up close and personal the human toll of injustice, which comes in many forms.
Among many other related pursuits, I routinely write about remarkable people who help rectify injustice, as well as help shine a light on the dark corners of the American justice system.
That brings me to Carroll Bogert.
In 1987, Carroll stepped into the bustling newsrooms of Newsweek, eager to uncover the world's stories. Little did she know that this would be the first chapter in her own captivating saga.
As a fresh-faced reporter for Newsweek, Bogert delved into the intricacies of international affairs, reporting on current events in China, Southeast Asia, and the Soviet Union. Her pen became a conduit for truth, painting vivid images of the world's complexities and injustices.
Bogert’s thirst for truth and advocacy led her to Human Rights Watch, the international organization fighting for the marginalized and oppressed. Here, she rose through the ranks, becoming the Deputy Executive Director for External Relations. In this capacity Bogert collected the stories of countless human beings from over 70 countries, amplifying their cries for justice. Her work wasn't merely about reporting historical facts; it was about igniting change and inspiring others to stand up for what's right.
Redefining Journalism's Role in Social Justice at The Marshall Project
It was during her time at Human Rights Watch that Bogert's path intersected with The Marshall Project, the nonprofit, nonpartisan online journalism organization focusing on issues related to criminal justice reform. Founded in 2014 by Neil Barsky, a former hedge fund manager and journalist, the goal of The Marshall Project is to create high-quality journalism that raises awareness to provoke discussion about the broken criminal justice system in America.
Bogert soon found herself at the helm of this noble endeavor. Appointed as The Marshall Project's first president, she oversees investigative reporting, analysis, and storytelling about various aspects of the criminal justice system, such as mass incarceration, policing, sentencing, and prison conditions.
Neil Barsky welcomed Bogert with open arms, recognizing her vision and management prowess as invaluable assets to their mission: “In under two years, we have succeeded in establishing The Marshall Project as a first-class journalism organization. Carroll's vision and management experience will mean we can devote ourselves even more energetically to covering the myriad issues facing the U.S. criminal justice system.”
Bill Keller, the esteemed editor-in-chief at The Marshall Project, echoed this sentiment, hailing Bogert as a beacon of honest journalism and strategic leadership. “She knows and respects honest, aggressive journalism. And from her successful years at Human Rights Watch, she knows how to build a mission-driven organization. I'm excited to work with her in taking The Marshall Project to the next level.”
Continuing the Journey: Carroll Bogert's Impactful Presidency
Bogert's journey has been a dynamic dance between media and nonprofits, a fusion of storytelling and social change. Her work has helped to unravel the threads of complex issues and weave narratives that inspire action. The Marshall Project, with its steadfast commitment to first-rate journalism, is the perfect stage for Bogert's encore, a chance to continue her life's work of uncovering truth and sparking transformation.
As she takes the presidential reins, Bogert's presence infuses The Marshall Project with renewed vigor. The team has rallied behind her, driven by a shared purpose to illuminate the shadows of the criminal justice system and champion meaningful reform. Every article is a call to arms, every investigation a step closer to a fairer, more just society.
