The 5 Interview: Errin Haines Whack

Errin Haines Whack is award-winning, multi-platform journalist based in Washington, DC. Errin has reported on culture and politics for more than a decade. Best known for work covering civil rights icons including Ambassador Andrew Young, the Rev. Joseph Lowery, Congressman John Lewis and the heirs of Martin Luther King, Jr., she has also worked as a state government reporter for the Associated Press and the Washington Post. Previously, Erin also worked for the Orlando Sentinel, the Los Angeles Times and the Atlanta Daily World. Her reporting the 2008 presidential election was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and she further distinguished herself during the 2012 election for her voter-focused reporting. Errin was recognized by the Atlanta Press Club as Print Journalist of the Year in 2009, and named NABJ Emerging Journalist of the Year in 2006. Some of Errin's most recent work can be at The Guardian, Buzzfeed and Atlantic CityLab. She also recently reported on the Michael Brown case and unrest in Ferguson, Mo., as an on-the-ground correspondent for Fusion. Errin is a commentator on race and politics and has appeared on NPR, MSNBC and the Soul of the South. Erin currently serves as Vice President for the National Association of Black Journalists and comments frequently on issues of media diversity. 

Me in three words: God-fearing. Southern. Loving.

Favorite food: The last thing my mama made.

Favorite food associated memory: The picnic lunch my husband made on one of our dates. It was a rare and thoughtful gesture, made with love. He even made the pesto! He was clearly trying to impress me. (It clearly worked.)

What mark do you want to make on society: To tell the stories my people need to hear and do my part to move our struggle forward.

Selfies or nah?: Definitely pro-selfie.

Errin Haines Whack