PRESS RELEASE | Democracy in Colour to host Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad in Sydney
National racial justice organisation, Democracy in Colour, is proud to announce an exclusive evening with acclaimed Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad in Sydney.
Plestia Alaqad is an award-winning Palestinian journalist and author who has emerged as a powerful voice in digital media. She gained international recognition for her heartfelt, on the-ground reporting during the genocide on Gaza, where her raw, personal storytelling brought global attention to the human impact of the violence. Through her lens, the world witnessed not just statistics or headlines, but the daily realities of life under siege. Now working in exile, Plestia continues to use her platform to amplify Palestinian voices and document history as it unfolds.
The event, “In Conversation with Plestia Alaqad,” is part of Democracy in Colour’s ‘Racism Out Of’ initiative, which tackles systemic racism in different Australian industries. This special evening will highlight the issue of racism in Australian and global media, offering a rare opportunity to hear directly from Plestia about her experiences and insights.
“Australian media has a real problem with racism. This isn’t just about what’s reported, but who gets to report, who is listened to, and whose stories are told,” said Jamal Hakim, Board Chairperson of Democracy in Colour. “We’ve seen how media bias can shape public opinion and reinforce harmful stereotypes. Plestia’s bravery in telling her story is a powerful reminder of why it’s so important to challenge the media’s approach to reporting on people of colour.”
DeCo National Director Noura Mansour will be talking to Plestia to discuss racism in media as well as the genocide in Gaza two years on, focusing on media coverage globally and locally. Noura is an experienced strategist, campaigner, educator, political analyst and community organiser, born and raised in Akka, Palestine.
“This conversation is crucial for anyone who wants to see a media landscape that is fair and representative of all communities,” said Hakim. “We are honoured to host Plestia and provide a platform for her to share her unique perspective with the Australian community.”
This event is a cornerstone of Democracy in Colour’s ongoing efforts to dismantle racism and build a more inclusive society. You can book your tickets here. Seats are limited.