Photo via Wikimedia Commons

The Central Valley Community Foundation and Fresno DRIVE will host journalist and NPR’s Latino USA executive producer Maria Hinojosa next Wednesday at the Tower Threatre, welcoming the public to engage in an evening discussing the importance of local journalism.

The event, which will take place at 6 p.m. next Wednesday, aims to explore local journalism’s transformative power through storytelling, emphasizing the importance of its ability to drive civic engagement, uplift underrepresented voices and build a more inclusive and just region.

Hinojosa’s insights on narrative change stem from her family’s experiences, as well as her career, which she has dedicated much of to spotlighting Latino voices.

Hinojosa’s conversation aims to challenge stereotypical portrayals of the region — which is home to over 7.2 million residents — and highlight it as a community of resilience and unique narratives.

The event is free to attend and will take place at the Tower Theatre, located at 815 E. Olive Ave. Doors open at 5:30.