AP Religion team journalists examined the state of the sacred peyote plant with a sensitive and comprehensive multiformat package
In a follow-up to her previous coverage of psychedelics and religion, AP Religion Team visual journalist Jessie Wardarski decided to team up with text reporter Deepa Bharath to look at Native American efforts to conserve the peyote plant that they believe is sacred.
It’s a complex and sensitive issue; the journalists had to build trust with an underrepresented community. Sources were especially wary that two outsiders would be able to understand Indigenous spirituality and do the story justice. But through their openness, patience and lots of listening, the journalists were able tell a compelling story in text and visuals about this complex spiritual practice and the people who observe it.
To make sure they got the nuances right, the journalists tapped experts on Native American issues outside and inside AP. Bharath produced the compelling text story, Wardarski made photos and video, and the audio team contributed an audio segment.
For their sensitive storytelling that gave voice to an underrepresented community on a complex issue, Bharath and Wardarski earn Best of the AP – Second Winner.
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