Petaluman fights against forces of injustice, inequality

As a teenager growing up in rural western Pennsylvania, Mickey Huff was interested in news media, history, censorship and propaganda studies. His working-class parents filled their home with books, art supplies and music, and they encouraged their son to practice music, read, study and ask questions.

He would eventually go on to make uncovering important news stories missed by the mainstream media his life’s work.

After moving to California for college, he discovered Project Censored, an initiative started in 1976 by Sonoma State University professor Carl Jensen to expose and analyze under-covered news stories. When Jensen retired, Dr. Peter Phillips, a Sonoma State sociology professor took over the program. That’s when Huff became involved.

“I was active in movements against censorship in music and the arts at the time,” said Huff, 45. “I made it a point to try to work with (Phillips) in support of the project’s mission any way I could.”

In 2008, Huff became associate director of Project Censored. Two years later, he became the director of the program that publishes an annual book on the year’s top censored news stories, and produces a nationally-syndicated radio program, “The Project Censored Show.”

A professor with more than 16 years experience in various disciplines, Huff currently teaches social science and is co-chair of the history department, at Diablo Valley College in the East Bay. His course offerings include contemporary U.S. history, critical reasoning in history and political economy of democracy.

“I focus on the propaganda of historical construction, and the role news media and censorship play in shaping public perception of both current and historical events, and analyze their myriad intersections,” he said. “I am a proponent of critical thinking and independent thought, and my role as an educator is to help people learn how to think critically about the past and present, not tell them what to think.”

Through his work with Project Censored, Huff sees himself as somewhat of a crusader, fighting against the forces of injustice and inequality, both globally and here at home. It is difficult work fraught with headwinds, but Huff said he relishes the challenge of “promoting and participating in movements for social justice and equality - and sometimes winning.”

Five years ago, Huff moved to Petaluma, where he lives with his wife and children. He cites his family as among those inspiring him to continue pursuing just causes.

“My wife and kids (inspire me) every day, and over the years, many of my teachers left their marks,” he said. “Teaching is a great privilege, and I’m always in awe of the creativity and resolve of students, especially young people. They inspire me to continue the work I do in support of free press and free speech principles as well as social justice and equality. My children’s teachers also greatly inspire me as they do so much and often don’t get the resources or respect they deserve for the very important work they do giving to society.”

Huff said his goals are to continue to teach and raise awareness around critical media literacy and social justice movements. Eventually, Huff said he would like to work less and spend more time focusing on his family and music - he’s a long-time guitar and piano composer.

Huff counts himself among the lucky few who are successful in pursuing their passion.

“I could not be more fortunate,” he said. “I’m heartened knowing so many people, seeing them get turned on to learning and critical thinking, and becoming active agents for social and political change in an effort to make the world a better place, especially for those less fortunate.”

Huff will be hosting the 40th anniversary of Project Censored and the Media Freedom Summit at SSU on Oct. 21-22. The event includes a welcome party on Friday night, Oct. 21, which is open to the public. The public is also invited to a 40th anniversary Project Censored party at Lagunitas Brewing Company on Monday, Nov. 14. More information is at projectcensored.org.