250 to 250: 05. John Peter Zenger, Narrated by Jelani Cobb

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250:  John Peter Zenger, Narrated by Jelani Cobb

Peabody Award winner Dr. Jelani Cobb is a prolific author, journalist, and Dean of Columbia Journalism School whose work centers on race, politics, history, and culture. Cobb tells the story of John Peter Zenger, a colonial newspaperman whose trial for printing critical statements about the royal governor of New York helped to define freedom of the press.

In 1734, John Peter Zenger printed articles that criticized the governor of New York.

• The governor had Zenger arrested and put on trial.
• Zenger's lawyers said that true statements should not be punished.
• The jury found Zenger not guilty.
• The decision helped support freedom of the press.

Freedom of the press means newspapers can report information and opinions without government control.

• In 1787, Thomas Jefferson said that a free press is important for democracy.
• He believed that newspapers help people stay informed.
• Later, the founders wrote the Bill of Rights.
• They included freedom of the press in the First Amendment.
• The First Amendment protects the right of a free press in the United States.

POP Interview and Quiz: 

• N-400 Part 15. Do you promise that the information and evidence submitted in your N-400 Application for Naturalization is complete, true, and accurate?
• USCIS 100:06. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?* 
• USCIS 128:65.   What are three rights of everyone living in the United States? 

Family Fun

• Amnesty International: Free Speech ABC coloring pages
• First Amendment Museum: Art & Politics: 300 Years of Political Cartoons