The Big Hurt
NOTE: This profile of Sam Chamakura, an independent pharmacist in Harlem, was an assignment that includes a text profile, video, audio slideshow, Google Map and Flash Interactive Timeline. The profile was an assignment for a class at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism called Digital Media Newsroom. There were several sections of the class, and my classmates all worked on various profiles for The Big Hurt.
Pharmacist feels the pinch pushing pills
By Daniel Johnson-Kim and Vadim Lavrusik
Five years ago, when Sam Chamakura decided to become an independent pharmacist, the business was attractive. New independent pharmacies were opening throughout New York City, dispensing pills and raking in profits.
So Chamakura, at 26, had high hopes when he took over Malcolm X Pharmacy in Central Harlem.
Video – Pharmacist courts Harlem doctors:
View Pharmacies in Central Harlem in a larger map
My section of Digital Media Newsroom was taught by Sig Gissler, Administrator of the Pulitzer Prizes. Professor Gissler was a fantastic teacher and editor who drove me and my partner, Vadim Lavrusik, to use several mediums to effectively tell our character’s story. One thing Gissler taught me that I will never forget:
The Four Gods of Journalism
- Brevity
- Clarity
- Simplicity
- Humanity
