Media & Press

Media Coverage: TIME, CBS, PBS & More

National television, print features, podcasts, and landmark legal proceedings. Nearly two decades of advocacy, leadership, and public service.

80+ Media Appearances 3 National TV Spots 13+ Podcast Features 2016 - 2025
Khary Penebaker at March for Our Lives rally wearing NORA orange shirt Khary Penebaker group hug at US Capitol rally

Highlights

Featured appearances

Featured

What I learned from my mother's suicide

TIME Magazine
October 12, 2017

In this first-person essay for TIME, Khary shares the story of losing his mother Joyce to gun suicide when he was just 20 months old and the decades of silence that followed. The piece traces his journey from a childhood shaped by unanswered questions, through building a successful construction company, to finally confronting his family's history with firearm suicide. The essay became one of the most-shared gun violence prevention stories of 2017 and launched Khary's national advocacy career, leading to partnerships with Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady United, and speaking engagements across the country on suicide prevention, mental health, and breaking generational silence around trauma.

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DNC Convention: firearm suicide & gun violence prevention

CBS News
August 23, 2020

Khary appeared on CBS News as part of the 2020 Democratic National Convention's segment on gun violence in America. In the nationally televised panel, he spoke about losing his mother Joyce to firearm suicide and how that experience shaped his advocacy work. The segment highlighted the often-overlooked crisis of gun suicide, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of all gun deaths in the United States. Khary's ability to connect personal loss with policy advocacy on a national stage demonstrated the kind of authentic storytelling that has made him one of the most sought-after voices on gun violence prevention, mental health awareness, and trauma-informed leadership.

Watch video National Ad

Bloomberg 2020 Super Bowl campaign ad

Bloomberg Campaign / CNBC
January 30, 2020

Khary was selected as one of the gun violence survivors featured in Mike Bloomberg's $10 million Super Bowl digital advertising campaign. The 12-state ad series ran during the 2020 Super Bowl and across social media platforms, sharing the stories of Americans impacted by gun violence. Khary's segment focused on losing his mother to firearm suicide and his transformation from silence to national advocacy. The campaign reached tens of millions of viewers and was covered by CNBC, BuzzFeed News, Urban Milwaukee, and PolitiFact. It represented one of the largest investments in gun violence prevention messaging in American political advertising history.

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Roofed Right America: master mettle winner

BizTimes Milwaukee
September 15, 2017

BizTimes Milwaukee recognized Khary with their Master Mettle award for his extraordinary business resilience and growth at Roofed Right America. Starting as a roofing apprentice, Khary built the company from a $5 million operation to over $35 million in annual revenue across five states, employing more than 180 people. The profile highlighted his ability to overcome setbacks including a co-founder dispute, industry downturns, and the challenges of scaling a construction business as a Black entrepreneur in the Midwest. The award recognizes Milwaukee-area business leaders who have demonstrated exceptional determination in building successful enterprises through adversity.

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Viral Moment
"You voted for a candidate that was endorsed by the KKK. For the rest of your life, you have to know that you voted the same way as the KKK."
X / Twitter (@kharyp) October 15, 2020
2.2K Likes 914 Retweets 72 Comments
View original post →

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Featured video

Complete Record

Full archive

TV
Penebaker et al v. Hitt et al - Status Conference
WisconsinEye - November 22, 2023
Televised court status conference in the landmark lawsuit Khary co-filed against Wisconsin's fake electors who submitted fraudulent certificates in the 2020 presidential election.
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DNC Panelists Discuss Firearm Suicide & Gun Violence
CBS News - August 23, 2020
Nationally televised panel on firearm suicide during the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Khary spoke about his mother's death and the policy changes needed to address the gun suicide crisis.
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PBS Wisconsin Candidate Statement - 5th Congressional District
PBS Wisconsin - October 13, 2016
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Campaign 2016 Interview: Khary Penebaker (D), 5th Congressional District
WisconsinEye - September 21, 2016
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Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner Draws Challenger in Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District
FOX6 Milwaukee - March 6, 2016
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Podcast
Penebaker in Packerland (Parts 1 & 2)
Civic Media / This Week in Waukesha - August 2025 - Episodes 61 & 62
Podcast
Facing Trauma with Advocacy
Armed with Reason Podcast - June 11, 2025 - Episode 37
In-depth conversation on transforming personal trauma into public advocacy, covering Khary's journey from losing his mother to gun suicide through his work with Everytown for Gun Safety and speaking career.
→ Podcast
Suicide is a Drag
Stories From The Cold Dead Hands - September 2024
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Podcast
Risk Mitigation in Construction
Building Enclosure Podcast - 2023
Podcast
Interview: Khary Penebaker
The Devil's Advocates Radio Network - August 24, 2022
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Khary Penebaker: Voices of Gun Violence
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee - March 2021
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Electoral College Vote: Casting Wisconsin's Ballot for Biden
Democratically: 2020 (iHeart) - December 2020
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91: Why We Need to Talk about Suicide
Red, Blue, and Brady (Brady United) - September 28, 2020
Khary joined Brady United's podcast to discuss why firearm suicide is underrepresented in the gun violence prevention conversation and how personal storytelling can shift public understanding of the crisis.
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The Case for Mike Bloomberg
Democratically: 2020 (iHeart) - Early 2020
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Interview on Judicial System & Families of Color
The Rick Smith Show - September 21, 2019
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E4: From Apprentice to President of Roofed Right America
Up On The Roof Podcast - June 29, 2016
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Podcast
Vote for Your Lives!
Democratically: 2020 (iHeart) - 2019
Gun violence prevention post-El Paso and Dayton
Podcast
Khary Penebaker: Start Me Up Podcast
DemCast USA - October 9, 2019
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'Terrifying': Democrats Say They Have Plans to Keep Electors Safe From Political Violence
USA Today - May 2024
National reporting on Electoral College security concerns ahead of the 2024 election. Khary shared his firsthand experience receiving threats as a 2020 Wisconsin elector who cast his vote for Biden.
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Why Is One of Trump's Fake Electors Still Overseeing Voting in Wisconsin?
The Nation - December 8, 2023
Investigative reporting on how a participant in the fake elector scheme remained on the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Khary, as a plaintiff in the lawsuit, provided perspective on accountability and election integrity.
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Trump's Fake Electors in Wisconsin Settle Lawsuit
The New York Times - December 6, 2023
Coverage of the settlement in the lawsuit Khary co-filed against Wisconsin Republicans who submitted fraudulent electoral certificates after the 2020 election. The fake electors admitted their actions were part of an effort to overturn the election results.
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Trump Indictment: Wisconsin Biden Elector Decries 'Fraud' Scheme
FOX6 Milwaukee - August 2, 2023
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Jury Trial in Wisconsin Fake Electors Case Scheduled for Shortly Before 2024 Election
Wisconsin Public Radio - May 25, 2023
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Wisconsin Democrats Sue G.O.P. Fake Electors Over 2020 Scheme
The New York Times - May 17, 2022
Breaking coverage of the lawsuit Khary co-filed as a legitimate 2020 Wisconsin elector challenging the Republicans who submitted fraudulent electoral certificates to overturn the presidential election results.
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Democrats File Lawsuit Against Wisconsin Republicans Who Posed as Electors
Wisconsin Public Radio - May 17, 2022
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Judge Rules Attorneys in Wisconsin Fake Electors Lawsuit Can Stay on the Case
Wisconsin Public Radio - 2022
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Print
Gun Violence Prevention: Wisconsin Activism
Milwaukee Independent - May 5, 2022
Print
Gun Law Activism & Evers Veto Support
Wisconsin Examiner - April 19, 2022
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National Gun Violence Survivors Week: Lives Changed Forever
National Urban League - February 2021
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Print
Casting Wisconsin's Votes for First Black Female VP
Milwaukee Independent - December 15, 2020
Print
Right-Wing Threats of Violence Against Electors
Vanity Fair - December 2020
Vanity Fair reported on the threats of political violence directed at Electoral College electors, including Khary, who received intimidation attempts before casting Wisconsin's votes for Joe Biden in December 2020.
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US Electoral College: Threats and Security Concerns as Electors Vote
BBC News - December 2020
International coverage of security concerns surrounding the 2020 Electoral College vote. Khary was among the electors who spoke publicly about receiving threats while preparing to cast Wisconsin's electoral votes.
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Electoral College Voter: Long an Honor, and Now Also a Headache
The New York Times - December 14, 2020
The New York Times profiled the unprecedented security challenges facing 2020 Electoral College voters, including Khary's experience as a Wisconsin elector navigating threats and political pressure while fulfilling his constitutional duty.
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Trump Supporters Harassed Electoral College Electors, but They Won't Stop Them
Business Insider - December 2020
Business Insider documented the harassment campaigns targeting electors across the country. Khary was featured as one of the electors who publicly refused to be intimidated into changing his vote.
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Electoral College Affirms Biden's Presidential Victory
The New York Times - December 14, 2020
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Everytown, Moms Demand Action Respond to Trump Jr. on Kenosha
Moms Demand Action - September 9, 2020
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Biden Calls Trump a Toxic Presence Encouraging Violence in America
The Washington Post - August 31, 2020
Washington Post coverage of gun violence in America's political landscape. Khary's advocacy and personal story were cited as part of the growing movement of survivors speaking out on firearm policy during the 2020 election.
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Print
Bloomberg Campaign Digital Ad Fact-Check
PolitiFact - February 3, 2020
Print
Wisconsin Gun Violence Survivor Featured in Bloomberg 2020 Campaign Ad
Urban Milwaukee - January 30, 2020
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Print
Bloomberg Moms Demand Action Feature
BuzzFeed News - November 24, 2019
Print
Khary Penebaker Shares His Gun Violence Survivor Story
Milwaukee Courier - June 16, 2018
Print
Penebaker Rides the Highs and Lows of the Roofing Business
The Daily Reporter - January 11, 2018
Business profile covering Khary's construction career, from sheet metal apprentice to president of Roofed Right America, a commercial roofing company that grew to $35 million in revenue and 180 employees across five states.
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Print
5th Congressional District Campaign Coverage
Urban Milwaukee - 2016 - 2017
Print
What I Learned From My Mother's Suicide
TIME Magazine - October 12, 2017
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Concealed Carry Bill Would Make Wisconsin More Dangerous
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - May 8, 2017
Op-ed in Wisconsin's largest newspaper arguing against expanded concealed carry legislation, drawing on Khary's personal experience with gun violence and his work with Everytown for Gun Safety.
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Roofed Right America LLC Is a Future 50 Company
Roofing Contractor - November 21, 2016
Industry recognition of Roofed Right America as one of Wisconsin's fastest-growing companies, highlighting Khary's leadership in scaling commercial roofing operations with expertise in EPDM, TPO, and building envelope systems.
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Wisconsin House District 5 Results: Sensenbrenner vs. Penebaker
The New York Times - November 2016
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5th Congressional District Candidate Interview: Khary Penebaker
Wisconsin Public Radio - October 18, 2016
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Wisconsin Congressional Candidate Highlights Mother's Suicide as Need for More Gun Control
Wisconsin Public Radio - 2016
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Precious Lives: The Live Show at the Pabst Theater
Milwaukee Magazine - June 16, 2016
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Gun Violence Awareness Rally Draws Dozens Clad in Orange to Downtown
OnMilwaukee / Milwaukee NNS - June 4, 2016
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Obama Leaves Empty Seat at State of the Union for Gun Violence Victims
CNN - January 12, 2016
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40 Days of Joy: A Happiness Practice
HuffPost - July 2, 2013
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Unions sue to collect from roofer Penebaker Enterprises (UPDATE)
Daily Reporter - November 23, 2010
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Joyce Penebaker: Long-Form Audio Interview
SODINA / The Avielle Foundation
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Khary Penebaker: Moments That Survive
Everytown Survivor Network
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Trial for Wisconsin's Fake Electors Scheduled for Fall 2024
Urban Milwaukee - May 25, 2023
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Wisconsin Activists Mobilize Against Looser Gun Laws as Governor Vetoes Bills
Milwaukee Independent - May 12, 2022
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Democrats File Suit Against State Republicans Who Posed as Electors
Urban Milwaukee - May 17, 2022
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Gun Laws Targeted in State's Fall Elections
Urban Milwaukee - April 19, 2022
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Casting Wisconsin's Electoral College Votes for the First Black Female Vice President
Milwaukee Independent - December 16, 2020
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Wisconsin's Electors Vote for Biden
Urban Milwaukee - December 14, 2020
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How Will State Party Pick DNC Delegates?
Urban Milwaukee - March 9, 2020
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Local Community Mourns Molson Coors Shooting Victims at Milwaukee Strong Vigil
Milwaukee Independent - March 4, 2020
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Milwaukee Family Still Torn by Gun Violence 40 Years Later
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - December 19, 2019
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Cory Booker Discusses Humanity on the Sidewalk at Milwaukee Roundtable on Gun Violence
Milwaukee Independent - April 29, 2019
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Power to the Polls
Shepherd Express - August 14, 2018
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March for Our Lives: Road to Change Tour Brings Parkland and Milwaukee Students Together
Milwaukee Independent - June 26, 2018
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The Day Milwaukee Turned Orange to Help End Gun Violence
Milwaukee Independent - June 5, 2018
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Milwaukee Tax March Attracts Local Leaders, Concerned Citizens
Shepherd Express - April 18, 2018
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Massive Crowd of Milwaukee Families March to Save Their Kids from Guns
Milwaukee Independent - March 26, 2018
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Concealed Carry Bill Would Make Wisconsin a More Dangerous Place
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - May 8, 2017
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Final Notes from the Campaign Trail
Urban Milwaukee - November 7, 2016
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Congress Needs More Fairness and Balance
Shepherd Express - November 1, 2016
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What's on Your Ballot?
Shepherd Express - October 25, 2016
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Khary Penebaker: Democratic Candidate for Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District
Shepherd Express - October 11, 2016
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Gun Violence Rally Calls for Change
Urban Milwaukee - June 5, 2016
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Why We #WearOrange on June 2nd
HuffPost - June 2, 2016
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Khary Penebaker Runs for Congress
RoofersCoffeeShop - May 20, 2016
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Khary Penebaker Proudly Stands with Jack McCain and Interracial Families
The Milwaukee Courier - May 7, 2016
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Khary Penebaker: Ballotpedia Profile
Ballotpedia
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Khary Penebaker: Political Summary
Vote Smart
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Khary Penebaker: Voter Guide Profile
iVoterGuide
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Khary Penebaker: Artist Profile
Arts + Literature Laboratory
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Legal
Chesebro/Troupis Settlement - Document Trove
Law Forward - March 4, 2024
Second settlement providing unprecedented trove of documents revealing the fake elector scheme's inner workings.
Legal
Lead Plaintiff: Penebaker et al v. Hitt et al
Law Forward / Georgetown ICAP - 2022 - 2024
First-of-its-kind civil lawsuit against Wisconsin's fake electors. Settlement Dec 6, 2023 with fake electors acknowledging their votes were part of an effort to overturn the 2020 election.
Legal
Petition for Writ of Certiorari: Trump v. Wisconsin Elections Commission
Supreme Court of the United States - December 29, 2020
Trump's petition to the Supreme Court challenging Wisconsin's 2020 election procedures. Denied February 22, 2021.
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Trump v. Evers: Order Denying Petition
Wisconsin Supreme Court - December 3, 2020
4-3 order denying Trump's petition to commence original action challenging Wisconsin's 2020 election results.
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For press inquiries:

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