A Statement from the National Association of Black Journalist Board on Mayor Lightfoot’s Message to the Media

The National Association of Black Journalist released the following statement on Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's decision to only grant interviews to journalists of color for her two-year anniversary as Mayor of Chicago:

The recent comments issued by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to explain her decision to only do one-on-one interviews with Black and Brown reporters on the two-year anniversary of her inauguration is a bold move. It appears to serve to underscore her desire to draw attention to the racial disparities in local newsrooms and political coverage. The mayor notes that she is disturbed about the overwhelming white Chicago press corps covering city hall. While her social media posts and subsequent letter have been eyebrow-raising to some, it shines a needed spotlight on the call for a greater commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion across the media industry.

Although we cannot support the tactic, we applaud the mayor’s sensitivity to the lack of diversity among the people who cover city government. Historically, America’s elite political units have been led by predominantly white reporters and managers. Too often Black journalists are not given the opportunity to join political teams.

While the mayor has every right to decide how her press efforts will be handled on her anniversary, we must state again, for the record, that NABJ’s history of advocacy does not support excluding any bona fide journalists from one-on-one interviews with newsmakers, even if it is for one day and in support of activism. We have members from all races and backgrounds and diversity, equity and inclusion must be universal. However, the mayor is right in pointing to the fact that Black and Brown journalists have been quietly excluded from a number of access points over the years. We know first hand it is painful and unhealthy for our communities.

NABJ is also gravely concerned to see that a city with such a diverse population has no fair representation of communities of color in its local press corps.

This local issue is reflective of what is happening around the country and we continue to work to change the status quo. We have been successful in a number of areas to dramatically improve access and promotions for Black journalists, especially during the awakening and racial reckoning stemming from George Floyd’s death.

The mayor’s deputy communications director stated on Twitter, “Chicago’s Mayor picked one day out of 365 to exclusively provide one-on-one interviews with journalists of color ahead of her two-year anniversary. That shouldn’t be controversial. The lack of diversity in the media is.”

We call on all media outlets to further improve Black and Brown representation within their newsrooms now. There should be no further delay in making swift and effective changes.

Pamela Oliver inducted into the National Association of Black Journalist Hall of Fame

Fox Sports reporter, Pam Oliver has been inducted into the National Association of Black Association Hall of Fame.

Renowned as a trailblazer in the sports media landscape, Pam Oliver long ago established herself as one of the premier sports reporters on network television. Armed with league-wide respect and esteem, her straightforward and open interviewing style consistently produces topical and substantive reports.

Oliver has contributed to FOX Sports’ coverage of eight Super Bowls. She was the lead feature reporter on FOX NFL SUNDAY for many years. She served as co-anchor of FSN South’s “Southern Sports Report” from 2000 to 2003. Prior to joining the network, she was an ESPN reporter, gaining football experience covering the NFL Playoffs and NFC Championship Games. In addition to her duties as feature reporter on “NFL Prime Monday,” Oliver covered each Monday Night Football matchup.

In 2016, Oliver worked as a Correspondent for “60 Minutes Sports,” contributing several features to the program. In 2014, she served as moderator for President Barack Obama’s Healthy Kids and Safe Sports Concussion Summit at the White House

Pam has received numerous awards in her career, including the Atlanta Women in Sports Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, and in 2018, she was honored with a Gracie Award by the Alliance for Women in Media. In 2008, WISE (Women In Sports and Events) honored Oliver with one of its “Women of the Year” designations.

As an undergraduate at Florida A&M University, Pam was an Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) track and field All-American in the 400 meters and mile relay and held the distinction of participating on the first women’s team from Florida A&M to win a national championship (AIAW). She was inducted into the Florida A&M Sports Hall of Fame in 1996 for her individual accomplishments in the sport and again in 2016 when FAMU’s women’s mile relay team was recognized.

Oliver is a board member and event host with the Trey Whitfield Foundation, an organization that awards scholarships to economically disadvantaged inner-city children to help them pursue prep school educations and later attend college.

She lives in Atlanta with her husband.

Other 2020 NABJ Hall of Fame inductees:

Fred Sweets: Photographer and Editor

Cathy Hughes: Founder and Chairperson
 Urban One, Inc.

Mary A. Mitchell: Columnist, Chicago Sun-Times

John McCaa: Longtime Anchor, WFAA

Pam Johnson, Ph.D.: Former Director, School of Journalism, Western Kentucky University

Clarice Tinsley: Longtime FOX4 Reporter and Anchor

NABJ Names Karen Attiah 2019 Journalist of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 12, 2019) –“Bold, fearless and timely” are words used by fellow journalists to describe the work of Karen Attiah, the 2019 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Journalist of the Year.

 

The annual award recognizes a black journalist who has amassed a distinguished body of work with extraordinary depth, scope and significance to the people of the African Diaspora.

 

The Journalist of the Year Award will be presented to Attiah duringNABJ’s National Convention & Career Fair, which will be held Aug. 7-11 in Miami, Florida. More information is available at NABJConvention.com.

 

Attiah is the Global Opinions editor for The Washington Post, where she commissions and edits commentary on global issues from a variety of international writers and often writes on issues relating to race, gender and international politics, with a special interest in Africa. Attiah is a previous winner of NABJ’s Salute to Excellence Award in Digital Commentary and is the recipient of the 2019 George C. Polk Special Award. She recently received an honorary doctorate from Dickinson College for her contributions to the field of journalism.

 

 

“NABJ is proud to recognize Karen Attiah as the 2019 Journalist of the Year,” said NABJ President Sarah Glover. “Karen has courageously used her commitment to her craft to provide thought-provoking commentary and insights that have led to positive dialogue and the visibility of issues that have not only impacted people of color and minority communities, but also journalists around the globe. I’m especially proud to see how Karen has propelled the tragedy of her writer’s death into a purpose-driven calling to further the cause for press freedom.”

 

In 2018, Attiah was celebrated for raising her voice and using the power of her pen to bring attention to and offer ongoing coverage of the murder of fellow Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Attiah’s reporting of Khashoggi’s death helped bring international coverage to the political persecution he faced as a journalist, which caused him to flee Saudi Arabia in 2017. Her work also inspired ongoing global dialogue about protecting the role of the free press.

 

"This is a huge honor to receive the NABJ Journalist of the Year award. To be invited to be in the company of black journalists, writers and storytellers who have broken barriers and paved the way for me to be in this field is nothing short of incredible,” said Attiah, upon being notified of her recognition. “But most importantly, after the murder of my colleague and friend Jamal Khashoggi, this recognition is a humbling call to action –that I must help to honor his legacy by speaking and writing against oppression and injustice around the world."

 

In her acclaimed editorial “'I can’t breathe’: The power and tragedy of Jamal Khashoggi’s last words,” Attiah provides a sobering description of how her fellow columnist’s last words eerily echoed the last words of Eric Garner. She highlighted the devastating “cruelty with which lives, and dreams, have been asphyxiated” at the hands of “people in power.” Garner died in 2014 in police custody, after an NYPD officer put him in a chokehold.

 

Attiah has leveraged her platform to bring light to systematic issues that gravely impact the black community worldwide. In the editorial “Christine Ford, Anita Hill and the dangerous myth of the strong black woman,” Attiah wrote about how institutions have historically mistreated black women when it comes to sexual abuse and exploitation by using “perceived strength” as an excuse to not see them as “vulnerable or effective witnesses to their own pain,” even in the era of “me too.”

 

Attiah has also used her writings to underscore the importance of diversity in media. In her editorial “Why did it take Vogue 125 years to have a black photographer shoot a cover?" she discussed the challenges black photographers face in a predominantly white industry and also emphasized that the importance of diversity in powerful publications should become a norm and not just a milestone.

 

“Karen has been a tireless force—as editor, writer and video journalist—to bring new voices, diverse viewpoints and critical issues to our readers and viewers,” said Fred Hiatt, Washington Post Editorial Page editor. “Last year, in the face of a state-sponsored murder that represented personal loss to her as well as professional loss to all of us, Karen refused to bow or be cowed. She helped ensure that the crime would not be forgotten or excused but that, on the contrary, it would become a marker in the struggle for free expression everywhere.”

 

Attiah will receive the Journalist of the Year Award at the NABJ Salute to Excellence Gala during the NABJ Convention on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. The awards ceremony is the only event in the United States that honors exemplary coverage of African/African-American people or issues exclusively. The Salute to Excellence Gala also highlights the work of media organizations and individuals involved in print, broadcast and online journalism, marketing and communications.

 

Click here to purchase tickets or register for the #NABJ19 Convention.

 

Media Contact:

 

Kanya Stewart

Director of Communications

kstewart@NABJ.org

NABJ: CNN’s Promotion of Diversity Officer Still Leaves No Blacks in News Leadership

The Call Continues for Change in CNN’s Hiring and Promotion Practices. CNN still has not made progress in hiring blacks in day-to-day senior news management positions. That's the finding of the National Association of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) Media Monitoring Committee, which has been charged with monitoring the diversity and inclusion practices and hiring and promotion strategies of news companies like CNN.

CNN still has not made progress in hiring blacks in day-to-day senior news management positions. That's the finding of the National Association of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) Media Monitoring Committee, which has been charged with monitoring the diversity and inclusion practices and hiring and promotion strategies of news companies like CNN.

It has been more than 100 days since NABJ called for an examination of diversity and inclusion practices among CNN's executive news management team. The absence of blacks in news decision-making roles impacts the network's ability to provide balanced perspectives from one of the most influential and largest consumer groups in the nation – the black community.

Warner Media, CNN’s parent company, announced late Monday the promotion of Johnita Due as the new SVP and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer of its Sports & News Division. This is a step in the right direction and NABJ congratulates Due, a black lawyer and past recipient of the NABJ Ida B. Wells Award, on her promotion.

Due received the Ida B. Wells Award in 2008 for her leadership of CNN's Diversity Council, a team of network colleagues dedicated to ensuring that CNN's news coverage and overall staffing reflected the rich racial and ethnic composition of the nation. Noticeably, since Due's departure from the role and the introduction of Jeff Zucker, CNN’s current president, CNN has taken steps back from hiring blacks in editorial management roles.

NABJ is hopeful that Due’s new role will influence daily operational and news responsibilities, leading to progress in the hiring of black journalists serving in key management roles critical to daily news operations. Due will join CNN President Jeff Zucker’s executive team, however, Due is not a journalist or news manager. NABJ's research findings still indicate that there are no black employees holding critical positions in the oversight of daily news coverage.

In a March 5, 2019 news release, NABJ reported:

CNN has no black news executive producers
CNN has no black news senior vice presidents
CNN has no black news vice presidents

Millions of voices, including the NAACP, and other civil rights and civic organizations, have spoken out to express concerns about NABJ's CNN findings, and unfortunately, there are still no blacks working in executive news roles at CNN to date.

NABJ urges CNN to consider the analysis of Andrew McCaskill, Nielsen’s Senior Vice President of Global Communications and Multicultural Marketing, in the company's 2018 Black Impact report: "If a brand doesn't have a multicultural strategy, it doesn't have a growth strategy. The business case for multicultural outreach is clear. African-American consumers and all diverse consumers want to see themselves authentically represented in marketing, and they want brands to recognize their value to the bottom-line."

This perspective parallels news content. CNN’s ratings have recently dipped.

NABJ's leadership has yet to officially meet with CNN leadership as requested last year, and NABJ continues to ask the following questions:

Why are there no black employees in executive or senior news management positions?
What are CNN’s specific plans to correct the issues?
What is CNN’s timetable for correcting the issue?

NABJ’s request for a response to these questions had not been answered by CNN at the time of publication.

NABJ has reissued its request to meet with AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson. NABJ received a commitment for a meeting last year with AT&T, which owns WarnerMedia and CNN, that Stephenson would meet with NABJ’s delegation, and now is the time for that to happen.

The text of NABJ's March 2019 letter to AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson can be viewed below.

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Media Contact:

Kanya Stewart
Director of Communications
press@nabj.org

_____________

March 8, 2019

Randall Stephenson
AT&T Chairman, CEO & President
208 S. Akard Street
Dallas, Texas 75202

Dear Mr. Stephenson:

I’m resurfacing the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) invitation to
meet with you, AT&T’s executive team and NABJ’s four-member board delegation. I
shared with WarnerMedia’s John Stankey yesterday that I’d follow up with you
about the AT&T meeting request specifically.

In addition, NABJ is formally requesting that AT&T conduct a civil rights audit of
CNN and its news operations, and that the audit be conducted by an outside party.
To date, the NABJ has met or has scheduled meetings with CBS, Fox, NBC and
ABC to discuss diversity, inclusion and equity, specifically in the news operation’s
executive ranks.

All of CNN’s broadcast competitors have been very receptive, positive and respectful
of the NABJ delegation and its motives to meet. All continue to be heavily engaged in
NABJ initiatives because those initiatives match many of their business model needs.
They demonstrate that they not only respect NABJ’s efforts but value those efforts to help
them achieve their business objectives. They want to grow audiences through content
offerings that appeal to a wide range of audiences/consumers.

As we all know, many content offerings are driven by a diverse group of decision-makers
in the media industry. A lack of diversity narrows the scope of palatable content offerings
and may have direct impact on consumer interests. Utilizing language from your
mission statement, we believe there is a disconnect with CNN regarding “connecting”
to its audience.

Connecting with that audience “better than anyone else” is compromised
at CNN based on its track record on diversity. It is our hope that the AT&T mission and its
diversity efforts will be pushed down through the ranks to initiate positive change at CNN,
WarnerMedia and other entities, such as DirectTV, under the AT&T umbrella.
We have received tremendous support from a number of organizations asking how
they can help motivate CNN to do the right thing in terms of hiring practices of black
employees in the management ranks. We have responded that AT&T is open to
talking with our leadership team and that we are hopeful that the initial very positive
reception to our meeting with you is still the case.

We will adjust our schedules to meet your availability. Please advise when we may
meet with you and your team. I’m reachable by personal cell.

Sincerely,

Sarah Glover
NABJ President

National Association of Black Journalist monitoring CNN

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has released this press release expressing its concerns about CNN's lack of black representation within the ranks of  executive news managers, Vice Presidents, and Senior Vice Presidents on the news side at the network.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 5, 2019) – The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is concerned about the lack of black representation within the ranks of CNN’s executive news managers and direct reports to CNN President Jeff Zucker. This concern, coupled with Zucker’s refusal to meet with a four-person NABJ delegation, has prompted NABJ to place CNN on a special media monitoring list.
 
A special team will perform further research and an analysis of CNN’s diversity, inclusion and equity practices, per the NABJ Board’s directive. The special team will also publicly report on identified deficiencies in hiring a diverse workforce in news decision-making capacities at CNN. NABJ is also calling for a civil rights audit that examines the company’s hiring, promotion and compensation practices involving black employees.
 
Specifically, NABJ is concerned about the findings of preliminary research that reveals the following: 
 
▪ CNN President Jeff Zucker has no black direct reports.
▪ There are no black Executive Producers at CNN.
▪ There are no black Vice Presidents on the news side at CNN. 
▪ There are no black Senior Vice Presidents on the news side at CNN.
 
NABJ received a communication from CNN disputing only one of our research points, saying the assertion that there are not any black vice presidents on the news side is inaccurate. However, when asked to provide the name and position of the individual or individuals involved on the editorial side of news, CNN has yet to provide specifics.
 
In addition to special media monitoring activities and the civil rights audit, NABJ’s next steps involve further engaging with CNN’s parent company, AT&T, which has responded positively to outreach efforts and previously agreed to meet with NABJ. 
 
NABJ's delegates are already engaged in very positive outreach with several other media companies and have met or have scheduled meetings with Fox, CBS, NBC and ABC. NABJ believes those companies see the value in such meetings and appreciates the respect those companies are showing for the positive intent of our efforts.
 
The NABJ four-person delegation has attended previous meetings with other media companies. The delegation requesting a meeting with Zucker includes President Sarah Glover, Vice President-Digital Roland Martin, Vice President- Broadcast Dorothy Tucker and Executive Director Drew Berry.
 
Zucker’s refusal to meet with the full delegation is based on a personal issue between CNN and NABJ’s Vice President-Digital Roland Martin. The issue stems from Martin’s participation in a 2016 town hall meeting with Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Previously, former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile admitted, according to a Time essay, she inadvertently disclosed a town hall topic to the Clinton campaign that was part of Martin’s research inquiry for the town hall.  
 
NABJ’s request to meet was and is focused solely on CNN’s diversity efforts, its results and our strategic priorities as an organization.
 
-30-

About NABJ 
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is an organization of journalists, students and media-related professionals that provides quality programs and services to and advocates on behalf of black journalists worldwide. Founded by 44 men and women on December 12, 1975, in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization of journalists of color in the nation.
 
Media Contact: 
Kanya Stewart 
Director of Communications
Press@NABJ.org
301-204-4447

NABJ Gives Thumbs Down Awards to FOX News and Ebony Magazine

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) awards The Thumbs Down Award is presented annually to an individual or organization for especially insensitive, racist or stereotypical reporting of African Americans. While Fox News is a no brainer for this award the inclusion of Ebony Magazine is a bit of a surprise, until you read the NABJ's reasons why Ebony won the "award". George L. Cook III African American Reports.

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) issues its 2017 Thumbs Down Award to FOX News and Ebony magazine.

The Thumbs Down Award is presented annually to an individual or organization for especially insensitive, racist or stereotypical reporting, commentary, photography or cartoon about the black community or for engaging in practices at odds with the goals of the National Association of Black Journalists.

"We take this award very seriously," said NABJ President Sarah Glover. "It is our hope that the recipients would re-evaluate their policies and procedures to ensure that they are following the highest journalistic and ethical standards."

FOX News was selected for numerous reasons. In addition to lawsuits accusing the cable news network of "abhorrent, intolerable, unlawful and hostile racial discrimination," there have also been allegations of sexual harassment. Additionally, the lack of diversity in key positions, is a major concern for NABJ.

"It seems FOX has allowed a very unhealthy environment to fester," said NABJ Vice President of Broadcast Dorothy Tucker. "There has to be a level of accountability and it starts at the top. Management has to do better."

Co-recipient Ebony magazine, under its new owners Clear View Group, has made headlines this year because of staff cuts; the relocation of its headquarters from its founding base in Chicago to Los Angeles; and, its very public and sometimes offensive responses to reports of late or non-payment for work already performed by staff or freelance journalists.

"Many of the decisions being made by Ebony's new owners seem counter to the vision of founder John H. Johnson," said NABJ Vice President of Print Marlon A. Walker. "Ebony and its sister publication Jet are near and dear to us. To hear writers whose words bring us much joy aren't being paid for those words is sad, unconscionable, unacceptable.

"Johnson is probably rolling over in his grave."

FOX News must address its work culture and diversity at all levels of employment, including management positions, and the owners of Ebony magazine must resolve its pay issues with freelancers immediately and work to rebuild its image after several alarming missteps.

[SOURCE: NABJ.COM]

NABJ Launches Black Male Media Project to #InspireBlackMen this Saturday

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 7, 2017) -- The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is launching its Black Male Media Project, an initiative to help change the narrative around the lives and images of black men in the news and in society, with a series of workshops nationwide on Saturday, June 10, 2017.

The NABJ Black Male Media Project will launch with 19 NABJ affiliate chapters hosting events in various cities across the United States, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Pittsburgh and St. Louis, all on the same day. The initiative is designed to inspire, support and develop training and mentorship opportunities for black men working in or aspire to work in journalism and media.

"NABJ has created the Black Male Media Project to combat the blotter-to-mugshot images of black male faces, to create a fresh and real view of black men in America and across the diaspora and to help build trust in communities nationwide," said Sarah Glover, NABJ president.

The initiative's launch with feature workshops, panels and events focused on examining newsroom diversity, professional development and networking. The New York Association of Black Journalists event will include Civil Rights Activist Rev. Al Sharpton, New York Daily News justice writer Shaun King and Fox 5 News Director Byron Harmon as part a panel of black male journalists, discussing race and the perception of black males in the media. Concurrently, the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists will will screen a documentary on that city's historically black business district.
 

Participating chapters will promote the project - open to anyone helping to engage around the value of black males working in newsrooms and media - using the hashtag #InspireBlackMen.  Please share this post with other journalists and use #InspireBlackMen to begin the dialogue that will help fuel a change in the perspective of black men.

 

The second phase of the NABJ Black Male Media Project will be a digital photography project showcased at the NABJ Annual Convention & Career Fair from Aug. 9-13, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NABJ members will be invited to share positive pictures of black men.Some of the images will be displayed during the convention, and hopefully a traveling juried exhibit will happen in the future. More details are forthcoming on the digital photography project.

Also at the #NABJ17 Convention, there will be a special reconvening workshop session focusing on black men and the #InspireBlackMen project.

Media outlets and general questions may direct inquiries to: InspireBlackMen@gmail.com. Partnership inquiries may be addressed to JoAnne Lyons Wooten at jlwooten@nabj.org.

###

 

AtlantaThe Atlanta Association of Black Journalists will host a brunch program on Saturday, June 10 to celebrate Black men and "to help change the lives and images of black men in the news and in society." The program will include a panel of well-known men from different media, including radio/TV/film, sports and music. The panelists will discuss the images of Black men in their respective fields (both negative and positive), what they have experienced, and any changes they are making to provide a solution to the issue.

 

BaltimoreThe Baltimore Association of Black Journalists has a special program designed to inspire, support and develop training and mentorship opportunities for Black men working in journalism and media and those that aspire to. Key figures in media were tapped to lead this effort for Charm City. The chapter has partnered with WBAL-TV 11 & WBAL 1090AM Radio to host the event.

Charlotte
The Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists project is being headed by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Glenn Proctor. Panelists will explore the need to have black men represented in the editorial process, leadership and resilience, and take a critical look at journalism through the eyes of black male reporters. The discussion will include how the industry has changed black male journalists and if that change has an impact on how black journalists cover our communities.

 

Chicago
In an effort to change often-negative portrayals of black men in media, NABJ-CC will host an event to discuss the issue and expose young black men to careers in media while providing one-on-one mentoring to jump-start their futures. There are also plans to take them on a tour of a top local media outlet.

Dallas
The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists is planning a Black Media Day of Presence. Black male journalists will gather for a photo taken by celebrity photographer Steven Williams. Leaders in journalism and the community will help lead a discussion on the state of black males in media in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

 

Little Rock

The Central Arkansas Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ) will partner with KWCP 98.9 radio and mentor African American males who are preparing to take the Certified Radio Operators (CRO) exam. The goal is to help the mentees to become official certified radio operators. The CAABJ mentors will provide training and tutoring through workshops, lectures and practice examinations.

 

Los Angeles
NABJ Los Angeles will host a digital discussion on the state of black males in the media, addressing pressing questions such as how can the media better serve black men. Participants are invited to share the moments when their identity impacted their careers and how and to explain how mentorship has affected their careers. Some of the biggest names in media are expected to weigh in. The chapter is partnering with the LA chapter of the Black Public Relations Society.

Memphis
The Memphis Association of Black Journalists will hold a panel discussion on June 7 with African American males in media and include community organizations that work with black males. The panel will focus on showcasing black males in media and how they can impact our community through mentorship programs and professional development. There will be a digital component with videos to showcase black men in media. We will connect with black males in high school and college to mentor emerging journalists and combat the literacy problem in Memphis.

 

Miami

The South Florida Black Journalists Association is participating in a nationwide initiative highlighting black male journalists who contribute to telling stories about black men and the relationship with the media. There will be an engaging panel discussion that explores the black male story in the media from those who tell it, produce it and view it. The event will be live streamed.

 

New Orleans

The New Orleans Association of Black Journalists (NOABJ) will begin with a panel discussion Perception vs. Reality: Black Men and the Media. Dr. Charles Corprew will lead the discussion. They will partner with  the partnership with M. von Nkosi, creator of the Mi Rialiti social experience app, to gauge participant experiences both with the images of Black men in the media and as Black men working in journalism.

 

New York
The New York Association of Black Journalists is planning a mentorship day to include Rev. Al Sharpton, nationally recognized journalist Shaun King and Fox 5 News Director Byron Harmon as part a panel of black male journalists leading a discussion on race and the perception of black males in the media. Panelist will examine the causes fueling the lack of black males in major mainstream media newsrooms and the relatively narrow scope of coverage on issues affecting black people in the age of President Donald Trump. Recruiters from some of the city's top media companies will be present as well.

Norfolk
The Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals event will include an in-depth look at the barriers facing black male journalists.  The program opens up to attends with a question-and-answer session. A panel of industry leaders and well-known media personalities will help provide insight on the issues raised. Everyone is encouraged to attend, especially young men! The event is free, but donations for HRBMP scholarships are accepted. Let's #InspireBlackMen together!

Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists will hold a series of discussions including newsroom leaders, newsmakers, and community leaders.  They will candidly address questions about how far black journalists come have and how far do they have to go. Participants will receive training in broadcast, including radio, print, and digital reporting. The professional development training will be open to youth.

 

Phoenix

The Arizona Association of Black Journalists will open its session with an engaging discussion about racist graffiti on the home of NBA great LeBron James. A panel of students, journalists, and police will guide participants through the portrayal of black men by the public and how that impacts journalists covering issues that shape the image of black men.

 

Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Black Media Federation invites aspiring and professional photographers/videographers to a networking and mentoring forum where it will discuss images of black men in media. Attendees will engage around the value of black males working in newsrooms and media.  Attendees are welcome to bring their cameras to talk shop.  Those who would like to showcase and discuss their own photos and short videos of black males working and living in Pittsburgh communities may bring them on thumb drives to be shown on a large projector screen. Aspiring photographers in middle, high school and college are encouraged to attend the free forum interactive discussion. 

 

Raleigh-Durham

The Triangle Association of Black Journalists will address issues confronting black male in media online. Veteran journalists in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area will rely on social media to lead the discussion about obstacles facing men of color and provide actionable solutions using the hashtag #InspireBlackMen. They will kick off their digital discussion on speaking directly to emerging journalists in the numerous colleges in the area working to establish a career.

St. Louis
The Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists will meet on the campus of Saint Louis University, Boileau Hall. Their journalists are teaming up with representatives from the arts, youth development and social research to tackle the issue of negative stereotypes, damaging images and how they affect black men and boys. The panel discussion and question-and-answer session will include some of the strongest voices in media in the St. Louis area.

Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists will take a look at the community Journalists cover through a special documentary screening to delve into Central Avenue, the historically black business district in the city, a vibrant area until its physical and symbolic demise in 1974. Their program will recognize African-American pioneers in the Tampa television market, with profiles of and encouragement from, current journalists and provide an opportunity for current and emerging journalists to learn from their struggles.

Wisconsin Black Media Association
Wisconsin Black Media Association will facilitate a talk with young men aged 14 to 25 years old, and Milwaukee's Brothers in the Media. This is a free event, and attendees will get a chance to participate in a candid dialogue about working in the world of media. These influential speakers can give genuine insight into what they do, why they do it, and the hurdles and rewards presented to them here in the Greater Milwaukee Area. This event is a great networking opportunity for those looking to the careers of Journalism in News, Print, Radio/Podcasts, Blogs and Social Media. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

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About the National Association of Black Journalists: An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation and provides career development as well as educational and other support to its members worldwide. For additional information, please visit  www.nabj.org.

April Ryan Named 2017 NABJ Journalist of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 2, 2017) – April Ryan has been selected as the 2017 Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). The annual award recognizes a black journalist who has a distinguished body of work that has extraordinary depth, scope and significance to people of the African Diaspora.

A 30-year journalism veteran, Ryan has a unique vantage point as the only black female reporter covering urban issues from the White House – a position she has held for American Urban Radio Networks (AURN) since January 1997. Her position as a White House correspondent for AURN has afforded her unusual insight into the racial sensitivities, issues and political struggles of our nation’s last three presidents.

“April Ryan is a true trailblazer and truth seeker. She’s dogged and unapologetic about her pursuit of the story,” said NABJ President Sarah Glover. “In the White House press corps circle, where too few black women have been given an opportunity to report, April has excelled and persevered in spite of the many obstacles she has confronted. Her work has risen to the top.”

Trailblazer adequately describes Ryan, who received the 2016 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Trailblazer Award from the National Council of Negro Women, an honor she was ecstatic about receiving. She has served on the board of the prestigious White House Correspondent’s Association. She is one of only three African Americans in the association’s more than 100-year history to serve on its board. She is also a member of the National Press Club.

On behalf of American Urban Radio Networks’ 300 affiliates, and through her “Fabric of America” news blog, Ryan delivers her readership and listeners a “unique urban and minority perspective in news.”

A Baltimore native and Morgan State University graduate, Ryan gives back by serving as a mentor to aspiring journalists, and helps develop up-and-coming broadcasters. As much as she loves her job, which has expanded since recently joining CNN as a political analyst, Ryan is especially proud of what she calls her greatest life’s work — her two daughters, Ryan and Grace.

“It is wonderful to be honored by such an esteemed organization,” said Ryan. “I am humbled and honored. So many of these [NABJ] journalists do important work and I am so thankful they would think of me for this honor. It has been an amazing couple of months and you guys give me some wind to say ‘keep going.’”

Ryan has made headlines while working her beat at the White House. She had public exchanges with President Donald J. Trump over the Congressional Black Caucus and with Press Secretary Sean Spicer. Her tense exchange with Spicer helped fuel the #BlackWomenAtWork hashtag.

While thankful for the honor, Ryan also took a minute to reflect on the industry and encourage black journalists to remain vigilant because “we add to the stories.”

“We all have a job to do and some of the stories we are doing wouldn’t be told if it weren’t for us,” Ryan elaborated. “We all need to keep pressing because the First Amendment is under attack.”

Ryan is more than deserving of this award,” said NABJ Vice President-Broadcast Dorothy Tucker. “She has had a stellar career and we know that she will continue to cover the White House providing accurate, fair and exceptional reports, while asking the tough, probing questions that we know and respect her for.”

Ryan is the author of the award winning book, “The Presidency in Black and White,” garnered her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Debut Author. Her latest book, “At Mama’s Knee: Mothers and Race in Black and White,” published in December 2016, looks at race relations through the lessons and wisdom that mothers have given their children. A paperback version of “The Presidency in Black and White,” with updates about President Trump, will be published later this year.

Ryan will be recognized at the NABJ Salute to Excellence Awards at the NABJ Convention and Career Fair on Aug. 12, 2017 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel. NABJ Convention registration and Salute to Excellence Awards tickets are for sale here.

NABJ congratulates April Ryan on this well-deserved honor.

[SOURCE: NABJ

National Association of Black Journalist Statement on Tamron Hall's Departure From NBC

The National Association of Black Journalist has released the following statement on Tamron Hall's departure for NBC:

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is saddened by Tamron Hall's departure from NBC. She broke ground as the first black female "Today Show" cohost and was enjoying ratings success alongside Al Roker during the show's third hour of programming.

NBC has been a leader for diversity in broadcasting, but recent reports that Hall and Roker will be replaced by former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly are being seen by industry professionals as whitewashing.

Published reports suggest Kelly will be replacing "Today's Takes," the hour of programming led by Hall and Roker. Roker tweeted last week that the show leads the ratings in its time slot and consistently beats its competition. This achievement deserves praise, not punishment, as replacing talent often is associated with low ratings performance. Kelly has a well-documented history of offensive remarks regarding people of color. On The Kelly File, her Fox News show, the host said then-First Lady Michelle Obama's commencement address at Tuskegee University pandered to a "culture of victimization."

While NABJ wishes Hall well on her next move, NABJ requests a meeting with NBC leadership on the top-rated show's dismantling. We look forward to dialogue and resolve regarding black journalists and their continuing roles at NBC both in front and behind the camera.

About the National Association of Black Journalists:

An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation, and provides career development as well as educational and other support to its members worldwide.

[SOURCE: NABJ.ORG]

NABJ Expresses Disappointment with the Chicago Tribune over Hurricane Katrina Analogy

[SOURCE]The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is disappointed with the response by the Chicago Tribune editorial board to the public outcry over a column by editorial board member Kristen McQueary, who called for a Hurricane Katrina-like storm as a starting point for fixing Chicago's ills.

McQueary wrote on Aug. 13 that she was "praying for a storm" in reference to Hurricane Katrina. She then wrote a second column on Aug. 14 after negative comments online and on social media circulated, saying readers simply missed the point of the first op-ed.

The Hurricane Katrina analogy "lacks news judgment," said Sarah Glover, NABJ's 21st president. "Just because you can doesn't mean you should."

More than 1,800 people died after the 2005 Category 5 hurricane made landfall, its impact devastating on the African-American community in New Orleans. More than a million Louisiana residents were displaced, with about a third not returning, according to the American Community Survey.

In an Aug. 14 letter to the editorial board, the NABJ-Chicago Chapter requested a public apology and a two-week suspension for McQueary. That letter went unanswered by the editorial board.

"Kristen McQueary's column credits the resilience and ingenuity of the people of New Orleans and pleads for dramatic change in Chicago, which has not faced up to its financial crisis. That is her point. Her use of Hurricane Katrina as metaphor has unfortunately been misconstrued," editorial page editor Bruce Dold wrote on Aug. 14 in response to the backlash.

Glover followed up with an Aug. 18 email admonishing the column.

"Just because you have an opinion or can conjure up a seismic analogy to prove your point doesn't mean it's appropriate for publication by an esteemed newspaper such as the Chicago Tribune," Glover wrote.

Glover and NABJ-Chicago Chapter President Kathy Chaney met with McQueary and editorial board members at the Tribune for an off-the-record meeting about the column on Aug. 20.

"While the First Amendment protects the freedom of speech, there's also an absolute need to exercise news judgment. Nearly 2,000 human beings died during the Hurricane Katrina disaster. I can't imagine a similar metaphor evoking 9/11 would ever be used in the way that Hurricane Katrina was," Glover wrote to the editorial board.

The NABJ-Chicago Chapter requested another meeting on-the-record to include Dold, who was on vacation at the time of the Aug. 20 meeting.

An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation, and provides career development as well as educational and other support to its members worldwide.