National Association of Black Journalists

National Association of Black Journalists. It is a prominent professional organization established in 1975 to support and advocate for African American journalists and media professionals across the United States. Founded by a group of 44 journalists, the organization has grown into a leading voice for diversity and inclusion within newsrooms and the broader media landscape. Its work encompasses professional development, career advancement, and the promotion of fair and accurate coverage of the Black community.

● History

The organization was founded on December 12, 1975, at a historic meeting at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.. Key founders included notable journalists like Chuck Stone of the Philadelphia Daily News, Simeon Booker of *Jet* magazine, and Mal Johnson of Cox Communications. The founding was a direct response to widespread discrimination and underrepresentation of Black people in mainstream news organizations such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. Early milestones included establishing its headquarters in College Park, Maryland, and holding its first national convention in Houston in 1976. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it became a critical advocate during major media events, including the coverage of the Civil Rights Movement and the Los Angeles riots.

● Mission_and_Objectives

Its core mission is to strengthen ties among African American journalists, promote diversity in newsrooms, and expand job opportunities and leadership roles for Black people in media. A primary objective is to serve as a watchdog, challenging media outlets like CNN and Fox News on issues of racial bias and inequitable hiring practices. The organization is dedicated to providing professional training and resources, ensuring its members can excel in fields from broadcast journalism to digital media. Furthermore, it aims to educate the public on significant issues affecting the Black community through ethical and accurate reporting.

● Organization_and_Structure

The association is governed by a national board of directors, led by an elected president, currently veteran journalist Ken Lemon of WSOC-TV. It is divided into regional chapters across major cities, including New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, each with its own local leadership. Key operational committees focus on areas such as finance, membership, and convention planning. The organization maintains strategic partnerships with institutions like the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and media companies such as NBCUniversal. Its headquarters are located in the National Press Building in Washington, D.C..

● Programs_and_Initiatives

Its flagship program is the annual convention and career fair, a major event that draws thousands of journalists and recruiters from companies like The Wall Street Journal and ABC News. The organization runs the NABJ Media Institute, which offers specialized training in areas like investigative reporting and media management. Other key initiatives include the Salute to Excellence Awards gala and the Journalist of the Year award. It also administers scholarship programs for students attending historically Black colleges and universities like Howard University and Hampton University. Advocacy campaigns often target specific issues, such as pushing for more diverse political correspondents at networks like MSNBC.

● Awards_and_Honors

The most prestigious honor conferred is the NABJ Lifetime Achievement Award, which has been presented to icons such as Oprah Winfrey and Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes. The annual Salute to Excellence Awards recognize outstanding coverage of the Black community across categories including television, digital, and print journalism. The organization also presents the Journalist of the Year award to a member demonstrating exceptional professional accomplishment and service. Special honors, like the Percy Qoboza Award, are given for foreign correspondence and courage in journalism. These awards are typically presented during the national convention, often held in cities like Miami or Detroit.

● Notable_Members

The association's membership includes many distinguished figures in American media. Legendary broadcasters like Robin Roberts of Good Morning America and Bryant Gumbel, formerly of The Today Show, have been active members. Pioneering journalists such as Gwen Ifill of PBS NewsHour and Michelle Norris, host of NPR's *All Things Considered*, have held leadership roles. Contemporary influential members include Jemele Hill, a columnist for The Atlantic, and Don Lemon, formerly of CNN. These members have significantly shaped public discourse through their work at major outlets and their advocacy within the organization.

Category:Journalism organizations in the United States Category:African-American professional associations Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Organizations established in 1975