National Association of Black Journalists gears up for historic milestone

Celebration in planning for 50th anniversary

On a cool day in December 1975, 44 Black journalists from various news platforms and disciplines gathered at the former Sheraton Park Hotel in Washington, D.C., to craft a vision for their future in the media.

They wanted quality training for students and professionals, a community of support for fellow practitioners and more advocacy for Black journalists worldwide.

The National Association of Black Journalists was born.

Today, the organization stands as a pillar of community support and strength for Black journalists and a bedrock for young reporters seeking to shore up their skills. And in the upcoming months, the NABJ will be gearing up for its 50th anniversary bash next year to celebrate the association’s rich legacy of resilience, support and advocacy, which have defined the NABJ throughout its existence.

“We are excited to begin preparations to honor our 44 founders and the realization of their vision 50 years later,” said Ken Lemon, NABJ’s president who is also the Western Bureau Reporter of WSOC-TV in North Carolina. “There’s no better time to kick off our activities than today as we celebrate our 48th birthday as an organization.”

Lemon announced the formation of a special golden anniversary committee tasked with orchestrating the milestone event. The committee includes the founders, past presidents, former and present board members, chapter leaders and longtime members.

“We are grateful to our committee members who have graciously volunteered their time and talent to help us celebrate this incredible moment in our legacy,” Lemon added. “Each of them personifies our 50th anniversary theme: “Resilience. Advocacy. Excellence.”

From its early days to the vibrant present, the NABJ has demonstrated its enduring commitment to the issues related to Black journalists in the ever-evolving media landscape.

Born on the heels of the Civil Rights Movement and urban unrest of the mid-1960s known as “the riots,” the NABJ emerged as a vital force providing a supportive home for Black journalists and bridging gaps within the industry. As the movement progressed into the era of Black Power, the call for Black Americans to cover these racially charged incidents sprung, and a cadre of Black journalists rose to the occasion, according to the report “The Work and Struggles of Black Reporters” by the Nieman Foundation at Harvard.

The rise of Black journalists

Recognizing the limitations of white journalists in comprehensively covering emerging stories in the Black Power movement, the need for diverse perspectives became apparent. In response, white editors of mainstream news, previously hesitant, began hiring Black journalists. This moment sparked the rise of a considerable number of Black journalists, marking a pivotal shift within the journalism field.

However, by 1975, there lacked a unifying organization to bind them together. Initially, the NABJ was founded to provide this sense of unity and collaboration among Black journalists, especially in an era predating social media where connections were limited to physical proximity.

“Back then, you didn’t see a lot of African American journalists, and you didn’t know that there was someone in Los Angeles or someone in Buffalo, Philadelphia, or Seattle. That’s what NABJ was about, getting people together,” said Gary Washburn, NBA reporter and president of the Boston Association of Black Journalists.

Fast forward to the present, where the NABJ stands tall as a beacon of unity, empowerment, advocacy and opportunity for Black journalists across the nation. The association has also evolved into a bodyguard for Black journalists, defending them against issues such as discrimination, layoffs and nepotism within the workplace, Washburn said.

“There was discrimination, institutional racism, and editors who did not believe we had the ability to be decision-makers in newsrooms,” he added.

Now, the NABJ embraces a multifaceted mission aimed at mobilizing, empowering and advancing Black journalists, media professionals, and aspiring communicators in print, digital, television, and radio professions. The association’s strong dedication to broadening job opportunities, fostering recruitment initiatives, and providing ongoing professional development for veterans, young talents, and aspiring Black journalists is distinguishable through its growing membership of more than 4,000 strong.

The NABJ is propelled by a steadfast commitment to continuous growth, envisioning a future where discrimination and biases in the media landscape are eradicated. The association’s focus extends beyond numerical expansion, emphasizing the pivotal role of education, mentorship and workshops to meticulously prepare the emerging generation of Black journalists for success. At the heart of this vision is a drive for robust representation and increased opportunities for Black journalists at decision-making levels, both in front of and behind the camera.

Through these strategic pillars, the NABJ charts a course toward a future that not only celebrates the growth of Black journalists but also champions their unwavering presence and influence in the dynamic realm of media.

“Our 50th celebration will also be an opportune time to not only pay homage to our founders but also to our past presidents and board members, and our faithful members, chapters, partners and supporters. Without them, the NABJ would not be the pillar that it is today,” said Rod Carter, former Region III director and chair of the Golden Anniversary Committee. “We invite all who consider themselves NABJ Family to join us as we roll out the red carpet for this momentous occasion.”