By: Cheryl Smith
I was a senior in high school when the National Association of Black Journalists was founded.
Last week, I attended what had to have been nearly 40 of the national conventions. I definitely wanted to be in Cleveland, Ohio for the “Black Journalists Reunion.”
You see, many of the journalists have become like family to me.
We started as young journalists, many of us crowded into a room, getting up early to attend the free meal functions, and oftentimes scraping together our pennies.
Some found employment, while others found what would become their life partners; and still others gained friends for life.
I see some people once a year and when we see each other, it’s like time stops. We pick up where we left off; sharing war stories and catching up on life experiences.
It’s wonderful to be with people who can identify with many of your life challenges, trials, triumphs, failures, and successes.
This year, we gave special love to our founders. There were 44 young men and women who were bold enough to stand up and sign their names on the dotted line. Many were threatened, ostracized and ridiculed, but they stayed strong. Sadly, similar tactics are still used. And like our founders, we must remain strong, especially during these times.
We must be like our founders and remain dedicated to:
(a) Monitoring all media to promote best practices or advocate for improvement with respect to coverage of the African American community and Black diaspora, and fairness in the workplace for Black journalists.
(b) Increasing the number of Black journalists working as staff, supervisors and management in diverse newsrooms.
(c) Being an exemplary group of professionals that honors journalism excellence and outstanding achievement.
(d) Encouraging and supporting Black journalists aiming to become media entrepreneurs and/or work independently.
(e) Encouraging high school and college students and people working in other professions to become journalists.
(f) Providing professional development and training as well as fellowships, internships and scholarships.
(g) Increasing the number of African Americans working as faculty and leaders of academic journalism programs.
(h) Strengthening ties between Black journalists in mainstream and Blackowned media across the nation and world.
(i) Engaging in such other activities permissible for nonprofit corporations in accordance with Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and the rulings and regulations thereunder.
I cannot overemphasize the family aspect of NABJ, because this annual reunion is just one of the many ways we show love to one another. We also recharge our batteries. Thanks to our founders and those who have committed to NABJ and its mission.
One of the founders is right here in Dallas, TX. Thanks Norma Adams-Wade.
We celebrate you!
