NABJ Staff EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT Drew Berry

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Kaylan Somerville

FINANCE MANAGER Nathaniel Chambers

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER Veronique Dodson

PROGRAM ASSOCIATE Jovan Riley

STAFF ACCOUNTANT Sharon Odle

NABJ Journal Staff PUBLISHER Sarah Glover

14 / NABJ Journalist of EDITOR the Year Jemele Hill Benét J. Wilson

COPY EDITORS Benét J. Wilson Marlon A. Walker Denise Clay Rochelle Riley

CIRCULATION MANAGER Veronique Dodson

DESIGN AND LAYOUT Marc Adams

10 / What to Expect in Detroit, 11 / Lifetime Achievement - A city on the Rise Beverly White Contributors Terry Allen Joyce Philippe Johann Calhoun Chastity Pratt Dawsey 6 / NABJ Detroit 21 / 2018 NABJ 28 / NABJ Educator of Kelley L. Carter Rochelle Riley Convention Preview Hall of Fame - the Year - Alicia Nails Terry Collins Tierra Smith Imani Crenshaw William C. Rhoden Katrease Stafford Angelique Fullwood Vickie Thomas 12 / Legacy - 34 / Visual Task Force Stephanie Guerilus Morris Thompson Robert G. McGruder 27 / Emerging - Felecia Henderson Taylor Harris DeWayne Wickham Journalist of the Year - Jeannine Hunter Oralander Williams Ken Lemon Natasha Alford Benét J. Wilson 20 / Everett Marshburn 43 / NABJ Members Les Payne - Journalist of on the Move 26 / Community Distinction Copywright 2018 Service Award - The National Association of Rhonda Walker Black Journalists

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 3 From the President

Dear NABJ Family:

I am delighted to welcome you to the Summer 2018 edition of the NABJ Journal. We are happy to bring the NABJ Convention back to the Motor City for the first time since 1992.

Among those joining us in Detroit this year are NABJ Board of Directors legendary actor, producer and director Tyler Perry; political commentator Roland Martin; and hometown PRESIDENT hero Jemele Hill of The Undefeated, who is also NABJ’s Sarah Glover, Journalist of the Year. Social Media Editor, NBC Owned Television Stations This issue of the Journal will celebrate NABJ’s best VICE PRESIDENT/PRINT and brightest as they receive the association’s highest Marlon A. Walker, honors, including Everett L. Marshburn of Milwaukee The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Public Television for Journalist of Distinction, long-time Detroit Free Press executive editor Robert G. “Bob” VICE PRESIDENT/DIGITAL McGruder for the 2018 NABJ Legacy Award and NBC Roland S. Martin, Southern California/KNBC’s Beverly White for the 2018 CEO, NuVision Media Inc. Chuck Stone Lifetime Achievement Award

VICE PRESIDENT/BROADCAST We will also induct five honorees — Albert Dunmore (posthumous), Victoria Jones (posthumous), Louis Martin Dorothy Tucker, WBBM-TV (posthumous), William Rhoden and Bob Ray Sanders — into the NABJ Hall of Fame for their lasting contributions to journalism and the impact they made in the communities they served. SECRETARY Cheryl Smith, This year’s convention theme is “Driving Journalism, Technology and Trust”, and our workshops are designed Publisher/Editor I Messenger News Group to provide invaluable training that members can use to help them remain relevant in their newsrooms. Our plenary sessions will cover technology, new media, civil rights and race. TREASURER Greg Morrison, It’s been a busy year for NABJ so far. We kicked off 2018 off by announcing a $200,000 grant from the Democracy Executive Producer and Owner, Fund to help NABJ build up its national office staff. The board of directors chose Miami and Houston to host Bumper2BumperTV our 2019 and 2021 conventions. We mourned the loss of Founder Les Payne and long-time diversity advocate PARLIAMENTARIAN Walterene Swanston-NuevaEspana. Melanie Burney, Reporter, Philadelphia Media Network We held successful regional conferences in Atlanta, New York City and Indianapolis and continued to offer training for our members via our webinar series. We advocated for black journalists in newsrooms across the REGION I country and helped the Associated Press further advance fair coverage of blacks and other communities of color Johann Calhoun, by incorporating changes to its respected Stylebook. The Philadelphia Tribune NABJ produced its second Black Male Media Project, with concurrent programs in two dozen cities nationwide DIRECTOR, REGION II produced by NABJ affiliate chapters. And our members also offered support for black women in media on social Vickie Thomas, media with the advent of the NABJ Black Women’s Media Project following the New Orleans convention. Reporter, WWJ//CBS Radio

DIRECTOR, REGION III NABJ continues to be relevant to both it’s members and the journalism industry as a whole by serving both Ken Lemon, groups with passion, power and purpose. I hope you all enjoy this year’s NABJ Journal convention issue and that Reporter, Cox Media Group - WSOC Charlotte you’ll feel energized to continue to tell the stories of our communities after reading the many stories of black excellence in media. DIRECTOR, REGION IV Terry Collins, Yours in Service, Freelance Journalist

ACADEMIC REPRESENTATIVE Michelle Johnson, Associate Professor of the Practice, Sarah Glover Boston University President, National Association of Black Journalists @sarah4nabj MEDIA-RELATED REPRESENTATIVE Tanzi West-Barbour, SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: ADDRESS ALL Policy Innovators for Education National Association Advertising Inquiries: CORRESPONDENCE TO: STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE of Black Journalists (301) 405-0248 NABJ Journal Kyra Azore, 1100 Knight Hall, Suite 3100 1100 Knight Hall, Suite 3100 Howard University College Park, MD 20742 College Park, MD 20742

4 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists

sites such as Facebook. We are literally fighting for the soul of journalism and fighting to maintain diversity in that 3,000 journalists of industry. The convention’s theme is “Driving Journalism, Technology and Trust” NABJ to descend on “There will always be a need for stories to be told; the only thing that will change is how they’re delivered,” said Convention Chair Eva Coleman, an executive Detroit in August producer with the Frisco (Texas) Independent School District’s television station. “As technology rapidly changes, we understand the need to evolve. We’re Detroit has spent years on a the Age of Trump. ensuring our members are By Rochelle Riley roller coaster of demographic, equipped with everything financial and cultural highs and “I am thrilled that the NABJ has necessary to remain a driving lows leading to chosen Detroit for its national and trusted force in an ever- a bankruptcy and now conference this summer and changing technological world.” renaissance that has gained can’t think of a better place for national attention and drawn it,” said Mayor Mike Duggan a Conventioneers will see a Detroit real estate prospectors to member of a Host Committee whose downtown and Midtown Motown like gold prospectors to that rivals the one convened have been transformed into a Sutter’s Mill. for the 2006 Super Bowl. It bustling urban destination, drawing includes Quicken Loans Founder hundreds of residents and tourists The city is attempting to reinvent Dan Gilbert, former mayor Dennis to new restaurants, clubs and stores itself as a 21st-Century mecca Archer, Motown Museum CEO in properties mostly owned by for millennials as well as a long- Robin Terry and Detroit Metro Gilbert, who owns or controls about awaited better place for longtime Convention & Visitors Bureau CEO 100 properties downtown. Moving residents who didn’t give up on Larry Alexander. his employees into downtown’s 7.2 the Motor City. square miles has revitalized the “Professional journalists play a area. As residents debate whether vital role in our democracy, and the renaissance is reaching it’s so very important that our Local planners said all Detroiters, the city will get a newsrooms, like our government, conventioneers also may be report card from outsiders in reflect the diverse communities surprised by what they see away August, when one of the largest they serve,” Duggan said. from downtown: iconic locations gatherings of journalists and such as Baker’s Keyboard newsmakers in America As honorary co-chair of the Lounge, one of the oldest convenes here for the National convention with my friend and continuously operating jazz Association of Black Journalists’ ESPN star Jemele Hill (the last clubs in the world; the Motown annual convention. time they turned Museum where Marvin Gaye and us loose we took 900 kids to see the Supremes got their start; the About 3,000 reporters, editors, “Black Panther”, I can’t wait to dueling Lafayette and American producers, photographers and say at convention’s end, with a Coney Islands (yes, we’ve got students landed at the GM nod to Kool Moe Dee: How ya like hot dog wars), and Belle Isle, run Renaissance Center Marriott us now? as a state park with a beach, for five days of workshops, conservatory and aquarium. forums, panel discussions The annual convention comes and conversations. NABJ, like as media outlets nationwide “The working journalists visiting Detroit, is working on reinventing struggle to maintain audiences Detroit for the NABJ convention itself in a digital age and that increasingly get much of will find a city on the mend,” rebuilding relationships between their news coverage on mobile said Vincent McCraw, president journalists and consumers in devices and from social media of Detroit NABJ and an editor at the Detroit News. “There are

6 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists nuances to Detroit’s revival, and in a special fund-raising concert Arthur Ashe. the country will set up shop to it can be seen not just downtown at Chene Park co-sponsored interview or share information and Midtown, but in some of the by Nissan and the Detroit NABJ “As a member of the local board with convention registrants. neighborhoods. We encourage chapter. at the time, I just remember NABJ has a long-standing people to come see us with fresh everyone being blown away by reputation as the place where eyes and open minds.” NABJ meets in a different the convention and the Detroit many black journalists landed city every year. This year’s hospitality,” Thomas said. “We their first job. The convention won’t draw just convention will be the first time hope to exceed expectations journalists and media. Among some journalists have seen the again this year.” NABJ also will NABJ Host Committee salute its best and brightest, who • Jemele Hill, ESPN reporter (co- include new inductees into the chair) NABJ Hall of Fame and Detroiter • Rochelle Riley, Free Press Jemele Hill of ESPN. columnist (co-chair) • Kristina Adamski, vice “We are pleased to honor president, communications, hometown hero Jemele Hill as Nissan North America our Journalist of the Year, and • Larry Alexander, president, offer professional development Detroit Visitors and Convention training topics that cover politics, Bureau social justice, investigative • Dennis Archer Sr., former mayor reporting, entertainment, sports of Detroit and education as well as lessons • Marvin Beatty, vice president, learned from the Flint water Greektown Casino crisis,” said NABJ President • Dave Bing, former mayor of Sarah Glover, who works for NBC Detroit News. • Alicia Boler-Davis, executive vice president, General Motors Conventioneers also will Global Manufacturing participate in a day of service to • Kiko Davis, majority leave their mark on some part of shareholder, First Independence Detroit. Bank • Mike Duggan, mayor of Detroit NABJ was founded in • Dan Gilbert, founder, Quicken Washington, D.C., in 1975 by Loans a group of 44 journalists. Its • Christopher Ilitch, president mission is simple: It doesn’t and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. just train current journalists. • Florine Mark, president and It nurtures new ones and chairwoman, The WW Group advocates for veterans. • Shahida Mausi, president, Right Productions In its 43 years, the organization has • Juanita Moore, CEO, Charles given scholarships to — and helped H. Wright Museum of African nurture — hundreds of students American History through college workshops, high • Michael Palese, manager- A view of downtown Detroit. school programs and a student corporate communications, FCA newsroom that allows collegiate Corporate Communications journalists to cover each year’s • Jimmy Settles, vice president, convention. UAW-Ford • Matt Simoncini, CEO, Lear celebrities booked for the city since Detroit hosted the 1992 Called NABJ babies, those Corporation convention are: actor, producer NABJ convention. students learn to cover plenary • Robin Terry, president and CEO, and director Tyler Perry; actor, sessions, interview news Motown Museum comedian, activist and Detroit That convention generated a lot subjects and produce native Brandon T. Jackson, of buzz, said WWJ reporter Vickie television newscasts, a daily Rochelle Riley is an award- son of Bishop Wayne T. Jackson Thomas, a member of the NABJ newspaper and a 24-hour winning columnist with the of Great Faith Ministries national board, because it website. Detroit Free Press and co- International; civil rights and featured a lineup of political, The convention also will boast honorary chair of this year’s social activist Shaun King; entertainment and sports figures one of the largest career and NABJ convention. This article political commentator Roland that included then-presidential exhibition fairs in the country. originally appeared in the Detroit Martin, and hometown hero and candidate Bill Clinton, director Dozens of media companies and Free Press and was republished singer Kem, who will perform Spike Lee and tennis legend journalism schools from across with permission.

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 7 The following year, Les came together with 43 other black Trailblazing black journalist Les Payne journalists in Washington, D.C., to create the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). They showed no fear in pursuit of the truth wanted to use their collective muscle to push for the hiring of He’ll be remembered as an NABJ founder and Pulitzer Prize winner and a mentor and role model to many. more black journalists and better By DeWayne Wickham coverage of black communities across the nation.

But when Chuck Stone, the group’s first president, called for the drafting of bylaws, Les, who questioned the need for such organizational structure in the fight for black rights, snapped, “We don’t need bylaws. We need to kick some behinds.”

Using his journalistic voice to kick butts was something Les delighted in doing. He kicked butt in his coverage of South Africa’s Soweto uprising when he visited funeral homes throughout that black township to prove that the death toll of blacks killed by the gendarmes of that pigmentocracy was substantially higher than what the white apartheid government was telling the world.

NABJ Founder Les Payne. Les was no sycophant for any politician. I remember standing But when Les Payne died on March In four decades of reporting and with him in Denver’s Mile High My friend Les Payne is dead. 19 at age 76, it was a heart attack editing, Les found a lot of what Stadium on the night of Aug. 28, that quickly snatched the life powerful people were hiding. 2008, when Obama accepted the During his 38-year journalism from his body as he stood on the Democratic Party’s presidential career, Les had many close steps of his home in Harlem — not In 1970, he went undercover nomination. After allowing himself encounters with death. He once the wrath of those who hated his to get an up-close look at the to smile broadly at the end of escaped the Mediterranean island fearless brand of journalism. mistreatment of black migrant Obama’s speech, Les turned to me, of Corsica just minutes ahead of workers on a potato farm on Long and with a tilt of his head and a the thugs whom a drug dealer sent Island. A native of Tuscaloosa, stare he said: “Just remember, the I can’t think of a better ending for a to his hotel to “turn out his lights.” Alabama, Les was no stranger to job of the black journalist is to be a man who was, arguably, the most that kind of labor. As a child, he watchdog, not a lap dog.” consequential American journalist Then, while in California trying picked cotton alongside his of the past 50 years. to make contact with the grandmother on an Alabama History should not be allowed to Symbionese Liberation Army, a farm where the poorly paid black forget Les, as it has so many other black revolutionary group that Les didn’t just report the news; workers were expected to work blacks who championed the race. kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst, he often uncovered the story from dawn to dusk — or, as the We owe it to him not only to thank Les was confronted by a gun- behind the headlines that many old-timers say, “from can’t see, him for his service but also to wielding SLA member who ordered journalists missed. He was a bare- to can’t see.” Les’ story brought emulate his determination to be him into a phone booth. Les had knuckles reporter who braved the improvements to the conditions a truth-teller in a profession that only minutes to live, the man dangers of journalism. under which Long Island’s migrant more than ever before needs a Les said, if he couldn’t get someone laborers worked. Payne. on the phone at Newsday, the More often than not he worked Long Island, New York, newspaper alone, far away from stampeding When heroin deaths spiked in New NABJ Founder DeWayne Wickham where he spent his entire career, herds of journalists. “Wherever York City during the early 1970s, Les is dean of the School of Global to prove that he was a journalist. you see groups of journalists and two fellow Newsday reporters Journalism and Communication milling about, there is no news. tracked the flow of heroin, as he at Morgan State University. For And there was the late-night often said,“from the poppy fields All you’ll find in places like that is 30 years, until his retirement run-in that Les had with two of of Turkey, through the French last year, his syndicated column the stuff that people in power want Ugandan dictator Idi Amin’s secret connection and into the veins of appeared weekly in USA TODAY. you to know, not the stuff they’re policemen that produced another junkies in Harlem.” The 33-part This article originally appeared in hiding from you,” he once told me. life-threatening experience for him. series won them the 1974 Pulitzer The Undefeated and is republished Prize for public service. with permission.

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is the most-attended state park History, located in the heart of in Michigan—and the country, Detroit’s Cultural Center at 315 officials claim. East Warren Avenue at Brush Street. The museum is home to “If individuals are looking to some impressive collections and A City on the capture the heartbeat of Detroit, exhibits that highlight and pay Belle Isle is it,” Hodges said. “It’s homage to African-American embedded in our DNA and our accomplishments and leaders. culture.” Rise: What to • The Motown Museum, The island boasts views of two nicknamed Hitsville, is a small skylines — Detroit’s as well as museum nestled on West Grand international views of Canada Boulevard, packed with a lot of — and Hodges said the park is Detroit history. The museum Expect in Detroit also home to the Anna Scripps is home to a collection of Whitcomb Conservatory, Dossin memorabilia and artifacts, that Great Lakes Museum, Belle Isle highlight the Motown era. Late last Nature Center, the James Scott year, a $50 million effort to create By Katrease Stafford Memorial Fountain and many a world-class tourist destination more amenities. was announced. In between a few sessions, convention attendees including the reimagined Detroit “It really does have broad should also consider the Detroit International Riverfront, which nce billed a cautionary tale appeal,” Hodges said. “It’s a Institute of Arts, which boasts O is about 5 ½ miles of riverfront of a Rust Belt city gone wrong, culmination of everything world renowned artwork including property that includes the Detroit the city of Detroit has become a that gives our community its famous Picasso pieces. RiverWalk along with public symbol of resiliency more than richness.” four years after emerging from plazas, pavilions and other green spaces. Katrease Stafford is an award- the largest municipal bankruptcy Other hot spots in U.S. history. winning journalist and the Detroit Cox said the Dequindre Cut, government watchdog reporter • Check out the Charles H. Wright which is about a 2-mile for the Detroit Free Press. Yet, in the midst of the city’s Museum of African American widely heralded revitalization greenway, is also among some efforts, some continue to wonder: of the vibrant public spaces and Is Detroit’s comeback story real? amenities in the downtown area.

As thousands of National “I think people are starting to Association of Black Journalists occupy public spaces again (NABJ) members prepare to and we have the extraordinary descend upon the 139-square riverfront promenade where mile city, they can expect people come all across the city,” to see Detroit in the midst Cox said. “We’ve taken what of an economic resurgence, appears to be a hunger for quality burgeoning neighborhoods and space and see it popping up. A areas of booming redevelopment, lot of our effort is looking at what according to Detroit’s Director of that looks like going into the Planning Maurice Cox. neighborhoods.”

“For the black journalists Cox urged convention attendees coming to town, they will see to consider stepping outside of the rejuvenation is happening the downtown area and venturing in a city that had been kind into some of the neighboring of left for never being able to communities, which he says are recover,” Cox said. “Instead, in rich and history and an all-around many ways, we’re leading the good time. revitalization in a way that very few cities have done. They will “I think the national story see people of color … and they has been focused on the will see neighborhoods that are revitalization of the heart of the predominately African American city, its downtown and Midtown coming back.” areas but increasingly, that energy is flowing over into the However, many challenges adjacent neighborhoods like persist in the city. Brush Park, Lafayette Park and Corktown,” Cox said. “So what About 35 percent of its we have been doing is trying to population remains in poverty learn the lessons of what worked and the recovery has yet to in those adjacent downtown spread to some of the city’s neighborhoods and apply them neighborhoods. The city remains really to the soul of the city an overwhelming African- which really are the dozens and American majority city—or dozens of neighborhoods outside 79 percent of its population, of the core.” according to the U.S. Census. One of the city’s most well- When the convention was last known jewels is Belle Isle Park, held in Detroit in 1992, the a historical 982-acre island city looked much different. park that has been beloved Downtown visitors will be for generations, according to greeted by a bustling downtown Michele Hodges, president of the and dozens of new amenities Belle Isle Conservancy. Belle Isle Detroit’s iconic Fox Theater.

10 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists Chuck Stone Lifetime Achievement Award

Beverly White: Witness to Journalism History By Chastity Pratt Dawsey

Beverly White tells the kind of stories that can get even the most jaded journalist to sit head-in- hand, eyes wide, enthralled.

White, a general assignment reporter at NBC Southern California/KNBC in Los Angeles has, after all, been witness to the kinds of historic stories that grip hearts and raise tempers. She was there for the sagas of O.J. Simpson, the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the deaths of Michael Jackson and Prince, just to name a few.

White is described by an admirer on the National Association of Black Journalists awards selection committee as an “amateur historian” for her storied career and a “den mother” for her commitment to mentoring young reporters. White on the scene of a fire. White, who in November 2017 marked her 25 th anniversary covering the news in Los Angeles, is the recipient of She started covering the news in But when asked about her favorite Her advice to them: multi-task, the 2018 Chuck Stone Lifetime Texas before moving up to larger stories, one character stands out: learn to shoot, write and report Achievement Award. The award markets in Cincinnati and Miami, Ray Charles. She covered the story the news. Don’t make yourself will be presented at the national where she covered Hurricane when a post office was named small when you are meant to convention in Detroit in August. Andrew. for the African-American musical soar. And ignore the noise and genius and innovator. dream big. “I’m blown away by this honor,” she said. But more important, her “If you suck, I’ll help you as gently influence became clear when she as I can because I don’t want White said she cried after NABJ convinced her station to cover his you making us all look bad,” she President Sarah Glover called her funeral in 2004. And then other said. “None of us is born knowing to tell her she’d won the award stations followed suit. this stuff it’s learned. It’s taught,” named for Stone. she said of journalism and “Ray Charles was on Channel storytelling. The key to capturing the historic 4 news for 90 minutes in early story, or any story for that weekday TV time. Ray Charles White got similar guidance matter, is to be sincerely curious, got that block of time, here in his listening to, watching and looking respectful and to believe in backyard, because this little black up to NABJ stalwarts such as people’s basic humanity, girl loved Ray Charles,” she said. Carole Simpson, Les Payne, Max “I’ll take that to glory with me.” Robinson, Bill Whitaker and Paula White said. “I still meet wonderful Madison. people at awful stories. That’s And in between camera shots, what sustains me.” White was “White and her husband Xavier White served three terms as the “NABJ was my rocket fuel. NABJ raised in Killeen, Texas, one of the Higgs with Muhammad Ali.” president of NABJ-Los Angeles. changed my life,” White said. “I four children of a retired Vietnam She also has served as a scholar- am honored to be among people War-era Army officer and a public in-residence at Citrus College who care about storytelling.” school cafeteria worker. and an adjunct professor at the It was the beginning of a storied, University of Southern California. Chastity Pratt Dawsey covers She attended journalism school at trailblazing path. In 1992, White It’s the kind of work and Michigan’s cities and urban the University of Texas at Austin arrived in L.A. months after the volunteerism that has earned affairs for Bridge, which provides and was the first in her household riots, and about a year before the her a following of young reporters news and analysis from The to graduate from college. Northridge earthquake. who look to her for advice. Center for Michigan.

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 11 NABJ Legacy Award

Robert McGruder: Champion of Fair Journalism, Mentoring Those of Color By Morris Thompson

may have helped make you who State University in 1963. He was you are. There was a long string of editor of its newspaper. “firsts” as an African American. At the Plain Dealer, he covered city “It took a while for us to realize government and politics, became the indignities he had endured an assistant city editor in 1971, over the years, but he never city editor in 1978 and managing flinched, never showed anger,” editor in 1981. He was named said Michael Frisby, later White deputy managing editor of the House correspondent for the Wall Free Press in 1986, managing Street Journal. “I believe Bob had editor/news the next year, sole committed his life and career managing editor in 1993 and executive editor in 1996 during to a greater purpose: delivering a bitter strike. The one-time quality, fair journalism and Newspaper Guild negotiator in mentoring other blacks.” Cleveland termed that the most painful time in his career.

Sixteen years after his death, you may think you didn’t know him, but maybe you do. Through people, he helped make who they are, and who helped make you who you are.

Two examples:

Greg Moore led the Denver Post to four Pulitzer Prizes. He was first raised into editing at age 28 by Bob at the Plain Dealer. McGruder, he said, “taught us how to act, how never to separate ourselves from our community and its interests...” Moore will accept the His modesty about his great posthumous 2018 NABJ Legacy talent ran deep. His widow, Award in Detroit on behalf of Annette, would learn he got a Annette McGruder, distinguished journalism honor Bob’s widow. Greg got NABJ’s by reading it in the paper. Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. When Bob received Knight Ridder newspapers’ top award Julie Topping, eventually a in 2001, he said, “Please know I managing editor of the Free stand for diversity. I represent Press, said she was first spurred the African Americans, Latinos, by Bob’s perceptive critique when Arab Americans, Asians, Native she was the only reporter of color Americans, gays and lesbians, at the little Sandusky Register in women, and all the others we 1978 and he was city editor of the must see represented in our big Plain Dealer. Years later, he business offices, newsrooms, and first promoted her into editing at largest newspaper in the country, the Free Press. There, she learned our newspapers if we truly want Robert G. McGruder gave up before his death from cancer at from him “how to be patient to meet the challenge of serving his early ambition to play the age 60 in 2002. He was the first yet demanding, how to listen, our communities.” trumpet like Miles Davis and black reporter at the Cleveland how to edit a story, how to treat became a reporter and editor. Plain Dealer in 1963 and first people. And how to be in charge – Recognized for Lifetime That was good, as he helped black president of Associated especially as a woman of color.” Achievement by NABJ in 2002, the those who practice journalism do Press Managing Editors in 1995. year he died, his legacy so better, in part by empowering Born in Louisville on March 31, endures. reporters and editors who reflect Bob McGruder has been gone 16 1942, and reared in Dayton, his their diverse communities. years. You may think you didn’t divorced mother worked two Morris Thompson was a Free really know him, but then maybe jobs to help keep him in school Press editorial writer from 1990- He rose to executive editor of the you do, through the people he through his graduation from Kent 93. Detroit Free Press, then ninth- helped make who they are. He

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JEMELE HILL

NABJ Journalist of the Year By Kelley L. Carter

It’s not easy interviewing Jemele Hill.

Forget that I’ve known her since we were teenagers. Forget that we were college roommates. And pretend that we haven’t been traveling around the world together for more than 20 years. Not at all what I’m talking about.

This particular interview is tough because Jemele is one of the best journalists I’ve ever known; she has a way of tapping into her subjects, gaining trust and intimacy fairly quickly and when she’s ready to share her findings with her audience, her prose is the stuff that should be — and is — studied in top J-schools.

She’s my best friend, but she’s also one of the best journalists around. She’ll never make such a declarative statement as that; she’s always shied away from career accolades and anyone attempting to bestow kudos in her direction.

Which is why this honor — 2018 Journalist of the Year — from her beloved National Association of Black Journalists is so special. In a year of her ever-increasing platform, it’s the one time she’s dropped everything to drink that moment in. Once

14 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists she got the news that she was being like being the center of attention. It all only black woman in stridently white honored — and in her hometown of feels very weird to me.” and largely male spaces, but I assure Detroit, no less — she took pause from you she doesn’t want to be. A fail for her dinner that night to shoot me an She’s telling the honest to goodness Jemele would be that she remains the ohmygodicantbelieveit text message. truth. Jemele would much rather lonely only in spaces because she did She shared that she was almost in tears celebrate those around her, or, as what nothing about it. So much of her essence at the thought that her contemporaries really feels most natural to her, she’d is in making sure that once she walks – the very group that cultivated a rather reach back and look behind through the door, she not only leaves community that enabled her to grow into her and pull up whomever is there so it open, but figures out a way to invite becoming the top-notch journalist that that they can stand right next to her. others to move as comfortably as she she is — were going to celebrate her; it I think the worst thing in the world does. Since she was a teenager, she’s was an exclamation point for this last would be for Jemele to look up and been trumpeting the beauty of NABJ 12-month cycle. realize that she’s the only one there and how she learned from other black — she’s moved quite comfortably journalists the importance of reaching “It feels weird,” Jemele shares with me being one of few women or being the back while moving forward. one Saturday afternoon. “I think right now I’m probably suffering from a little bit of imposter syndrome because I know that there are so many great journalists who have had an amazing year. I have had many moments where I’m just like, ‘how did I get this award looking at their body of work.’ And maybe because I never see myself in that vein as somebody who’s supposed to win things for things that come naturally. It’s not that I don’t think I’m deserving, it’s just that I don’t ... I’m not very good at celebrating myself. Anybody that’s close to me knows that because despite the fact that I’m on a platform where the very nature of it draws attention to you — and even doing TV everyday — I don’t necessarily

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 15 It’s why this accolade is so powerful for her. And so significant.

“I’m grateful and I’m humble so I don’t want people to think that this is some kind of torture for me, but in a way it’s very ... it’s extremely foreign because I guess I just saw myself as part of a larger narrative. I never saw myself as somebody who was creating the narrative,” she says.

But she is. By now we’re all well-versed in the most recent chapters of the Jemele Hill story. Back last September, when her tweets — those tweets — were heard ‘round the world, much of how she operated shifted. She suddenly had a larger audience – people who didn’t know about her or were not wholly aware of the platform that she had before, which is one that dealt with some of the more challenging issues in sports, given that she never shied away from taking on racism, sexism or quite frankly any kind of ism — and it grew to be far more encompassing.

It had to grow. She had to grow.

“I’m a little uncomfortable with being known as an activist because I don’t consider myself an activist in the traditional regard. Having been a Photo Caption Here

16 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists journalist for as long as I have been, waiting for me to have that moment activism is not necessarily something where I don’t,” she says. “I’m just more we do. We do it in a way that’s very aware of what this enlarged platform “I’m a little uncomfortable different. We bring the truth to the light. means now in the wake of everything with being known as an We bring awareness. We cover — and to that’s happened.” some degree protect — some of the most activist because I don’t vulnerable people in our society, but Outside looking in, this is good to hear. consider myself an activist we’re not the ones that necessarily hold I’ve been interviewed a few times in the traditional regard. the picket signs, and we’re not the ones about Jemele, and one of my driving who march, we’re there to document narratives about her is that Jemele Hill all of that so that years from now when doesn’t realize she’s Jemele Hill, which people look back and they are searching is, perhaps, one of the most beautiful for context or meaning we’ve provided it, things about her. and that’s our role in society,” she says. “For people to think of me as actively a She’s humble — she always has been part of the story is a little bit odd. It’s only — and unlike many of us, doesn’t changed me, not in terms of my opinion need the at-a-girl, occasional or not, or perspective, but I think a little more to move forward. She doesn’t look for carefully now about what I’m saying. Not green lights or signs that she’s on the because I fear retribution from ESPN or right track, especially with regard to anybody else, but understanding that thought process. Her recognizability is the platform is so much bigger so there’s stronger than ever, so I’ve experienced more responsibility that comes with it.” the rounds of drinks and hat tips from strangers at airport bars, the pleas of That understanding is significant. Her cell phone picture-taking from fans or presence in social media is now that people wanting her to quickly weigh- almost anything she tweets out or in on a weekly hot take in the sporting shares goes viral, capturing almost world. I’ve seen the look of delight from immediately an audience who doesn’t folks just because they’re able to meet hesitate to hit that retweet button her in person; she’s become an unlikely to share. “If I step out there and say heroine and has earned respect from something I have to truly feel passionate some of the country’s most important about it, I have to know what I’m talking influencers — all because she is an about because there are a lot of people unfiltered opinionist.

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 17 Even still, there are times where I can tell who knew her back when missed that. “I was sort of relieved to give it up she doesn’t quite understand the pomp Jemele herself missed that. before, because I felt like I was losing and circumstance surrounding her, and my fastball; I was running out of energy. I’m not entirely sure that she ever will “It’s very invigorating,” she shares. “It It was tough to do both. Now it’s the grasp her own evolution. was funny, because when I left writing opposite feeling. I’ve been away from it to do TV full-time, I was actually really for so long that I have all these ideas and Not that that’s a bad thing. It isn’t. It’s mentally tired. Writing was great. Writing things I want to do,” she says. “I feel like one of the qualities that makes her so — as another far more intelligent writer I sort of reunited with the high school endearing, and quite frankly it’s one of said before to me — is like giving birth, boyfriend.” the things that makes her such a strong every single time. It takes a lot out of journalist. It’s because of that, that she you. It’s a very personal exercise. I had Welcome back home, Jemele. still can approach telling other people’s gotten to the point where I was doing so stories with such strong conviction. much TV, I felt like writing was my side Kelley L. Carter is a senior entertainment chick, and I never wanted to treat it that writer at The Undefeated. She is chair of And with such a strong voice; the way, because it was my first love.” the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force. voice that she missed having. She walked away from the anchor desk at SportsCenter — her choice, as she presented ESPN with a plan to move her to ESPN’s The Undefeated to become the Senior Correspondent and Columnist for the digital site — to go back to the thing that got her here in the first place: writing and weighing in on stories that matter most to her.

Stories that matter to us most. The narratives that black journalists are telling all across the country right now. She wanted in on those stories and throwback Jemele Hill is back.

The Jemele Hill who can turn a phrase so fierce it’ll make your head spin. Those

18 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists

job at the Maryland Center for crop of journalists. He recalled a Public Broadcasting. The station time in the mid-1970s when he Everett Marshburn: wouldn’t have its first broadcast recruited fresh talent to work on until a year later, which gave him a show called “Maryland News the room to learn the ins-and Wrap,” which featured the late Cultivating an outs of the business. Gwen Ifill, who went on to report for the New York Times, NBC and He quickly developed a passion PBS. Informed Public for working in public television after noticing its grassroots When it comes to work, appeal and ability to bridge the Marshburn holds a strong gap between news media and commitment to objectivity and Journalist of Distinction the communities they serve. “He nuanced storytelling. “One of By Joyce Philippe is the kind of person who gives the biggest mistakes a journalist a lot of himself up willingly. He can make is go in thinking he thinks of telling stories in ways or she knows the story,” he stated firmly. “Your job isn’t to make people believe what you In this fast-paced world of think. Your job is to help people journalism, each day brings understand what you find out a new article or expose that the truth is.” reveals another issue that affects the black community. Marshburn’s skill in bringing It doesn’t take long before the the truth to light has won striking barrage of headlines him four Emmy Awards, two begins to lose its sting, leaving CINE Golden Eagles, a duPont those who follow the news Silver Baton from Columbia resigned with the idea of University Journalism School, misfortune and frenzy as the and more than a dozen NABJ new normal. Salute to Excellence awards. Over his career, his segments As news outlets routinely and documentaries have been point out the problems faced consistently picked up by PBS for by society, veteran journalist national distribution. For him, Everett Marshburn uses public it’s not about the recognition, television to find answers among but for the sake of cultivating an false narratives and simple informed public. misunderstandings. He still carries that same spark It’s what lead him to produce for news as he did when he his first award-winning piece, began as a photographer 50 “Burglar Proofing,” a series that years ago. He still believes taught people how to protect in the power and influence their homes from thieves during of journalism despite fierce the dawn of the drug crisis. criticism of news outlets by the That drive also pushed him government, shifts in technology to document the growing HIV/ and an audience of people AIDS epidemic in the 1980s with hungry for the truth. a focus on how the disease disproportionately affected Let history show that moments black and Latino communities. of hardship and resistance have He strived to work “with an eye later proved to be periods of toward not just identifying the great change, said Marchburn. problem, but also what people “A lot of people think of this as a are doing to solve it.” dark time. This is the best time for us as journalists, because it Marshburn’s signature, gives the opportunity to shine community-conscious news a light in places we might not style is why NABJ named him the Every week, it highlights topics that many of us overlook, but otherwise have thought of,” he recipient of the 2018 Journalist of like the importance of boosting still are critically important,” said. “We are the gatekeepers, Distinction Award. performing arts programs and said Greg Morrison, NABJ’s and if we do our jobs well, we can the state of black fatherhood. treasurer and a long-time friend make a difference.” For the past 12 years, Marshburn of Marshburn. has worked as the senior Marshburn is a Baltimore Joyce Philippe is a digital content producer of “Black Noveau,” a native and a proud graduate More than just developing producer at WLOX-TV in Biloxi, public affairs show that airs on of Morgan State University. In stories, Marshburn has a special Miss. Milwaukee Public Television. 1968, he got his first journalism interest in mentoring the next

20 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists column became a central theme “I knew there was a path,” Rhoden of his work there: “The issue, as said. “I knew there were tons, it turns out, is not who wears loads of great black journalists. I the gym shoe but who owns the knew that we could do it, that we gymnasium.” did do it. It was just a matter of getting an opportunity.” While Rhoden used his platforms in the Times and his appearances By making the most of his on ESPN’s “The Sports Reporters” opportunity, Rhoden once again to make his points in a national finds himself in rare territory. forum, he also worked behind the He is just the fourth sports scenes to mentor and connect journalist selected for the NABJ black sports journalists. One Hall of Fame — following Larry example was the networking and Whiteside, Wendell Smith and informational sessions with black Stuart Scott — and the only coaches and black reporters that one who was not inducted Rhoden used to organize at the posthumously. NCAA Tournament’s Final Four.

The inference that this makes What Blackistone noted when Rhoden the greatest living black he attended those sessions was sportswriter is not a stretch. It fits that Rhoden seemed to occupy right in with the description of him the same plane as the biggest by his contemporaries. Rhoden is names in the room, with coaching “exceptional,” said Ron Thomas, legends such as John Thompson director of the journalism and and John Chaney. sports programs at Morehouse College and recipient of the 2017 “There’s reverence without NABJ Legacy Award. deference, because he has that gravitas,” Blackistone said. He’s the “the dean of black sports journalists,” said Kevin Merida, Rhoden hasn’t slowed down, not editor-in-chief of The Undefeated. even at age 68, not even after leaving the Times in 2016. He was “He’s the Godfather,” said Kevin at the NFL Draft, writing a column Blackistone, a professor at on deadline for The Undefeated, Maryland’s Merrill College of when he got the call about his Journalism and a long-time NABJ Hall of Fame spot. sports columnist. His latest vehicle is the Rhoden You’re more likely to read those Fellows, in conjunction with kinds of words about Rhoden than The Undefeated. Each year the from Rhoden. He never engages in program selects students from the hyperbole typically found on historically black colleges and the sports page, the myth-making provides them a mixture of NABJ HALL OF FAME or the scapegoating. lectures, video training, trips to games and practices, behind- “It wasn’t as if he felt like he the-scenes looks at organizations needed to bang the drum louder,” such as the Southeastern Rhoden Serves as Lighthouse for said Neil Amdur, former New York Conference and National Football Times sports editor, “as much as League. When the students Generations of Sports Reporters to make the music sound that return to their campuses they much more authoritative.” serve as correspondents for The By J.A. Adande Undefeated. That style was a natural fit for the New York Times, where he wrote The biggest value of all might be the “Sports of the Times” column the time spent around Rhoden When William C. Rhoden from 1990 to 2016. What was and all of his experience. did things that appeared unusual, for both the newspaper unprecedented, they really and its primary audience, was “When Bill talks about Jim Brown weren’t unfamiliar. Rhoden’s persistent and firm and the activism of Bill Russell approach to writing about racial and others, he’s not really In the early 1990s, he was issues. He was there to challenge speaking from the history books, an African-American sports readers, not comfort them. he’s speaking from having talked to them and reported on some the columnist at the New York Times, Even though he had not written events,” said Merida. “That’s of back when only a handful of extensively about sports at his great benefit.” African Americans held that previous jobs, Rhoden could draw position at America’s large- on his experience playing football J.A. Adande is Director of Sports circulation newspapers. He credits in high school and college. And for Journalism and Associate his time at black institutions — his approach, he simply adapted Professor at Northwestern from his professors at Morgan the same approach from his jazz University’s Medill School of State to his mentors at the music column at the Baltimore Journalism, Media, Integrated Baltimore Afro-American and Sun. Marketing Communications. Ebony magazine — for providing He was a columnist for ESPN.com him the “lighthouses” to guide The concluding sentence of for nine years. him. Rhoden’s first Times sports

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 21 NABJ HALL OF FAME

Sanders on Speaking Up, Changing Minds By Marissa Evans

Sanders said the Kerner When Bob Ray Sanders was Commission report, released growing up during the Jim in 1968 and pointed to the Crow era, a black man would importance of the media only make the front page of covering communities of color, the newspaper for two reasons: was a gateway for journalists of killing a white man or sexually color to get a foot in the door at assaulting a white woman. newspapers. But Sanders, a Fort Worth, “That’s what caused the media Texas native, inspired by the to think ‘we have to go get one,’” fearlessness of his parents Sanders said. “The surprising and the Civil Rights Movement, thing was seeing the media became a journalist — complete probably because we had with his photo on the front page but concerned about young people of color start covering accompanying his columns for black journalists graduating from issues important to the black the Star-Telegram. college with shrinking media community and not just from prospects. He expressed dismay white point of view.” “They taught me not to be afraid that newsrooms are slowly and to speak up and I saw what reverting back to the way they In 1972, Sanders pivoted, taking a journalism could do with Civil used to look — with few black reporter job at KERA-TV, a public Rights Movement and helping to reporters. He said it’s important station in Dallas. He moved all change minds,” Sanders said. “I to have black storytellers in the way up to vice president/ told editors and publishers don’t newsrooms and that the industry station manager for television ask me a question if you don’t needed to find a way to keep the and radio. He also served as host doors open for them. and producer of the station’s “I don’t want them to get award-winning discouraged,” Sanders said. “We program, “News still need those black journalists Addition,” and and the issues are not going as executive away and the same issues are producer of the back full throttle...I’m afraid PBS series “With we may not have the people Ossie & Ruby,” in there to tell those issues starring legendary particularly in midsize and small stage and screen communities.” performers Ossie Davis and Ruby Sanders was a staunch Dee. proponent throughout his career of raising issues about In 1986, Sanders newsroom coverage, particularly returned to the when it impacted the black Star-Telegram community. He said a publisher and retired once told him “I’ve never seen in 2015 as an want to hear the answer.” anyone as brave as you.” He said associate editor and senior Writing about a variety of that’s part of being one of the few columnist. Known as the “dean” topics including race, the death black people in his newsrooms. of journalists in the Dallas-Fort penalty, criminal justice and Worth area, he is past president more, Sanders’ journalism career “There was a time where I of the Press Club of Fort Worth has spanned more than 40 years thought ‘I hate to be the only one and a member of the Society across newspapers, television to raise this issue’ but if I don’t of Professional Journalists, the and radio. After graduating from raise this issue nobody else will,” National Association of Black North Texas State University in Sanders said. “The community Journalists and the Dallas- 1969, he joined the staff of the sees you and depends on you to Fort Worth Association of Black Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He was look out for them whether you’re Journalists. one of the first three African- doing the story or not.” American reporters ever hired by Right now, he’s “cautiously the newspaper. Marissa Evans reports on health optimistic” about the media and human service policy issues landscape for black journalists, for the Texas Tribune.

22 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists wrapped around issues that “She recognized early the power impacted Puerto Ricans, African a producer could have in shaping Americans and Native Americans NABJ HALL OF FAME the direction of the story or living in New England. The show narrative,” said Carmen Fields, a is still on the air, but according friend, former co-worker and the to Fields, it’s been dramatically producer/host of “Higher Ground” scaled down. Jones Put Underserved Communities a monthly 30-minute show on Boston’s WHDH-TV. Fields and By humanizing heartbreaking in Front of the Camera several other journalists familiar statistics and revealing reality with Jones’ professionalism and by connecting with viewers By Maniko Barthelemy passion, nominated her to the through a personal touch, Jones NABJ Hall of Fame. confronted misconceptions and controversy fearlessly. On the heels of the Civil Rights Investigative segments, movement, racial uneasiness exclusive interviews with notable across the country and limited newsmakers and special features access to equipment and staff, often filled gaps left open by Jones remained determined to time constraints on traditional deliver what she saw was missing television news packages. in television news. She worked the concept for more than 40 The station that gave Jones an years, dating back to the mid- opportunity, flexibility and a 1970s. platform was Boston’s WGBH. Her experience and entrance into “Boston is a place where you television programming was as really have to be on your toes an associate producer on the because of the tension that nationally syndicated show “Say has existed between whites Brother,” which served as the and blacks. We could always launching pad that ignited Jones’ go to Vickie. She had a wealth fire from an emerging producer to of knowledge. She had been extraordinary media influencer. there for a very long time with extensive networks,” said Alexis The candid public affairs show Yancey, owner and executive that started airing on WGBH in producer of Dallas-based Alexis 1968 put Jones in a position to Yancey Productions and a friend see and contribute to a bold way of Jones. of crafting a narrative that was far from mainstream media’s Throughout her prolific career, depiction of minorities. “Say Jones mostly worked in Boston, Brother,” put a microscope on moving between WNEV, WBZ, everything that defined the WRKO, and WGBH. She briefly minority community’s experience worked as a program manager in Boston. at WNYC, a public affairs NPR radio station in New York. Her “She was a proponent of hard-hitting commitment to inclusion and diversity before it challenging uncomfortable became popular,” said Fields. issues in order to educate the masses amounted to six Emmy In addition to Emmys, Jones won awards for outstanding work. an NAACP Image Award, Who’s Who in Black Boston, NEBA Award How did African Americans feel for Excellence and several NABJ living in Boston, a city many called Salute to Excellence awards. he moment Victoria Johnson T the most racist in the country? She also served as president of put on a new pair of career shoes Who’s responsible for babies being the Boston Association of Black and closed the books on teaching born addicted to cocaine? What’s Journalists from 1986 to 1988 and in the classroom, it was time for the problem with drug testing as NABJ Region I Director from lights, cameras, and awareness. employees? What’s it like to live 1995 to 1999. with AIDS during the mid- 1980s? Through television news These are questions traditional The Colorado native and former programming as a producer in news did not have time to NABJ board member lost her her adopted hometown, Boston, completely answer because of its battle with cancer on Aug. 30, Jones thrived as an executive format, but they are a sample of 2016. Her daughter, Lisa Jones, producer of 30-minute news the things Jones ensured did not and her two grandsons, will show, daring documentaries and get ignored. When Minister Louis attend the ceremony and accept shocking special segments. All Farrakhan returned to Boston for her Hall of Fame honor. of her work was produced with an event in 1985, Jones booked a touch of the style reminiscent an exclusive interview with him. Maniko Barthelemy is a film of shows like NBC’s “Dateline.” producer at Southern Belle But for her, the angle and One of her signature shows at Productions, LLC, a independent emphasis were strategic — a WNEV was “Urban Update.” The media production professional focus on covering underserved 30-minute show had live news and a journalism instructor communities, fairly, respectfully, updates, on-set interviews and based in Washington, D.C. and professionally. exclusive investigative stories

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 23

Chronicle and the Courier were Chronicle, Dunmore joined the battling hard for the soul of Chrysler Corporation in 1968 black Detroit and the Chronicle as its urban affairs specialist. NABJ HALL OF FAME eventually won because while Even in that job, he advocated the Courier had a national for equal opportunity for all focus, the Chronicle focused on employees. Detroit. By the mid-1950s, the Dunmore Used the Power of His Pen competition was over. “Companies adopted new attitudes toward minorities to Advocate for Blacks In fact, after 20 years covering because they had come to Detroit for The Pittsburgh Courier, see there is a hard dollar By Benét J. Wilson Dunmore left the paper and return when they hire more became the executive/managing blacks and when they promote editor of the Michigan Chronicle blacks to better jobs,” said in 1961. Dunmore, speaking at Atlanta University’s School of Business The Chronicle became famous Administration in December for being “one of the first black 1973. newspapers to have an editorial focus that favored the labor He returned to the Chronicle movement and the Democratic in 1988, where he served as an Party.” Dunmore wrote in an editorial consultant and helped historical summary of the paper. plan the 1988 National Urban “Most black weeklies had been League Conference when it came Republican oriented and anti to Detroit. labor because of the anti- Black attitude prevalent in the Dunmore was inducted into the organized labor ranks and the Michigan Journalism Hall of heavily southern influence in the Fame in 1994 for his work at the Democratic Party,” he wrote. Chronicle. “Al Dunmore spent decades fighting discrimination Dunmore’s arrival coincided and words were his weapons,” with the beginnings of the Civil said his nomination statement. Rights Movement in Detroit and across the United States. In his nomination, he was lauded He used the power of his pen for his stories that exposed to write columns pushing for racism in the Philadelphia Police strong civil rights legislation, Department and investigated including the abolishment of segregation in the Armed Forces segregation, voting rights and during World War II. He was equal education. He also urged threatened by the Ku Klux Klan Detroit’s African-American for reporting civil rights abuse in community to get involved in the the South and won an honor of movement. distinction for a series of articles on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling Attorney Danton Thomas Wilson to desegregate schools. nominated Dunmore for the Hall of Fame honor. As a reporter who Former Detroit News managing eventually became executive editor Luther Keith recalled editor of the Michigan Chronicle, his time as a young aspiring he got to see his work up close. journalist at the University of Detroit. “The lessons and passion “Back when I worked at the that he imparted to me stayed Chronicle and Mr. Dunmore was with me as I pursued my career, Albert Dunmore believed in a mentor to me and others of culminating with my induction black people his entire, and used my generation, I enjoyed few to the Michigan Journalism Hall his abilities as a journalist for things more than joining him of Fame in 1995.” two iconic black newspapers for lunch at some obscure soul and in a second career as a food restaurant and savoring his Chrysler Chairman and CEO communicator for a global auto rich stories from the heyday of Lee Iacocca, upon hearing of company to advocate for them. the modern Black press, when Dunmore’s death in 1989, said some journalists felt they were “the death of Al Dunmore is Dunmore joined the staff of the called to be more than sideline a sad occasion for his many Pittsburgh Courier in 1941, which observers,” he said in the letter. friends at Chrysler and the at the time was considered community at large. He was a one of the Big Three black “Throughout his life, the man had champion of equality, fairness newspapers — the other two a nose for news, whether it was and justice, and his counsel and being the Chicago Defender and sensing growing unrest in one leadership will be missed.” the Baltimore Afro-American. He faction of a national civil rights eventually became the editor of organization, a scoop about a wrinkle Benét J. Wilson is the travel + the Courier’s Detroit edition. in the Brown Bomber’s training Rewards editor for MagnifyMoney. regimen, or Lena Horne standing com and CompareCards.com. She But another black newspaper, up and speaking out against some is immediate past VP-Digital for The Michigan Chronicle, was racial slight,” Wilson wrote. NABJ. making a name for itself. The After seven years at the

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 25 Martin initiated twice-yearly After graduating from the visits between President Johnson University of Michigan and and the National Newspaper serving as a reporter for six Publishers Association, of which months with The Chicago he was a founder. Defender, Martin was asked to come to Detroit in 1936. In 1970, Martin created the Joint Center for Political and Economic “Lucius (Harper) gave me the Studies in Washington, D.C., keys to the one-room office at along with social psychologist 1727 St. Antoine after introducing Dr. Kenneth B. Clark. In its early me to the other tenants of the days, the Joint Center focused building who, for the most part, on “increasing black political were the most important and participation,” but has since richest gamblers and numbers changed to “focus on job kings in Detroit,” Martin said in a creation and workforce history of what became the development,” according to its Michigan Chronicle. website.

“[Harper] left $17 in a cloth Today, the Joint Center is the money sack, the entire cash only African-American think capital of the business, and tank in the United States. told me to be careful with the money,” Martin said. Through his advocacy and activism Louis E. Martin became At the time, there were no books known as the Godfather of Black on building up newspapers, and Politics, and his memory will now Martin faced a sharp learning be enshrined in the NABJ Hall of curve. He often used his best Fame. judgement when making decisions, and sometimes, was Emory University professor David just plain lucky, according to the J. Garrow addressed Martin’s Michigan Chronicle. legacy in the introduction to NABJ founder Alex Poinsett’s “(We were lucky enough to make) biography of him entitled the right friends and the right “Walking with Presidents: Louis enemies. The latter were often Martin and the Rise of Black just as helpful as the former,” Political Power.” Martin said. “Louis Martin’s lifelong vision Early on, Martin only earned was of a democratic society $20 a week at the Chronicle, but where racial and ethnic ended up sticking around for 11 discrimination no longer held years. “I learned early that while sway. We of the rank and file, President Lyndon B. Johnson and Louis Martin walking to the Oval straight newspaper reporters are he told his Detroit readers in Office. LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto. hard to find, if you scratch a 1944, must resolve to take a new lawyer or a preacher hard view and a new responsibility enough, you will find a for making a better America,” NABJ HALL OF FAME journalist,” he wrote. Garrow wrote. Under Martin’s leadership, the “Martin’s entire public career, in paper got involved in politics and journalism as in politics, stands the labor movement. Eventually, as an even larger monument to ‘Godfather of Black Politics’ excelled he followed the pull of politics, how much one person can do as journalist, advisor to presidents and left the Chronicle in 1944 when fame and glory are not a to work for the Democratic part of his purpose,” he added. By Zoe Jackson National Committee. There, he served as the assistant publicity Zoe Jackson is a junior studying director for President Franklin journalism at Western Michigan Louis E. Martin — known as the Delano Roosevelt’s reelection University, and currently Godfather of Black Politics — committee. interns with The Flint Journal. started his career at the tender In the Fall, she will intern at the age of 23 when he became the Later, he served on the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo, first publisher and editor of what campaigns of Presidents John Michigan, and will serve as News was then called The Detroit F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter. Editor at her campus publication. Chronicle.

26 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists EMERGING JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Natasha Alford

By Taylor Harris

In her work as deputy editor of The Grio in New York, Natasha Alford combinesentertainment and social journalism to tell the untold stories of black Americans that are often overlooked.

She entered into the industry with a bang in 2015, when she gained fame showing off her oratory skills through a Ted Talk titled “The Courage to Report,” where she discusses some of her beginning experiences in the industry.

Alford’s path in the journalism industry was quite unconventional. After graduating from Harvard in 2008 with a degree in Social Studies, she entered into the world of finance working at a high-profile investment firm. She enjoyed the perks and security of the job, but said she still felt incomplete and contemplated finding a new career. journalists through a rigorous you get an opportunity you going on in the culture and how week-long media training camp have to knock it out the park it’s shaping black America,” she Her mother worked as a teacher, at the CBS 5 studio and Arizona because you’d be surprised what said. and although reluctant to go State University’s Walter Cronkite opportunity open up,” Alford said. down the same path, Alford knew School of Journalism and Mass “All of these jobs have groomed teaching would be more fulfilling. Communication. Alford spent a year at the station me to be who I am, making me a Alford exited the finance world and moved on to become a better listener and host,” Alford and became a teacher at Teach As a student at Medill, Alford freelancer for an education said. “They’ve given me a sense For America. Later, she worked in wasted no time. Within weeks website. She then landed a of empathy in understanding the education policy, but still felt she of her master’s program, she two-week trial at The Grio as a diverse sectors in society. When needed more. began creating her own reel multimedia host, which she I interview people about similar and emailing it out to others to said was extended an additional jobs, it’s not theoretical for me. The journalism bug that had critique. two weeks after her employers I know what it’s like to work in nagged her since college when reviewed her performance. finance or lead a non-profit. she found out Harvard did Months before graduation, Alford not have a journalism program says she had an interview in To her surprise, after the month- “I’m always asking questions was finally answered when Alford Rochester, N.Y., for a local news long trial, Alford was offered a that are important and highlight decided to enroll in Northwestern station. Knowing the difficulty permanent position as deputy social issues because that’s University’s Medill School of of the journalism industry, she editor of The Grio: it is her work what we need to see,” Alford said. Journalism, Media, Integrated knew she had to find a way to here that she says has fulfilled “Receiving an award like this Marketing Communications in have an impact interview, so she her purpose. She created and is truly amazing. I do consider 2013. flew in a day earlier to create and hosts an original video series myself as emerging because the present her own story to her titled “True Story with Natasha best has yet to come.” In 2014 Alford was among those prospective employers. Ultimately Alford,” where she discusses chosen for the competitive CBS it landed her the job. untold stories impacting black Taylor Harris is a news reporter Meredith-Cronkite Fellowship, America. “It’s a lot of fun for for NJ.com, where she covers created in 2007 to prepare the “So much of this is hustle me, but I take it as a serious spot news, government, schools, next generation of broadcast perseverance and timing. When responsibility to know what’s local culture and nonprofits.

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 27 COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Rhonda Walker

By Tierra Smith Girls to Women accepts girls their friends,” Walker said. “This in the eighth grade, and they During a break due to a no- is a safe space for them.” remain in the program until they compete clause between working Rhonda Walker is a woman of graduate high school. The at Fox2 and Local 4, Walker Born in the Motor City, raised in her word. program boasts a 100 percent began speaking at different the state’s capital Langston and graduation rate, a 100 percent schools around Detroit. Within a a graduate of Michigan State The WDIV-TV Local 4 morning college-acceptance rate and a 95 month, she said she knew this University, Walker said she anchor started the Rhonda percent college-graduation rate. was something she had to make doesn’t take her role lightly. She Walker Foundation in 2003 In June, the program presented a priority. knows she has a responsibility to hold herself accountable more than $20,000 in scholarship and a commitment to the to community service and to four of the program’s Without knowing exactly how, foundation’s girls, their empower inner-city Detroit girls participants. she launched the Rhonda Walker families and the greater Detroit to become future leaders. The Foundation. With access to community. flagship program Girls to Women, “Working in the media, even as a the city’s top entrepreneurs, a five-year comprehensive young journalist, we are exposed business leaders and political “I am a woman of my word,” program, not only positions girls to the community in an imitate figures, she said she knew she Walker said, noting the to graduate from high school but way, [because] we report on it had a pool of role models that dedication it takes to complete also go to college. every day.” Walker, the founder she could connect the girls in the five-year program with and president of the foundation, the programs with. monthly sessions and events. “It’s hard to put into words the said. level of gratitude and humility I The foundation offers a “It’s a prideful city. We have a lot have to be honored by NABJ, a That exposure to the community mentorship program, career of grit and care a lot about each premier organization for an and key leaders was an essential development, college preparation, other,” she said. “As journalists industry,” Walker, who is also part of the foundation’s success, year-round touring and personal and as citizens, we try to best celebrating the 20th year on Walker said. Like many other development. Every year, the help people realize that this is an Detroit television. “To know there journalists, she said she was program goes on a camping trip awesome city with great people are so many other journalists often asked to serve as a guest to expose the girls to nature but that work hard—not just leading that do great work and give back speaker or emcee for community also to build sisterhood. successful lives for themselves to their community, I am very service events. She said she but giving back and making sure humbled and touch by it.” enjoyed giving back but wanted “No matter the challenges they they are helping those that come to do more. face at home, at school or with behind them.”

One of those people, Walker said, includes the late Angelo Henderson, who as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal won a Pulitzer Prize and later became a highly respected minister, community activist and radio talk show host. Because of Henderson’s legacy, she said this award also will rise above any other.

“He was an incredible voice in the Detroit community,” Walker said. “A man that was larger than life. He put his time into making our streets safer and bringing awareness to the inner city.”

Tierra Smith is a reporter for Houston-based Bisnow, a real estate hyperlocal. She is also NABJ’s 2015 Student Journalist of the Year.

28 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists

NABJ JOURNALISM EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Alicia Nails

By Jeannine Hunter training young people. She’s amazing,” said Vickie Thomas, Alicia Nails, who directs City Beat reporter for WWJ the Journalism Institute for Newsradio 950, NABJ Region II Media Diversity at Wayne State director and past president of University, is known for being the Detroit-NABJ chapter. rigorous and devoted to her students. “She has trained quite a few journalists who have gone on “She’s getting some kids through to do great things not only in homelessness, through abuse, Detroit but beyond,” Thomas all kinds of difficulties that said, adding that she’s frequently have nothing to do with the interacted with Nails’ current and former students and “these classroom. If they’re working students absolutely love her.” hard, she wants to do all that she can to give them a chance to In addition to college students, be achieve what they can,” said she’s also very committed to Desiree Cooper, a Pulitzer Prize- recruiting high school students nominated journalist and Detroit of color, many of whom are community activist and author. attending WSU on full-tuition scholarships. “I’ve known Alicia all my life. She was college room dorm “More than a teacher, Alicia mates with my mother. Having is a mentor, problem solver, her as an advisor and professor cheerleader and friend to her students. In the classroom, she just added an extra layer to our insists upon rigor, and outside great relationship,” said Jamilah of the classroom, she gathers all Jackson, a storyteller, blogger of the resources at her disposal and 2015 graduate of Nails’ to see that her most motivated Journalism Institute. “I would not students succeed,” Cooper said. have graduated college without “It is hard discern where her her love, guidance and support. job begins and where it ends- No one deserves this more than -safeguarding the future of her.” journalism is her life’s work.”

She’s well respected by her colleagues as well as former and produced several Mayors’ Balls, “Dedication, consummate current students. Nails earned her Juris Doctor and presentations of the Ebony from Wayne State University Fashion Fair. professional, passionate When Chuck Stokes, editorial/ Law School in 1995 and while about training young public affairs director for WXYZ- she is not a practicing attorney, “I’m honored to be recognized TV/Channel 7 in Detroit, thinks of this background and knowledge by the professional organization people. She’s amazing,” Nails, “her dedication is probably informs her work as a member that has supported my career number one. She is passionate of boards and as a community from the beginning with about her students. volunteer. She has executed city-wide PR campaigns for the priceless experiences, exposures “She works so hard to find them African World Festival and Delta and friendships,” Nails said. “As importantly, this is a testament The 2018 NABJ Educator of the internships during the summer Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Detroit to the value of the amazing Year is an Emmy Award-winning and during the school year Alumnae Chapter. She was the and to make sure they are very students and alum of Wayne journalist and freelance writer, Deltas’ Michigan state journalist prepared for the industry. … She’s and managing editor of national State’s journalism program.” including appearing in the one of those strong advocates publications and also handled Detroit Free Press, The Detroit that goes beyond teaching,” he executive communications Nails’ impact on the local media News, the Michigan Chronicle, said, adding that Nails works for The Links, Incorporated. market has been profound. and BLAC magazine, the city’s tirelessly to connect them “to She’s currently serving as a “She can be comical but she premier lifestyle magazine for services to make sure they are member of Delta’s National gets the job done. And tells it Black Detroiters. She serves on successful as students and Communications Committee. like it is,” Thomas said. “And the BLAC advisory board and is successful in journalism.” her communication skills and the recording secretary of the She has also produced major compassion allow her students Detroit Chapter of the National She’s a very, very giving and fundraisers, including WSU’s to be free and embrace their Association of Black Journalists. caring person, said Cooper. “I’ve “The Salute to Emery King,” never known her not to step up and “The Salute to 25-Year uniqueness. She’s unique and when people needed something,” Journalists.” For the United special.” “Dedication, consummate she said. Negro College Fund, she has professional, passionate about

30 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists 2018 STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Doni Holloway: A Journalism Prodigy

an active member of Carolina Association of Black Journalists and was a reporter and anchor for Carolina Week, UNC’s award- winning weekly newscast. No stranger to innovation, he created UNC’s first daily and social media driven newscast, Carolina Now, where he was an anchor and executive producer.

Holloway participated in the 2017 NABJ Student Multimedia Projects and anchored the NABJ News broadcast at WDSU- TV, the NBC affiliate in New Orleans. Building a supportive community in NABJ has inspired him to move forward and grow, he said.

After graduating from UNC- Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in media and journalism in May 2018, Holloway went to China as an international reporter before starting his job at Bloomberg in New York City.

“I think he is a perfect example of a student journalist of the were eventually picked up and in Education and Media, By Angelique Fulwood year,” McDonald said. “There are aired on Laurinburg’s Holloway’s list of accolades is no obstacles that can stand in community access channel. long and impressive. During his way. No barriers. He’s very his final year in high school, he oni Holloway’s experiences as resourceful.” D Holloway spent his high school became an Emma Bowen fellow a journalist is hallmarked by his years as productive and and interned at NBC News in tenacity. He knew exactly what In an era where the integrity of intentional with some of the top Washington, D.C., over multiple he wanted to be by the age of six. journalists are constantly under performing J-school college summers. He was accepted at A true prodigy from Laurinburg, attack, Holloway embodies the students. He won the national the University of North Carolina N.C, he got his start when he reasons why people continue to Teen Kids News contest for his at Chapel Hill in 2015. created and became editor of his have faith in the future of this reporting work on education. family’s newsletter, distributing industry. Created in 2003, the international Dr. Trevy McDonald, associate it to relatives around the country. half-hour weekly program professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, Driven even as a child, he has “My ultimate intention is highlights stories that are vividly remembers when been dedicated to building to always tell stories fairly, informative, educational and Holloway first came across her a platform for high-impact entertaining. radar. He contacted McDonald accurately, and thoroughly,” storytelling. via Facebook at the beginning of Holloway said. “Painting an His investigative journalism his senior year in high school. accurate and complete picture of Holloway had his first experience research on prescription drug She recalled that it was the first the people I interview is of in television news reporting for abuse amongst teenagers time she’s ever had a student paramount concern and a his middle school’s broadcast. earned him an honor from at such a young age reach responsibility I take seriously, By eighth grade, he became North Carolina’s Department out to her for guidance and especially in today’s media the news director and took the of Justice in a public service mentorship. landscape.” initiative to change the format announcement contest. He from a recorded broadcast to live. became a national youth “I’ve never seen another student Angelique Fullwood is a senior correspondent at the Washington like Doni,” McDonald, who is at Florida A&M University who is The fact that his high school majoring in broadcast Journalism & Media Conference the co-advisor for Carolina didn’t have a broadcast program journalism with a minor in at George Mason University in Association of Black Journalists did not slow Holloway down one political science. She was a July 2013. said. “ I have really good bit. As a one-man band Holloway member of the 2018 New York students at UNC, but Doni has conducted, edited and produced Times Student Journalism From participating in Disney this intense passion.” interviews of his school’s special Institute. Dreamer Academy to the Chuck guest speakers. These interviews Stone Program for Diversity While at UNC, Holloway became

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 31 PATRICIA L. TOBIN MEDIA AWARD

Wynona Redmond

Tobin’s Vision finds excellence, she inspires to its scholarship fund, said Woman Award, Rainbow Push professionals in all stages of Butler. “For the 2016 NABJ Region Corporate Partner Award for a familiar face in their careers to focus on things 5 Conference, Wyn-Win found Community Service, The Diane that matter,” she said. “Her clients to provide attendees’ Glenn Business Woman of 2018 Award recipient vision of PR is the respectful meals,” she continued. “I had the the Year Award, the YWCA of care of people and relationships, pleasure of serving on a panel Metropolitan Chicago Board Wynona Redmond power and resources.” Like with Winona at last year’s NABJ Recognition and a Hero in the Region II conference in Chicago, Hood Award. She is a graduate of Pat Tobin before her, Redmond and the insight she shared with Loyola University of Chicago with By Terry Allen balances her pro bono work and students about what it means a B.A. in Communications. income-generating services, to be a savvy public relations wrote Brenda Butler, executive ou could say that Wynona professional was really powerful,” Redmond is a visionary Y director of Columbia Links, a said Darci E. McConnell, president communications and Redmond, president and founder journalism, news literacy and of Wyn-Win Communications, was destined to be a recipient of NABJ’s 2018 Patricia L. Tobin Media Professional Award. She worked side by side with Tobin to found the National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS), serving as its first conference and programming chair its second president after Pat passed the baton to her.

“It’s emotional because I miss my friend and colleague, Pat Tobin. She was a big-hearted entrepreneur and one of my role models when I started Wyn-Win Communications five years ago. We both shared the definition of PR as people and relationships,” said Redmond. “Like Pat, I treasure the relationships I’ve had with NABJ and NBPRS professionals. All of us working to make our communities and students stronger.”

Before founding Chicago-based Wyn-Win Communications, Redmond led public affairs and community engagement efforts leadership development program and CEO of Detroit-based community engagement in the public and private sector for underserved youth in Chicago McConnell Communications, Inc. strategist who has worked at organizations including in her nomination letter. and winner of the 2016 Patricia L. more than 20 years to advocate Northstar Lottery Group, Tobin Media Professional Award. for good causes and build Dominick’s Finer Foods, the “For more than 20 years, she bridges between companies Illinois Department of Children provided in-kind resources “I’m excited that her work is and communities for mutual & Family Services, the Chicago and sponsorship dollars to being recognized with one of the success. Housing Authority and Cook community organizations. She’s industry’s highest honors.” County Hospital. also has generated sponsorships “Wynona has mentored and Redmond has received numerous assisted in job placements, for NABJ and its Chicago chapter, honors for her service and promotions and other career Standing on the shoulders of including securing Safeway/ giants, Redmond has never professional contributions moves for numerous now Dominick’s as a major sponsor including West Side NAACP successful professions,” said hesitated to reach back and of 2008 UNITY Conference,” Butler bring others along, said Communications Award, Target Butler. “She truly embodies the wrote. Market News PR Executive of spirit of the Pat Tobin award.” Raschanda L. Hall, Director the Year, Who’s Who In Black of Global Media Relations at In 2017, Redmond brought in Chicago, Chicago Defender Terry Allen is the president and Business Wire and president of organ donor service Gift of Women of Excellence, Top Ladies CEO of Dallas-based 1016 Media. the BPRS Chicago chapter, in her Hope as a major NABJ sponsor, of Distinction Orchid Honoree, He is also chair of the NABJ nomination letter. “A vigilant which also partnered with NABJ Today’s Black Woman Expo first Media-Related Professionals example of communications Chicago and donated $5,000 Launa Thompson/Phenomenal Task Force.

32 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists

Just as President Johnson As the 1954 Brown Decision largely ignored the Kerner would have remained just empty Commission’s conclusion that words had black students, and NABJ Reflections on the white racism was driving the later adults, not taken to the nation “toward two societies, streets and the lunch counters, one black, one white—separate the Kerner Report would have 50th Anniversary of the and unequal”; most newspapers landed in the wastebasket of in the republic discounted its LBJ--were it not for the early media recommendations that campaigning of black pioneer they must recruit, hire and fairly journalists who founded NABJ; so Kerner Report promote more blacks in order to much for white, altruism. better cover the news. None of this is to say that the By NABJ Founder Les Payne Well into the 1970’s, the modicum of success that NABJ media industry had blatantly has achieved over the years, and was as surprising to white failed to heed the Kerner for which it should be proud, The street action of the July Americans—including President Commission--to say nothing has transformed mainstream riots in Newark, in 1967, followed Johnson—as it was encouraging of the pronouncements of media into a paradigm of racial by Detroit two weeks later to African-Americans long under the U.S. Constitution and the fairness. Indeed, the current, highlighted African-Americans’ the jackboot. Bill of Rights. Instead, they tumultuous period of transition, long-standing racial intolerance promulgated a plethora of especially for newspapers, with the precipitating brutality Almost immediately, the urgency affirmative reaction programs has created a greater need of the uniformed, police/national of Kerner recommendations, they had no intentions of for vigorous and ever more guard. Typically, these armed released on Feb. 29, 1968, was enforcing. creative enterprise by dedicated agents of the state were not heightened critically by the members of NABJ and its held accountable for reckless assassination of Dr. Martin Thus a gathering of the few black supporters. and deadly terror against black Luther King--whose white journalists that had found their citizenry. (Sounds current?) killer escaped Memphis and way into the craft organized Currently, a half century after In the wake of such civil roamed the world free for some among themselves. Straightaway, the Kerner Commission’s sharp disorders in some 159 cities, 66 days. This gross lack of the charter members of the and earnest critique of racism President Lyndon B. Johnson accountability for terror against National Association of Black in America, its findings remain fielded a commission to African-Americans triggered Journalists set out to increase a beacon trained on the racial investigate causes and to make another round of revolt in cities their numbers dramatically misbehavior of those in power recommendations for change. across the nation. Still, with the within the industry, to improve and a study lamp—as well as a election of President Richard the treatment, recognition GPS system--for those struggling Thus it was the action of blacks “Law ‘n Order” Nixon, instead of and compensation of the few to make the republic and the affirming their discontent in “deliberate speed” enactment of already in place, all toward the world a better place for all its the streets that triggered the Kerner recommendations, they end of improving the horrible citizens and inhabitants. LBJ Administration hurriedly to were doomed by the White House media coverage of the domestic, concoct an affirmative reaction. and subject never to be realized. black communities and those Les Payne was a Pulitzer Prize- This pattern is not unlike the of the so-called Third World winning editor and columnist at ominous slave revolts that One of the few exceptions in populations abroad. Newsday. He is one of 44 NABJ ultimately drove Lincoln and media was Newsday that hired founders. the nation to react affirmatively six blacks, in 1969, including to this dastardly crime against me, under a policy directed by humanity by offering up self- publisher Bill Moyers. Perhaps serving pronouncements. not coincidentally, Moyers, while serving as President Johnson’s President Johnson started by Press Secretary had monitored seating the “National Advisory the ‘65 Watts riots, and the ’67 Commission on Civil Disorders.” revolt in Detroit and elsewhere, And among its 426-page report, and was privy to the planning this Kerner Commission indeed stages of the LBJ Commission, noted critically that, in 1968, “the including the selection of Illinois press has too long basked in a Gov. Otto Kerner. white world looking out of it, if at all, with white men’s eyes and However, as with the few white perspective.” other fair-minded newspaper managers, Moyers’ hiring The “journalistic profession,” the policy for blacks met enormous report noted, was “shockingly resistance from top Newsday backward in seeking out, editors and subsequently he, hiring, training, and promoting himself was let go reportedly Negroes. Fewer than 5 percent with bitter agreement by both of the people employed by the Newsday owners and the news business in editorial jobs acquiring Los Angeles Times in the United States today are that Moyers, who had been LBJ’s Negroes. Fewer than 1 percent liberal brain on White House of editors and supervisors are policy, was a “pinko, radical” Negroes, and most of them work misfit for white, Long Island for Negro-owned organizations.” suburbanites favoring Nixon and This sharp rebuke of the racial the Vietnam War. misbehavior of those in power

34 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists typewriter. I was always working the world over. It’s also visually on a fictional story. Only after stunning, and the deadlines are college did I realize that I wanted generally lax enough to allow to write as part of my career. So I for some creative exploration of took one journalism course and photo- and video-driven inter- fell in love with the profession. actives.

NJ: How did you end up at the NJ: Travel editor for the New York New York Times? Times is one of those highly cov- eted jobs. How did you get it? MD: When I was at Columbia Journalism School, one of my MD: I applied. The requirement professors, Nancy Sharkey, sug- was to write a memo, and I wrote gested that I try out for a copy one that distilled a vision for the editing internship and try to get section that I used to guide every placed at The Times. She was an decision I made while there. editing professor and thought that my ideas showed promise. NJ: How do you think your previ- I took a copy editing test for the ous jobs at the Times prepared Dow Jones Newspaper Fund. you for the assistant managing Then I went through their boot editor job? camp with Ed Trayes at Temple [University]. And then I was an MD: My previous jobs gave me intern on the Metro copy desk. great insight into team build- My internship was extended, and ing and the benefits of having they eventually hired me. a straightforward management style. Monica Drake: Another NJ: You started as a staff writer. What made you want to make the NJ: What does it mean for you to New York Times Trailblazer move to management as assis- be the first woman of color on tant editor, weekend arts? the Times masthead? By Benét J. Wilson MD: Oh, no, I have always been MD: I’m the first black woman on an editor! But I do write when the newsroom print masthead. spoke to the NABJ Journal about I’m moved to, and the secret is There have been Asian wom- hen The New York Times W landing at the Times, the joys of that there’s a lot of writing in en and there have been black made Monica Drake the first editing and listening to your gut. editing. You don’t rewrite stories women who were not involved in African-American woman to but you get to really think about journalism. I can’t wait for it to grace the Grey Lady’s masthead NABJ Journal: How did you de- structure and tone and all of the be so normal that it’s not even in December 2018 by naming her velop an interest in journalism? things that make writing fun. I worth mentioning. assistant managing editor for the also don’t find getting my byline paper’s special digital projects, attached to a story enough of NJ: What advice would you give the sound you heard was that of “My previous jobs gave an incentive to go through the students and young journalists a major glass ceiling breaking. reporting process! wanting to emulate your career me great insight into team path? During her tenure as the Times I moved to the arts because I travel editor, Drake created the building, and the benefits was interested in shaping stories MD: Stay open. Make sure you now-iconic yearly feature “52 of having a straightforward more than I could on the copy love what you do. Manage up Places to Go,” which puts a spot- desk, and by then I’d realized not just by being collegial but light on the cities, countries and management style. ” that I didn’t want to do hard by solving your boss’s problems regions readers should visit. Her news. rather than adding to them. And search for a journalist to visit listen to your gut, always. and write about the 52 places for Monica Drake: I first developed NJ: You moved to the travel desk 2018 went viral and led nearly an interest in writing. Even as a in 2010. What was so appealing 10,000 people to apply for the job young child, I was obsessed with about that job? Benét J. Wilson is the travel + — including me. writing books. I taped cardboard Rewards editor for MagnifyMon- and scrap paper together and MD: Haha, what’s not appealing ey.com and CompareCards.com. Drake’s first job was as an wrote stories, then my mother about it? Seriously, I have always She is immediate past VP-Digital editorial assistant at a division bought me journals and then loved stories, and travel is a way for NABJ. of Thomson publishing. She gave me free reign to use her of telling the stories of people

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 35 NABJ Visual Task Force Celebrates Co-founder Felecia Henderson

By Oralandar Brand-Williams

but by doing the right type of The intersection of images and work (and) producing the kind of the written word is the one of the journalism that people wanted to foundations of journalism. read,” she said.

For visual journalists, carefully Henderson was first introduced placed images consisting of to design as a copy editor at pictures, typography and other the Cincinnati Post when she forms of moving visuals are was asked to layout a half page a cornerstone in which they for the newspaper’s religion tell their stories. For Felecia page. Her career as a visual Henderson, assistant managing journalist was launched at The editor for features at The Detroit Detroit News, a path that set her News, compelling images help on a course to oversee other drive news stories. page designers as assistant managing editor of features and “Pictures and typography matter presentation at The News in 2007. her to design The News She’s the perfect example of an because they convey messages,” following the death of Michael African-American journalist.” said Henderson, a long-time One of her proudest moments as Jackson in June 2009. “We member of NABJ and a founder a visual journalist, Henderson sat there discussing ideas Henderson has received of its Visual Task Force. “(A news said, was being part of the award- while fighting back tears,” recognitions, honors and page) has to be appealing to winning team that produced the said Hightower. “Felecia said awards as a visual journalist, catch the reader’s eye. It’s having “Who Speaks for Black America” this page has to sing. It has including six from the Society of an understanding of how to guide series published by The Detroit to be something special. That Newspaper Design, where she the reader.” News in 1992, which examined became the theme for the page. has served on the organization’s the relevance of traditional civil I put together a timeline with a Board of Directors as diversity The NABJ Visual Task Force was rights organizations. Another musical scale detailing points in chair. formed in 1991 by 15 journalists, favorite was the newspaper’s including Henderson, to put special section on the retirement his life and career. emphasis on the work and of Thurgood Marshall, the first In the foreground, was an iconic The Louisville native served as craft of visual journalists, African American appointed to photo of Michael on stage in one president of the Detroit Chapter photographers, designers and the U.S. Supreme Court. of his fist-clinching, powerful for the National Association of others who help bring news dose poses. Later Felecia came Black Journalists from 2014-2017. stories to life by ensuring news “In her great tenure at The News, over and said ‘Wow that is so Other awards and honors include stories have captivating images Felecia has managed our visual cool…I still can’t believe this. Even an Award of Excellence from the to help draw readers and viewers efforts and most important she in grief, Felecia’s professionalism Detroit Society of Professional in. always has provided a great and leadership has always shown Journalists, the Michigan Press creative eye to the presentations through.’” Keith Hadley, veteran Association and the Gannett Susan Mango Curtis, an associate at hand,” said Detroit News professor for visual journalism in photo and visual journalist and Corp. Henderson is the widow the Medill School of Journalism Publisher Jonathan Wolman. “Her another founding member of of Angelo B. Henderson, a at Northwestern University and versatility has been a huge asset the NABJ Visual Task Force, said Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Henderson were the two women to the newsroom where she is Henderson “was a good advocate and former two-term NABJ on the founding committee for constantly integrating a sense of (for visual journalism)”. Parliamentarian. the NABJ Visual Task Force and content and style.” have shared discussions on “She was always around (the Oralandar Brand-Williams covers visual journalism ever since. Aaron Hightower, a former NABJ and SND) conventions,” criminal, civil and federal courts “Felecia successfully crashed graphics artist for The Detroit said Hadley, now CEO of his for The Detroit News. She is a that boys club (of the male- News, credits Henderson for own multi-media production former vice-president-print for dominated design industry). But helping him grow as a visual company HIP. “She gave good the Detroit chapter of the NABJ. we had to do it not by hanging journalist. He recalls working with around and being one of the boys advice. Always mentoring.

36 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists opposed to only being seen through womb and when you die, you’re a political lens. One of her most a part of the healthcare system. Parlaying a Passion for successful endeavors, “Dangerous This is how it works. It is very Deliveries,” is a resource guide that personal for the person who focuses on the high mortality rate has cancer, is struggling with Wellness into a Health of women in Texas. diabetes or other diseases. There are many who simply can’t NABJ Journal quizzed Evans, afford the cost of preventive Journalism Career one of a select group of black care. There are people who make journalists covering health care, a healthy income and they are about the latest on the beat. opting out of health insurance. By Stephanie Guerilus There are also those who have On how long she’s been covering seen their monthly premiums health: skyrocket. But not everyone “I’ve been a health reporter understands.” since I got out of college. When it comes to Black people On uninsured people: and healthcare, it’s not being “The plight of the uninsured discussed a lot. What I do really is an ongoing storyline at embodies the kind of journalism this point, such as what that we should all be doing as a types of strategies have been public service.” implemented in their lives that they don’t go to the doctor. How covering health has Everyone wants to grin and bear changed her own lifestyle it until there comes a point you choices: no longer can. Health insurance “I feel like nothing has really is going to look different for every changed for me, but doing this single person. It’s not going to helps me see my own privilege.” look the same.”

On the “Dangerous Deliveries” The importance of practicing project: self-care: “It was a month’s long project “I really want people to think that looked at the mortality about self-care and follow it. rate in Texas and some of the As long as it’s something that systematic factors involved as helps you decompress, that’s to why women were dying in all that matters. The news cycle childbirth. Some of the reasons can be very difficult for black were high blood pressure and journalists to process. There’s so a lack of health insurance, much crime and violence. It can especially from those who come be emotionally taxing but also from certain lower-income empowering to want to do more.” communities. In many places, there hasn’t been an expansion How she decompresses: of Medicaid and the Affordable “For me, it’s a combination of Care Act has not been pushed things. It’s not always being on work has appeared in CQ Roll to make women aware of what Twitter and knowing when to arissa Evans is a woman Call, NBC BLK, Cosmo for Latinas M resources they have available to be on my couch and reading a living and practicing her and The Washington Post. them. book.” purpose. A health and human Evans joined the Texas Tribune services reporter for The Texas in October 2016. Since then, she There are so many rural Stephanie Guerilus is a native of Tribune, she has long had a has been diligent in reporting hospitals closing and women Brooklyn, N.Y. and the daughter on the hottest topics in the passion for wellness. don’t always know what to of Haitian immigrants. Stephanie healthcare arena, including ask. So a resource guide was holds a Bachelor of Arts degree reproductive rights, contracting An alumni of the Marquette created and crowd-sourced from in Journalism from Temple errors by local health agencies University in Milwaukee, Evans readership to help people get a University and is a multimedia and the rising number of women has been a health reporter since better understanding.” journalist and published author. dying in childbirth. her graduation in 2013. That She is also secretary of the is also the same year she was How healthcare has become so New York Association of Black Her approach has to put the recognized as the NABJ Student political: Journalists. discussion into personal terms of the Year. Since that time, her “When you’re born from the that resonate with readers, as

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 37

live entertainment throughout NEWS FROM THE NABJ REGIONS the conference provided by the Afrikuume Utidbe Drummers. The conference ended with a light The four NABJ Regions have been busy since the beginning of 2018, and casual reception at the Ridge with three conferences, new chapters and topic-driven monthly events. Hotel on the Lower Eastside, with food sponsored by Katz’s Deli. Here’s what they’ve been up to. Conference goers later danced the night away at an impromptu closing party at Ginny’s under the Red The Center allowed companies and Region I Rooster in Harlem. area graduate schools to share what By Johann Calhoun they do, along with interviewing News and Special Projects Editor The Region I team is grateful for applicants on the spot. This year’s The Philadelphia Tribune the space provided by the CUNY Career Center tripled the number of Graduate School of Journalism participating companies in the job for the Diversity & Management fair from four to 12. Region I hosted its 2018 conference training; the NYU Arthur L. Carter in New York City in April. That event Institute for Journalism as the site The conference weekend kicked off broke a previous fundraising record, of this year’s Career Center; and the with an opening reception hosted exceeding the conference numbers NYU School of Law as the site of the by the New York Association of from Philadelphia in 2017 and general conference. Baltimore in 2016 combined. Black Journalists at Bloomberg’s headquarters in Midtown Region II Entitled the “Global Diversity Manhattan. Proceeds from the By Vickie Thomas Summit: A Synergy of Best Practices opening reception were given to Reporter, WWJ/Entercom Radio Detroit for a Growing Multicultural NYABJ chapter President Julie Landscape in the Digital Age,” the Walker. gathering was spread across two Among the conference highlights days bringing together more than It has been a very busy 2018 for were: a moving morning keynote 300 journalists, communication NABJ Region II. The year kicked address by Zain Asher, an anchor professionals and students from off with planning a successful on CNN International; an inspiring across the U.S. Northeast region. regional conference — under the luncheon keynote by author and The conference offered many firsts, theme “Innovation, Investigation, activist Kevin Powell of British including a half-day Diversity & Inspiration: Media Matters” — in GQ Magazine; and Monica Drake, Management Training session Indianapolis on April 20-21, 2018. The New York Times’ Assistant organized by Co-region I Deputy Highlights included a session Managing Editor, who spoke about Director Nicki Mayo. The training on the elements of investigative the #MeToo movement during an was specifically crafted for for reporting featuring Ron Nixon, evening keynote. mid-level editors, supervisors and Washington correspondent for The student newsroom leaders. New York Times and co-founder Other notable speakers at the of the Ida B. Wells Society for conference included Matthew This year’s conference also Investigative Reporting. Building Winkler, co-founder of Bloomberg witnessed a return of last year’s upon that session, a team from News, the Rev. Al Sharpton and successful Career Center and Job The Indianapolis Star detailed former White House Social Secretary Fair, organized by by Co-Region I how they used elements of Deesha Dyer. There was also Deputy Director Khristopher Brooks. investigative reporting to break

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 39 the USA Gymnastics story that led help of Toyota, the chapter awarded and the members Houston Area to the conviction of serial child a scholarship to University of Association of Black Journalists molester and ousted Michigan Minnesota student Dijon McCain where wonderful hosts, arranging at that event. The chapter also State University physician Dr. a television interview for president engaged in relationship-building Larry Nassar. The conference also Sarah Glover on “The Isaiah Factor,” with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, attracted college and high school the first black mayor of St. Paul, on KRIV-TV. students who took advantage Minn. Twin Cities also awarded two of one-on-one mentoring and scholarships (up from one last year) The board meeting included chats critiquing sessions. for students to attend the 2018 with Houston Chronicle Managing convention in Detroit. Editor Vernon Loeb, community A week later, NABJ-Chicago teamed leaders and representatives from Speaking of the Motor City, the up with NAHJ-Chicago for a joint job area news operations. There was Detroit Chapter NABJ held a fair that exceeded all expectations. also a meet-and-greet with Mayor successful event for NABJ’s Second With a goal of promoting diversity in Annual Black Male Media Project Sylvester Turner. local newsrooms, the event drew 32 on June 2. The chapter’s forum regional and local news outlets, and was titled, “Everybody v. Black There were also one-on-one a whopping 200 job seekers, ranging Men: How the Media Views Us.” It chats with some of the 10 Region from college students and recent attracted more than 150 people to III journalists still struggling to grads to downsized mid- and late- Wayne State University’s Law School recover from the devastating auditorium to discuss how the news career journalists. impact of Hurricanes Harvey and media covers black men. Maria in the summer of 2017. They

Outlets representing TV network Panelists included Detroit City have shown resilience in the face affiliates, newspapers, radio Councilman James Tate; Kenneth of overwhelming circumstances, stations, magazines and digital Reed with the Coalition Against and the NABJ board awarded news sites throughout the Midwest Police Brutality; activist and author supplemental checks to help them sent recruiters to Chicago from Yusef Shakur; Odis Bellinger, with their long recovery. as far away as Milwaukee and founder of Building Better Men mentoring program; and LaMar Indianapolis. Seasoned Chicago The crown jewel of 2018 so far was Price II and Trevon Martin, with the journalists critiqued resumes, clips the regional conference held April Detroit City Youth Opportunities and reels. Northwestern University’s Magazine. The event was moderated 4-6 in Atlanta. President Carol Gantt Medill School of Journalism by Andrew Humphrey, a lifetime and the members of the Atlanta sponsored the venue, and other NABJ member and meteorologist Association of Black Journalists sponsors provided breakfast and reporter at WDIV-TV in Detroit. performed remarkably in support and lunch for participants, of the sold-out conference. There This local version of the NABJ Region III were so many pre-registered annual convention job fair drew By Ken Lemon attendees that registration was overwhelmingly positive feedback Reporter, stopped three days before the start from recruiters and job seekers — Cox Media Group - WSOC Charlotte of the conference. The conference who immediately insisted they want planning team, led by program co- to participate again! chairs Dr. Sybril Brown and Region III Deputy Director Jaya Franklin, The Twin Cities Black Journalists 2018 began with a strong start masterfully organized sessions with hosted an event, Media Soul Bowl, for NABJ’s Region III, with NABJ’s certification and hands-on training welcoming sports writers and first national board meeting of led by CNN, Google News Lab and partners to the 2018 Super Bowl in the year held in Houston. Local Investigative Reporters and Editors. Minneapolis. With the generous chapter President Jerome Solomon

40 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists NABJ President Sarah Glover received of South Carolina NABJ. Work is a warm welcome and special already under way to add two In 2017, NABJ-LA put on was an proclamation from Felecia Moore, more professional and one more anniversary event for former president of the Atlanta City Council, collegiate chapter to the group. chapter president and 2018 NABJ who acknowledged the work of NABJ. Lifetime Achievement Award The 320+ attendees were there to Region IV recipient Beverly White, who recognize the dedication of Region By Terry Collins celebrated 25 years working at III Achievers Sandra Combs and Freelance journalist, NBC4. Stan Washington. San Francisco This January, NABJ-LA and the The conference could not have been L.A. Times awarded $5,000 in done without the hard work of the scholarships to six area college Region III planning committee and There’s a common theme that journalism students. The following the generosity of sponsors Southern these Region IV chapters share: month, NABJ-LA was recognized by Company, AIDS Healthcare Foundation Supporting and motivating each the L.A. City Council President Herb and its Black Leadership AIDS other, and helping aspiring Wesson and his colleagues as part Coalition, Wells Fargo, The U.S. Virgin journalists succeed. of a City Hall exhibit titled “Write Islands, Moët Hennessy, Coca Cola, in America,” that paid tribute to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, CNN, NABJ - Los Angeles local Black journalists during Black Capital Broadcasters, Fifth Third Bank, History Month. Google Fiber and Raycom Media. The Los Angeles chapter is poised to In June, as part of NABJ’s Black Male Two journalists with long legacies become one of the most influential Media Project, more than 150 people passed this year. We acknowledge in all of NABJ. Within the past year, attended the L.A. chapter’s riveting of a life of service ended too soon the chapter elected a new board discussion, “Images of Black Men in for Amanda Davis, anchor at WGCL that includes President Tre’vell Media.” Panelists included “Queer Atlanta and Getahn Ward, a professor Anderson of the Los Angeles Times Eye” host Karamo Brown, “Access at Tennessee State University and and Vice President Jarrett Hill of Hollywood” correspondent Scott a reporter for The Tennessean. Both NBCBLK. Evans, actor and comedian Lil’ Rel passed in late 2017 with home going Howery and “TMZ” producer Van services in 2018. The chapter hosts lively monthly Lathan. There’s plans for similar

meetings featuring distinguished event for women. Where their loss leaves a hole, guests and panelists on a variety others fill in the gaps. It gives of topics including how to cover BABJA (Bay Area Black Journalists me great pride to grant Region President Trump, how social Association) III Director’s Awards this year to media is impacting our jobs as four people for excellence and journalists, how immigration is a commitment to work on a local level black issue, too, the importance of BABJA assembled its new board in — Jerry Goodwin, Russell LaCour, black media and covering LGBTQ January: President Willard Ogan, Tamara Wilson and Kerry Charles. communities better. One meeting managing editor for the NBCSN

featured news managers from Sports Group in San Francisco; In March, Region III added four new NBC4 and the Los Angeles Times VP-Broadcast Christin Ayers, a NABJ collegiate chapters — NABJ discussing newsroom diversity, reporter at KPIX-TV, San Francisco; Clark Atlanta, Fayetteville State employment opportunities and VP-Multimedia Davey D, a long-time Association of Black Journalists, news philosophies. talk radio/podcast host; Secretary NABJ at Georgia State and University

National Association of Black Journalists SUMMER 2018 | NABJ.ORG | 41 Niema Jordan, a freelance writer/ Scholarship Gala honoring the best editor; Treasurer Sarah Allen, an In November, SDABJ also had in local media from print to PR. And online media program manager at a successful “Pro for a Day,” a for the second year, it will honor Monster.com; and Parliamentarian journalism boot camp for college an Influencer of the Year award John Ellis, a long-time BABJA students. They got to work side- for those who are approaching member who runs his own PR by-side with pros, as the aspiring journalism from a modern company. journalists write, edit and shoot perspective, including podcasting their own stories during the boot and social media. BABJA gave away a $2,500 student camp, gaining valuable experience scholarship in partnership with San along the way, Wade said. Arizona Association of Black Jose State University to a student Journalists (AZABJ) majoring in ether kinesiology or In February, SDABJ held a panel sports journalism, thanks to help discussion, “Is Your Job Killing from the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. You? How To Cope With Stress The Arizona Association of Black BABJA also received a substantial When Working in the Media,” for Journalists has been busy in donation from NABJ Hall of Famer local journalists about the toll their 2018, said AZABJ President Warren and broadcasting legend Belva jobs take. Participating therapists Trent. This includes holding events Davis that the chapter will use for stressed the importance of self- about voting rights, “Black Love its annual scholarship fund. care. They also emphasized simple Matters” in Phoenix, the impact of concepts, including getting enough the blockbuster movie and Black sleep and exercise to more complex Panther and learning “Effective San Diego Association of Black actions, including taking part in Digital and Social Media Strategies.” (SDABJ) critical-incident stress debriefings after reporting on a huge stories like It also had another lively Black Male school shootings. Media Project discussion on topics San Diego Association of Black including the NFL’s national anthem Journalists President Shelley Wade Colorado Association of Black protests, Starbucks‘ diversity reported that the chapter had a Journalists (CABJ) training, #BlackLivesMatter and productive 2017 by giving nearly social media as a tool. away nearly $5,000 in scholarships. NBC San Diego anchor-reporter The Colorado Association of Black On the college chapter front, Omari Fleming was named SDABJ’s Journalists has developed a about a dozen students at Loyola Member of the Year. Quarterly Journalism Networking Marymount University in Los Series, which focused on bringing Angeles were approved in April to Also in 2017, SDABJ partnered with media professionals at various start a college chapter. Many of the Broadway San Diego’s Ben Vereen stages of their careers to share their students are active on campus and Awards on a new opportunity for journeys with attendees. This was have interned at networks like NBC, high school students interested impactful in that it created mentor CBS and publications including in journalism. The National High relationships between up-and- Teen Vogue. School Musical Theatre Awards coming journalists and those who (The Jimmy Awards) asked SDABJ have already paved the way, said Discussions continue to hold a to help find local student reporters President Gabrielle Bryant. Region IV conference in spring 2019 to go to New York City to cover the in Los Angeles. competition on the official Jimmy Awards and the reporters’ own This fall, CABJ will hold its 31st social network channels. Annual Media Awards and

42 | NABJ.ORG | SUMMER 2018 National Association of Black Journalists SHEILA BROOKS SHANICA JOHNSON Dr. Brooks has published her first Johnson was named producer book, entitled, “Lucile H. Bluford NABJ at CBS’ Network affiliate and the Kansas City Call: Activist service Newspath. She Voice for Social Justice.” She is a former NABJ board member, founder previously served as associate of the NABJ Student Projects, MEMBERS ON producer with CBS. three-time winner of the NABJ President’s Award, and current member of NABJ’s strategic planning THE MOVE implementation committee. ROCHELLE RILEY Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley received the PHILIP MARTIN Lifetime Achievement Award from Martin was named the winner of the the Sigma Delta Chi Award VICKIE THOMAS the Detroit chapter of the Society for Investigative Reporting (1-100 Thomas received the “Working of Professional Journalists and Market or Network Syndication) in the Spirit of Diversity became a new author of “The for his four-part 2017 public radio Award” from the Wayne State Burden” African Americans and series “The Gangs of Nantucket.” University Journalism Program the Enduring Impact of Slavery.” He was named as one of Boston’s in Detroit, MI. She currently 100 Most Influential People of serves as NABJ’s Region II Color in Communications and Director. KIM WYNNE Media by Get Konnected. Wynne was named a reporter at WKRN-TV in Nashville, Tenn. She previously spent four years at WGHP in Greensboro, N.C. SIDNEY WRIGHT IV Wright was named senior KARLA REDDITTE producer of CNN Newsroom Redditte was named anchor of with Fredricka Whitfield. He the 5, 6, and 11 p.m broadcasts previously served as line at WWBT NBC12 in Richmond, producer on the show. Va. She previously anchored the 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. shows at CHERRI GREGG the station. Gregg has launched “Flashpoint,” a weekly public affairs radio show at KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia. She serves as the KELCIE WILLIS show’s creator, host and producer. Willis was named content She also produces the Flashpoint editor at Cox Media Group’s CAROL GANTT Podcast, an extended version of National Content Desk. She Gantt has joined AIB-Atlanta the show with exclusive content. previously served as associate Interfaith Broadcasters as the content editor. manager of programming and Production. She was previously JAMILA BATCHELOR an associate producer at CNN. Batchelor was awarded an Emmy for team news coverage at the 2017 Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Awards. She is a producer for WLWT-TV in Cincinnati. CHRISTINA TAPPER Tapper was named managing editor of B/R Mag, the DAKARAI AARONS storytelling division at Bleacher Aarons was named the manager Report. She previously served of education communications as a deputy managing editor TERRA BRANTLEY at the Chan Zuckerberg at Bleacher Report. She was Brantley was promoted to anchor Initiative in Palo Alto, CA. He named one of Folio Magazine’s the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts previously led communications Top Women in Media in 2018. for the National Education at WANE-TV in Fort Wayne, Ind. Advocacy Group Data Quality She previously anchored the Campaign in Washington, D.C. station’s First News weekday broadcast for 25 years and is the Imani Crenshaw is an award winning Journalist and freelance longest-serving African-American host. She is a 2017 graduate of Hampton University with a B.A in news anchor in Indiana. Journalism.

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