Meet NABJ's Journalist of the Year

table of contents

SUMMER 2013 | Vol. 31, No. 1 Official Publication of the National Association of Black Journalists NABJ Staff EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Maurice Foster FINANCE MANAGER Nathaniel Chambers MEMBERSHIP MANAGER Veronique Dodson PROGRAM MANAGER Jannice Hodge DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Harry Carter OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Scott Berry CONSULTANT Meet NABJ’s Journalist Paul Brock of the Year STAFF ACCOUNTANT Iris Smoote 14 From the President 4 COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Kyleah Starling Tombstone dedicated to founder 7 PROGRAM ASSISTANT Convention broadens opportunities Faith Jessie for associate members 19 NABJ Journal Staff Repositioning6 and Reclamation Bonnie Newman Davis, Editor Members on the move 22 Russel LaCour, Copy Editor NABJ presidential candidates square off Scott Berry, Managing Editor for 2013-2015 Veronique Dodson, Circulation Manager Harry Carter, Advertising Manager Sheldon Sneed, Design & Layout Sarah Glover, Photography CONTRIBUTORS Meet this year’s Kimberly N. Alleyne 8 honorees Wayne Dawkins The 2013 Honor Lesly Simmons Awardees are the best and Benet J. Wilson brightest in the industry Roderick Hicks Rochelle Riley Misty Starks Manuel McDonnell Smith

Summer 2013 | nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 3 From the President

NABJ BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dear NABJ Family, PRESIDENT Gregory Lee Jr., South Florida It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Summer 2013 edition Sun Sentinel of the NABJ Journal. We are proud to host our 38th Annual Convention this summer in sunny Orlando, FL. VICE PRESIDENT/BROADCAST Bob Butler This edition of the Journal is our Convention Issue. Throughout the pages you KCBS Radio will see our annual award winners of NABJ’s highest honors. These journalists are truly the best and brightest stars in the industry, and we are happy to VICE PRESIDENT/PRINT Errin Haines Whack celebrate their achievements this summer at the national convention. Washington Post You will read about our Journalist of the Year, Roland S. Martin. Roland has SECRETARY had an enviable career as a multimedia journalist, becoming a respected and Lisa D. Cox trusted voice in print, on air and online. He is unapologetic about his quest KTLA-TV Los Angeles/Tribune to provide well-rounded coverage of the African-American community, and to provide unique insights to diverse audiences across the many platforms on TREASURER Keith Reed which he is asked to contribute on a regular basis. We are proud to recognize ESPN The Magazine him for his work.

PARLIAMENTARIAN In this issue, you will also read about our Legacy Award winner, the late, Ted Cindy George Holtzclaw. For those who knew and loved Ted, this is a tremendous honor. Ted Houston Chronicle loved NABJ and his legacy will live on in the organization through the generations of journalists he touched in the NABJ Short Course at North Carolina REGION I DIRECTOR Sherlon Christie A&T State University, and is a fitting tribute to an industry leader who changed Asbury Park Press the trajectory of the career paths of numerous broadcast professionals.

REGION II DIRECTOR We are also proud to honor our Pat Tobin Award Winner, Dawn Kelley of Corey Dade Prudential. She is a long-time associate member and rainmaker whose counsel National Public Radio is much sought after, and she always answers NABJ’s call to serve. Much like the visionary Pat Tobin, Dawn has a vision not just for herself, but also for more REGION III DIRECTOR Dedrick Russell women of color to move to the front office, and occupy the C-Suite. She is a WBTV, LLC/Raycom Media dynamic and well-respected communications and media professional. We are delighted that we have the opportunity to recognize her contributions. REGION IV DIRECTOR A. J. Ross This is truly a great issue, and this year promises to be one of the best conven- WKYC-TV (Cleveland) tions to date. In addition to awarding these honors, our annual convention is an invaluable opportunity to receive thousands of dollars worth of training REGION V DIRECTOR Mary Benton through our workshops and learning labs, a chance to reconnect with your KPRC-TV (NBC) friends and colleagues from across the country, and a time to kick back with your NABJ family. REGION VI DIRECTOR Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig Together, let’s recharge our mind, body, and spirit! May you leave here empow- shades Magazine ered and inspired. ASSOCIATE REPRESENTATIVE Dawn Roberts Gregory Lee Jr. KD Communications Group President, National Association of Black Journalists

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE Wesley Lowery Boston Globe POSTMASTER: ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: ADDRESS ALL CORRESPODENCE TO: Send address changes to: Advertising Inquires: NABJ journal National Association of Black Journalists Please call: (301) 405-0248 1100 Knight Hall, Suite 3100 1100 Knight Hall, Suite 3100 College Park, MD 20742 College Park, MD 20742 (301) 405-0248

4 | National Association of Black Journalists | nabj.org | Summer 2013 From the Executive Director

To my NABJ Family,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the convention edition of the NABJ Journal.

The 2013 NABJ Convention and Career Fair, themed “People, Purpose, Passion: The Power of NABJ,” inspires us to remember NABJ’s mission and its legacy of excellence and service to black journalists worldwide.

This year’s convention in Orlando, FL offers something for everyone from seasoned professionals to young journalists. The development workshops will help you increase your knowledge of new media and enhance your skills, and the plenary sessions will challenge your perspective on hot-button issues. Also, you’ll have the opportunity to have some fun at the special events featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment.

NABJ continues to thrive in keeping our mission to provide professional development, technical training, and entrepreneurial guidance for our members.

Thank you for all that you do to make NABJ an industry leader.

Yours in service, Maurice Foster, Esq. Executive Director National Association of Black Journalists

Summer 2013 | nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 5 MOBILE APP

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6 | National Association of Black Journalists | nabj.org | Summer 2013

App Ad for Program Book.indd 1 6/19/2013 2:50:18 PM UP CLOSE A SEASON FOR REPOSITIONING AND RECLAMATION NABJ Presidential Candidates Vie for 2013-2015

By Kimberly N. Alleyne touches on tra- Glover says. “I’ll research other revenue models s journalists through- ditional and new to fund the organization in new ways. And I’m out the country pre- media in the form a people-finder and consensus-builder, and pare for the National of webinars and skilled at getting people to participate — I really Association of Black in-person one-day want to get our members excited again. I want Journalists’ 38th annu- trainings, and also to make NABJ stronger and better.” al Convention and Ca- Google Hangouts RIGHT TIME reer Fair in Orlando, to engage chapters Asked why he chose to run for president, Fla., national board across the country. Butler says, “I have been a board member for of directors’ candi- These are ways three terms, so running for president was a A dates are stumping to every member can logical extension of my service. And I have the declare their respective visions for newsrooms access training no skills and experience to lead the organization. I and the future of NABJ. The elections fall amid matter what zip won’t need time to get up to speed. I don’t need continuing newsroom layoffs (recently seen BUTLER code you’re in.” that time. I can hit the ground running.” with the entire photography staff at the Chicago MONEY, Glover points to her institutional memory as Sun-Times), along with the news industry’s MEMBERSHIP a NABJ member for two decades. struggle for profitability and relevancy in the AND DAY ONE “I’d like to serve the organization at the high- digital age. Finances and est office,” she says. “I’ve been in the trenches Five of NABJ’s 14 director seats are contested funding have for 20 years, and that gives me a unique for the 2013-2015 term, including the presi- always driven perspective. I feel strongly that my professional dent’s seat -- a race between Bob Butler, a KCBS NABJ’s ability to growth can help the organization and also in- radio reporter in San Francisco, and Sarah provide for its dividual members get through career setbacks Glover, a social media editor at NBC10 Phila- members. Butler is they may experience. delphia. Butler and Glover point to their board quick to point out “Going through a layoff, being unemployed experience and professional backgrounds as NABJ is in good for four months, and then landing at a top-five proof of their ability to ensure NABJ’s sustained financial health. “I station in a digital role gives me a unique per- growth. Such growth includes programs that joined the Board spective,” Glover continues. “There are lessons provide career transition and training support in 2007 and we learned I can share with the organization, and for members, a review of current committees, inherited debt help members be better positioned in their own programs and procedures, and greater transpar- GLOVER from the previous careers.” ency regarding NABJ’s finances. board. We have Online voting opened May 31 and runs STABILITY IN LIVELIHOOD since repaid all of our debt, all of our bills, and through Aug. 2. A National Candidates Forum For Butler, currently vice president for broad- we have money in the bank,” he says. is scheduled for Aug. 1, at the Gaylord Palms cast, members’ No. 1 needs are clear. “We’ve cleaned up a lot of financial issues, Resort & Convention Center (Time TBA as of “Jobs. Our members need jobs,” says Butler and also now have a financial reporting system.” printing). The 2013-2015 Board of Directors “We must offer the training we need to stay If elected, Butler says he immediately will will be announced soon after Election Day vot- competitive in the industry. I will explore what explore training opportunities for members. “I ing closes on 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2. kind of training we can do at the local level to will address with my board what our priorities To review all NABJ board candidates and help our members. are for 2014; I’ll make the budget a discussion their profiles, visit: “Every journalist should be trained as a point in those meetings. I also will look at the https://nabj.site-ym.com digital journalist,” Butler adds. “You have to be current committees, procedures, awards, elec- able to do that. The days of doing just one thing tions, as all of these things need review.” Kimberly N. Alleyne is a writer in Northern are g on e .” Glover, too, will make the budget a priority, Virginia. She is founder and chief editor of Re- Having transitioned from print to digital and and has a particular interest in adding a height- portingonDisparities.com. broadcast media, Glover also touts the benefits ened level of transparency. of cross-training and multimedia. “It’s as simple as an annual report; and “Technology should be integrated into ev- members need quarterly updates about the erything we do as journalists,” says Glover, who organization’s finances. Many perception issues served three terms on NABJ’s board. “I’d like to are based on communication issues, so commu- expand the Media Institute to include skills- nication such as an annual report and budget based programming. We’d offer training that updates can diminish inaccurate perceptions,”

Summer 2013 | nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 7 Emerging Journalist of the Yea r FOLLOWING THE DREAM Yamiche Alcindor, NABJ’s Emerging Journalist of the Year. By Manuel McDonnell-Smith tanding at the entrance to Credit Suisse’s imposing headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, Yamiche Alcindor had to make a decision. “The economy was way down and I was going through hell,” she recalls. “I was about to graduate from college, and I didn’t have a S job yet. I knew deep inside that I didn’t want to work there, but this was my chance to interview for something on Wall Street.” Fortunately, for Alcindor, and the communi- File photo ties she serves as a breaking news reporter for was born in Haiti, where the culture does not USA Today, she decided not to go in. It’s been a have high regard for journalists,” says Alcindor. decision that took a while to pay off, but things “Moving to Miami, I remember falling in love are finally coming full circle. In April, the NABJ with the Miami Herald. I grew up reading that Board of Directors selected Alcindor as the paper and the reporters who covered neighbor- 2013 Emerging Journalist of the Year Award hoods like Little Haiti.” recipient. Upon learning that she was receiv- From those stories, Alcindor learned that ing the same honor bestowed previously to the great journalism is more than just reporting New York Daily News’ Michael Feeney (2010) stories about the latest crime, fire, or heinous and Newsday’s Kimberly Martin (2011) came as act that occurred on the block. It’s about discov- “To be recognized a surprise to the humble Alcindor. ering the reasons why those things happen in “It just so happened that my mom was visit- the first place. “Journalists have an incredible ing when President (Gregory) Lee called to responsibility to tell important stories,” she among peers break the news,” she recalls. “We were both ec- says. “I believe in being the voice for vulnerable static. I knew about the NABJ award, my mom populations.” who have shown knew of this NABJ award, and I have friends Alcindor will receive her award at NABJ’s who previously won the award, so I knew what 38th Annual Convention & Career Fair in July. an honor it was to receive it.” It will cap a summer of big changes for her both me the hard work The NABJ Board of Directors selected professionally and personally. Alcindor because of her compelling on-scene “This summer, I’ll be relocating to New York and dedication it reports from stories that have dominated City, where I will be based out of USA Today’s national headlines in recent months. In 2012, bureau , while pursuing my graduate degree at she traveled to Sanford, Fla. to cover the killing New York University,” she says. As for the im- takes to be a of teenager Trayvon Martin. Later that year, her mediate future, she plans on just taking it all in. work took her to Newtown, Conn. to cover the “To be recognized among peers who have black journalist Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. shown me the hard work and dedication it In Newtown, where a lone gunman shot and takes to be a black journalist is something killed 26 children and teachers, the incident not special….. I feel blessed to have been given the is something only stirred emotions, but sparked a national support and opportunities needed to tell the debate over gun violence in the United States. stories I have told.” special.” “It is inspiring to see young journalists like Until then, she’ll keep working hard to live up Yamiche take advantage of every opportunity to the examples that her NABJ mentors have set presented them to learn, to grow, and to thrive,” for her. “Every time I can’t come up with good says NABJ President Gregory Lee, Jr. “This is stories, or have more than a day of free time, I surely just the beginning of what will be a richly get worried,” says Alcindor. “I think I’m going rewarding career for a talented young woman.” to fail.” But success is not about high-profile assignments, or national recognition for this young Manuel McDonnell-Smith is a web managing journalist; it’s about the opportunity to serve. “I editor for DiversityInc Media.

8 | National Association of Black Journalists | nabj.org | Summer 2013 Journalism Educator of the Year THE ACCIDENTAL PROFESSOR Michelle Johnson, the 2013 Journalism Educator of the Year and associate professor of the practice in multimedia journalism at Boston University, actually fell into the profession by accident.

By Benét J. Wilson left the Boston Globe in 1996 and started freelanc- ing, helping people build websites and writing,” she recalled. “But during my time at the Globe and beyond, I was always involved with what was “I then the Dow Jones high school workshop.” She was also a mainstay “I decided a as a National Association of Black Journalists Student Projects mentor. Johnson said a friend who worked on the long time ago high school program was also a professor at BU. “She said I should teach because I’m good with to help kids. I didn’t want to do it, because my mom was a teacher and I thought she worked too hard,” she stated. File photo students But in 2003, BU had an adjunct professor the fall,” she said. position open. “I did it and found that I loved “I decided a long time ago to help students of it, which started me on the path to teaching of color color become a part of the changing newsroom full time,” said Johnson. “I worked with high and give them the same advantages that other school and NABJ students, and I give them students get,” said Johnson. become a part both big credit for boosting my teaching ca- Johnson teaches multimedia journalism reer.” She became an associate professor at BU courses that are focused on writing for the web, in 2009, but taught at Emerson College for four of the changing along with production of multimedia includ- years before coming back to BU. ing photo galleries, audio slideshows, video “It’s amazing to me that despite some folks and data visualization. “I oversee production newsroom and being negative about the future of journalism, of long-form projects in my advanced classes, there are still young people who still want to tell with a heavy emphasis on visuals and advanced stories, and they continue to come to journal- give them storytelling techniques,” she said. ism school to learn,” Johnson observed. “Many The industry will continue to evolve, and of us have gotten beat down in the newsroom, journalism educators have had to change the the same so it’s great for me to see these kids getting their same way newsrooms are changing, said John- first byline or get that first news package on the son. “The only thing I know is it will continue air. It’s exciting and fulfilling to see them start advantages to change and evolve. It won’t be the same in the business.” five years from now,” she stated. “The delivery And Johnson hasn’t just given back to NABJ. vehicle will change and we have to try and stay that other She has run student projects for the Online on top of it and be a part of it.” News Association (ONA), UNITY, NAHJ, AAJA and NLGJA, and served as co-chair of students get.” Benét J. Wilson is the 2013 chairwoman of ONA’s 2011 convention in Boston. “Because NABJ’s Program Committee and Digital Journal- I’m a professor of practice, I can take what I use ism Task Force. She’s an aviation journalist/blog- at student projects to test new technology and ger based in Towson, Md. tools. If it works, I can bring it to my classes in

Summer 2013 | nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 9 Student Journalist of the Year GAME CHANGER Persistence, passion set great example for future journalists

By NABJ Staff arissa A. Evans is the 2013 Student Journal- ist of the Year. Evans recently graduated from Marquette Uni- versity with a degree in journalism and a minor in Entrepre- neurship and Political Science. She is an Mintern at the Seattle Times as a metro reporter. “A lot of young people aspire to be journalists and yet some of them aren’t clear about what it takes to excel in this craft,” said NABJ Com- munications Chairman Christopher Nelson. “Marissa A. Evans is not one of those young people.” Nelson said that, while a student multimedia journalist at Marquette, Evans devoted herself to studying the craft, undertaking internships and practicums to get real-world experience, and helping inspire others. “Persistent and passionate, she has blos- somed into a well-rounded storyteller who can work across platforms,” Nelson added. Evans is the beneficiary of several internships and honors ranging from being a 2012 Chips Quinn Scholar to serving as the Metro reporting intern for The Washington Post. Other File photo internships include working at The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Star Tribune, and U-T San Evans is the founder and president of her stu- Diego. Evans’ mentors include but are not lim- dent NABJ chapter at Marquette University and “I’m excited ited to Herbert and Mira Lowe, Benét Wilson, is an alumna of the Online News Association Duchesne Drew (Minneapolis Star Tribune) student newsroom and The New York Times to continue serving and Jim Nelson (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel). Student Journalism Institute. She was also one When she was notified that she would be recog- of the “30 under 30” honorees in San Diego nized as the student journalist of the year Evans County in 2011. the organization said that she was honored that an organization In her leisure time, Evans invests her talents she loves chose her for this special honor. into InHue magazine, her online publication and hope to inspire “I remember when President Lee called which gives a minority voice to health reporting and I was truly stunned,” Evans said. “I’m still by concentrating on issues that impact people at a loss for words actually. I’m humbled and of color. InHue, which can be read at www. the next generation blessed to know that NABJ, an organization I inhuemag.com, analyzes a range of topics from love and care about so much, has faith in me food tips to exercises to relationship advice. of journalists and the work I’ve been striving to do as a young Boasting a diverse and talented staff, InHue is journalist. I’m excited to continue serving the starting to pick up speed and online buzz as its organization and hope to inspire the next gen- readership increases daily. coming behind me.” eration of journalists coming behind me.” 10 | National Association of Black Journalists | nabj.org | Summer 2013 Community Service Winner THE RIGHT CHOICE No time to retire, activist wants kids to stay in school

By Roderick Hicks “For me, helley Stewart had accomplished a lot professionally by age 55 and could it was have comfort- ably retired. But the Birmingham never, broadcaster and businessS owner says he never con- sidered doing so. ‘Why did For decades, he had been a popular radio announcer who in the 1960s used coded messages to I?’ It was, convey details about civil rights protests and meetings to his black listeners. He later bought a radio ‘Why not station and started a company that today is one of the largest minority- owned marketing firms in the country. do it?” At age 79, Stewart works as File photo president and CEO of his firm, homeless kid — and no one knew deejay, then as host of a public o2ideas. But he puts just as much it, and being an abused kid — and affairs radio program, “Open Mic.” energy into the Mattie C. Stew- no one knew it,” Stewart says. He interviewed politicians, journal- art Foundation, a nonprofit he The foundation, named after ists and activists about issues within founded that strives to prevent Stewart’s mother, promotes educa- the black community and allowed children from dropping out of tion, particularly literacy, as well listeners to call in with comments school. He estimates he has spoken as crime prevention and making or questions. He briefly had a simi- before 55,000 young people in the smart choices in life. The organiza- lar local TV program called “The past five years and spent more than tion has produced a documen- Shelley Stewart Show.” $300,000 of his own money trying tary, “Inside Out,” which features Stewart saved enough money to put them on a path toward suc- interviews with prisoners serving to buy a radio station and start cessful adulthood. life sentences or life without parole. o2ideas. Initially he was a silent “For me, it was never, ‘Why did The inmates say their lives would partner with a white friend because I?’ It was, ‘Why not do it?’ ” he says. have turned out differently had he knew the racial climate in Stewart says he’s motivated by they stayed in school. Stewart Birmingham at the time was so some of the horrible experiences estimates that more than 15 million bad that white businesses would of his childhood — homelessness, people across the country have not support a company owned by a abuse by adults and witnessing his viewed the documentary. black man. father murder his mother. He says The documentary inspired the Stewart says his body has weak- getting an education was key to “Choice Bus,” which travels across ened with age, but his mind still succeeding despite these experi- the country for students to tour. is sharp. That’s one more reason ences. The front half of the bus looks like a he says he continues to ask, “Why He says he wants to “inspire classroom; the back has a replica of not” continue trying to help young people who think they don’t have a prison cell. More than 2 million people? a chance or opportunity” and people in 19 states have experi- believes he has a message that enced the bus, Stewart says. Roderick Hicks is an editor for resonates with many of the children Stewart spent more than 50 years The Associated Press in Philadel- he speaks to. as a radio broadcaster, first as the phia. “It’s easy for me by being a flamboyant “Shelley the Playboy” Summer 2013 | nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 11 Lifetime Achievement A JOURNALIST FOR ALL SEASONS Gregory L. Moore: “I was mentored by One of the nation’s three black pioneers: top editors, credits NABJ legends Al Fitzpatrick,

By Wayne Dawkins William Brower n Editor-in-Chief Gregory L. Moore’s and Bob McGruder watch, the Denver Post has won four in Cleveland.” consecutive Pulitzer Prizes, including this human nature under pressure, people who fled spring’s breaking the shooting rampage then immediately went news reporting award back into the theater to rescue the wounded. Ofor its coverage of the Moore acknowledged that the news industry Aurora, Colo. shooting rampage. Eight recent is experiencing frequent disruptions, includ- Pulitzer nominations yielded the four wins, ing job losses, and changing strategies, yet he said Moore, this year’s NABJ Lifetime Achieve- is optimistic: “What has not changed are community’s desire for news, getting information ment winner. File photo In addition to journalism’s highest honors, about things they don’t know and getting things Moore’s 37-year career body of work includes moved to the editing desk. Moore moved east explained. There’s an insatiable thirst for facts. top editing posts in Denver, Boston and Cleve- to the Boston Globe and stayed 16 years, eight “There is a future; I can’t explain what. land. In a recent telephone interview, Moore of them as managing editor. Technology is driving the train. We have to attributed his success to leading members of There, his mettle was tested. He was assistant fully embrace technology in order to practice the National Association of Black Journalists. managing editor in 1990 during the Charles journalism. Mobile seems to be the new thing. “NABJ has been so important to me,” says Stewart case in which a white man alleged We need smart young people to help us figure it Moore. “When I was a reporter in Cleveland that a black male killed his pregnant wife and out. We need your brains. I wouldn’t give up on in the 1980s, I remember how much I looked unborn child. The case turned out to be a hoax, journalism.” forward to going to the conventions to be ex- but not before tensions escalated in a com- As editor of a leading metropolitan news- posed to Merv Aubespin, Al Fitzpatrick, Carole munity that was already a racial tinderbox. In paper, Moore acknowledged that there’s a Simpson, Monte Trammer, Les Payne, Dorothy 1998, Managing Editor Moore had to fire two support network of peer editors who are NABJ Gilliam and Acel Moore. It was important to star columnists within several months: rising members. “There’s Debra Adams Simmons have those kinds of legends. With all of the star Patricia Smith, a black woman, and Boston in Cleveland [Plain-Dealer], Mike Days in responsibilities that came with their jobs, they icon Mike Barnicle, for respective, repeated Philadelphia [Daily News], Mark Russell in were accessible to the next generation.” fabrication and plagiarism incidents. Orlando [Sentinel], Bennie Ivory in Louisville Indeed, Moore, 58, a Cleveland native, values Moore said his greatest challenge as an edi- [Courier-Journal]. When the abduction and mentors. As a freshman at Ohio Wesleyan Uni- tor was “To manage to have the same level of human bondage story broke last May in Cleve- versity in the 1970s, “big brother” Mike Tolbert energy and focus every day as a leader. It’s like land, Moore instinctively sent Adams Simmons [who went on to a career at NBC “Today”], an athlete building up stamina to run a mile. I a note. “We make sure no one feels alone,” said encouraged the aspiring journalist. learned that in Boston, where ideas mattered. Moore. “My first internship was in Akron at the I became good at conceptualizing stories. We’d “He is one of the nation’s top editors, yet Beacon Journal with Al Fitzpatrick, where I saw look at what will lead to deeper knowledge.” he finds time to mentor dozens of journalists, the positives of getting into the news business,” Eleven years ago – in June 2002 – Moore myself included,” said Russell of the Orlando said Moore. “I wanted to be like Al.” moved west to the Denver Post and a commu- Sentinel in April. “He’s also a true Renaissance At that time Fitzpatrick was a rarity, an nity he defined as “very progressive with great man. A pop culture and sports junkie, Greg can African-American executive editor of a daily weather [300 days of sunshine], and a great discuss arcane sports trivia or debate whether newspaper, and, leader of a Pulitzer Prize- news town with the personalities to drive news.” Prince or Morris Day was the better dancer. winning reporting team. Last spring, Moore was named co-chairman He also knows his way around a museum and “I was mentored by three black pioneers: of the Pulitzer Prize board, paired with Thomas could hold his own in a discussion of great Fitzpatrick, William Brower [of the Toledo Friedman, the New York Times op-ed colum- opera singers.” Blade] and Bob McGruder in Cleveland,” says nist and author [“The World is Flat”]. “Receiving the NABJ Lifetime Achievement Moore, who acknowledged other mentors, “No, I did not envision that for me,” when Award,” said Moore, “is a really significant women, and white men. Following the intern- asked the question. “I’ve seen really great recognition. But understand, I’m not done yet.” ship in Akron, Moore’s career path went this journalism and have been in very high-level way: Reporting at the Dayton Journal Herald discussions about excellence,” said the former Wayne Dawkins is an associate professor at in the late ’70s, then on to the Cleveland Plain juror. “You can’t help but be influenced by that.” the Hampton University Scripps Howard School Dealer where he covered government and then He referenced Denver Post Aurora stories, in- of Journalism and Communication. cluding the piece that explored the goodness of 12 | National Association of Black Journalists | nabj.org | Summer 2013 Best Practices Award

File photo HOMEGROWN, WORLD VIEWS

he National Association of shootings in Auro- talented staff on the National desk, and he Black Journalists (NABJ) ra, Colorado and has won the admiration and affection of his is proud to announce that Newtown, Con- colleagues.” the Washington Post is the necticut and the “The Washington Post’s decision to recipient of the 2013 Best killing of Osama promote Kevin was a very significant one Practices Award after the bin Laden. for this journalism institution,“ said NABJ paper promoted long- In announcing president Gregory Lee. time NABJ member Kevin Merida’s promo- T Merida to the position of tion in February, “Editor Marty Baron recognized the work Managing Editor. Washington Post and leadership that Kevin displayed over the This honor is awarded to a news organiza- Executive Editor years in that newsroom. Kevin’s voice is a tion for exemplary work in covering issues of Marty Baron needed one there on several fronts. We ap- great significance to the black community or said, “Kevin is plaud the forward thinking in the newsroom the African Diaspora and/or for its efforts in a journalist of MERIDA and we hope this trend not only continues increasing diversity among its newsroom staff remarkable accom- in D.C. but throughout our industry.” and management. plishment, with a record of strong leadership. Merida was raised in the Washington, Merida has been the Post’s national editor During his 20 years at The Post, he has covered D.C. metro area and graduated in 1979 from since 2008, leading the coverage of major news Congress and presidential campaigns, as well Boston University with a Bachelor of Sci- events including the 2012 Presidential election, as stories that called upon his great strengths as ence degree in journalism. the fight over the Affordable Care Act, the a long-form feature writer. He has cultivated a

Summer 2013 | nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 13 Journalist of the Year

File photo MEET ROLAND MARTIN, NABJ’S JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR By NABJ Staff in April that Martin, a nationally syndicated columnist, television host, and radio and “I hope this honor t times, he seemingly is television commentator, is to receive the or- everywhere. ganization’s Journalist of the Year award. It is Roland Martin cur- one of NABJ’s most coveted honors celebrat- serves as a lesson rently is host and managing the accomplishments of black journalists ing editor of TV One’s and those who support blacks in the media. to any young or “Washington Watch with Martin was selected for the award by NABJ’s Roland Martin,” and a se- board of directors. nior analyst for “The Tom “I am enormously thankful and humbled veteran journalist AJoyner Morning Show.” He that NABJ has bestowed this amazing honor also is a nationally syndicated columnist with on me for my work as a fearless voice in ad- that Black media Creators Syndicate and has been a contributor vocating the critical issues facing voters in the to CNN. 2012 election, but especially as they relate to “Roland Martin has had an enviable career as African Americans,” said Martin. “I hope this platforms are just a multimedia journalist, becoming a respected honor serves as a lesson to any young or vet- and trusted voice in print, on air and online,” eran journalist that Black media platforms are as essential and said NABJ President Gregory Lee Jr. “He is just as essential and important to us today as unapologetic about his quest to provide well- they have always been. Before CNN, TV One rounded coverage of the African-American offered me a TV platform for my commentar- important to us community, and to provide unique insights to ies, as well my own show. After CNN, TV One diverse audiences across the many platforms and Tom Joyner are still there. It pleases me today as they have on which he is asked to contribute on a regular greatly to be at a place where our voices and basis.” images are the norm, and not the exception. It is for those reasons that the National I’m enormously thankful for the opportunity.” always been.” Association of Black Journalists announced Continued on page 15

14 | National Association of Black Journalists | nabj.org | Summer 2013 Continued from page 14

Those who nominated Martin noted his important coverage of voter suppression, perhaps the biggest story of the 2012 presidential election. “No other African-American journalist and member of NABJ brought more news and analysis to black communities about the most important story of 2012 than Roland Mar- tin,” said Vanessa Williams, former NABJ President and an editor at The Washington Post. “As managing editor and host of “Washington Watch” on TV One, Roland consistently offered journalism that reflected the hopes and fears of many African- American voters as they anxiously watched to see whether Barack Obama would win a second term as president of the United States.” Earlier in his career, Martin was a radio talk show host for WVON-AM in Chicago. He is the former executive editor and general manager of The Chicago Defender, one of the nation’s oldest black newspapers. He was the founding news editor for Savoy Magazine, and the founding editor of BlackAmericaWeb.com. A published author, he has written three books: “Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith,” “Speak, Brother! A Black Man’s View of America,” and “The First: Presi- dent Barack Obama’s Road to the White House as originally reported by Roland S. Martin.” A lifetime member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Martin served as the organization’s first national student representative, and as national secretary of the board from 2009 until 2011.

Martin is a graduate of Texas A&M University and Louisiana Baptist University. He is married to the Rev. Jacquie Hood Martin. The couple resides in Washington, D.C.

File photo

Summer 2013 | nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 15 Legacy Award ABOVE AND BEYOND NABJ Honors Ted Holtzclaw with the 2013 Legacy Award

By NABJ Staff heodore “Ted” Holtzclaw is the 2013 recipient of NABJ’s Legacy Award. At the time of his death in 2012, Holtzclaw was the Opera- tions Manager at WABC-TV in New York. His sudden, unex- T pected death left many in the news media and NABJ shocked and sad. His posthumous award is well-deserved, industry leaders, colleagues and close friends agree. “For those who knew and loved Ted this is a tremendous honor,’ said Terry Owens, an NABJ veteran and close friend of Holtzclaw’s. “Ted loved NABJ and his legacy will live on in the organization through the generations of journalists he touched in the Short Course at North Carolina A&T State University, and now the NABJ Legacy Award. It is a fitting tribute to an industry leader who changed the trajectory of the career paths of numerous broadcast professionals.” File photo Holtzclaw spent more than 15 years at New York’s No. 1 rated WABC-TV helping to facili- and respected him for his toughness,” Tonkins Holtzclaw’s memory will be revered most tate coverage of news stories throughout the said. “When he could have easily been on vaca- by his family, including his wife, Verna, and world. He was recruited to WABC-TV as the tion, he was at A&T sharing best practices with a young son, Harrison. “Selected to receive a news operations manager in 1999, after holding them. These same students who came from all coveted NABJ award or not, I as his widow, am the same position at WTVD-TV in Durham, corners of the country are now working profes- grateful for the important role NABJ played in N.C. After earning his undergraduate degree sional journalists. It was so exciting to watch the life of Ted Holtzclaw. His family will con- from State University of New York College at when they shared their gratitude and excite- tinue to honor and support NABJ as we cherish Buffalo, his first professional position was as ment with him at the NABJ conventions. While Ted’s memory,” said Verna E. Holtzclaw. a videographer at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati. he was a professional journalist by trade, he Among the highlights of Holtzclaw’s distin- Later he worked as a videographer at WMAR- was also a teacher because he possessed all guished career was his work in 2001 handling TV in Baltimore before joining WTVD. He is the characteristics…dedication, perseverance, logistics for WABC-TV’s Pulitzer Prize winning a proud recipient of a Peabody award for news excellence, and a love for teaching students. Ted coverage of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. For this coverage when he was a videographer. is greatly missed, and we will always remember remarkable work covering the tragedy, he was “Ted,” as he was affectionately known, was a him at A&T’s Short Course for the richness he bestowed a Peabody Award. He traveled glob- loyal and steadfast NABJ volunteer. For nearly brought to the program. ally on political, investigative, and world news 20 years, he was a dedicated supporter of the In announcing the award, NABJ President assignments executing the logistical compo- NABJ Multimedia Short Course at North Caro- Gregory Lee Jr. said that while it is an honor to nents for coverage of all local, national and lina A&T State University where he mentored pay homage to Holtzclaw with NABJ’s Legacy international live events, including Hurricane dozens of student journalists and was a wise Award, “we only wish we could have done so Katrina, the Republican National Convention counsel for professional colleagues. while he was still with us. His commitment to in New York, the earthquake in Japan, the Con- Nagatha Tonkins, who led A&T’s Short developing a strong pipeline of young black sistory for Cardinal Dolan, parades for the New Course for more than a dozen years, describes journalists inspired his professional peers. The York Yankees and Giants, and special coverage Holtzclaw as an “amazing person because he work that he did to ensure that others could including the New York City Half Marathon. was so passionate about his work with stu- have a career as successful as his continues to He was the highest-ranking African American dents. He always wanted to ensure they had a speak for him.” at WABC-TV until weeks before his death with competitive edge in this industry. So, he spent Past recipients of NABJ’s Legacy Award in- the hiring of Camille Edwards as vice president countless hours working tirelessly and patiently clude: Monica Pearson, Anchor Emerita (WSB- of News. with student reporters and photographers in TV); Leon Carter, Executive Editor (ESPN New “WABC-TV is so happy that NABJ is honor- the field for the A&T Short Course.” York); Sandy Rosenbush, Co-Director (The ing Ted. He was an amazing man who loved his Tonkins said Holzclaw’s tendency to go above Sports Journalism Institute); Acel Moore, Edi- family and Eyewitness News. It is truly fitting and beyond his role when working with stu- tor Emeritus (The Philadelphia Inquirer) and that he is receiving the Legacy Award. The dents did not go unnoticed by his charges. Paula Madison, retired Senior Vice President impact he’s had on this station will forever live “Students admired him for his kindness and Chief Diversity Officer (NBC Universal). on,” said Edwards.

16 | National Association of Black Journalists | nabj.org | Summer 2013 Pat TobinMedia Professional Award MOVING FORWARD professionals need each other. It’s like a yin and Dawn Kelly a yang.” As much support as Kelly has received from carries the torch the organization, she’s worked diligently to give back. Since becoming a member in the early By Misty Starks 1990s, she has leveraged her corporate relation- eing named NABJ’s Pat Tobin ships to help expose high school and college Media Professional Award honoree students to journalism careers. While working is no ordinary distinction for Dawn at York College, she convinced the school to Kelly. On the contrary, the public host workshops for high school students, and relations practitioner is humbled since joining Prudential, she’s been able to hire by the recognition, particularly a journalism student from Howard University Bbecause she looked up to Tobin and for a paid summer internship for the past six saw her as a legend in her field. years. The late Tobin was a pioneer among black PR Sakita Holley, president of House of Success professionals. The Pat Tobin Media Professional PR and one of Kelly’s former interns, credits her Award recognizes a public relations, advertis- mentor with helping her develop skills to get ing, or marketing professional who has had a ahead in her career. distinctive impact in the media realm. “Every successful person, whether they ac- “It means the world to me to get this award,” knowledge it or not, has had a mentor or some Kelly says. “If you think of who was the best in integral figure in their life who has opened a PR, there weren’t a lot of African Americans door, lit a path, blazed a trail, taught a lesson back then, who were icons. There was Pat, or became a champion or cheerleader of their Ofield Dukes and Terrie Williams,” she says, work. And at some point Dawn has done all of referencing the late Dukes, who represented these things for me and for that I am eternally notable civil rights supporters and championed grateful,” Holley says. the effort for a national holiday honoring Dr. File photo Whether she’s guiding the steps of young PR Martin Luther King Jr., and Williams, who has professionals or assisting her peers, allowing represented top tier celebrities, athletes, politi- her to have the type of life she really wanted others to benefit from her own experiences is cians and business professionals. “These were for herself and two young children. While one of the great joys of Kelly’s career. She be- people I strived to be like. Whenever I knew Pat majoring in both African-American studies lieves there’s a wealth of opportunity for anyone was going to be someplace, I was there to hear and Spanish, Kelly took stock of her talents and who wants to move ahead in PR. Kelly, who h e r.” interests and decided to pursue a career that speaks several languages, encourages others Some would say Kelly is approaching icon would allow her to interact with others and to become more marketable by learning other status herself. As the vice president of global explore different cultures. languages as well and to think globally in terms communications for Prudential, she has built a “I figured out that I like to talk to people and of career advancement. career of which many media professionals only write. I’m creative, and I like to travel and see “There’s a lot of opportunity available for dream. During her 13-year tenure at Prudential, the world. I had to find a career that would help public relations professionals. It’s not just Kelly has developed and implemented strategies me marry all those things. I found PR and com- domestically, it’s internationally as well,” Kelly to increase awareness of the company’s interna- munications, and it’s one of the best things God says. “The American marketplace is a more tional business operations in countries around has ever done for me.” mature market in terms of PR, but the global the world. Working with her small team, she is Kelly began her career as a communica- marketplace is still growing.” now responsible for providing ongoing com- tions field liaison at AARP, where she stayed Just as Kelly looked up to Tobin and other PR munications and media relations support for for nearly 10 years. She later served as the professionals early in her career, she is now the Prudential’s institutional retirement business, director of public relations for York College/ luminary lighting the way for the next genera- which provides recordkeeping services for City University of New York. She did a stint as tion of PR practitioners – a torch she gladly corporate retirement plans. That’s quite an ac- a sports writer for The Amsterdam News before carries. complishment for a woman who says as a child being recruited to Prudential – a move that has “Most of the time, we as human beings, we she had no real vision for her life. propelled her career to new heights. have dreams, but we keep them secret. We don’t “I was a little girl from Harlem, New York. “I had worked in nonprofit, and I wanted my want to tell anybody because we don’t want Being born in the ‘60s, I’m not going to say I career to be full,” Kelly says. “I wanted to have anyone to judge what we want,” Kelly says. “I had these grandiose dreams of what my life as many experiences in the public relations thank God each and every day for blessing me would be,” Kelly says. “I knew I would work environment as I possibly could, and [going to and giving me the wherewithal and gumption and work hard because of the work ethic passed Prudential] was one way to do it.” to even think I could do this. Anything I can do down from my parents and grandparents.” “Other than my children and my nuclear to help others, that’s what I try to do.” Enamored by all things Thurgood Marshall, family, NABJ has been the wind beneath my Kelly decided to attend Howard University with wings,” Kelly says. “The organization deciding Misty Starks is a freelance writer and media the expectation of going to law school, but the to be visionary some years ago, by opening its communicator based in Texas. high expense and additional years of school doors to African-American PR practitioners, sent her searching for a career that would allow was a great move because journalists and PR

Summer 2013 | nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 17 UP CLOSE ROCHELLE AND ROLAND GO ONE ON ONE Veteran journalists discuss the 2013 NABJ Convention

(Morning Show). But purpose of the convention is to build your skill The National Association we have to get people set. I have six nieces and nephews who live with of Black Journalists will host in the right frame of us in Washington (D.C.) and go to a virtual its 38th annual convention July 31-Aug. 4 in mind to understand that charter school. They go to school every single Orlando, Fla. The four-day conference features you better be thinking day via their computer. They participate in the workshops, training sessions, professional multiple revenue streams lessons, read aloud, and participate with their development seminars and a career fair. But the so you’re not caught off teacher. We absolutely should be looking at convention’s greatest features, says honorary guard. The people at that, even if it is on a small basis. convention chairman Roland Martin, are its ESPN didn’t expect to members who gather as mentors, confidantes get laid off and many RILEY: This is the 38th time NABJ will and colleagues who share the same joy and RILEY are in IT. We have to be gather its members together. How hard is it to pain, passion and apathy about journalism. In constantly pushing the do something different, to offer something new an interview with veteran columnist and jour- envelope. We’re doing while also attend to the business of NABJ? And nalist Rochelle Riley, Martin said that young this at the convention, what beloved mainstays will continue? journalists would be remiss not to attend NABJ but there’s a lot more MARTIN: I think clearly, that the valuable and that veteran journalists still attend the that we can do. critiques of your work are still so important for convention because they understand the value our members to get to the next level in terms of relationships. RILEY: Who should of what’s new, what really jumps. What’s really attend the NABJ conven- new? The lessons on how to effectively utilize RILEY: How has being an NABJ member tion? social media to build your brand and play a and attending its annual conventions been valu- MARTIN: “Here’s role in creating new opportunities. Journalists able for you? the thing I try to instruct are very scared when you say build your own MARTIN: I think the thing I say is: people about. On every brand, but when you look at it, that’s where we MARTIN Nearly every job I’ve had, the relationships I job that I have had, I’ve are now. People are not wanting to confront established at NABJ have played a role in that always had relationships with people who this. But look, this is where we are: Get in the job. So it’s about getting people to understand work in accounting, marketing, HR, sales. I game or get left out.” those relationships and the valuable life lessons look at the job that I have and the company that you’re able to learn and glean from the I work for as a media company. I didn’t live RILEY: What do you hope that members experiences of other journalists. When I look at in just the newsroom mode. That’s stupid. will take back with them most from this con- contract negotiations that I’ve had, things that I It’s important because you get a sense of the vention? have thought, you name it, a lot of that has been other things that are going on and learn about MARTIN: Three words. NABJ absolutely a result of sitting down and talking with and discussions that are going on that don’t involve matters. We can all sit here and we can say we listening to older members who’ve already been the newsroom but impact the newsroom. … should be doing this. We should be doing that. there. They walked me through those things. I believe NABJ should be figuring out a way But here’s what’s true: There is no other event I tell everybody that. If you are an African- with our convention … to create a convention where you’re able to assemble this many black American journalist or if you want to go into within a convention and attract people who journalists in one location to be able to learn medicine and you’re trying to go out into a field work in advertising, marketing, accounting HR, from, mentor to, teach, you name it. There sim- blind, knowing nobody, having no relation- the non-journalism side. Those folks are still ply isn’t another place you can go to where you ships, then you’re absolutely crazy. So, to have working for our media companies and they feel can connect with editors and news directors an organization to lean on is vital. I tell every isolated. They’re looking to have some kind of and executive producers to advance your ca- beginning journalist: “You’ve got to understand relationships because somebody can give you reers. The real question is: What are you trying how valuable this is.” a heads up and say this is what’s coming down to get out of the convention? And that’s that. I the pike, say six, eight, nine months out. hear people say ‘I don’t see what I can get out RILEY: Do young journalists believe that of it.’ You have to do a cost benefit analysis. Do NABJ is a relevant 21st Century organization? RILEY: Former NABJ President Vanessa you want to spend $2,000, especially if you’re MARTIN: I believe that NABJ is catching Williams has suggested that NABJ be even a college student, young journalist or you’re in up to where it needs to be. You are going to see more digital so members can attend via com- the first five to seven years of your career. My the multimedia approach. You’re dealing with puter. Your thoughts? answer would be: You would be a fool not to somebody who’s being hyperaggressive in this MARTIN: “I agree with her 100 percent. I be there. At the end of day, NABJ absolutely area. Since I was in college, I’ve wanted us to believe in trying to be as mobile as possible. So matters. There’s no place you can go annually go even further than where we are and really you’re looking at investing in streaming appa- where you can connect with people who are of literally transform the convention into a 24-7, ratus that can live stream HD to different plat- like minds from throughout the country and skill set-building place with individual tracks forms. I should be able to listen to the keynote where you can get guidance to further help and a heavy dose of entrepreneurship. I want speeches and at least to the major sessions even your career.” our members not to be caught off guard. Ev- if I’m not at the convention. We should be able erybody is not going to be able to do what I’ve to stream those as well. I don’t think it should done: Work at CNN and work at TV One and be free, but I think there’s a way to create the do speeches and books and (The) Tom Joyner opportunity. What people keep forgetting is the

18 | National Association of Black Journalists | nabj.org | Spring 2013 OF NOTE LEVELING THE FIELD Book: Bruising “Daily News Four” trial changed attitudes

By Wayne Dawkins

wenty-six years ago last April, a David vs. Goliath battle raged in New York that pro- foundly changed mainstream journalism. Four black journalists sued the Daily News for racial discrimination, plus retaliation for having the nerve to confront the bosses. Daily News management – at thatT time operated by Tribune Co. – assumed it would crush the militants. Instead, the four “Davids” knocked out “Goliath” during a civil trial in federal court. The outcome was that major metropolitan newspapers could no longer deny journalists of color employment and promotions and also ignore large segments of communities that were not white and middle- to upper-class. A decade into the 21st century, daily newspapers and broadcast newsoutlets are more racially and culturally inclusive than the pre-Internet and network TV-dominated 1980s media While New York’s metropolitan dailies were From left, attorney Dan Alterman, Causewell Vaughan, David Hardy, Steve conspicuously silent, this remarkable trial was Duncan and Joan Shepard. File photo covered gavel to gavel by The City Sun, an aggressive black-owned, Brooklyn-based weekly published by Andrew W. Cooper [1927-2002]. His biography was published in July 2012 Hardy traveled to During the trial, marketing data revealed that The Daily News of the 1960s through early the Caribbean and 45 percent of Daily News customers in New 1980s was a racially hostile work environment, exposed the fraud York City were black or Hispanic. Yet as Daily courtdocuments and testimony revealed. White The 1987 trial News columnist Earl Caldwell said, manage- male editors routinely called black and brown was an eye-gouging ment abused the core audience that invited the co-workers and customers ugly racial epithets. brawl. Testimony ex- paper into their homes [Caldwell, a media law One of the editors called a black woman re- posed ethical lapses icon, is my colleague at Hampton U.]. porter a “streetwalker.” on both sides. A The 21st century Daily News remains true to David Hardy, a football lineman-sized white editor obtained its tabloid roots: it’s aggressive, smart aleck and reporter who was lead plaintiff, was told in the a police siren and clever, but has shaken off knuckle-dragging oaf- mid-1960she could not apply for sports writer used the instrument ishness that too often disgraced it decades ago. because that department did not welcome on his personal When Jeremy Lin, the NBA phenom of blacks [Last year, Shemar Woods, a 2011 vehicle in order to Chinese descent, dazzled New Yorkers in winter Hampton University journalism graduate, get preferential treat- 2012 with “Lin Sanity,” the Daily News man- thrived as the paper’s online sports editor, proof ment. Several white reporters were discovered aged to produce clever stories yet resist urges of the newspaper’s remarkable attitude change]. to be on the payrolls of local politicians. Mean- to blurt out stereotypes, like the what-where- A quarter century ago, plaintiffs Hardy, while, one of the black journalists borrowed you-thinking “Chink in the armor” sputtered Steven W. Duncan, Joan Shepard and Causewell money from a Congressman. Although the loan by a journalist at a widely watched sports cable Vaughan filed employment discrimination was repaid and there was no evidence of favor- network. complaints alleging they were repeatedly passed able political coverage, poor judgment tainted Could it be that a bruising legal battle 26 over for promotions and assignments despite the plaintiff. years ago prepared Daily News staff well? being qualified veteran journalists. Jurors weighed mountains of evidence then In court, Daily News defendants and Tribune ruled in favor of the black journalists. There Wayne Dawkins is author of “City Son,” the Co. lawyers said the plaintiffs were legends in was a shake-up of the Daily News manage- biography of his mentor Andrew W. Cooper, the theirown minds, however evidence suggested ment team and the new editors made deliber- 1987 NABJ Journalist of the Year. Dawkins is the opposite. For example, the Daily News ate efforts to create a newsgathering team that an associate professor at Hampton University nominated Hardy for a Pulitzer Prize for his reflected the demographics – and savvy, plus Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Com- exclusive, watchdog reporting about a corrupt talent – of the residents of the nation’s most munications New Jersey state Senator who faked his death. populous metropolitan area. Summer 2013 | nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 19 OF NOTE

New U: Helping Journalism Entrepreneurial Dreams KICKSTARTER Take Off By Benét J. Wilson That idea turned into New U, said Mitch- preneurs and the encouragement I needed ell. “I needed to find people who were not to continue pursuing entrepreneurship,” said ABJ members who are necessarily journalists to come to a boot camp Virella. “One of my mentors from New U is dreaming about launch- and teach journalists how to start their own Harry Lin, a serial entrepreneur and former ing their own journalism companies,” he said. “New U started in 2010. journalist, who has raised money from VCs. entrepreneurship project We went to all the UNITY partners to find Having someone like Harry to bounce ideas off have a unique opportunity journalists of color who wanted to become of has been invaluable.” at this year’s convention to entrepreneurs.” Virella also noted that Mitchell connected get help with their efforts. New U did a start-up camp in Las Vegas in her with the National Minority Angel Network, N UNITY Journalists for 2011. “Journalists applied to get in and we had which offers seminars for budding entrepre- Diversity’s New U Start-Up Loft will offer two volunteers help us out. Fourteen journalists neurs and an introduction to angel investors. and a half days of entrepreneurship training in were chosen. Each was given a mentor, did two Orlando via training in business plan writing, days of development and competed for four “I credit my New U network with helping marketing, presentation, market research and $10,000 grants. me raise my first seed money from the Interna- analysis, networking, budgeting and brand- New U has seeded 10 companies with grants tional Women’s Media Foundation in March,” ing. Attendees will also have the chance to ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, said Mitchell. she said. “I strongly recommend everyone compete for two $20,000 start-up seed grants “There are a few companies we’ve seeded that interested in media entrepreneurship to come to be awarded to the best ideas for innovative have disappeared. But we recognize that not to New U’s two-day workshop at NABJ this projects selected by a panel of judges and an everyone will win,” he said. “We’re just creating summer where I and many of the people I men- online vote by other journalists this fall. The service to support entrepreneurs.” tioned will be speaking or teaching.” loft was launched at the 2012 UNITY conven- One of the New U success stories is NABJ The New U Start-Up Loft is coming to NABJ tion in Las Vegas. member Kelly Virella, a graduate from 2011, to raise the bar, said Mitchell. “We looked New U was first funded by the Ford Founda- said Mitchell. “She recently won a $20,000 at conventions where we saw the potential tion in 2010 to help increase the number of grant from the McCormick Foundation’s New for having the most entrepreneurs,” he said. diverse, innovative idea-makers by providing Media Women Entrepreneurs project for her “Clearly to us, NABJ has a large potential for them a platform on which to advance ideas. online magazine, The Urban Thinker,” he said. entrepreneurs and a need that needs to be ad- “In the fall of 2009, I was teaching at the City “(NABJ member) Jason Frazier is founder of dressed, so that’s why we’re coming.” University of New York. I had met Calvin Sims the Wealth Empowerment Network, which will of the Ford Foundation at UNITY in 2008 and create content syndication services to help me- Benét J. Wilson is the 2013 chairwoman of I called him to meet for coffee,” recalled Doug dia organization better educate their audiences NABJ’s Program Committee and Digital Journal- Mitchell, a New U co-director and head of the about building wealth.” ism Task Force. She’s an aviation journalist/blog- NABJ Media Institute. “But he asked me to “New U gave me high quality mentors, a ger based in Towson, Md. come to his office to discuss an idea.” network of like-minded young media entre-

20 | National Association of Black Journalists | nabj.org | Summer 2013 OF NOTE

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center Courtesy of Marriott CONVENTION BROADENS OPPORTUNITIES FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

By Lesly C. Simmons “Spreading the Gospel: Understanding Faith-Based Public Relations.” Experts in Other key events s the media continues freelance writing, social media market- its rapid transforma- ing, and public relations also witll share for associates at this year’s tion, this year’s Nation- their expertise in building and sustaining al Association of Black a consulting practice and attracting and NABJ convention include: Journalists Convention retaining clients. The growing influence and Career Fair will and impact of faith-based news, media • Associate Task include a plethora of and technology also will be examined. educationalA opportunities to help myriad Associate member Kim Bardakian, Force Meeting, communications professionals navigate of Oakland, Calif., plans to attend the constant industry changes. NABJ convention to establish connec- Thursday, Aug. 1 Educational sessions geared toward as- tions to support her new role as director at 11:30-12:15 pm sociate members and others who are con- of public relations and partnerships for sidering a switch to public relations will Visit Oakland. be available. With nearly 600 associate “I’m really looking forward to meet- members within NABJ, Dawn Roberts ing and connecting with journalists encourages members to look beyond the from around the country that I wouldn’t • Associate Member standard PR-specific session topics to get otherwise have access to,” said Bardakian. Lunch, Friday, the most out of this convention. “There’s no other place that allows the “Associates should know there is a lot sort of access as that of an NABJ Conven- Aug. 2 Lunch there for us at the convention-all of the tion.” from 12:30-1:45 pm workshops are more suited to us than To get the most out of the convention we may realize,” said Roberts, NABJ’s experience, Roberts encourages attendees associate member representative. “Look to look beyond the title of each session at workshops with an open mind. There and review the entire program descrip- • The Associate is so much here that we can learn as com- tion to see if anything resonates. And, if munications professionals to continue to possible, she suggests attending unfa- Member Suite sharpen our skills.” miliar sessions to get a fresh perspective will be open Zakiya Larry, public relations director on communications and to make new for Bishop T.D. Jakes, and Kelly Chunn, a contacts. in the evenings 20-year veteran media consultant based “You never know what you might be in Boston, are among the guest speakers working on next month or next year,” from 10 pm- who will share trade secrets with mem- said Roberts. “The beauty of our industry midnight bers. Sessions expected to be well-attend- is that we have the opportunity to work ed include “Going Solo: The Joys and on so many different things.” Pains of Independent Consulting,” and

Summer 2013 | nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 21 NABJ Members on the Move CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

TERRI STEWART is the National KURT DAVIS has been named Longtime NABJ member JANELLE RICHARDS recently was News Editor of CBS News. In vice president of News ROCHELLE RILEY recently won first promoted to associate producer her role Stewart is responsible Services at CBS News. In his place in the National Headliner at “NBC Nightly News with Bri- for managing day-to-day cover- new role, Davis oversees the Awards for “Local Interest Col- an Williams.” Richards has been age of news and special events, network’s satellite news- umn on a Variety of Subjects.” a researcher on the program coordinating the newsgather- gathering operations, which Riley is a columnist for the conducting research on stories ing efforts of the network’s provides news and informa- Detroit Free Press. The National and special projects, pitching domestic bureaus, which pro- tion to 200 CBS affiliates and Headliner Awards honor the best and field producing stories, vide content for all CBS News international partners. in journalism in newspapers, producing content for the web, broadcasts. Most recently, Davis was the photography, radio, television and serving as a backup to the executive news director of and online. show’s line producer. the San Antonio CBS affiliate Founded in 1934 by the Press KENS. Club of Atlantic City, the annual contest is one of the oldest and largest in the country that recognizes journalistic merit in communications.

PASSINGS

John L. Dotson series “A Question of Color.” The Felix Hoover, a retired Co- Jr., one of the final installment solicited pledges lumbus Dispatch (Ohio) jour- nation’s first from readers to fight racism; the nalist died in May of cancer at African-American names of 22,000 respondents were age 63. Hoover’s journalism publishers of a later published in a special supple- career began at WLWC-TV, general circulation ment, according to Dotson’s New now WCMH-TV (Chan- daily newspaper York Times’ obituary. nel 4), then diverged with and who guided In 1977, Mr. Dotson and eight stints as an investigator for the paper, The other journalists, including Earl the Franklin County public DOTSON Akron Beacon Caldwell and Dorothy Butler Gil- HOOVER defender’s office and as an arts Journal of Ohio, to a Pulitzer Prize liam, who were columnists for The administrator for the Columbus Recreation and for a series on race relations, died Washington Post, and Robert C. Parks Department, according to his Dispatch on June 21, at his home in Boulder, Maynard, who was publisher and obituary. He returned to journalism and worked Colo. He was 76. editor of The Oakland Tribune, for the Columbus Call & Post before joining When Mr. Dotson became presi- founded a nonprofit organization The Dispatch in the 1980s. Hoover also covered dent and publisher of The Journal in devoted to training and expand- neighborhood issues and social-service agen- 1992, he had been a reporter for big- ing opportunities for minority cies. He retired from The Dispatch in 2007. city newspapers, an editor at News- journalists. Based in Oakland, Hoover was a founding officer and treasurer week, the publisher of a Colorado Calif., it was renamed the Robert of the Columbus Association of Black Journal- paper and a founder of an institute C. Maynard Institute for Journal- ists, the local chapter of the National Associa- for minority journalists. Two years ism Education after Mr. Maynard’s tion of Black Journalists. The local group hon- later The Journal won the Pulitzer death in 1993. ored his work at its 20th anniversary celebration for public service for the five-part in 2008.

22 | Summer 2013 | nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists Bought a new hybrid car Wayne State

One decision and she joined a team changing lives.

Identified rare butterfly in backyard

Finalist in Moot Court Graduated from law school

Spends weekend playing with her daughter Graduated from law school

Believes in the cause and goals of Lilly Joined the Lilly team

Discovered acids and

First glasses at age 12 Melanie - Attorney Took a family vacation Every action has a reaction. A thought that sparks curiosity. A step that leads to discovery. And an opportunity to improve the lives of millions. Every decision you make can open new doors. Make Lilly your next big move and fully realize the power of choice.

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LILLY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Summer 2013 | nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 23 OF NOTE

Photo provided TOMBSTONE DEDICATED FOR FOUNDER BRYANT By Benet J. Wilson 900 AM to raise money forthe tombstone. t started out as a simple commu- NABJ and PABJ worked with Bryant’s family to nity service project for members of coordinate the purchase,design and installa- the Philadelphia Association of Black tion of the tombstone.Almost two years later, Journalists (PABJ) in the spring of 2011. PABJ hosted a tombstone dedication at Bryant’s Area photographers and members went gravesite.”Reggie Bryant was a visionary,” said Ito the city’s iconic Eden Cemetery to NABJ President Greg Lee. “He was one of 44 take pictures of the historic tombstones and people who had the courage and foresight to resting place of famous African Americans, form the National Association of Black Journal- including opera singer Marian Anderson. Dur- ists. He left us too soon, but his legacy is ever- ing the project, PABJ member Bobbi Booker lasting. The least NABJ can do is to contribute stumbled on the unmarked grave of PABJ to his legacy with this special tombstone.” and NABJ Founder Reggie Bryant. He was a veteran broadcaster and media consultant as Benét J. Wilson is the 2013 chairwoman of well as a writer, filmmaker and artist.The NABJ NABJ’s Program Committee and Digital Journal- Convention came to Philadelphia in August ism Task Force. She’s an aviation journalist/blog- 2011 and former PABJ PresidentSarah Glover ger based in Towson, Md asked NABJ to join PABJ radio station, WURD

24 | National Association of Black Journalists | nabj.org | Summer 2013 NABJ Founders

Norma Adams-Wade Allison J. Davis Charlotte Alex Poinsett Dallas Morning News WBZ-TV Bob Hayes Ebony Magazine Carole Bartel Boston San Francisco Examiner Richard Rambeau CORE Magazine Paul Delaney Vernon Jarrett (Deceased) Project Bait Edward Blackwell (Deceased) The New York Times Chicago Tribune Detroit Milwaukee Journal William Dilday Mal Johnson (Deceased) Max Robinson (Deceased) Paul Brock WLBT-TV Cox Broadcasting WTOP-TV Founding Executive Director Jackson, Miss. Washington, D.C. Sandra Dillard Toni Jones Reginald Bryant (Deceased) Detroit Free Press Chuck Stone Denver Post Philadelphia Daily News Black Perspective on the News H. Chuku Lee Joel Dreyfuss W. Curtis Riddle Maureen Bunyan The Washington Post Africa Journal Ltd. WTOP-TV Louisville (Ky.) Courier Journal Sam Ford Claude Lewis Washington, D.C. Philadelphia Bulletin Jeannye Thornton WCCO-TV U.S. News & World Report Crispin Campbell Minneapolis Sandra Dawson Long WNET-TV News Journal Francis Ward New York David Gibson Los Angeles Times Mutual Black Network Wilmington, Del. Charlie Cobb Charlotte Roy Sandra Gilliam-Beale Pluria Marshall WHUR Radio Freelancer Detroit Free Press Washington, D.C. WHIO-TV Dayton, Ohio Acel Moore Vince Sanders Marilyn Darling National Black Network Bob Greenlee Philadelphia Inquirer WHYY-TV John C. White Wilmington, Del. New Haven Register Luix Overbea (Deceased) Christian Science Monitor Washington Star Leon Dash Martha Griffin DeWayne Wickham The Washington Post Les Payne National Public Radio Newsday The Baltimore Sun Joe Davidson Derwood Hall (Deceased) Philadelphia Bulletin Claudia Polley WSOC-TV NBC

NABJ Lifetime Members

Norma Adams-Wade Renee Ferguson Roland Martin Mara Schiavocampo Mervin Aubespin Albert Fitzpatrick Walter Middlebrook, Jr. Priya Scroggins Drew Berry Samuel Ford Shannon Miller Lesly Simmons Paul Brock Tonju Francois Bryan Monroe Tracy Smith Prevost Sheila Brooks Dorothy Gilliam Acel Moore Sheila Solomon Shannon Buggs Cheryl Hampton Pam Moore Sakina Spruell Maureen Bunyan Patricia Harvey-Lombard Soledad O’Brien David Squires Bob Butler Andrew Humphrey Les Payne Chuck Stone Corey Chavous Gwen Ifill Michelle Phillips Fay Will Sutton Barbara Ciara Monica Kaufman Pearson Byron Pitts Rene Syler Charles Cobb, Jr. Gregory Lee, Jr. Alex Poinsett Elinor Tatum Marilyn Darling H. Chuku Lee Claudia Polley Kathy Times Leon Dash, Jr. Claude Lewis Paul Pope David Ushery Joe Davidson Yvonne Lewis-Harris Condace Pressley Francis Ward Allison Davis Sandra Long Weaver Bob Reid LT. Colonel Mary Ann Warren Paul Delaney Herbert Lowe, Jr. W. Curtis Riddle Dino White William Dilday, Jr. Marcus Mabry Johnathan Rodgers John White Sandra Dillard Deitra Madison Royal Rodgers Lonnie White Joel Dreyfuss Paula Madison Charlotte Roy DeWayne Wickham Sidmel Estes Susan Malveaux Lani Russell Lewter Vanessa Williams Arthur Fennell Pluria Marshall Vince Sanders

Summer 2013 | nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | MEMBERSHIP INVITATION

A COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is an organization of nearly 4,000 journalists, students and media-related professionals that advocates for diversity in newsrooms and in news content. We are committed to providing quality programs and services for black journalists worldwide.

As a NABJ member, you’ll receive these valuable resources and beneﬁts: • Year-Round Personal and Professional Development • Participation discount for annual Salute to Excellence Awards Opportunities Contest • Access to NABJ Jobs Online • Student Services Support • Access to the NABJ Annual Career Fair • Members-only Web Access, including Online Membership • Leadership and Mentoring Opportunities Directory • Regional and National Networking Opportunities • Free subscription to NABJ E-News, our weekly electronic • Industry Information and Action Alerts newsletter • Scholarship and Internship Opportunities • Free subscription to NABJ Journal, our quarterly magazine • Discounts on Convention Registrations, Regional • NABJ Annual Report Conferences and NABJ Media Institute programs

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