Nabj's Journalist of the Year

SUMMER 2017 ISSUE

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RYANNABJ’S JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

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#EbonyOwes SUMMER 2017 | Vol. 35, No. 2 Official Publication of the is the canary National Association of Black Journalists NABJ Staff INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR in the coal mine Shirley Carswell MEMBERSHIP MANAGER Veronique Dodson FINANCE MANAGER Nathaniel Chambers SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER Kerwin Speight PAGE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT 18 JoAnne Lyons Wooten DEVELOPMENT CONCIERGE Heidi Stevens PROJECT MANAGER Angela Robinson STAFF ACCOUNTANT Sharon Odle April Ryan is making history NABJ Journal Staff on the White House beat B:11.5” S:9.75” T:10.5” 6 PUBLISHER Sarah Glover EDITOR Zuri Berry DEPUTY EDITOR Shauntel Lowe Ron Thomas reinvented COPY EDITOR 12 himself as an educator Benét J. Wilson CIRCULATION MANAGER Veronique Dodson Contributors Danny Garrett This is what inspiring Autumn A. Arnett 20 black men looks like Marcus Vanderberg Johann Calhoun Cheryl Smith Gayle Hurd

WINTER 2017 ISSUE SPIN YOUR OWN TALE. Correction:

The ﬁ rst-ever Toyota C-HR. A dynamic, new crossover with car-like handling. In the Winter 2017 NABJ Journal, we Plus, Toyota Safety Sense™ P1 comes standard to help you avoid danger incorrectly published who was the POWERED BY THE founding editor of Emerge Magazine. It on your way to Grandma’s or out on the town. BLACK PRESS was Wilmer C. Ames Jr. We apologize for Copyright 2017 How the new Museum of African the error. The National Association of American History and Culture pays homage to black journalists Black Journalists Prototype shown with options. Production model will vary. 1Drivers are responsible for their own safe driving. Always pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely. Depending on the conditions of the roads, weather and the vehicle, the system(s) may not work as intended. See Owner’s Manual for additional limitations and details. ©2018 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. 2 | National Association of Black Journalists | www.nabj.org | Summer 2017 Summer 2017 | www.nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 3

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BILL TO NUMBER None COLORS: CMYK PROOFREADER GRAPHIC ARTIST Johnny Villalobos NOTES: STUDIO DIRECTOR DATE 5-9-2017 12:46 PM REVISION 2 FONTS: Ottomat (Book), Helvetica Neue (45 Light, 65 Medium), Bogle (Bold) TRAFFIC PAGE 1 IMAGES: 7084_Toyota_CHR_Car_Port_R1_CMYK.tif (CMYK; 758 ppi; 39.58%), Wht_ PRODUCTION PUB MULTI BigBug_SidebySide_LGP_WIPr2_lrg.ai (14.56%), C-HR_LogoLockup_TCHR_REV. ART DIRECTOR BLEED 8.75” x 11.5” ai (76.56%) TRIM 7.75” x 10.5” COPYWRITER LIVE 7” x 9.75” ASSOC CREATIVE DIR SCALE 100% CREATIVE DIRECTOR PRINTOUT 100% 233 N. MICHIGAN AVE. SUITE 2900, CHICAGO, IL 60601, P:312.297.9600 60601, IL CHICAGO, SUITE 2900, AVE. MICHIGAN 233 N. BURRELL MECHANICAL BURRELL ACCOUNT MANAGER From the President

elcome to the NABJ Journal convention edition. This year’s WNABJ convention theme — “Power Up and Break Through” — speaks to the moments and successes NABJ and its members NABJ BOARD OF DIRECTORS have shared over the last year. PRESIDENT In this edition, NABJ celebrates Sarah Glover the work of NABJ Journalist of NBC Owned Television Stations the Year April Ryan, a 30-year journalism veteran. Ryan has VICE PRESIDENT/PRINT COMING TO covered Washington politics Marlon A. Walker and the White House under four Atlanta Journal-Constitution different administrations, and in the past year she has been thrust VICE PRESIDENT/DIGITAL into the national spotlight for her Benét J. Wilson pointed questions and aggressive Aviation Queen LLC coverage of the Trump White House. And yet Ryan has managed to meet VICE PRESIDENT/BROADCAST many challenges with grace and self- Dorothy Tucker confidence. WBBM-TV DETROIT A special #NABJCongrats to all of this year’s special honors and Hall of Fame Honorees. Your work SECRETARY proves journalism excellence happens every day. Cheryl Smith At a time when the Fourth Estate continues to grapple with media more focused on I Messenger News Group digital journalism, print publishers sometimes struggle with self-inflicted wounds amid HOUSE a declining industry. NABJ highlights the state of our most vulnerable members and the TREASURER impact of #EbonyOwes. Greg Morrison NABJ has seen many accomplishments during my first term as president: Bumper2BumperTV implementing zero-based budgeting to improve our financial operations and turning a deficit into a projected $1.2 million surplus in 2016. We’ve also begun to execute the PARLIAMENTARIAN NABJ Strategic Plan for 2017-2020 and we’ve bolstered our partnerships, notably with Dave Jordan the Ford Foundation, NBC/Comcast and the Poynter Institute, where we established the WSPA-TV inaugural Poynter-NABJ Leadership Academy for Diversity in Digital Media. NABJ created the Black Male Media Project to #InspireBlackMen this spring which launched in 20 cities DIRECTOR, REGION I and provided professional development and mentoring to more than 500 black men Johann Calhoun interested in media careers. NABJ members have seen the impact firsthand over the last The Philadelphia Tribune year with more than 1,000 registrants partaking in NABJ Media Institute programming AD year-round. DIRECTOR, REGION II In addition to being NABJ’s first “NABJ Baby” president, I will also be the association’s first two-term president. As I embark on my second term, my goals for the next two years Vickie Thomas are to maintain fiscal responsibility, expand NABJ’s advocacy efforts, create an NABJ jobs WWJ/CBS Radio program and redevelop NABJ’s digital footprint by upgrading our website and creating a mobile app. DIRECTOR, REGION III I know the 2017 NABJ Convention experience in New Orleans will leave you energized, Gayle Hurd recharged and ready to tackle the year ahead. So be sure to save the date for our next WPTF-AM/NC News Network convention, Aug. 1-5, 2018, when NABJ will be in Detroit. I look forward to welcoming you to the Motor City. DIRECTOR, REGION IV Marcus Vanderberg Yours In Service, Yahoo Sports

ACADEMIC REPRESENTATIVE NABJ CONVENTION Michelle Johnson Boston University Sarah Glover, NABJ President @sarah4nabj MEDIA-RELATED REPRESENTATIVE Aug. 1-5 Tanzi West-Barbour SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: ADVERTISING ADDRESS ALL Policy Innovators for Education National Association of Black INQUIRIES: CORRESPONDENCE TO: Journalists Advertising Inquiries: NABJ Journal STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE 1100 Knight Hall, Suite 3100 (301) 405-0248 1100 Knight Hall, Suite 3100 Wilton Charles Jackson II College Park, MD 20742 College Park, MD 20742 Louisiana State University 2018 (301) 405-0248

4 | National Association of Black Journalists | www.nabj.org | Summer 2017 Summer 2017 | www.nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 5 aul Jennings was the first She has carried those traits with African-American to write and MOMENTS THAT DEFINED HER her through her career. Ppublish a memoir, “A Colored Ryan’s tenacious brand of journal- Ryan was a looming journalistic Man’s Reminiscences of James Madi- ism goes back to the beginning of presence during the George W. Bush son,” about the White House in 1865. her White House career during the administration as the country faced Harry S. McAlpin, in 1944, was the first Clinton administration. At the time, dramatic challenges following the African-American journalist to cover she took a six-nation trip to Africa terrorist attacks on 9/11, the begin- a White House press conference. with the president, who was on the ning of the war in Iraq in 2003 and And Alice Dunnigan, in 1948, was the brink of making a formal federal the fallout of Hurricane Katrina in first African-American woman to be apology on slavery (which never 2005. Her continued focus on black a White House correspondent and member of the Senate and House of Representatives press galleries. The latest in this list of remarkable “... She’s been consistent representing black journalists and trailblazers who have sought accountability for black America, and I couldn’t be happier for black America in the White House is 30-year veteran April D. Ryan, NABJ’s her that she’s getting this recognition that Journalist of the Year for 2017. By no means was it lost upon the board she so truly deserves.” who chose her for this honor that she continues the legacy of McAlpin and Dunnigan. Ryan has been the White came). President Bill Clinton appar- issues may not have been popular at House correspondent for American ently had a moment of clarity about the time, but she never strayed from Urban Radio Networks (AURN) since how far African-Americans had to her focus. In the run-up to the Iraq 1997, and she is now covering her rise in the U.S. after witnessing Ryan War, she questioned President Bush fourth presidential administration. and other black reporters holding about the Black Caucus’s call for di- What makes Ryan special is her abil- hands, engaged in solemn prayer, plomacy and asked him, “How is your ity to recognize that she is in a place on the docks outside the Door of No faith guiding you?” The question, where she can capitalize on multiple Return in Senegal. which spurred ridicule at the time, opportunities. The more-than-symbolic gesture further cemented Ryan’s instincts as “For me, as one of the individuals came after the Senegalese cura- a political observer. Responding to who signed off on her being on board tor described the graphic nature of her question, Bush revealed a tearful 20 years ago, she’s been consistent Gorée Island’s Maison des Esclaves and reflective side, saying that he throughout her two decades with us, (House of Slaves), the last stop be- prayed for the safety of U.S. troops and I’m happy to see her today get- fore Africans were forced upon the and innocent Iraqi lives and was ting a lot of the credit and pleased transatlantic slave route. The trip was humbled by those who prayed for to see you honoring her with all of needed for a president to learn and him. her journalistic activities over these feel what it may take to resolve the In 2006, one year after Hurricane years,” said Jerry Lopes, president deep-rooted problem that is racial Katrina, Ryan traveled with President of AURN. “She’s been consistent injustice in America, and Ryan was Bush and the first lady on Air Force representing black America, and I there, front and center, to cover a One. She was able to conduct a dual ENDURING couldn’t be happier for her that she’s possible transformation of a presi- interview of the First Couple. Before getting this recognition that she so dent on this issue. they landed and drove through the truly deserves.” Ryan’s coverage of the Clinton Ninth Ward and past the Superdome Ryan is the author of “The Presi- administration was dogged, focused to survey the still-devastated city, dency in Black and White: My Up- intently on the president’s interna- President Bush remarked to Ryan Close View of Three Presidents and tional and domestic outreach. When that he wished there were more mi- Race in America.” In her best-selling information didn’t come as forthright- norities in the press room. He wasn’t EXCELLENCE book, it’s clear how cognizant she ly as desired – like the hiring of wel- pandering, Ryan says. He knew that is of how race touches everything fare recipients at the White House more minority reporters would raise April Ryan is slaying the White House beat in American daily life and aware of – Ryan was persistent. That is her issues many mainstream white report- the struggles that African-Ameri- modus operandi. She asks question ers often gloss over. Hurricane Katrina cans have faced since the country’s after question until she reaches the and the way it devastated the Gulf founding to present day. With this truth. As her White House colleague Coast was an event that highlighted knowledge, she can’t help but feel Jonathan Karl from ABC notes: “April the need for more minority reporters. obligated to put black issues at the is tough, experienced, persistent and Not every moment within the By Danny Garrett forefront of her questions when ad- one of the hardest-working journal- Bush administration was rocked by dressing the White House. If not her, ists I know. It’s an honor to have her then who will? as a colleague.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

crisis, and Ryan’s coverage captured able and revealing moment for Laura another pointed Ryan moment that tics. Simendinger has worked with social media that’s equal parts serious humble beginnings growing up in Bal- those moments, too. As a conduit Bush and Ryan. reflected black America’s view. Ryan since the Clinton days and her and good-humored. She challenges timore, with a mother and father who for those without voices within the With the ascension of the first thoughts on her are indicative of how administration members, like Environ- would do anything to see her succeed. black community, both domestic and African-American president, Ryan NEW PRESIDENT, SAME MISSION much respect she has for Ryan. mental Protection Agency Administrator They ensured that she attended the international, she was able to bring to stood ready to report on President Now covering her fourth president, “President Clinton, Bush, Obama Scott Pruitt about climate change, and best schools, which propelled her to a light overlooked stories. She covered Barack Obama’s historical tenure. Donald J. Trump, Ryan says every- and now Donald Trump needed only replies to memes and jokes. In March, prestigious undergraduate education Bush’s AIDS work in Africa and, for Obama entered the Oval Office with thing is different, that almost every about two minutes to understand that when Spicer tried to admonish her at Morgan State University, where her example, Laura Bush’s visit to the the economy in recession, which week there’s a scandal and outright April is a journalist to be reckoned with for shaking her head, many on Twitter mother worked for more than 40 years. Corcoran Art Gallery in Washington, disproportionately affected black falsehoods, which can be easily fact- because she pushes hard for infor- came to her defense, with a barrage of Ryan stands on their and her ances- D.C., for the Quilts of Gee’s Bend Americans, and had to face a coun- checked. The new administration has tors’ shoulders. exhibit. try, later in his administration, reeling made her job busier and more conten- She is also inspired by her daugh- Katie Mae Pettway, an Afri- from black men and women being tious, so much so that her back-and- “President Clinton, Bush, Obama and ters, Ryan and Grace. She wants the can-American woman from Alabama, gunned down by police officers in forth spats with Press Secretary Sean best for them as her father and mother had one of her quilts on exhibit that high-profile incidents. And yet Ryan Spicer have quickly reached a level of now Donald Trump needed only about two wanted for her. day. She had created an estimated carried with her a concern for the first infamy. The circumstances have led She has given her audience a voice. 53 quilts in her lifetime, and she, family that channeled the sentiments Ryan to widen the focus of her work to minutes to understand that April is She has been paving a way for young along with other women, made of African-Americans. press freedoms. and up-and-coming journalists of quilts that told stories of persever- In 2009, Ryan famously sparred Recently, she was hired as a political a journalist to be reckoned with ... ” color to follow. Very soon, those young ance during slavery and the civil with then-Press Secretary Robert analyst on CNN, a powerful platform and impressionable journalists will say rights era in southwest Alabama. The Gibbs over a breach of security at the from which she can cover both black that they are following the path of yet visit inspired both Ryan and the first India state dinner. Ryan hammered issues and discuss an administration mation and shares her reporting with tweets, retweets and hashtags calling another highly esteemed journalist lady to reminisce about the warmth Gibbs over the lax security guard- that’s been harmful to the press, dis- audiences that each president wanted out Spicer for disrespect. Her social in the mold of Paul Jennings, Harry S. and love that their grandmothers’ ing the first family and asked why missive of the FBI and U.S. intelligence to reach,” Simendinger said. media habits are part of what makes McAlpin and Alice Dunnigan. And that quilts had brought them during their the Secret Service and Social Office agencies, and lackadaisical on Russia’s Ryan has always been ferociously her great. woman of grand stature they’ll un- childhoods. Ryan’s anecdote about weren’t more in sync. Her line of meddling in U.S. elections. curious. No matter the medium, she is Her longevity and consistency em- doubtedly be referring to will be April how her grandmother used to spread questioning concerned itself primar- Ryan’s continued rise comes as a quick study. That explains why she’s body black journalistic excellence. But D. Ryan, a trailblazer in her own right. her quilts floor-length in her North ily with the faulty protection of the no surprise to her peers, including so adept at Twitter. If she’s not in the where do her values, professionalism, *** Carolina home was particularly warm first family and the seeming ambiv- White House correspondent Alex- press briefing room or appearing on passion, composure and grace come Danny Garrett is an NABJ contributor and touching, which showed a relat- alence surrounding the issue. It was is Simendinger of Real Clear Poli- television, she’s displaying a wit on from? She says it goes back to her based out of Louisiana.

8 | National Association of Black Journalists | www.nabj.org | Summer 2017 Summer 2017 | www.nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 9 Let me take you through this time- so thankful for your comments and Q&A line for me. It’s important. During Bill others when it comes to my book. Clinton’s presidency, we were still us- I’m writing a third one now, and I’m ing beepers and flip phones, and Al really trying to write from a state of Gore was saying that he invented the clarity. I’m trying to be as succinct internet at that time. When I came as I can. This one is tougher for in with Clinton, we were still getting me, I guess, because of the nation paper press releases for statements. and how the nation is in a state of Because I used to complain that I dis-ease. I’m trying to capture the WHAT know they’re killing a lot of trees with truth from all sides. I know what my this, and we would go to the bin to community is saying; I need to hear get all the paper. what the other community is saying. DRIVES During the Bush years, there was I’ve been clear before, but this book something that started to become is my new challenge. popular called the Blackberry, and I Garrett: Last questions. There are was still using a beeper and a cell- many young, up-and-coming jour- APRIL phone. And … 9/11 hit, and the people nalists out there, trying to make it in who could reach people, people a field that some would say is dying. who had a Blackberry, were texting. What’s your best advice to a young RYAN? That changed the dynamic. Then we journalist? Why should he or she started getting everything on email, remain hopeful about the journalis- and everything started changing – tic field? By Danny Garrett the shift from paper to email for all The cover of April Ryan’s latest book, Ryan: Realizing that it’s not a pretty “This was not my life’s plan, but it’s amazing how the flower keeps opening the presidential information. “At Mama’s Knee: Mothers and Race job. It’s a job that will hurt your feel- up for me,” April Ryan says. Ryan is pictured with Baltimore chapter president During the Obama years, Twit- in Black and White.” ings. This field will hurt your feelings, Nicki Mayo. ter and Facebook, we started now one. Two, there’s now a concerted seeing a president speaking directly effort to smear, diminish, and dis- e caught up with principles is very important. And I to people on Twitter and Facebook credit the press. You’ll have to have NABJ’s Journalist of the can say this: the continuing of asking – but not in the sense of I [would] nity, I got this book, and I would love a tough skin, and it’s not just about Year April Ryan for our questions about the black farmers, congratulate – but being very above to see if I’m worthy of an [NAACP] one piece of the puzzle. Let’s say Summer 2017 issue. “It’s like striving for they ultimately received their money W the fray in his approach to social Image Award. I was worthy of a somebody just wants to write. If you Here is part of our conversation, edit- after 17 years of questioning in the media. Now we see a president nomination. I won right there. Just want to write, you also have to know ed for clarity and length. that master’s or Obama administration. They received who goes ballistic on social media. being nominated. And that was my how to video, as well as audio. You Danny Garrett: You’ve been a their money that the Bill Clinton He goes around. Obama would use first book. Ever. By trade I’m a jour- have to do so many different compo- White House Press Corps reporter the doctorate that administration said they should have social media in conjunction with his nalist. I’m not this prolific writer who nents because the delivery system since 1997. What was your most had 17 years prior, over a decade and press office. They would work togeth- has been writing since their 20s. It has changed. I’m already a reporter, challenging moment as a White you’ll never receive. a half. er. We now have a president who boggles my mind. I surprised myself but I’m already doing everything, House reporter? In contrast, what Garrett: So, you would say those goes around everybody and speaks because I have in my mind what I right. You have to be able to mold was your most triumphant moment? You’re always were your triumphant moments his truth, and that’s it, and it sets a want when I write, but people were and reshape yourself and recre- April Ryan: There are challenging when you’re asking the great ques- whole bunch of fires that everybody like, “This is amazing. It sounds like a ate yourself, because the delivery moments always. The overarching researching and tions, and you’re able to put some- has to put out. So, it’s an interesting novel.” systems are changing. The news is challenging moment is the fact that thing on a press secretary’s mind dynamic. That’s one of the biggest This was not my life’s plan, but changing: how it’s delivered, what it you’re always researching and study- talking to sources.” or a president’s mind that can help differences, watching how the tech- it’s amazing how the flower keeps says, but some of the basics are still ing. It’s like striving for that master’s change policy? nology has evolved and how we get opening up for me. I’m an older there. The 5Ws and all sides of the or the doctorate that you’ll never Ryan: Not just change policy, but Robert Gibbs and I used to have our media and news over the last person. This summer I turn 50, and story, not just two sides of the story. receive. You’re always researching help people. The highest office in the fights. Well, not a fight; we had a little 20 years. That’s one of the biggest I’ve been doing this for a while, and That’s the basics, but it’s how it’s and talking to sources. It’s getting to land is about people. Yeah, there’s back-and-forth on the Salahis, and things. Access is always going to be I’m still finding these little surprises delivered is the difference and who the bottom of the issue. You got to one person that sits there, but when ultimately there was a congressional one of the issues. along the way. I’m thankful for them. it’s delivered to. Tell the truth. Be fac- know a lot in a little bit of time. That’s you have that kind of power, it’s investigation, and yet I was wrong Garrett: Clearly, you’re the type of But the drive…you do something, tual. I think the responsibility is great. the overarching challenge. about helping people. [treated as so by Press Secretary person who has the ability to lock you did this, and then you say, “Let’s Everyone can’t do it. Not everyone is Some other challenges are when Garrett: You’re now reporting on Gibbs] for bringing the issue up. My in and accomplish amazing feats. see what happens if we do this. Let’s built for this. you have to go toe-to-toe with the your fourth presidential administra- questions came before the congres- Where does that drive originate? see.” It’s kind of like stumbling along Garrett: Thank you so much, Ms. administration, and they’re feeling tion. What are the key differences sional investigation. Ryan: I don’t know if it’s a drive. the way. It’s “Let’s see.” It’s not like Ryan, for the interview. I really ap- that your questions should not have and similarities between the admin- When you ask questions, some- I just do what I do. It’s not like I’m a charted path. Trust me. I do what preciate it. been asked. Every administration istration you’re covering now, the times it changes policy. It could trying to do this, I want this. It’s just I do. I go into work, and I do what I Ryan: Thank you. Thank you so has that. Some are more public than Trump administration, and the ones shape policy. It could also put I wanted to write a book. I’ve been do, and what happens happens. I’m much. others, but some are very different you’ve covered in the past? something on the table that they doing this for so long, and I’ve been really not trying to create something *** than others. In this administration, Ryan: This should be no surprise. haven’t thought about or heard about writing that book for years, since the here. I just go to work, and what Danny Garrett is an NABJ contribu- with Sean Spicer, I’ve never had that This president is totally different from from any of their inner circles. So, the moment I came in, into the White falls into place, falls into place. I’m tor based out of Louisiana. before. But, no, the Press Secretary the last three in every way. questioning of presidents and their House. Being in the black commu-

After a successful career as a sports writer, Ron Thomas, the director of the sports and journalism program at Morehouse College, was named NABJ’s Legacy Thomas reinvented himself Award winner. Thomas was also named Morehouse’s 2017 Professor of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Morehouse College)

“I think I can speak for all his students when I say none of us would be where we are at if it wasn’t for him.” By Marcus Vanderberg

n 2003, Ron Thomas saw the writing on the wall. The 2006 convention in Indianapolis would change his tion for the director position on the NABJ listserv and efforts the last decade, Thomas was selected as NABJ’s The San Francisco Examiner laid off almost all of its career forever. applied. 2017 recipient of the Legacy Award, presented to a black Iwriters, including Thomas, the paper’s main sports “Morehouse sent a representative to come to the “Had I not gone to the NABJ convention that year, I journalist of “extraordinary accomplishment who has bro- writer. Ten years prior while working for the San Francisco Sports Task Force meeting to announce that Morehouse don’t know if I ever would have heard the job was open,” ken barriers and blazed trails.” Thomas will be honored at Chronicle, he accepted a buyout. And in 1978 while he was starting a journalism program that had a sports em- Thomas said. the Salute to Excellence dinner on Aug. 12 at the NABJ was at the Chicago Daily News, the publication folded. phasis,” Thomas said. There was no denying his credentials. Author of the convention in New Orleans. “As a veteran reporter, you start making more money The Morehouse College Journalism and Sports Pro- book “They Cleared the Lane: The NBA’s Black Pioneers,” “Success has followed Mr. Thomas in the form of his and it was hard to find a job,” Thomas said. gram was the brainchild of legendary film director and Thomas spent the majority of his journalism career in the students, which is his legacy,” 2014 Morehouse alumnus Instead of jumping back into the profession that let him Morehouse alumnus Spike Lee and late sports columnist Bay Area covering the San Francisco Giants, Golden State Keion Grissom said. “I think I can speak for all his students down time after time, Thomas took the reporting skills Ralph Wiley. Warriors and San Francisco 49ers. And in 1987, he was when I say none of us would be where we are at if it he’d developed during his 30-plus-year career and tran- “Ralph would tell him [Spike Lee] about being the one one of seven sports journalists on a steering commit- wasn’t for him. He may not have graduated from More- sitioned into the world of education. black person in a press box or one of very few. After tee that would eventually lead to the birth of the NABJ house, but he definitely is Morehouse personified.” He taught a news writing class at Laney College in conversations, they decided a great way to develop more Sports Task Force. *** Oakland and continued to attend NABJ conventions — black sports writers would be to start a sports journalism Since Thomas’ arrival in 2007, Morehouse’s journalism Marcus Vanderberg serves on the board of NABJ as the something Thomas started doing in 1977 — even though program at a HBCU,” Thomas said. program has produced more than 50 journalists, with Region IV director. He is senior editor for Yahoo Sports. he wasn’t a full-time sports writer. Following the convention, Thomas saw a job descrip- a quarter focused on sports journalism. Because of his

12 | National Association of Black Journalists | www.nabj.org | Summer 2017 Summer 2017 | www.nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 13 Journalist of the Year Chuck Stone Lifetime Achievement Award Legacy Award Michael J. Feeney Emerging Journalists of the Year Educator of the Year Angelo B. Henderson Community Service Award

Ernest Owens & April Ryan Yvette Miley Ron Thomas Candace Smith Cheryl Thompson Bobby Henry Sr.

NABJ Hall of Fame CONGRATULATIONS NABJ honors those who have led with distinction, honor and service. Each honoree will be presented with their award at the 2017 Salute to Excellence gala or Hall of Fame luncheon at the Hilton New Orleans NABJ’S FINEST Riverside Hotel. Michael Days

Patricia L. Tobin Media Professional Award Student Journalist of the Year Journalist of Distinction NABJ Hall of Fame NABJ Hall of Fame NABJ Hall of Fame

Jocelyn K. Allen Gino Terrell Leoneda Inge Rev. Aisha Karimah John Jenkins Garth Reeves Sr. #EbonyOwes • Nearly 20 percent of all journalists freelance points to deeper • 17 percent of freelancers work for free industry troubles Source: The American Press Institute By Autumn A. Arnett

n recent months, a number of free- Banner ads and traditional web “To many large agencies who con- according to a 2016 survey by the Bill Cox, president and CEO of Cox, lance writers have taken to social displays don’t appeal to advertisers, trol billions in top-brand spend, black American Press Institute. And of Matthews and Associates, which Imedia to express frustration over Martin said; instead, offering brands a culture and publications are not a those, 17 percent say they work for publishes Diverse: Issues In High- Ebony Magazine not paying them for dedicated writer to produce content first-of-mind media buy.” free, though 40 percent name finan- “Freelancers are er Education and a suite of other their work. on their behalf and leverage social Martin said that means black pub- cial compensation as their biggest properties, said sometimes there are But while the hashtag #Ebon- media as part of a value package are lications are often limited to small motivation for freelancing. abused because tough decisions to be made, espe- yOwes called out the black media much more successful approaches. agencies or multicultural depart- “There’s no HR for freelancers,” said cially when the company may be stalwart, the problems highlighted by Martin said that though this is true ments in large agencies focused on Terrell J. Starr, a full-time reporter for they don’t waiting on advertisers to settle their the recent conversation around the of all publications which began in tobacco, alcohol, beauty and auto FoxTrotAlpha who also frequently invoices for a past issue. magazine are indicative of a larger print, minority publications are at a advertising. contributes to other sites. “No one is understand the The company’s flagship magazine industry trend, as traditional print particular disadvantage. Limited revenue opportunities, employed to advocate on your be- publishes twice a month and is sup- publications continue to navigate the “Representation matters,” he said. scale and cross-channel advertising half. There is no ethical obligation to business of it.” plemented by a daily web edition; transition to digital, says Streamline According to 2014 Bureau of Labor products for publishers lead to prob- freelancers … so your labor is subject freelancers invoice on a two-week Communications and Media Chief Statistics data, fewer than 7 percent lems, he said. to abuse. cycle. inely make mistakes,” he said. Executive Darren Martin. of advertising executives across the “We have companies struggling to “A lot of these places … operate “When I receive an invoice, I However, Starr said: “I’ve had free- “Even those that have made the country are black. When it comes gain the necessary resources they on a freelance system, because it’s seldom pay a person within 15 days lance assignments where it has tak- switch and have built up that digital time to pitch publications to brands, need to grow, compete and, essen- cheap labor,” he said. “Consequently, or two weeks,” Cox said, noting that en months [to receive payment]. The audience have not figured out how there is no one at the table to make tially, pay their freelancers,” Martin the worker ends up getting the short budget wise, it is more feasible to way it’s set up is that the freelancers to leverage the digital platform” to of- the case for the black publications — said. end of the stick because [publishers’] pay on a 30-day cycle. are given the impression that if they fer advertisers properties they want, there are “no black media advocates But increasingly, freelancers are process is not set up in a way to treat Often, freelancers are writing in speak up for themselves, nobody’s Martin said, addressing a downturn at the table during the planning the lifeblood of publications, as the freelancer with respect.” nearly every issue, sending in two going to hire them. in revenue which has made some sessions and not many black media much of the industry shifts away Not all payment delays are mali- invoices each budgeted payment publishers unable to pay their bills directors who have the power to from the old staff writer model. Near- cious or a reflection on publishers’ “Freelancers are abused because on time. include them,” Martin said. ly 20 percent of journalists freelance, character. “Sometimes, people genu- they don’t understand the business CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 of it.”

Terrell J. Starr

cycle. “You want to make sure that understanding the human impact Freelancers aren’t the only ones that person receives payment for at of missed payments — is critical to suffering, he added, noting that least one of those two [each cy- maintaining the relationship. many staff members can barely take cle], because … you want to retain “I’ve had times where I had to ask vacation. “I’ve had times where I had to ask that person. You want to keep them my landlord for one month, maybe “It’s a very high volume environ- happy. And people are not going to two months [of leniency] because my ment. A lot of these places are set up work for free, and people tend to get check didn’t come in on time,” Starr in a way where you have very little my landlord for one month, maybe upset when there’s a delay in pay- said. “You have to ask family and ability to take a vacation. ment,” he said. “You want to make friends for money. You have to call “There’s no labor standard even for every effort to make sure a person is your credit card companies. people who are full-time,” he said. two months [of leniency] because my compensated in a timely manner.” “Even though these people are “People need work, and because When juggling accounts payable OK [helping out until the checks people need work, people are willing and deciding which checks to delay, come in] … you don’t want to tap into to do a wide range of things that check didn’t come in on time.” Cox said his general policy is “People your relationships and use a second are morally wrong, ethically wrong get paid before businesses, because chance or a third chance because because they need money. you want to keep the person happy. someone has decided your check is “That’s the abuse of capitalism.” You want them to continue writing not a priority for them. for you, you want them to continue to “It’s really a damaging process for *** have faith in and confidence in you, the freelancer.” Autumn A. Arnett currently serves as and you want to keep them at the And it’s not like freelancers “have editor of Education Dive. She is also top of the leaderboard.” a full-time job where you can go to founding editor of Out of Bounds Mag- When people won’t be paid within your therapist and your insurance azine and president of XanJo Media the promised time, keeping the pays for it” when they get stressed LLC. Autumn can be reached via Twit- lines of communication open be- out and start to suffer mental or ter @A2Arnett or at a2arnett.com. tween publication and writers — and emotional strain, Starr said.

18 | National Association of Black Journalists | www.nabj.org | Summer 2017 Summer 2017 | www.nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 19 Participants take part in the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation’s Black Male Media Project in June at the Home- Black Male Media project participants gathered at WBAL-TV 11 & WBAL for breakfast, a mentoring panel and a studio wood-Brushton YMCA. (Photo by Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media) tour. (Photo courtesy of Nicki Mayo)

looking without ourselves to solve across the diaspora and to help build the problem and build the pipeline trust in communities nationwide,” to ensure the stories that reflect the Glover said. Uplifting black men in the media true contributions of black males are “This is not the end The second phase of the NABJ not over looked. Black Male Media Project will be a “I will never forget as a child see- of the discussion. It digital photography project show- Black Male Media Project homes in on images, support for black males in industry ing founder Max Robinson anchor cased at the NABJ Annual Conven- ABC World News,” Lemon recalled. is the beginning.” tion & Career Fair from Aug. 9-13, in “Watching him on the desk had a New Orleans. bigger impact on me than the news NABJ members will be invited to “The response I got from chap- cally black community struggling to he delivered. It told me we as black share positive pictures of black men. By Johann Calhoun ters was phenomenal,” Lemon maintain the status it carried years men can document the truth. Every documentary on that city’s historical- Some of the images will be displayed said. “Chapter leaders everywhere ago,” Lemon said. “In Baltimore, we night he was on my whole family during the convention, and the asso- stepped up and volunteered to ad- had young black school-aged men in ly black business district. arlier this summer, the National watched together. That is what the ciation is exploring a traveling juried dress this challenge. Our discussion the newsroom connecting with vet- “During a time where black men Association of Black Journalists black male media project is about. exhibit in the future. More details are in Charlotte began with a man who eran journalists and even going on are being covered as endangered launched its Black Male Media Reaching through the screen, off forthcoming on the digital photogra- E told the crowd, ‘I have been waiting air to report the weather. These are species in traumatic national head- Project, “an initiative to help change the page, and showing other young phy project. to have this discussion for 15 years.’” valuable experiences that will create lines, NABJ has been proactive in the narrative around the lives and black men that we have a place here, Also at the #NABJ17 Convention, The project launched with 19 NABJ bonds to improve the work and ca- shifting the narrative by uplifting images of black men in the news and too. It is about networking, and bond- there will be a special reconvening affiliate chapters hosting events in reers of black men in the media.” black male media voices,” Owens in society with a series of workshops ing not to exclude, but to make sure workshop session focusing on black various cities and states across the The initiative’s launch featured said. “This initiative is timely, inten- nationwide.” we are included and we offset the men and the #InspireBlackMen United States. Participating chapters workshops, panels and events tional and necessary for the contin- The initiative, which took place in images of black men that are often project. included: Atlanta, Baltimore, Char- focused on examining newsroom ued advocacy of black journalism June, was crafted to inspire, support projected in the news.” “This is not the end of the discus- lotte, Chicago, Dallas, Little Rock, diversity, professional development and the diaspora as a whole.” and develop training and mentorship The New York Association of sion,” Lemon said. “It is the beginning. Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, New and networking. Lemon noted the Participating chapters promoted opportunities for black men working Black Journalists event included top I have heard from people who said Orleans, New York City, Norfolk, significance of the project and sug- the project and made the initiative in or aspiring to work in journalism industry names such as activist Rev. we have to do this again. You know Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Ra- gested its existence will continue. open to anyone helping to engage and the media, NABJ leaders say. Al Sharpton, New York Daily News your effects hit home when people leigh-Durham, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, “This is not an ‘anti-female’ effort,” around the value of black males The project was created by NABJ justice writer Shaun King and Fox 5 are hungry for more.” Fla. and Wisconsin. he said. “This is men recognizing the working in newsrooms and media, President Sarah J. Glover and was News Director Byron Harmon as part *** “The programming was truly di- critical need for us to be present in using the hashtag #InspireBlackMen. executed by Ken Lemon, a reporter a panel of black male journalists, Johann Calhoun serves on the NABJ verse, from the chapter in L.A. hold- editorial meetings, to be active in “NABJ has created the Black Male for Eyewitness News 9 in Charlotte, discussing race and the perception board as Region 1 director. He is the ing a digital discussion, to the Tampa the newsroom, to be available to Media Project to combat the blot- North Carolina, and co-chair Ernest of black males in the media. At the news and special projects editor at the Bay chapter partnering with a group tell the stories of our communities ter-to-mugshot images of black Owens, editor of G Philly in Philadel- same time, the Tampa Bay Associa- Philadelphia Tribune. to talk about coverage of a histori- with a unique understanding. We are male faces, to create a fresh and real phia. tion of Black Journalists screened a view of black men in America and

20 | National Association of Black Journalists | www.nabj.org | Summer 2017 Summer 2017 | www.nabj.org | National Association of Black Journalists | 21 #NABJCONGRATS MARK RUSSELL Russell was named executive editor of The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, NABJ Tennessee. He is the first African- American to lead the Commercial- Appeal in its 176-year history. He previously served as managing editor MEMBERS at the paper and was executive editor ON THE of the Orlando Sentinel. WAYNE DAWKINS Dawkins is joining Morgan State MOVE University’s School of Global Journalism and Communication as a tenure-track associate professor. He is leaving Hampton University after 12 years as a professor in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.

EBONY REED Reed was named the director of innovation at the Reynold Journalism Institute Futures Lab at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She had previously served as the executive advertising director at the Boston Business Journal and had spent seven years with The Associated Press.

JANICE HUFF Huff was named to the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The NBC 4 New York Chief Meteorologist was named to the hall’s 2016 class. She has been a member of the NBC 4 New York team for more than 20 years.

HERBERT LOWE Lowe, a former NABJ president, has joined the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications as a lecturer in journalism and director of its summer media institute. He was previously a Want to share your professional in residence at Marquette success? Tell us all University. about your latest job moves or milestones CONDACE PRESSLEY at [email protected]. Pressley, a former NABJ President, was inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Please be sure to Fame. She is a 30-year veteran of WSB include an image radio and is the fourth black woman inducted into the Hall of Fame, which and link for more has just 93 inductees. information.