AABJ hosts first men’s forum in honor of Father’s Day
By Tandeca Turner, AABJSC

On Tuesday, June 8, the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists hosted its first men’s forum at the Georgia Power Building located in downtown Atlanta.

The panel consisted of: finance expert and author, Clyde Anderson; Dr. David Malebranche of Grady Hospital; Wilbur T. Purvis III, pastor of Destiny World Church; Joseph Ripley, pastor of Body of Christ Church International; Atlanta Interim Police Chief George N. Turner and cardiology physician Dr. Winston Gandy.

Craig Bell, vice president of broadcast for AABJ, moderated the forum.

With this distinguished group of African-American men, the forum was informational and filled with critical knowledge.

As the panelists settled, gathering their thoughts, Bell opened the forum with the following remark: “Let’s discuss the critical issues that affect black men and our community.”

“The number one issue is the presence of a father as far as the structure of family goes, both literally and figuratively,” Ripley said.

Fatherhood is a major contribution to our children’s lives and needs to increase in order to create a critical positive adjustment in the future of African-American men, he said.

“We have to train younger generations on how to be great fathers, it’s about who can raise a baby, not who can make one,” Purvis added.
Installing good, responsible qualities in our youth helps support them in becoming outstanding fathers and community leaders in the future.

On a more personal topic, the panel was asked, “As journalists what can we do to improve our communities?”

“Do your research and look behind numbers,” Turner said. Journalists have to research stories by obtaining accurate statistics and information.

Panelists also discussed an increased need to show positive involvement in our communities.

“As journalists you need more stories directed toward positive fathers and role models rather than sports, entertainment and criminals/violence. This will give our youth a better outlook of our race and society,” Gandy said.

The topic was soon switched to: “how to raise your daughters to have a positive look at black men in their generation.”

As a father of young girls, Anderson advised, “Let them see you as an example, looking at how you react to and treat your wife will allow them to grasp an understanding of a good man.”

Children are like sponges they soak up everything whether its actions, reactions or emotions you have with situations that are presented, he continued.

“You have to have a clear definition of the roles of mother and father as parents. Children don’t do what you say, they do what you do,” Ripley added.

The doctors on the panel provided great insight on the topic of how to help black men make positive decisions when dealing with health.

“If we create an environment within our facilities that is reassuring, nurturing and family-oriented we will receive an increase in male participation as far as medical proceedings go,” Malebranche said.

This will make men more comfortable to ask questions about their health, and make more attempts to take care of their physical and mental states.

The panel discussion also included a brief video of gospel singer Kirk Franklin’s recent interview speaking about the black community.

A major issue Franklin highlighted was that, we as black people, often “ignore the younger images of ourselves due to success.”

Franklin stated that we have to stop forgetting that there are younger generations who need guidance.

As the forum concluded with open questions, it was evident that the audience was intrigued by the panelists’ facts, experience and knowledge.

The forum provided positive and intellectual information from both the panel and audience, and a delightful meal by Chef Shombe of Shombe’s Catering, filling the minds and stomachs of participants.
 

Managers tell AABJ audience how to handle the manager within
By Amber Street, GSU student

“Don’t take it personal,” was one of the many lessons James Mallory, senior managing editor of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, shared from his personal journey in becoming a newsroom leader. Oftentimes, people get discouraged when they do not receive an assignment or position they desire, but it is important to keep an objective outlook, he advised.  
Mallory was one of the four panelists of the “Managing the Manager Within You” forum hosted by the Atlanta Association of Black Journalist at WSB-TV.  
Along with Mallory, Condace Pressley, assistant program director of 750 WSB, Alexander Quince, weekend executive producer of WXIA-TV and Isoul Harris, managing editor of 944 Media, engaged the audience with words of wisdom about their climb to management positions in the journalism industry.
M. Alexis Scott, publisher of the Atlanta Daily Word, moderated the forum. Scott questioned the panel about challenges and joys of becoming and maintaining leadership roles in their careers.
All of the panelists shared their “keys” to success, ranging from personal awareness to essential leadership skills.
“Create your own personal board of directors,” Pressley said. Creating a group of internal and external mentors and advocates who will challenge and support you is important.  
Knowing main figures, or managers, in other departments who can speak on behalf of your abilities, can boost your potential to others, Quince said.
“Managers hire who they know, like and trust,” he explained.

Harris stated being open and telling others about your goals is a crucial step in elevating your career. Many times, you can miss out on an opportunity by not speaking up and informing others of your aspirations.
Scott also asked the panel about some hardships they face currently as leaders in their workplace.
“Learn the art of compromise,” Mallory said. He advised when it comes down to disagreements between you and colleague, it is best to try to meet each other halfway to resolve the issue.
All of the panelists have admitted that at times, they feel that their opinions or beliefs have been challenged.
Pressley shared with the audience a personal example of how she handled the situation of a colleague stating something she found disrespectful. By “politely” expressing her views, she stood her ground.
Harris shared a testimony, recalling an article he wanted to publish that shed light on issues that sponsors of his publication did not like. Despite opposition, Harris felt he held the responsibility to inform his readers. His final decision was to run the story.   
“You speak up when you need to, even if you don’t win the argument,” Mallory said. Winning every battle is not what is important, Mallory advised, when it comes down to decisions that test your morals or beliefs, you should go with the choice that you can feel proud of days, months, even years down the road.
Self-awareness was a concept stressed by the panelists. Displaying your strengths and working on your weaknesses was the formula the panel provided for making progress in the workplace.  
And even when you reach a goal or leadership position such as a manager, there is always room for improvement.
“There is no finish line. No matter how good you are...you can always get better,” Pressley said.

In honor of Black History Month, the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists hosted a Black Business Expo.  Forging a bridge with the Atlanta Business League, AABJ held the event at Georgia Power where a multitude of small business owners and journalists networked.

"This was a great event," said CNN producer Valerie Butler. "I had a chance to learn about black-owned businesses in the area and get some great earrings!"

The Black Expo included journalists and more than 25 business owners who represented a variety of industries. Each company showcased their goods and services at their creatively decorated vendor tables. The room was filled with black entrepreneurs who sold jewelry, books, children’s clothes, ice cream, insurance and more.

“It was an awesome opportunity for my agency to showcase our services, and to network with other businesses," said Ricky Henderson, president of The Henderson Group Insurance. "I truly hope that you keep us in the immediate loop for all events to come!"

Leona Barr-Davenport, president and CEO of the Atlanta Business League, served as the guest speaker. She stressed that everyone in the room is responsible for the maintenance of the community.

Whether it is keeping money circulated within the black neighborhoods or making sure that our perspective is illustrated in the news, each service is required for the health of our community.

Journalists and business owners alike feasted on what each had to offer. There was even a raffle drawing that included a signed autographed football by New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Peyton. A true prize value now that the Saints are the 2010 Super Bowl winners. The football was donated by Marshawn Evans author of Skirts in the Boardroom and CEO of Me Unlimited.
“I’m pleased that we had such a positive turnout,” said AABJ president Tenisha Abernathy. “I am so proud of our new board. We’re planning some great events this year for our members, I hope everyone will come out to enjoy.”

By Mychael Bond
AABJ Student Consortium