THE BYLINE – APRIL 2023 ISSUE

STARS ON THE RISE: A NEW GENERATION OF ATLANTA JOURNALISTS MAKING THEIR MARK IN THE MEDIA INDUSTRY

The April issue of the Byline features three Atlanta journalists who share their stories of passion and perseverance, transitioning from college to pursuing their professional dreams as Black women in media. Taking risks, getting out of their comfort zones, becoming experts in the industry, and experiencing some successes, these women demonstrate that anything is possible if you work hard, believe in yourself, and go for it.

 (Pictured left, MiAsia Symone)

The Power of Passion: MiAsia Symone is Pursuing Her Journalism Dreams on Her Own Terms

By

Alexia Clark

Started from the bottom and now she’s here! From blogging to her first and worst interview, MiAsia Symone let all of her experiences — good and bad — propel her into a top 10 market! This multimedia journalist is succeeding in a variety of fields— radio, event hosting, social commentary, and more —without letting her doubts get in the way.

Now while her path to success may seem like a straight shot, the multimedia personality notes that her journey is not as easy as it looks. Symone was born and raised in Atlanta and graduated from Georgia State University in 2016. In addition to her work ethic, her attitude and charisma, she has also kicked down doors. Symone takes pride in being personable. It is one of the most essential characteristics that has helped her be successful within her field.

“It gets easier over time, but I still have those doubts in the back of my mind, like am I doing this right? Do they really like this? Am I really doing what I’m supposed to do?” shared Symone.

Symone is a host and board operator at Atlanta’s radio station, Hot 107.9 FM.

Beginning as a freelance journalist, blogger, and host, she has collaborated with several media outlets, companies and interviewed some of the most notable names in hip hop and entertainment.

Her background helped her start her own platform, inspired by her parents who both owned and operated businesses together. She grew up in a middle-class household and seeing her parents work hard for her and her siblings sparked the fire that she embodies.

“I want to continue his [my father’s] legacy. He lived a great life and instilled a lot into me. I’m very knowledgeable because of him so I remember everything he taught me,” said the entertainment radio host.

Symone’s career was boosted by her all-encompassing passion for sports, entertainment, and popular culture. Her work was recently recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives as she was awarded the Citizens of Impact award.

This journalist loves her day-to-day and the ever changing climate of radio. The early mornings and sometimes hectic schedule does not bother her one bit as long as she has a glass of wine to end the day.

“My goal is to always display and show that I’m human too,” Symone said.

Symone is also a brand influencer and has collaborated with notable brands such as FedEx, Netflix, NARS Cosmetics and more. Even though she’s not the biggest fan of social media, she has achieved over 30 thousand followers on Instagram and the number continues to rise.

“If you’re not consistent, nothing gets done, but you have to be consistent. It’s so many days where you just want to lie in bed and not do anything. But if you’re not doing anything, then nothing is moving. People aren’t seeing you, and so we live in a society where if you aren’t posting it, it never happened,” explains Symone.

This emerging talent isn’t going anywhere. Between her nomination for Journalist of the Year by Black Media Honors, hosting and future auntie duties, it seems she has no intention of taking her petal off the gas any time soon.

Whenever her life settles down, she dreams of owning her own winery and learning more about the wine industry. Symone curating an unforgettable experience like no other.

“You know, a glass of wine a day, keeps the doctors away,” she said.

To keep up with this multifaceted personality, checkout her website https://www.miasiasymone.com and follow MiAsia Symone on all social media platforms.

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 (Pictured left, LaShawn Hudson)

Skilled & Striving: LaShawn Hudson’s Journey to Being a Multi-Platform Journalist

By

Mya Grant

Being well versed in your career or passion is something that we all strive for, especially as journalists. The constant desire to be better and expand your skills is a never-ending journey and LaShawn Hudson knows that all too well. As a multi-platform journalist and current producer at WABE-FM radio station in Atlanta, there were many leaps of faith and many desires that led Hudson to where she is today.

As a young girl, she became interested in Essence magazine where she would read the letter from the editor-in-chief and instantly envisioned herself in that space.

“I didn’t make the connection that it was journalism until I was older,” says Hudson. “But I knew that whatever these women in this magazine were doing, that’s what I wanted to do.”

Hudson went on to get a degree in mass communications from Virginia Union University and once she graduated, she faced some of the difficulties that many college graduates face who want to work in journalism, a tough industry to break into. After working a part-time job and interning at the local newspaper, where she would see her bylines all the time, she gave herself the ultimatum of chasing her dreams or being stuck at a job she did not enjoy.

She remembered the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) organization from college and did her research to find a chapter and get involved. Happily stumbling upon the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ) and conveniently having family in Atlanta made the decision that much easier for her to move to Atlanta. Taking a leap of faith, Hudson moved to Atlanta from Virginia and started to freelance for the Atlanta Voice Newspaper while transitioning into the city. Once Hudson moved to Atlanta and went to her first AABJ meeting, she knew that she was in the right place and had made the right choice.

“It just felt like home,” says Hudson. “Because I saw people doing the things that I wanted to do and I realized that I needed to be in this environment.”

Through AABJ, she also became a producer for their broadcast television show, iN Contact. This move catapulted Hudson into something greater for her and her career.

Even though she always envisioned herself in print journalism, television production was her way of breaking into the media industry and expanding her skills. Hudson accepted a position with WNEM TV 5 News in Saginaw, Michigan under the producer training program for about a year. As fearful as she was in leaving Atlanta and starting over, she talked herself into going through with it not knowing that it was going to keep progressing into something more.

Once the training program was over, she accepted another producer position in Tulsa, Oklahoma that she held for three years and sharpened her skills even more. Hudson produced the 6 p.m. newscasts and held a supervising producer role that introduced her to learning and leading many things within the station and the stories being aired. She grew as a journalist and brought more skills back with her.

After her position in Tulsa ended, she accepted a position in Charlotte, North Carolina producing their morning show. Unfortunately, she experienced a burnout moment and moved back to Atlanta and took some time out to figure out what she really wanted to do. During that time, she attended an NABJ conference and met someone from NPR that got her interested in that niche of journalism. To top it all off, the skills she acquired from her producer positions were transferable and lined up closely with what she has done and what she wanted to do.

Now, Hudson works in radio as a producer at WABE-FM radio where she writes and produces Atlanta’s most compelling stories. She is enjoying the work she does, the life she’s living and is looking forward to what’s next. Although she’s unsure of where the future will take her, she is sure that life will be interesting, her skills will continue to grow and you just might see her host her own show on NPR.

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 (Pictured left, Maya T. Prabhu)

Maya Prabhu Talks About Her Journalism Career and the 2023 Georgia Legislative Session

By

Madgie Robinson

“I always tell people I came to journalism like really backwards,” said Maya Prabhu, a government reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Born in Queens, New York and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, Prabhu moved to Atlanta to attend Spelman College. She was a math major during her first two years of her undergraduate studies, then changed her major to English and in 2004 earned a bachelor’s degree.

When the time came for her to decide her career path, Prabhu decided to pursue journalism. In college, she took the only journalism class the university offered and wrote for the school paper one semester. In her mind, she lacked the experience to work in a newsroom.

“I didn’t feel like I was qualified or prepared to go out into the world and work at a newspaper with one class,” Prabhu said.

Prabhu attended graduate school at the University of Maryland to study journalism and become a music reporter. Without researching the program beforehand, she quickly realized the curriculum was public policy focused.

“If you didn’t want to be like a White House correspondent, they were just like, ‘why are you here?”

After obtaining her master’s degree, Prabhu worked as a journalist, covering municipal governments in Maryland and moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to cover city government. She went on to cover state government for The Post and Courier in Charleston, South Carolina.

“So, a lot of people are passionate about journalism and then go out into the world and become journalists,” Prabhu said. “Whereas, I was like, I’m good at this and I can get paid for it. Then it was after three or four years in the business when the passion came for me.”

In 2017, Prabhu returned to Atlanta to work at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in her current position covering the Georgia Legislature. Her focus includes gambling and abortion legislation, criminal justice, social issues and legislative races.

The General Assembly just ended March 28th, and Prabhu covered a few high-profile bills that many Georgians closely watched.

Here’s a brief update on a few bills that passed and failed before the Legislature adjourned:

Gender-affirming healthcare

Senate Bill 140, a measure that spurred much controversy, would prohibit healthcare providers from offering gender-affirming healthcare to transgender children. Gov. Brian Kemp immediately signed it into law before the last day of the session Georgians under 18 may continue with hormone treatment if they start before the law takes effect on July 1.

Prosecutor oversight

Under House Bill 231, a new state board would be created to punish or remove the state’s district attorneys for an array of violations. The measure, backed by Kemp, cleared both chambers.

Election contribution limits

Lawmakers approved a measure that would prevent county election offices from receiving donations. Republicans promoted the bill after the U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence, funded by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerburg, donated millions of dollars to Dekalb County in 2020.

Mental health

Mental health legislation continued to be top of mind among lawmakers. House Bill 520 would address the shortage of mental health providers in the state and refine how agencies share patient information. However, the measure failed to advance both chambers.

Sports betting

This session marked the fifth-year lawmakers attempted and failed to pass legislation to legalize sports betting. Two versions of the bill failed to move past the Senate floor.

Private vouchers

A measure that would grant an annual subsidy of $6,500 for students to spend on private education or homeschooling fell in the House. Kemp publicly backed the measure.

For more information on the Georgia General Assembly, visit the Georgia General Assembly. Follow Maya Prabhu on Twitter at @MayaTPrabhu.

This issue of the Byline was edited by Tianna Faulkner, Vice President of Print for the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists.

THE BYLINE-MARCH 2023 ISSUE

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

MEDIA PROFESSIONAL JOYCE E. DAVIS TALKS ABOUT HER CAREER:  The Past, Present, and Future 

(Pictured above Joyce E. Davis)

By Da’Zhane Johnson

As early as the age of 12, Joyce E.  Davis envisioned a career in journalism. When she was in high school, she found herself writing for the newspaper. Her acceptance into Howard University only led to her practicing her craft in greater strides.

Davis’ experience at Howard University proved to be groundbreaking for her future career. She participated in several outlets on campus including the Hilltop, Howard’s student newspaper, and the yearbook. She also participated in five internships during her matriculation. One of the opportunities even landed her at Essence Magazine.

“I was very active. Journalism is practicing your craft. I was writing, writing, writing all the time. And loving it,” Davis said.

Davis’ college experience led to her moving to New York City, where she reported for several outlets including Fortune, Honey Magazine and BET Weekend Magazine. Additionally, she wrote a book titled “Can’t Stop the Shine” under a book deal with BET.  The book was named the 2009 American Library Association Popular Paperback for Young Adults

Her career on the east coast was fulfilling, however, she decided to move back home to Atlanta. Davis received a job at Upscale Magazine, where she held various titles within seven years. Afterwards, she transitioned into public relations.

“The internet had a serious impact on the journalism world,” Davis began. “Starting around 2000 and 2001, people were writing blogs, so those who were classically trained journalists were not getting the same level of respect and they weren’t making the same amount of money. I decided I could still do some meaningful storytelling if I was doing public relations, but I was doing it for clients that I believed in.”

For Davis, public relations offered a new form of storytelling that still felt impactful. She co-founded PowerFlow Media and started representing clients. The clients often held a space for social justice change or strived to foster relationships with communities. Davis worked with people like Xernona Clayton and Yanick Rice Lamb, in addition to several events like the National Black Arts Festival.

She spent the next 13 years at Spelman College working in the Marketing and Communications department. What she assumed to be a temporary position progressed into the most rewarding job of her career. Not only did Davis help Spelman College with crisis management, but she also got to promote the institution. In 2021, she left the institution to tackle her current role at Pearson.

At Pearson, Davis helps formulate the company’s narrative surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Her role works internally to inform employees about DEI and how it influences every aspect of the business. Although the topic of DEI has been around for years, Davis recognizes why her role has become significant in recent years.

“DEI has gotten a lot more visibility after the murder of George Floyd,” Davis said, and she goes on to explain two reasons why DEI is so important. “First of all, it’s just about fairness in general. But because the demographics are changing, companies really want the business of these growing, diverse communities. Producing products that meet the needs of these communities can help your bottom line. So, [discussing DEI] is the right thing to do, but there’s also a financial opportunity.”

Her role at Pearson is expanding into thought leadership research for various industries and learning. Furthermore, she will be executing strategic communication work for the company’s virtual learning business.

Outside of her job, Davis hopes to develop four historical non-fiction books that can be published in the future.

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UP FOR THE CHALLENGE: How Anika Myers-Palm Created the Career of Her Dreams

(Pictured above Anika Myers-Palm)

By Alexia Clark

There are times when you believe something is so right for you until you’re actually doing it. Director of Off-platform and New Audiences programming at CNN Digital, Anika Myers-Palm, did not grow up dreaming of working for CNN. In fact, she graduated from Georgetown University and originally worked in finance. It did not take her long to realize finance was not for her. While contributing to her company’s newsletter articles, the enjoyment of this pushed her to apply for her first role as a business reporting assistant.

“Along the way, lots of people poured into and mentored me. They really made a difference in terms of helping me get my head straight about my career.” said Myers-Palm.

By acknowledging these voices and her inspirations she then began working as general reporter for the Orlando Sentinel. One of her most memorable pieces included reporting on a homeowner’s insurance that many local residents were not aware of.

She enjoyed keeping the community she served informed and engaged. However, there were other avenues that interested her and navigating how to continue to serve herself and all her passions proved to be a difficult experience. As she intentionally moved through, her mind was clouded with doubts and a pressure to get it right that most Black women often face. With the help of her family, mentors, and other members of her community, she pushed through until she secured a job at CNN, approximately nine years ago.

The Florida native’s current day-to-day activities involve working with a team of individuals on newsletters, social media, alerting, and programming for CNN’s news outlets, among other things. Her role also allows her to see the impact on her team’s messaging in real time. The analytics and metrics on how many users move from the push notification to the actual story are the most rewarding aspects of her job.

“When I was an intern on the CNN Digital Programming team in 2019, Anika always provided innovative insight and guidance for anyone she came into contact with. I always looked up to the work she did, especially as a Black Woman in that space,” said Alexis Grace, digital media analyst and journalist.

Away from the keyboard, multimedia professional Myers-Palm enjoys reading and spending time with her family. It is important for her to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as she works for a 24- hour news outlet. She makes it a priority to set healthy boundaries outside of her normal work hours. She enjoys books that provide with her a sense of adventure and escape. She recently finished, “The Light We Carry,” written by former First-lady, Michelle Obama and is currently reading, “Babel,” by RF Kuang.

“I try to read sci-fi, fantasy or romance because it’s not something that I’m dealing with at work, it’s something different and provides me with a sense of balance,” said Myers-Palm.

As a renowned professional she would like to leave young journalists or aspiring media professionals with a message to always pay attention to current trends within the industry and never shy away from opportunities, even if it is just a phone call or an invitation to connect. When she began her journalism career in 1998, the position she now holds did not exist. As the industry continues to evolve, she strives to drive engagement, inspiration and create meaningful messaging for the audiences she serves.

“I am a person who is always up for change and to try new things. I will always be a person who is up for the challenge.” said Myers-Palm.

Myers-Palm also continues to grow and evolve within her career as time passes. She does not know for certain where she’ll be in the next five years. She does know that she wants to be meaningfully involved with her community, continuing to engage her audiences and “inform, delight and surprise,” her readers and viewers.

Alexia Clark is a senior journalism student at Georgia State University.

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BLACK WOMEN IN MEDIA: A Celebration of Black Female Journalists Who Paved the Way for Black Journalists Today

By Tianna Faulkner

It is Women’s History Month. There are countless numbers of African American women in America who have contributed to society in various capacities, disciplines, and industries. Media is one of those industries where Black women have made a huge impact, even to the point that some were the firsts in their field. We want to recognize a few Black female trailblazers in media and journalism who have made a difference through their work that has opened the door for so many Black journalists today.

Ida B. Wells was an investigative reporter, educator, and early leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Wells was also one of the founding members of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Wells co-owned and wrote for the Memphis Free Speech and Headlight newspaper. Her reporting covered incidents of racial segregation and inequality. Wells studied at Rust College and Fisk University. In the 1890s, Wells documented lynching in the United States in articles and through her pamphlets called Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in all its Phases, and The Red Record, investigating frequent claims of whites that lynchings were reserved for Black criminals only. Well’s pamphlet was needed to show people the truth about this violence and advocate for justice for African Americans in the South. Wells was outspoken regarding her beliefs as a Black female activist and was active in women’s rights and the women’s suffrage movement, establishing several notable women’s organizations. A skilled and persuasive speaker, Wells traveled nationally and in 2020 was posthumously honored with a Pulitzer Prize special citation for her outstanding and courageous reporting on the horrific and vicious violence against African Americans during the era of lynching.

Xernona Clayton is an American civil rights leader and broadcasting executive. During the Civil Rights Movement, she worked for the National Urban League and Southern Christian Leadership Conference, where she became involved in the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1967, Clayton became the first Southern African American to host a daily prime time talk show. The show was broadcast on WAGA-TV in Atlanta and was renamed, The Xernona Clayton Show. Clayton joined Turner Broadcasting in 1979 as a producer of documentary specials. In the 1980s, she served as director of public relations for Turner Broadcasting. In 1988, Turner Broadcasting promoted Clayton to corporate vice president for urban affairs, assigning her to direct Turner projects and serve as a liaison between Turner Broadcasting and civic groups in Atlanta and throughout the country. In 1993, Clayton, with Turner Broadcasting, created the Trumpet Awards to honor achievements of African Americans. She serves as the chair, president, and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation that was formed in late 2004. In early 2004, Clayton created the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. Clayton is a graduate of Tennessee State University and the University of Chicago. March 2023, she was honored with a statue in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

Ethel. L. Payne was an American journalist, editor, and foreign correspondent. Known as the “First Lady of the Black Press,” she fulfilled many roles over her career, including columnist, commentator, lecturer, and freelance writer. She combined advocacy with journalism as she reported on the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s. Her perspective as an African American woman informed her work, and she became known for asking questions others dared not ask. First published in The Chicago Defender in 1950, she worked for that paper through the 1970s, becoming the paper’s Washington correspondent and an editor for over 25 years. She became the first female African American commentator employed by a national network when CBS hired her in 1972. In addition to her reporting of American domestic politics, she also covered international stories, and worked as a syndicated columnist. In 2022, the White House Correspondents’ Association created the Dunnigan-Payne Lifetime Achievement Award in memory of Payne and fellow White House reporter Alice Dunnigan.

Dorothy Pearl Butler Gilliam is an American journalist who was the first African American female reporter at The Washington Post. When Gilliam was in her first year at Ursuline College (later merged with Bellarmine University) she worked as a secretary for the weekly Louisville Defender, an African American newspaper, and at 17 years old became its society reporter. She transferred to a historically black college with a journalism program, graduating cum laude from Lincoln University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. In 1957, she became a reporter for the Memphis Tri-State Defender, part of the Chicago Defender chain. While covering a story about the “Little Rock Nine” in Little Rock, Arkansas, she met an editor from Jet and soon became a reporter for the Johnson Publishing Company’s news magazine. She earned her master’s degree at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and was hired by The Washington Post. She has been an activist dedicated to public service, from her days helping to organize protests against the New York Daily News after it fired two-thirds of its African American staff, to her tenure as president of the National Association of Black Journalists. Gilliam founded Prime Movers Media, the nation’s first journalism mentorship program for underserved students at urban schools. She has been honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Washington Press Club and The National Center for Health Research.

 Oprah Winfrey is an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor. She is best known for her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, broadcast from Chicago, which ran in national syndication for 25 years, from 1986 to 2011. Winfrey has been dubbed the “Queen of All Media.” She was the richest African American of the 20th century and was once the world’s only black billionaire. By 2007, she was often ranked as the most influential woman in the world. Winfrey is a graduate of Tennessee State University. She got a job in radio while still in high school. By 19, she was a co-anchor for the local evening news. Winfrey later transferred to the daytime talk show arena, and after boosting a third-rated local Chicago talk show to first place, she launched her own production company. By the mid-1990s, Winfrey had reinvented her show with a focus on literature, self-improvement, mindfulness, and spirituality. She has been praised for overcoming adversity to become a benefactor to others. In 2013, Winfrey was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama and received honorary doctorate degrees from Duke and Harvard. In 2008, she formed her own network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Credited with creating a more intimate, confessional form of media communication, Winfrey popularized and revolutionized the tabloid talk show genre pioneered by Phil Donahue. In 1994, she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Winfrey has won many accolades throughout her career which includes 18 Daytime Emmy Awards (including the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Chairman’s Award), two Primetime Emmy Awards (including the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award), a Tony Award, a Peabody Award, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award awarded by the Academy Awards, in addition to two competitive Academy Award nominations. Winfrey was elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2021.

This issue of the Byline was edited by Tianna Faulkner, Vice President of Print for the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists.

THE BYLINE – FEBRUARY 2023 ISSUE

THE BLACK HISTORY ISSUE

AABJ’S BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM BRINGS INSPIRATION AND HOPE

(Pictured above from left to right Phillip Ghee, George Bryant, Angela Y. Robinson, Harold Lamar, Gwen Sommers Redwine, Myrna Taylor, Condace Pressley, Stan Washington)

By James Teague

When it comes to the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists’ (AABJ), Trailblazer Program, two words come to mind: rich history. For people to really understand what’s happening around them, they have to research the history behind it which led to our present day.  Journalists are storytellers and have told many historical stories about the people, places, music, food, events, food, and culture.  On Saturday February 11th, over 100 media professionals, young and old, attended the 2023 AABJ Black History Trailblazer Program at WSB-TV station in Midtown to hear about the coming-of-age story of six veteran journalists coming up in their 40–50-year careers in media. This Black history event and panel discussion was an opportunity for the veterans to help attendees connect with the past through sharing their stories and knowledge they learned from their experiences as journalists.

The panelists of this program included Harold “Hal” Lamar, Myrna Taylor, Angela Y. Robinson, George Bryant, Gwen Sommers-Redwine, and Phillip Gee. Condace Pressley was the moderator. The panel discussed various topics, including how they began their careers, being the only Black journalist in the newsroom during the post-Civil Rights Era through the 1990’s, as well as the challenges and rewards of being journalists and building a strong network amongst each other.

“The interest is the human touch. That’s very important,” said Myrna Taylor, who is an award-winning radio journalist with a career that expands over 35 years in Atlanta.  “People want to know what’s going on in their communities and abroad. We really do.”  Each panelist raised the importance of knowing your history, studying your craft, and how much that plays a role in how far you will go in your journalism journey. “Don’t settle for just one phase of what you do in radio or anything else. Learn every facet you do, they can’t pigeonhole you,” said Harold Lamar, who is considered by his peers to be the “Dean of Black Radio News” because of his 52 years in journalism and radio news. Phillip Gee, who is one of the leading film photographers for WAGA -TV 5 (now Fox 5 Atlanta) who launched BET for the west coast, told the audience to make sure to study their craft. “Understand what’s coming now  and in the future. It’s going to come down to the facts you learn as a journalist. It’s important to understand the history in order to know where you’re going.”

Stan Washington, who is a founding member of AABJ, said he felt great that he was able to curate this Black history panel to help bridge the gap between the older and younger generation. “I’m just trying to make that connection between the present and the past. And having the young people see that some of the folks who paved the way, they’re still here to be mentors and do whatever to help,” Washington said. There was an abundance of love and support coming from the panelist and attendees, including guest appearances from other prominent members of Atlanta’s historical Black media, current and former AABJ members, and industry professionals like Joe Washington, Samuel Crenshaw, and Alexis Scott.

“Bring your own perspective,” said Gwen Sommers Redwine, one of the panelists who worked for the Southwest Georgia Enterprise and CNN. “Your perspective may be biased but it’s valid. Because you’ll see things people don’t.”

The last Black history panel AABJ hosted was in 2019 before COVID-19 began. For more information on future events or how to join AABJ, visit aabj.org.

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SIX THINGS TO DO IN ATLANTA DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By Tianna Faulkner

Black History Month is a month to celebrate Black heritage and history, Black innovations, and Black culture in America and globally. Our contributions to society are tremendous. Atlanta, Georgia has been at the forefront of much of that history with the Civil Rights Movement. It is important that Black history is celebrated, especially in the month of February, for the future generations to know from whence they came and for the world to know our truth and greatness. Below lists six things to do in Atlanta to celebrate Black history month.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will be in Atlanta, Georgia February 16^th through February 19^th at the Fox Theater to perform for five shows. The performances will include eight dance works that will connect audiences to the heart of dance. Performances include “Survivors” and the well-known “Revelations.” These performances are led by Artistic Director Robert Battle. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit alvinailey.org.

The Clark Atlanta University Art Museum is hosting an opening reception February 15^th from 4pm to 6pm to open two permanent collection exhibitions “From Black Spring to the Eternal” and “The Audacious Platform. There will also be an unveiling of the recently conserved “Art of the Negro” murals by Hale Woodruff. To reserve a space, click here.

Marietta’s Theater in the Square “The Mountain Top” is a riveting, poetic journey through Martin Luther King Jr.’s missing minutes on April 3, 1968. It’s a conversation about racism and justice and about the divergent paths of legacy, and how sometimes a great man is also human. The play is scheduled for February 17^th through February 26^th. For tickets, click here.

At The King Center, The Center for Non-Violence, you can learn about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including his burial site, the eternal flame, his home, exhibitions, Freedom Hall, and historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. During your visit, learn about Coretta Scott King and also get educated on non-violence and voting, experience opportunities for students and educators, attend live events, and do research. For more information, visit thekingcenter.org.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is celebrating Black History Month. The center is hosting activities and events for the entire family during the month of February, including a conversation between the AJC’s Ernie Suggs and Ambassador Andrew Young. Visitors can also visit the Morehouse Martin Luther King Jr. Collection. Tickets are required. To register for an activity or event, click here.

Herndon Home Mansion Museum or Herndon Mansion as it is called locally, was built for one of the country’s wealthiest Black men and stands as one of Atlanta’s most significant architectural successes. The home is located in what has historically been called the ‘Northeast Lot’ of Atlanta University, now Clark-Atlanta University. This 9 1/2-acre cluster of important homes was planned by the University to be a model community; one might say a tiny Olmsted-type affluent suburb yet on a small scale — a haven for Atlanta’s academic and business elite. For more information, visit Herndon Home Mansion Museum.

This issue of the Byline was edited by Tianna Faulkner, VP of Print for AABJ.

THE BYLINE – JANUARY 2023 ISSUE

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A Letter from the President

Craig Allen Brown, AABJ President

AABJ Members,

Let me start by wishing everyone a healthy, happy, and productive 2023!

I’m proud of the strides that the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ) made in 2022. After a catastrophic pandemic decimated life as we knew it, we were able to begin having face-to-face meetings for the first time in over two years. One of our more successful and engaging events of 2022 was a brunch that allowed us to partner with the National Association of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) executive board, which was attended by NABJ Executive Director Drew Berry, Vice President of Broadcast Ken Lemon, Vice President of Digital Amir Vera and Secretary Madison Carter.

AABJ also partnered with the NABJ executive board last October to celebrate NABJ President Dorothy Tucker’s 40^th anniversary as a journalism professional.

AABJ’s Emmy-award winning television show, “iN Contact,” was able to reconnect with AIB Studios, and resume using the network’s studios to create engaging content about pivotal topics such as homelessness, breast cancer awareness, health concerns for Black men and professional development for journalists.

We were also able to continue an endeavor that I am particularly proud of, the mentoring and professional development of our student members. Several professional AABJ members volunteered to serve as mentors to students at Clark Atlanta University and Georgia State University. AABJ was also able to send four AABJ/NABJ students to the NABJ Annual Conference in Las Vegas; these students all spoke of the experience as being “rewarding and fulfilling.”

However, as rewarding as 2022 was, I am even more excited about what 2023 will be for our chapter.

2023 will see AABJ host at least one membership meeting and one social event monthly, at a minimum. These social events will include mixers with other professional journalism organizations, such as the Online News Association, the Atlanta Press Club and the Society of Professional Journalists. We have scheduled an AABJ barbecue, a brunch and an Atlanta Falcons football game. We will wrap the year up with AABJ’s awards ceremony in December.

We will also have a host of panels and speakers come and share their expertise with our members. These events include photography and writing workshops, a Black history program, and our annual Black Male Media Project. We will also sponsor AAJB/NABJ students to attend the Region III Convention in Jackson, Mississippi, as well as the NABJ Convention in Birmingham, Alabama.

We will take deliberate actions to reconnect with those Atlanta-area businesses that have proudly served as sponsors and/or partners with AABJ, to further empower our organization. We will also foster relationships with Atlanta’s powerful and plentiful media organizations, to provide opportunities for employment for our members. Further, we will also create opportunities to celebrate the founders and trailblazers who worked so diligently to ensure that Black people in Atlanta and throughout the world always have a voice.

This is an organization that I am immensely proud of, and this board will work even harder in our final year to provide the networking opportunities, professional development opportunities and sense of family that all of you deserve.

Craig Allen Brown

President, Atlanta Association of Black Journalists

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101 Websites to help Journalists and Writers

By Stan Washington

People don’t realize how difficult good writing is until they decide to do it. Becoming really good at the craft of storytelling whether it’s through print or video is more of a long journey than a destination. Even after you win a few awards there is always room for improvement.

Every year Writer’s Digest, the leading publication to help writers of all genres – mainly print – publishes  their Yearbook which features great advice for writers and the very useful section: “101 Best Websites For Writers”.

The 2023 issue is out on the stands now. I picked up my copy at Barnes & Noble or you can order directly from www.writersdigest.com.

This year’s issue also features an article titled “100 Magazine Markets for Writers” which is a must have for freelancers. But to be successfully published with any magazine you must study back issues to see what type of articles they are running and you must get to know their target audience.

Being a successful freelance magazine writer is tough. Magazine editors are a tough sell. Also be prepared to write about subjects that may not interest you. For instance, you may not care for fishing at all – you love knitting. But Field & Stream magazine is offering a nice check for an 1100 word article. Expand your opportunities.

In addition to the websites, there is a very important article that all writers need titled: “How Much Should I Charge?” This chart lists every possible assignment a writer can receive from copywriting/editing to business plans to press releases to ghost writing a book.

So if you are having trouble with the dreaded writer’s block or how to turn your news article into an award-winning screenplay to writing your first book, this guide is one of the best resources out there.

The issue is broken down to several categories but for the sake of brevity I’m only going to give a sample of a few genres with journalism being the primary one.

FundsForWriters.com

There is money out there from nonprofit organizations itching to give you money. You can find a number of them represented at the NABJ Expo & Job Fair each year. You can also find leads through Writer’s Digest and other magazines geared towards writers. Or you can sign up for this free weekly newsletter for a list of 24-30 paying opportunities.

U.S. Copyright Office – Copyright.gov

Writers protect your work! This is the place where you learn the basics of copyright law, research copyright records and to register your creative work.

Freelancers Union – freelancersunion.org

Of the creative community is there any other group more abused than freelancers? The focus of this organization is the health and safety of all freelancers, contractors and entrepreneurs. The union offers access to insurance benefits and resources for legal and financial information. Membership is free.

All Freelance Writing – allfreelancewriting.com

Business writer and author Jennifer Mattern has operated this site for more than a decade. The site focuses on business writing for freelancers who are interested in working in this area.

Nieman Storyboard – NiemanStoryboard.org

Get feedback on your pitch for a compelling article. There are 11 categories designed to help you improve your techniques to make it a successful article.

Quill – QuillMag.com

This quarterly magazine has been a staple for writers and editors for nearly 100 years. Find insightful articles by industry leaders and veteran writers. But you don’t have to wait for three months to get the next issue, there are plenty of articles online.

Substack.com – Substack.com

This is Substack’s first appearance on this list. Created in 2017, the online platform provides writers to be paid directly by readers for their work.

The Editing Podcast –  LouiseHarnbyProofreader.com/podcast.html

This podcast and three others are making their debut on the list. Hosted by fiction editor Louise Harnby and Denise Howe the host offers needed advice for those writers looking for an editor but are not sure what to look for. The episodes range from what to expect from your editor to advice on grammar and punctuation and a lot more.

This issue of the Byline was edited by Tianna Faulkner, AAJB VP of Print.

THE BYLINE – NOVEMBER 2022 ISSUE

Greetings AABJ Members,

As we look over the past year, we are excited about the fact that the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists general body meetings have been in-person and well attended. AABJ is also working to train and develop the next generation of Black journalists, as evident with the local college students contributing to the Byline and to AABJ’s award winning broadcast, “In Contact.”

This chapter has also held several events throughout the year to engage our membership. Be sure to check AABJ’s Facebook page and Instagram for future and upcoming events. In the meantime, here is a message from the current AABJ Board of Directors about why we are thankful for AAJB.

Holiday Message from AABJ Board

Happy Holidays and see you in the New Year!

THE BYLINE-OCTOBER 2022 ISSUE

This issue of the Byline features two talented journalists who have established themselves as experienced political reporters early in their journalism careers.

DESTINED FOR GREATNESS: POLITICAL REPORTER MAYA KING IS MAKING HER MARK

(Pictured above Maya King/courtesy of Maya King)

By

Tianna Faulkner

Maya King is proving in her short career that she is a rising star. Just three years after graduating from Howard University, where she studied print journalism, she has worked for world renowned media companies; NPR, USA Today, Politico, and now the New York Times.

King who was named after poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou grew up in a family of political observers. She herself has always been interested in politics, which is why she covers politics today, specifically politics in the South for the New York Times. Her first job out of college was a political reporting job. Soon after, she had the pleasure of covering the 2020 presidential election and has continued to cover politics to date.

“Covering the 2020 presidential election, I learned everything I could as fast as I could about journalism and writing about politics. Then COVID happened, where everything went online,” said King. “Through that experience, I now had many learning experiences in one which made me a better reporter.”

Today King’s political beat includes covering Georgia politics and high-profile political candidates like U.S Senator Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker. Her expertise has afforded her opportunities to be a guest speaker on political shows like Georgia Public Broadcasting’s “Political Rewind,” where she talks about Georgia politics and the top political stories of the day.  When asked if she would ever consider broadcast journalism, she said she prefers print journalism because she really enjoys writing.

“I was named after Maya Angelou which is the reason why I write,” said King. “I aspire to be like journalist and book author Isabel Wilkerson and would love to be a national print correspondent one day. I really like to write.”

While in college, King was recognized and received an award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for her writing. As she continues to grow professionally, more awards are sure to come. She has always covered politics and is enjoying her writing job at the New York Times. In the future, she sees herself teaching at Howard University, writing books, and continuing to write for the New York Times. The key to her success is keeping her options open.

“The New York Times is a great place to do journalism. There are so many resources and I work alongside so many experts. We handle big stories, their commitment, and the talent we have, also the New York Times is capable of handling the integrity of the stories we feature,” said King. “A lot of what I want to do, the New York Times is helping me to come closer to that to do more in depth reporting.”

What King finds rewarding about her work today is that she talks to so many different people and she learns something new every day and likes to hear people’s stories. Sometimes her work schedule and work hours are very long, which can be challenging. Her advice to current journalism students is to keep going, keep writing, to not turn down opportunities, and to enjoy your time in college when people (professionals) are willing to talk to you.

Speaking of her journalism career, King says it has been quite an adventure covering campaigns, black voters, polling, protests against systemic racism, and the Georgia Senate race.

“My job is unpredictable, but also exciting,” said King. “Things change so much. Politics changes along with the world. You have to stay abreast of things.”

Follow Maya King on Twitter @mayaaking.

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Freelance Journalist Kendall Glynn Speaks “Finding Your Purpose”

(Pictured above Kendall Glynn/courtesy of Kendall Glynn)

By Mya Grant

Like many people in their careers, Kendall Glynn was fortunate to secure his current position as a freelance journalist for Atlanta Civic Circle. One good opportunity led to another and now he’s doing something completely different than what he thought he’d be doing. His passion for writing put him exactly where he needed to be every step of the way throughout his journey.

Kendall Glynn is a graduate of Georgia State University, his first experience in landing into something. Georgia State wasn’t his first choice and — like many students — Glynn didn’t have a clear view of what he wanted to major in.

“I went from English to PoliSci (political science) — not for me,” said Glynn. “Then I said ‘okay, I’ll try Public Policy — not for me — then I went to Film and Film was where I first started to get what I wanted.”

Glynn quickly found the link between what he was doing in his film courses and what he enjoyed doing with English. He was able to find a major and concentration that fit his interests and set him up for the career he wanted.

The last couple of months of his senior year in college were shortened, as well as the opportunities he was afforded through Georgia State University, due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Upon graduation, Glynn felt that he didn’t have a tangible product to show employers and his resume didn’t match up with what he really wanted to do. So, he made an opportunity for himself and began freelancing.

“It went terribly,” said Glynn. “I picked up a couple jobs, but I didn’t really know what I was doing in the freelance market. I was pricing myself way too low and it just wasn’t going well, which is when, later that year, I started my newsletter.”

Glynn started his newsletter as an opportunity to get back in touch with his passion for writing and began to write about topics he cared about. It was also a great way for him to share his writing style, skills, and viewpoints with others. The newsletter and his first try at freelance writing taught him important lessons which he uses today.

“The big thing is you have to figure out how you see your talent,” said Glynn. “Just like every other job in the job market, there’s this gap between coming out [of college] with no experience and what they want for an entry level job, and you have to figure out a way to bridge this gap. And bridging this gap can sometimes take time.”

Working in marketing also helped shape Glynn’s writing and better prepared him to try freelance writing again. Glynn felt that he learned what he needed to confidently freelance his writing, pitch, and apply to companies. This is how he got his freelance job writing for the Atlanta Civic Circle (ACC).

Glynn was initially apprehensive about pitching and accepting a position with Atlanta Civic Circle only because he felt he had overdone his work due to naturally writing longform pieces in his newsletter. To his surprise, the ACC called him back and asked him “So what do you want to do next?”

From there, Glynn landed into his beat writing about labor rights and politics and found his niche. His perspective and experiences in certain workplaces helped him connect with laborers and the small circle of other labor rights writers throughout the country. Glynn’s experiences also go to show that landing into certain positions work out in your favor, even when you’re not completely sure what you want to do.

Follow Kendall Glynn on Twitter at @kendalljglynn or to see Glynn’s articles, visit

Atlanta Civic Circle.

This issue of the Byline was edited by Tianna Faulkner, VP of Print for AABJ.

THE BYLINE-SEPTEMBER 2022 ISSUE

STUDENTS WORKING TOWARDS CAREER SUCCESS IN JOURNALISM

From the Classroom to the Workroom: Alexis Grace Defies the Odds

By

Mya Grant

Opportunities can be limited for millions of journalism students when they first graduate from college. Figuring out which markets are the best to work, inexperience, and heavy competition can all deter students entering the workforce, but Alexis Grace defied those odds.

For Alexis Grace, her journey to becoming a digital media analyst for Cox Media is more than extraordinary. Receiving her undergraduate degree in journalism from Clark Atlanta University and her master’s degree in mass communications from Agnes Scott College, Grace used her time in school to prepare for her career through internships and mentorships. She credits former editor-in-chief of The Atlanta Voice, the late Marshall Latimore, as being a mentor to her.

“He really helped shape me into the journalist I was meant to be before he passed,” said Grace.

Through her first internship with CNN, she gained a sense of her purpose and what she wanted to do with a journalism degree.

“I believe my passion for media stems from service,” said Grace.  “And making sure that those who don’t have access to the right news or the right materials to watch the news have the options to get access in the best ways possible.”

A huge part of her roles throughout her career have centered around accessibility — a focus point in most companies and products today. This was one of the first lessons she learned during her graduate program at Agnes Scott College, user experience and accessibility through website creation exercises. Also, carrying over what she was learning in her graduate program and combining it with the digital media work she was doing at The Atlanta Voice helped shape her skills which became transferable and attractive.

While most students are seeking jobs after graduation, Grace’s opportunity came directly to her. A Cox Media Group recruiter reached out to her through LinkedIn, reviewed her page and offered Grace a position right before she graduated.

“If anyone who is reading this does not have a LinkedIn account and it’s not up to date, I highly recommend updating your LinkedIn profile and check your messages often,” said Grace.

Like many Atlanta natives, Grace didn’t want to move away from the city to start her career. The connections she’s made, (as a student and after graduating from college) and experience she’s gained in Atlanta made her career progression easier. Grace says transitioning from a smaller team at The Atlanta Voice to a larger team at Cox Media Group is taking some getting used to but she’s confident in her role.

“It is a huge adjustment, something I’m still trying to get used to,” said Grace. “But I do know that all of the things that I did at The Atlanta Voice —having my hands in so many different things and programs— was all transferable for me to work in a corporate environment. So, I understand everyone’s position at Cox Media much more because I at one point had to do that position.”

Mya Grant is a senior journalism student at Georgia State University.

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THE 2022 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS (NABJ) CONVENTION RECAP:

THREE JOURNALISM STUDENTS TALK ABOUT THEIR NABJ EXPERIENCE

A Renewed Hope and Confidence to Pursue My Passions

By

Alexia Clark

Alexia Clark, a rising senior at Georgia State University studying Media Entrepreneurship with a concentration in Journalism, was able to go to the 2022 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) national convention. This year’s NABJ convention and career fair was hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada from August 3rd through August 7th. A real opportunity of a lifetime, Clark received the chance to network with journalists from different broadcasts, newspapers, and magazines. It also featured options for graduating students, upcoming internships, and job opportunities.

Following her arrival, Clark and other students were advised to check in, and although the time difference was a lot, they were able to change and catch a late afternoon workshop on the first day of the conference. Every workshop she visited felt powerful and impactful. Overall, she was extremely grateful to be in the room with such influential powerhouses in the media. For example, the opening ceremony was championed by Kimberly Godwin, Florida A&M University Alumna, and president of ABC News. She gave a speech that highlighted her work of being a voice and paving the way for Black journalists and media personnel.

“Through social investments and collaborations, Disney is empowering youth to pursue their dreams and build their skills to become who they imagined they could be,” said Godwin during her speech.

August 4th, the conference was in full swing. Clark started her day by attending the NBC Universal Student Networking Breakfast. After breakfast was finished, she headed to participate in workshops throughout the day. One of her favorite workshops for that day was the Community Engagement Journalism workshop. The student is inspired by highlighting issues within her respective communities and solutions. The workshop engaged her passions and gave her tools to further connect with the local community that she serves.

Beforehand, she made sure to bring copies of her resume so that she could effectively network with possible recruiters and other professionals. As this was her first NABJ experience, the career fair was a bit overwhelming. She never thought she would be in the rooms she stood in during that week.

Clark is a low-income student born in Fort Myers, Florida and raised in a small town, Arcadia, Florida. She is one of the first in her family to attend a university and has faced a multitude of obstacles along her way. Clark originally started at Florida A&M University and attended for two years until financial hardships caused her to withdraw to save up funds to cover her remaining tuition. With the help of a guided mentor, tenacity, and dedication, she landed a job at AT&T and was quickly promoted, which allowed her to relocate to Atlanta, GA. One year after her relocation, she suffered in a car accident which made her unable to work. She then decided to transfer and continue her education at Georgia State University under the guidance of her longtime mentor, Ashley Coone. Coone guided Clark on the next steps she would need to take to transfer as well as provided her with a scholarship to cover her books for her first semester back.

Nonetheless, her dedication landed her this opportunity to travel to a new city and connect with like-minded professionals. In continuation, at her first round of going through the career fair, she noticed the chatter and bustling conversation of students and young professionals aspiring to land their next role. The first booth that caught her attention was the E.W. Scripps Company. After a brief conversation with a recruiter, she was invited to attend their evening reception which featured Omarion. Connections were also made with notable publications such as the Dallas Morning News, Hearst Corporation and CNN. Although she felt overwhelmed the duration of the time she was there, everyone she spoke to greeted her with warmth and a commitment to aid her in the next steps of her career.

“I went to the career fair out of curiosity and was extremely nervous. The more people I talked to, the more they let me know how impressed they were with my resume and work. I now have a clear goal for my future and career,” said Clark.

The week was packed with workshops, galas, and receptions back-to-back. Clark learned valuable techniques to add to her toolkit as a young media professional, made valuable connections and had a lot of fun. With unrelenting determination, passion and focus, Clark has taken one little step at a time to meet her goals. She looks forward to attending the NABJ national convention in Birmingham, Alabama in 2023, where the gears in her head will continue turning to further develop professionally and personally.

She thanks the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ) and AABJ President Craig Allen Brown for the platform which allowed her to embark on this journey. With lots of determination, Clark hopes to make a name for herself in this industry by working hard and becoming well-rounded.

“Seeing people like me achieve in their field makes my dream seem closer and closer. I have renewed hope and confidence for continuing to pursue my passions,” said Clark.

Alexia Clark is a senior journalism student at Georgia State University.

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Set Myself Up For Success

By

India Rice

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) 2022 Convention in Las Vegas was my first convention and definitely an experience of a lifetime! The convention not only made me realize the type of journalist I want to be, but also showed me the immense pride in being a Black journalist.

Prior to my arrival, I had no idea that I would be attending. Two weeks before the convention, the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ) President Craig Allen Brown notified Clark Atlanta University’s NABJ Chapter GroupMe of the AABJ grant. This was my chance to try really hard to attend the conference that so many people had vouched for. I always knew that my attendance would be beneficial; however, I did not have the means to fund my trip. After applying for the grant, Mr. Brown notified me that I was one of four student grantees to attend. This was the beginning of a journey that I will forever hold dear to my heart.

Upon arrival at the convention, I could already sense that something amazing was in the air. The mere thought of being amongst other like-minded journalists and peers brought me immense joy. I had always heard glorious stories of what the convention did for my mentors like Jacque Reid, and my professors Jolene Butt’s Freeman, Summer Jackson Cole, and Christopher Daniel. Witnessing this conference in real time allowed me to really see what the world of journalism could offer.

On the very first day I had a great welcome at the open ceremony. This set the tone for what the rest of the convention would look like and the opportunities I would be presented with. This was the celebration of being in person for the first time, and for celebrating all that NABJ and NAHJ meant to the communities they serve. Here, I was home.

Aside from the joy the conference provided me, the number of opportunities were just as abundant. I met thriving journalist Tiffany Cross, and even previous mentors like Mike Hill. I was even able to interview with companies such as Entertainment Tonight and ABC, which led me to connect with future employers and gain career advice. I was also able to interview Olympian Sanya Richards-Ross, and gain content for my reel. The convention taught me that my Blackness was welcomed in journalistic spaces, and that I can be a representative of the narratives of Black and Brown people everywhere.

This year’s convention is something that I am forever grateful for. I learned so much about how I can improve, set myself up for success, and how voices like mine are needed in this world. I am grateful to AABJ and Craig Allen Brown for sponsoring my trip, allowing me to see a world outside of my own.

India Rice is a junior journalism student at Clark Atlanta University.

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My 2022 NABJ Convention Experience

By

Tammia Jacobs

My experience at the 2022 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention is surely an unforgettable experience that I will cherish for years to come. Notably, the summer of 2022 began as an ordinary one, in which I spent most of my days working and trying to save money to go back to school in the fall.

This was the summer of my junior year, so I prioritized searching for internships in the Atlanta area, and by the grace of God, I was granted the opportunity to become a freelance writer for the Atlanta Voice, in which Craig Allen Brown, President of the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ), formerly served as the managing editor.

In a divine series of events, I filled out an application for the AABJ Grant that was awarding students the lifetime opportunity to take a trip to the NABJ Convention which was being held in Las Vegas Nevada.

Admittedly, my anxiety almost got the best of me as I convinced myself that I wasn’t ready to take this step in my career and told myself that I was just a student, and I would apply next year.

As the pieces began to fall into place, I finally gained the courage to take the leap and before I knew it, I was on a flight to Vegas with three other journalism students who eased my anxiety with reassuring words and support.

Saying that the convention was overwhelming is quite an understatement. Everyday there were panels to attend, people to network with, attractions to see, long walks to take, amazing food and so much more.

One of my most memorable experiences at the convention is when I sat in on a journalistic panel discussing the coverage of a mass shooting in which Lester Holt was a surprise guest. It was incredible.

It was definitely exciting to network and take advantage of the opportunity to speak with so many of my inspirations within the field. I was able to speak with women like Tiffany Cross and Claudia Cruz. It was also exciting to visit the NBC Universal brunch with other student journalists and gain internships.

A very popular part of the convention was the career fair, where I was able to get interviews with the E.D. Scripps Company, Yahoo and Disney. Although I am still a student, they were practical interviewing experiences and many of the companies offered great advice and contact information.

In my personal time I visited the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace, ate at Nobu and the strip, and got 10-dollar tattoos in downtown Vegas with two of the journalists that I came with. Downtown Vegas was so beautiful. It looked a lot like California, and my favorite store there would be Buffalo Exchange.

Overall, my experience at NABJ was informative, inspirational, and unforgettable. I am very thankful to AABJ for the opportunity to grow professionally and allow students, like myself, the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field. I cannot wait for next year’s convention.

Tammia Jacobs is a junior journalism student at Alabama State University.

This issue of the Byline was edited by AABJ VP of Print Tianna Faulkner and The Byline Chair Natalie Mendenhall.

THE BYLINE-AUGUST 2022 ISSUE

UNPACKING IT ALL:  HOW BLACK JOURNALISTS CAN COVER RACE AND EQUALITY

By Natalie Mendenhall

“When I was a younger journalist, there was always this whole thing about not becoming the story. You have to disconnect yourself from the story.” 

That’s the message Nicquel Terry Ellis remembers hearing from her early days as a journalism student at Michigan State University. But fast forward a few years and now times have changed for the Senior Writer of Race and Equality at CNN.

Ellis says a major shift in how newsrooms cover race came in the summer of unrest following the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. As the country wrestled with the injustice of its past, many editors were left with the question, “How do we handle bias?” Ellis said during that time, and even now, she finds it difficult not to insert her perspective into stories when covering communities of color. “We know that these are going to be stories that are impacting people who look like us. People who we identify with, our families, our friends, our neighbors, our children, are impacted by what’s happening in the country. It’s, hard to [not] feel connected to these issues.”

Thus, when CNN created its Race and Equality department two years ago, she saw it as a chance to be a voice for her community. The award-winning journalist has covered in-depth- topics such as COVID in communities of color, Black maternal health, and even how Black voters flipped Georgia.

But with those weighty topics also comes the need to unplug. Ellis says when she’s not working on the weekend, she tries to soak in all the love from her infant daughter and husband. “When weekends come, I don’t have to work normally so I can unplug.  Saturday, I’m not going to watch the news… I’m going to spend time with my daughter and my husband. We’re going to go to the park, we’ll get dinner, ice cream, and we’re going to play because I just need that.”

And Ellis says a support system goes beyond having her family and friends. She adds you also need professional connections and mentors. “Get a mentor, find someone who you admire or someone who is willing to help you. Someone who has reached a point in their career that you want to hit.” 

Finally, when asked if she had advice for journalist students, Ellis said networking with other journalists is important. The2022 NABJ convention in Las Vegas is a good place to start. Ellis also recommends students apply for the NABJ Student Projects at future conventions. “I would definitely highly recommend black student journalists look into that program through NABJ because they do sponsor your entire trip. You basically go, you work for the convention, reporting stories about the convention, and they have it for both digital and broadcast.” 

Follow Nicquel Terry Ellis on Twitter: @NTerryEllis.

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FOUR FESTIVALS TO ENJOY IN ATLANTA BEFORE SUMMER ENDS

By Tianna Faulkner

Atlanta Black Restaurant Week, August 5-14, 2022

Celebrate the flavors of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine during Black Restaurant Week. Black Restaurant Week is a ten-day showcase celebrating the best in culinary arts. Dine at one of the participating restaurants offering weekly specials.

Founded in 2016 by Warren Luckett, Falayn Ferrell, and Derek Robinson, Black Restaurant Week® is dedicated to celebrating the flavors of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine nationwide. Through a series of events and promotional campaigns, Black Restaurant Week’s culinary initiatives help introduce culinary businesses and culinary professionals to the community.

Our innovative approach to a restaurant week includes highlighting other aspects of culinary businesses including catering services, food trucks, and culinary products. This helps stimulates the local economy and presents full access to the Black culinary industry which is a key ingredient to the American culture.

For more information about Black Restaurant Week Atlanta, visit Black Restaurant Week Atlanta.

Taste of Atlanta “Food That Rocks” in Sandy Springs-August 19-20, 2022

Dine at Restaurants in Sandy Springs. A tasting event like no other, celebrating Sandy Springs Restaurants, Food, Wine, Beer & Cocktail Tastings, plus Chef Demonstrations during the day and Live Music at night

Taste of Atlanta is committed to building greater awareness and support for the chefs, their restaurants and staff who work tirelessly to provide us with delicious food and drink experiences that we cherish. Taste Around Town events, which include events in Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Midtown, and Chamblee, will explore cool communities and discover established and new neighborhood favorites. Enjoy signature bites from favorite chefs and top-rated restaurants along with wine, beer & cocktail tastings, chef demonstrations during the day and live music at night. For more information, visit Taste of Atlanta.

Piedmont Park Arts Festival-August 20-21, 2022

The Piedmont Park Arts Festival is a visual arts and crafts event held annually in downtown Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. This two-day festival of the arts is centered around a large artists’ market and family-friendly events.

Over 250 artists and vendors present a variety of mediums and crafts at the Piedmont Park Arts Festival, from photographers and painters to leather workers, jewelry makers, glass blowers, and sculptors. Along with artisan demonstrations, the festival also offers food trucks and beverages, performances and shows, and a children’s play area and activities. Admission to the festival is free, and funds raised are donated to an area charity or fundraiser.

The Piedmont Park Summer Arts Festival is presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, for people of all ages, customs, and interests. The Midtown community of Piedmont Park is considered to be home to one of the largest and most enthusiastic art buying communities in metro Atlanta. The Piedmont Park Summer Arts and craft festival brings back the tradition to Atlanta’s arts community. Visit Piedmont Park Arts Festival for more information.

BronzeLens Film Festival-August 23-28, 2022

The BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is a non-profit organization, founded in 2009, that is dedicated to bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a center for film and film production for people of color. The mission of the BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is two fold: to promote Atlanta as the new film mecca for people of color; and to showcase films and provide networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers.

Over the last twelve years, BronzeLens has promoted the work of independent filmmakers of color from Atlanta, the Southeast region, the nation and the world. The growth is rooted in the high standards, in participation by leading Hollywood professionals (including partners like WarnerMedia, Turner, HBO, Universal Films, BET, VH1, Panavision, and ARRAY (an indie film releasing platform founded by BronzeLens honoree/Selma director Ava DuVernay) and in success stories derived from relationships started at BronzeLens. Visit Bronzelens Festival for more information.

This issue of the Byline was edited by Tianna Faulkner, AABJ VP of Print.

THE BYLINE-JUNE 2022 ISSUE

The Historical Connection of Juneteenth in Georgia

By Da’Zhane Johnson

Georgia declared Juneteenth a state holiday 11 years ago, and the celebrations are only getting stronger. 

Juneteenth became a national holiday last year in 2021. The date, June 19th,  historically symbolizes when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865 in Galveston, Texas, allowing enslaved people to become free. 

But even 100 years before the national holiday, Georgia held its own celebrations to end slavery. In Upson County, Freedom Day was celebrated on May 29th, 1921, that’s the day its residents learned about the Emancipation Proclamation. People even traveled to the county to join the celebration. 

“The Central of Georgia Railway ran four special coaches for colored people for this occasion, three from Macon and one from Atlanta,” wrote Rev. James McGill in his book, “The First One Hundred Years of Upson County Negro History.” Hosea Williams and Ralph David Abernathy were speakers at the gathering.

Still, Juneteenth becoming a national holiday was a milestone for many Black activists and historians. Nonetheless, a new goal for approving it as a paid holiday is being argued. There is hope that Juneteenth will be held with the same importance as the Fourth of July or Memorial Day.  

This year Georgia’s legislature approved House Bill 1335. The bill granted Juneteenth as a paid state holiday. In the U.S., only 18 states recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday. 

Officially, Georgia law allows for 12 public holidays to permit state office closures. Gov. Brian Kemp hinted at changing the law for 2022, rather than halt another holiday’s observance.

The Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival DBA Juneteenth Atlanta are members of the National Juneteenth Observation Foundation (NJOF) and have been for ten years. The organization hosted its tenth honorarium this year. 

Juneteenth Atlanta is a weekend-long event with a parade, music festival, a film review, vendors and more. The event was held at Centennial Olympic Park and had free admission. 

Despite the heat, thousands of people gathered in downtown Atlanta to participate in the event. The event embodied different pieces of Black culture, including marching bands and handmade clothing. 

Other celebrations across the state’s capital are conducted by the Atlanta History Center, Uptown Comedy Corner and National Center for Civil and Human Rights. But Juneteenth is not just a day for celebration. Many Black Americans hope the holiday pushes forward conversations about economic justice and reparations. 

Cy Richardson with the National Urban League stated, “The Black homeownership rate today is about 42%, which is the same rate it was in roughly 1968. So, it gives you a sense of how we’ve gone two steps forward and one step back.”

An effort by the Black homeownership collaborative observed Juneteenth with an event to discuss generating funds for new Black homeowners by 2030. 

The group utilized the holiday to highlight the lack of affordable housing homebuyers face. The collaborative set a goal to earn $3 million for the issue. 

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said, “We want to see families increase their income so they can have more homeownership and we also want to see banks lean into this opportunity.” 

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“Being the Best Dad Beats Being the Best Reporter in Town” 

By Natalie Mendenhall

Legendary Atlanta reporter Maynard Eaton says he owes his journalism career to his father, Jack Eaton. Maynard recalls when he was growing up, his father would take him on his paper route on Sunday. That’s when the papers were the heaviest and hardest to throw across lawns in Newark. But before young Eaton could buckle up, his father would quiz him about the contents of the Sunday edition. “So he said, If I’m going to take you around your route, you ought to know what’s in that paper. so I had to make sure I knew what the news was to tell him while he was driving me.” Eight Emmys later, Eaton still calls that his first reporting job. 

That’s just one of the many examples of strong Black Fathers that Eaton has seen over the years. He says in general Black Fathers get a bad shake in the media. He says he’s seen many examples of, “Black fathers who do show up at ballgames, graduations, church.” 

But for the father of four and stepfather, his own journey into parenthood came as he began pursuing a career as a television reporter. “Early on, I was not very good at it because I was pioneering as the only black person at certain stations in Miami particularly and in Atlanta subsequently.” Eaton says he tried his best to parent long distance with his eldest two children, but ultimately he had to mend those relationships after his children grew up. “We closed the gap. But, if I have any regrets. I wish I had been as good a dad as I was a reporter early on.” Now he encourages younger journalists to find that work-life balance. “Being a father counts much more than being. The best reporter in town.”

Outside of his own biological children and stepchildren, Eaton says he’s been able to mentor several of his students. “I’ve been able to teach this discussion for over well over a decade at Clark Atlanta University.” Eaton says mentorship is his calling card in journalism and that he loves to see the next generation carry on the torch. 

Now he offers one piece of advice for students considering a career in journalism and even longtime veterans— stay true to your calling. “Stay true to your craft, to the mission of journalism. It’s not partisan. It’s not political…seek the truth in your life and in your writing.” 

This issue of the Byline was edited by Tianna Faulkner, AABJ VP of Print and Natalie Mendenhall, Byline Chair.

THE BYLINE MAY 2022 ISSUE

Mental Health Expert Talks How Georgia Residents Can 

Maintain Their Mental Health During COVID-19

By Da’Zhane Johnson

Being isolated for almost two years caused significant problems in society and we see that in data.” That’s Abdul Henderson’s take on the pandemic. Henderson is the executive director at Mental Health America of Georgia. He says Georgia still has room for growth when it comes to dealing with mental health. And the data backs that up, non-profit Mental Health America (MHA) says, Georgia’s overall ranking is 31 out of the 50 states and Washington D.C. The report ranks the states around adults and accounts for those with any mental illness, serious thoughts of suicide, mental health access, etc. The start of the pandemic left thousands of residents out of work and uncertainty left many to develop unwarranted thoughts.

“A lot of people lost jobs and a lot of people lost housing, which are two main components of social deterrence of mental health,” said Henderson. 

And that combination of factors caused people across The Peach State to reach out for help. On June 20, 2020, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities highlighted the state’s Crisis and Access Hotline received 800 calls. That’s double the amount received the previous year. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported an average of 650 calls between July 26 and Aug. 25 during the same year. Communities of color suffered a disproportionate impact from the pandemic. Primarily, economic vulnerability has led to these communities being uninsured, therefore, reducing health care access. There is also a stigma surrounding mental health. For example, in the Black community mental health illnesses are seen as weaknesses instead of serious health concerns.  

“In communities of color specifically, we have to recognize it’s okay to not be okay and seek out treatment,” Henderson pointed out. 

But the silver lining of the pandemic was that mental health resources became more accessible digitally. The digital health industry saw an overall increase in profits and start-ups. In the first half of 2021, the industry made $15 billion, according to Mercom Capital Group. 

“The use of technology is important in creating access, especially in low-income and rural communities,” Henderson stated. “As long as the company has a licensed professional on the other end that is talking to a client, I feel confident that the platform is credible.” 

Georgia’s approach to mental health advanced last month too after Gov. Brian Kemp signed the Mental Health Parity Act (HB 1013). This bill implemented a plan that prompts insurers to treat mental health coverage the same as physical health coverage. 

Henderson commented, “This bill lays the foundation because it addresses parity, workforce needs and children’s behavioral health. We believe that it will improve our national ranking in terms of providing more access.”

If you or someone you know wants more mental health resources, you can visit the Mental Health of America of Georgia website to learn more about advocacy and programs. For more information or to reach the COVID-19 Emotional Support Line from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., call 866-399-8938. The Georgia Crisis and Access Line is available 24 hours a day, call 800-715-4225. 

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CBS 46 Anchor Trayce Hutchins Talks Balancing Motherhood and Career

By Ariyana Griffin 

“Make sure this is what you want to do. Like a lot of industries, this one is based on you being a commodity for a business.” That’s Trayce Hutchins advice on balancing motherhood and a career in broadcast media.

Hutchins is an evening anchor for CBS 46 news Atlanta. She has worked in the media industry for nearly two decades. Hutchins has covered everything from hurricanes in Fort Myers, FL to events and heat waves in Phoenix, AZ, to breaking news in Atlanta, GA.  During this time, she has balanced being an active mother while still pursuing her career.

“It’s not always easy. Sometimes you have to set boundaries and priorities in terms of what you try to accomplish day to day,” the news anchor said. 

Hutchins is grateful that her current role allows her to prioritize “mommy-daughter time” with her daughter, which now often involves binge-watching television shows in the evening. But that wasn’t always the case. When her daughter was younger, Hutchins said she had to pick up and move to different cities to follow new opportunities. 

“When my daughter was younger, we moved a lot. For my career, it’s generally every three years I have a new contract. Every two to three years I would move for another opportunity. The biggest sacrifice at that time was not planting roots, because that’s not what the career path called for at the time.” 

However, moving to Atlanta allowed Hutchins a more stable life and her daughter was able to matriculate through her academic career in the same city. Hutchins advice to mothers is for moms to have a strong village. She emphasized how important it is to have a support system while being a mother in this field because journalists are often away from home and family.