The Byline staff took a break for the month of August because of the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Miami.
Two AABJ members won Salute to Excellence Awards (more on that later) and the chapter was nominated — but unfortunately did not win — Chapter of the Year.
Below are some pictures from the conference provided by various AABJ members.
Fox 5 anchor Marissa Mitchell wins the Salute to Excellence Award
By Craig Allen Brown
Marissa Mitchell holds her NABJ Salute to Excellence Award at the NABJ Conference in Miami, Florida.
Atlanta native and Fox 5 anchor Marissa Mitchell achieved another significant career milestone on Aug. 10 when she won a National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Salute to Excellence Award. Mitchell won in the Large Market/Network Radio, Television, Print category for her tribute to soul icon Aretha Franklin.
“When I learned that I
won, I was very honored, and I was humbled,” Mitchell said. “I have been
nominated for Salute to Excellence Awards before, but I had never won.”
“It was very special,” she continued. “I’ve been a member of
NABJ for over a decade now. To have my work recognized by an organization I’ve
supported so much was an esteemed honor.”
Equally important to Mitchell was the recognition received for a memorial on the Queen of Soul. Franklin is considered by many to be one of the world’s greatest singers. She is also hailed as a civil rights and human rights pioneer. Mitchell states that Franklin was more than just an amazing singer, she was an unparalleled embodiment of African-American artistry and humanity.
“[Franklin] was a symbol of pride for so many communities,
particularly the African-American community,” Mitchell said. “To have received
the honor for a piece that I felt honored her was particularly special.”
Upon hearing of Franklin’s passing, Mitchell began conceptualizing what would become the award-winning tribute. She contacted artists who knew Franklin well, such as R&B legend Peabo Bryson and singer Avery Sunshine. These entertainers were able to provide context into what made Franklin such a giant in the worlds of soul, R&B and gospel music. Atlanta-based DJ Frank Ski closed the piece by making an intriguing connection between Franklin’s performances for both civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Barack Obama, as King’s work was certainly influential in Obama becoming the first African-American president.
Mitchell says that the NABJ’s influence on her life and career is
“paramount.” She cites the sense of community within the organization as being
largely responsible for the success that she has had as a professional
journalist.
“NABJ has been my shoulder to lean and cry on throughout the course of my career. This is something I want to be a part of as long as possible.”
Craig Allen Brown is a freelance writer and teacher at Bear Creek Middle School.
AABJ parliamentarian Wilton Jackson wins the Salute to Excellence Award for sports writing
By Breanna Durham
AABJ Parliamentarian Wilton Jackson II
For the second time, Wilton Jackson II has won the Salute to Excellence Award, this time at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Miami.
Jackson, a six-year member of NABJ and two-year member of the Atlanta chapter, was presented with the award on Aug. 10.
When Jackson was announced as a winner of the award, he admitted he was shocked and quiet, but deep down he was excited. He hadn’t really told anyone he was in the running for the award. Jackson said he hadn’t thought he’d win the award due to hard space he occupied while he was trying to complete his masters at Louisiana State University (LSU).
“Everything that came with that and still trying to do the stories I wanted to, it just happened that that was one of the biggest games in HBCU football … It just meant a lot,” he said. “I’m just grateful and thankful to have won the award.”
In creating a story with context for the battle between the rivals, Jackson went off to gather sources and get closer to his subjects. Jackson said that he went to press conferences and practices, mostly for Jackson State, and spoke to those he knew that attended HBCUs to gather information.
In May, Jackson graduated from LSU and about a month before the convention, he was notified about his NABJ Salute to Excellence nominations.
“I know where I was in my life at that time. It wasn’t the best time in my life because I was frustrated by trying to finish grad school and all the nuances with that, plus trying to do something freelance on the side … That was a great feeling to know somebody read my work,” he said.
Jackson said that he believed that the piece’s combination of feature aspects combined with typical things like stats made the article stand out. Sports reporters at times can get focused on the game alone, Jackson said. He did that when he was younger, but he said that only having the nuts and bolts of things gets boring.
“There’s so many things you can talk about away from the field,” he said. “It’s a culture.You have to include that.”
Jackson won a Salute to Excellence Award for the first time in 2016 for his story, “Tech advances, economy impact trajectory of journalism.” The story covered how technology and the economy was changing the way news was being produced at the time. Jackson said he was a finalist for the Salute to Excellence Award in 2017 as well.
The award is the only U.S. event exclusively honoring exemplary coverage of African and African-American people or issues, according to an NABJ news release. The award showcases stories across a variety of media platforms, having 20 main categories and 120 subcategories.
Breanna Durham is a free lance writer.
AABJ grant winner Amani Patterson explains how the convention changed her life
By Amani Patterson
Amani Patterson poses for a photo at the host hotel for the NABJ conference.
Some say that Disney World is the happiest place on Earth, but many journalists would say it’s actually the annual National Association of Black Journalists convention. Being a part of the NABJ has honestly changed my life. This is the place where your dreams could potentially come true. Thousands come to the ever-changing convention site every year with hopes of networking with the right people and possibly even making life-long friends in the industry. This is also an opportunity to get away from the emotional stress the industry brings and just have fun.
Even though this seems like one big family reunion
every year, it can be quite overwhelming. This was my second year attending,
but the first year after graduating college. Nothing will humble you more than
walking into that career fair. I came with my brand-new portfolio, freshly
printed resumes, and brand-new outfit. I was determined to dominate the career
fair and leave by the end of the week with my first job out of college.
I quickly realized how nervous I was! As a result, I might have self-sabotaged myself just a tiny bit. I found myself downplaying my talents instead of showing recruiters exactly what kind of journalist I am. If I could change anything about my career fair experience, I definitely would have gone in with more confidence. Even though I did not walk away with a job, I definitely networked and made connections with people who work for companies I admire, and of course get my first professional headshot courtesy of Scripps. So in the end, I still consider it a win! Even though this was a trial and error, I now know how to “come correct” next year at the 2020 NABJ Convention in Washington D.C.
Amani Patterson’s headshot
Having fellowship with everyone was my favorite part of the entire experience. I was able to talk with people who had the similar experience and those who were veterans in the industry. I will say that it was kind of weird to be around people that I watch on television. Whether it was at the Tamron Hall luncheon, eating lunch at a table across from Kevin Fraizer, and even taking a picture with Ne-Yo!
I love being a part of something that shows black people in such a great light. We all have faced racism in our lives and have felt like we could not be our full selves. For a week I was able to be unapologetically black and feel comfortable.The convention is not only just business, but at night people were able to let loose and dance all their stresses away. I loved being able to have fun and know that we were all there to have a good time with each other. The mass shootings that happened the week before did make a lot of people in the world uneasy, especially journalists. I personally know a couple of people who decided to skip the convention because of that. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to come together, but more importantly be there for each other. This convention shows how important our work is and that we must continue to report on the things that matter, including tragedies.
Thank you to the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists for believing that I would benefit from receiving their financial assistance grant. Like many of us fresh out of college, it would have been a challenge to scramble the money together to make it to the convention. Knowing that I have a community – both regionally and nationally – that supports me is so comforting. I hope one day I can in return help a student make it to the convention.
Amani Patterson is a recent graduate of Georgia State University.
AABJ grant winner Markayla Brooks wants to take the sports industry by storm
By Markayla Brooks
Markayla Brooks
I can honestly say the National Association of Black Journalists convention changed my life. I am a senior at Clark Atlanta University (CAU) majoring in mass media arts. Prior to the convention I was messaging peers and professionals trying to understand the environment I was about to be immersed in for four days. Everyone spoke highly of the convention and I was excited to get to Aventura, Florida, and network.
It was refreshing to be in a space with people who have similar goals because everyone seemed genuine and eager to offer tips and help in any way.
The workshop I enjoyed the most was “Shooting Your Shot Masterclass” put on by Bleacher Report and Turner Sports. During the workshop there were mini panels about all the careers paths in sports media. My goal is to be in sports media so I really soaked in all the information. Many of the panelists discussed how they started in one place and transitioned to another as they found their passion within the sports realm.
Markayla Brooks and Tyson Beckford
The career fair was overwhelming but exhilarating. I had never been in a space where most of the booths were for me and my career path. There were so many people, so you had to think hard about how to make yourself stand out and ask the right questions. I was always eager to leave my resume and business card with everyone that I spoke with and ask for their business card. Building genuine connections and growing my network was a large goal of mine when I came to the conference. I also appreciate all of the hard work that was put into the career fair. I know for a fact that had it not been for this conference, I would not have gotten an opportunity to speak with some of these companies.
Next year I will do a few things differently, but I am very grateful I was able to attend this amazing conference and see it while I am still a student. While in line for the Sports Task Force party a gentleman shared how happy he was to see me at the conference and how proactive I was because he did not attend his first national NABJ conference until he was in graduate school. My goal in coming to the conference was to build by network and gain self-confidence and get that feeling after the conference that I am ready to go out and take the sports industry by storm.
Markayla Brooks is a senior at Clark Atlanta University.
AABJ extends its condolences to the Edwards family and friends
NABJ and AABJ both extend their condolences, prayers and thoughts to the family, friends and colleagues of Marsha Edwards, Christopher Edwards II and Erin Edwards. Marsha, Christopher and Erin were NABJ members from the Atlanta area. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported their deaths in August. The story is available here.
AABJ Online Fundraiser: 43 Years Campaign
AABJ’s $43 for 43 fundraising campaign is still ongoing. In its 43rd year, we are asking members to donate $43 to go towards programming, scholarships, and events throughout the year. Be sure to invite your friends, coworkers and anyone you know that supports our members in print, communications, public relations, radio, broadcast, digital and the many trailblazers in the literary world. Be sure to share our campaign on your social media by using the hashtag #AABJ43.
Instead of the usual newsletter, we asked a student journalist, an early-career journalist and a veteran journalist to write about their experiences at the national convention. Each writer brings a different perspective that we hope not only AABJ members, but all NABJ members can gain guidance from as we all head to Miami in August.
Almiya White heads to NABJ for the first time
Almiya White
I remember walking to class in April when I received an
email alerting me that one of my dreams was becoming reality.
A rush of excitement came over me as I viewed the email. I
worked and prayed for this. “Thankful for this blessing,” were the only words
that came out of my mouth. It’s safe to say the pressure is now on.
I must be honest, I am a little nervous and anxious to work
in a full operating news setting. I’ve heard pros and cons about being a part
of the Student Multimedia Project – the intensity, hardship and reassurance you
receive are like no other. We’ve all
been told nothing in life comes easy, so I want all the pressure.
This year’s convention will also be the first one I’ve ever attended. Sadly, I was unable to attend last year’s convention in Detroit – poor planning on my part.
I remember getting text messages and phone calls from friends and classmates sharing the information, skills and exposure they gained within roughly five days. I also remember stalking NABJ’s social media accounts amazed at the endless opportunities they put together for students and professionals. I might not have been present at the convention, but I like to say I was living vicariously through my friends.
This time around, not only did I want to attend the
convention, but I wanted to be a voice for the convention, so I applied to be a
part of the Student Multimedia Project.
Pursuing a career in broadcast journalism has always been my
No. 1 goal because it allows me to advocate on behalf of underserved
communities and amply unheard voices. I have a duty not only to inform the
public, but to allow audiences to discuss issues that directly affect them.
What I’m looking forward to with the Student Multimedia Project is allowing myself to be vulnerable in a new and uncomfortable setting. As a young journalist, it’s my mission to have the mind and mentality to absorb things freely, whether I’m knowledgeable or not in that area. It’s important that I surround myself with people who can play a pivotal role in my career, go above and beyond and stand out among my counterparts.
Almiya White is a rising senior at Clark Atlanta University.
###
Cierra Johnson provides tips on navigating the national convention
Cierra Johnson at the 2018 NABJ Convention in Detroit, Michigan.
The NABJ convention is considered to be a family reunion for
many journalists. It’s the one time of
year where hundreds of students and professionals travel across the world to
come together to learn how they can be successful in the media and journalism
industry.
During my second NABJ convention last year in Detroit, I participated in a NABJ fellowship called the Student Multimedia Projects. A group of students, including myself, were selected to broadcast daily newscasts for three days. The experience was exciting, intense and fun! I finished the fellowship feeling more knowledgeable of the journalism industry (applications are normally available on the NABJ website in January of each year). It was super inspiring to be surrounded by students who share common passions and mentors who are eager to help you.
Major highlights of the convention included career advice from professionals, a variety of workshops, social events, networking opportunities and the biggest attraction, the career fair. Recruiters offer on-the-spot interviews, internships and jobs. The conventions are super eye-opening and fun!
A memorable tip a panelist said during one of the professional 101 workshops was “it’s not all about the resume, but also about the relationship.”
Take a look at a few tips I learned from previous
conventions:
Be prepared: Be sure to have professional business cards, printed resumes (at least 50), a LinkedIn profile, samples of your work and a 30-second pitch.
Dress appropriately: Wear business attire for the career fair and workshops. Neutral colors are safe. Recruiters are everywhere, and you want your attire to be appropriate at all times.
Clean your social media: Be sure your social media handles and posts are appropriate. Recruiters are looking! If you are not certain your account is appropriate, do not be afraid to reach out to a NABJ member or mentor to ask their opinion.
Network: You will meet a ton of students, professionals and recruiters. Take the initiative to start a conversation and exchange contact information. Remember, building relationships is key.
Be safe and smart: Have accountability partners during the convention. There will be plenty of social events in and outside of the host hotel. Do not travel to places outside of the host hotel without telling someone where you will be and for legal attendees, please be mindful of the amount of alcohol you choose to have.
Follow-up email or thank you card: Follow-up emails or thank you cards are a memorable gesture to the people you meet at the convention. It is highly recommended!
Cierra Johnson is a programming assistant and producer at AIB-TV (Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters).
###
Craig Brown explains how to prep for interviews
Cierra Jones and Craig Brown at the 2018 NABJ Convention in Detroit, Michigan.
The National Association of Black Journalists convention, from what I’ve seen and what I’ve experienced, can be either an extremely rewarding event, or a very disappointing (and costly) experience.
As I prepare for my third
convention, I find myself reflecting on past experiences, and on ways that I
could have made my time there more gratifying. I’ve realized that proper
preparation is a very important component in making the NABJ convention as
fulfilling as possible. I’d like to share some ideas that may prove helpful as
you prepare for the convention.
Your reel is a
reflection of you
Make your reel look
and sound as professional as possible. The goal is to stand out from the many
others who are trying to secure the same position. Your reel is a reflection of
your abilities as a journalist. If a subject appears too dark, if the sound
fluctuates or if your reel ends abruptly in the middle of a stand-up, this
could affect your chances of being hired.
Be prepared for
anything during an interview
Go beyond the obvious in preparing for interviews. During an interview I had with ESPN the Magazine last year, I was asked the following questions:
Who are your five favorite sports journalists, and why?
Who is your favorite author and/or poet?
What is the most compelling article you’ve read in the last six months?
Those questions were not what I expected, and more
importantly they indicated that I needed to be doing more to stand out in an oversaturated
journalism field. So, in order to separate yourself from the competition, work
on your craft daily. Study your favorite journalists and determine what makes
them so good. Look to add similar qualities to your own skill set.
Make sure you have
all your materials for an interview
Have resumes, business cards and clips of your best work
with you when you’re in front of an interviewer. Ensure that you take notes and
ask questions. If you are able, take a tablet with you so interviewers can
watch your reel immediately. Otherwise, ensure that all of these items are
uploaded to your website.
Know who is doing the
hiring
Connect with hiring managers. Build relationships with those
who actually do the hiring. Contact them prior to the convention, send them a
resume and let them know what you are capable of.
Remember there’s
always someone watching
Be personable, approachable
and professional at all times. At the parties, dance and have a good time, but
I suggest you don’t start “twerking” or “backin’ that thing up.” You can never
be sure of who you might encounter as your career progresses (or regresses).
Be able to take
constructive criticism
Lastly, have thick skin. You are going to be told that you
need more experience. Some journos will not have time to talk or take a selfie.
Do not let that affect your confidence. Trust that while you may not be a good
fit for one organization, you are exactly what another station is looking for.
Hopefully, these tips will aid you in having a fun and
productive time in Miami. I look forward to seeing you there.
Craig Allen Brown is a freelance writer and teacher at Bear Creek Middle School.
###
AABJ documentary nominated for NABJ’s 2019 Salute to Excellence Awards
The AABJ documentary “Black & Reporting: The Struggle Behind the Lens” has been nominated for an NABJ Salute to Excellence Award at this year’s convention.
NABJ’s Salute to Excellence Awards ceremony highlights the work of media organizations and individuals involved in print, broadcast and online journalism, marketing and communications. It is the only event in the U.S. that honors exemplary coverage of African/African-American people or issues exclusively, according to NABJ’s website.
Be sure to get your Emmy Award-Nominated copy of the AABJ.
Proceeds go to AABJ’s Xernona Clayton Scholarship Fund .
Anyone who wants to watch the entire documentary can buy it for $9.95 here.
###
AABJ Online Fundraiser: 43 Years Campaign
AABJ’s $43 for 43 fundraising campaign is still ongoing. In its 43rd year, we are asking members to donate $43 to go towards programming, scholarships, and events throughout the year. Be sure to invite your friends, coworkers and anyone you know that supports our members in print, communications, public relations, radio, broadcast, digital and the many trailblazers in the literary world. Be sure to share our campaign on your social media by using the hashtag #AABJ43.
The narrative of Black men in the media needs to change, in more ways than one. There are plenty of Black faces in front of the camera. Now is the time to have the discussion about the faces behind the camera. Who are the people making decisions about which stories are being told and how? AABJ will tackle this subject on June 1, 2019. This year’s focus for the Black Male Media Project is “Becoming a Gatekeeper.” We’ve invited six panelists in different decision-making roles to share how they landed their job, the impact it has caused, and how can we get more Black men involved in decision-making roles. This project was designed to help change the narrative around the lives and images of Black men in the news and in society, with a series of workshops nationwide to be held on Saturday, June 1, 2019. Participating NABJ chapters will promote the project – which is open to anyone who is passionate about this movement – using the hashtag #InspireBlackMen
After all, who’s best to tell the stories of Black men? Other Black men. Here’s a look at some of the guest speakers for this year’s event:
Tolly Carr Managing partner for HBCU Gameday Eric Ludgood Assistant News Director for Fox 5Collie Burnett President and CEO of AIB Network
Glenn Marshall Producer for Will Packer’s “PowerStarLive”
Drew Dawson Station Manager for Georgia Public Broadcasting
Not pictured Eric Burns, vice president of content production and sports at Georgia Public Broadcasting.
AABJ’s $43 for 43 fundraising campaign is still ongoing. In its 43rd year, we are asking members to donate $43 to go towards programming, scholarships, and events throughout the year. Be sure to invite your friends, coworkers and anyone you know that supports our members in print, communications, public relations, radio, broadcast, digital and the many trailblazers in the literary world. Be sure to share our campaign on your social media by using the hashtag #AABJ43.
Andrew Gillum, former Florida gubernatorial candidate, to be keynote speaker at CAU commencement
Andrew Gillum
By Camille Taylor
Andrew Gillum, former Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate, will be the keynote speaker at Clark Atlanta University’s 2019 commencement May 19. Gillum ran a high profile campaign with celebrities and public figures.
“We need a speaker who can reach the students, not only emotionally but mentally,” said Dr. Margaret Spriggs, CAU chair of ceremonials. “This year at our commencement we want the students to know that they have a responsibility to uphold and to leave them with an example of how to lead in the future.”
Most of the time, high profile figures have calendars that needs to be adjusted at least one year in advance, and the committee at Clark was able to confirm Andrew Gillum within weeks of them reaching out.
“Our students are worth a leader who connects with their audience and Andrew Gillum provides that,” Spriggs said.
Last year, Don Lemon gave the keynote address for the class of 2018 and left the students with a message to “be aware of your environment.”
Camille Taylor is a sophomore at Clark Atlanta University
###
Be sure to buy the AABJ documentary “Black and Reporting”
Get your Emmy Award-Nominated copy of AABJ’s Documentary, “Black & Reporting: The Struggle Behind the Lens.”
Proceeds go to AABJ’s Xernona Clayton Scholarship Fund .
Anyone who wants to watch the entire documentary can buy it for $9.95 here.
###
Southern Fried Queer Pride: An Organization Making Space for Queer People in the South
By Breanna Durham
Starting initially as a PRIDE event first held in 2015, Southern Fried Queer Pride (SFQP) expanded into a full non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing queer and trans art, advocacy, and community building in Atlanta and abroad.
According to The Williams Institute, over 260,000 adults live in Georgia, 37 percent of them are African American. SFQP is one of multiple groups in Georgia working on LGBTQ issues and bringing this community’s stories and skills into the light.
Every month, members of SFQP gather together on the third Sunday to plan events, create programming and brainstorm ideas. The group has no dues, fees or prerequisites to become an organizer to these events.
Besides their two festivals, one in June in Atlanta and one in May in the Durham, North Carolina, the organization holds monthly events. Those events range from workshops and skill-sharing to productions and discussions. In their Southern Fried Forums (SFF), for example, they hold an open, community discussion around challenging topics like intimate partner violence and racism in the queer community. Their Cinequeer Film Series event features films directed, written and/or starring and centering queer and trans people of color. In March, they showed “America In Transition,” a documentary about social change from the perspective of trans people of color. They also have a seasonal music and art showcase spotlighting queer and trans people of color(QTPoC) called CLUTCH.
According to their website, the organization expects to open a space to hold events events and art exhibits and to have a resource center, potentially including a coffee shop, by 2020.
Breanna Durham is a free lance writer and staff writer at The McDuffie Progress
###
Member Spotlight: Cierra Johnson
Current position in AABJ?
Student member
How long have you been a member of AABJ?
Since July of 2017
Where did you attend college?
Clark Atlanta University; Class of 2019; B.A. in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in Journalism
How long have you lived in Atlanta?
Born and raised! 23 years
Current Occupation?
Programming Assistant and Producer at AIB-TV (Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters)
What do you like most about being a member of AABJ?
I appreciate the mentorship that is provided. There have been many networking opportunities provided by AABJ and, from my experience, I have met members who have been intentional about remaining in touch with me and guiding me on my career and personal path. In addition to, I appreciate AABJs dedication to helping students with scholarships. Though I am no longer in college (as of recently), I will never forget when AABJ funded my trip for my first NABJ convention in 2017 and ensured I was given tips on how to have a successful experience at the convention.
What initially got you interested in the media/communications field?
As a child, I watched Monica Kaufman Pearson, a former anchor for WSB-TV, and I was inspired by how confident and well she was able to broadcast news. I knew I wanted to tell great stories and have a strong presence as an African American on camera. I also loved how visually appealing a news story could be, therefore I practiced graphic design, editing and anchoring each chance I could.
What are your favorite publications/outlets to get your news?
Director and screenwriter Ava DuVernay is someone in media I look up to. Her genius ability to highlight the real-life struggles and triumphs African-Americans face and her compassion for community inspires me to create programming that is true to people’s experience. I also look up to her because she welcomes opportunity for women directors to have a chance to direct her shows – she does not only seek creativity from her own mind.
What’s an interesting fact about you people wouldn’t have otherwise known?
I am a former volleyball player, and I still enjoy playing in my community. I am a great defense player! (People would not expect, because I have a quiet, reserved personality)
