THE BYLINE- APRIL 2024 ISSUE

April is the month of blossoming and resurgence. It’s also the month to celebrate arts, culture & creativity. Entering a new quarter of the year brings much needed reflection and motivation to us as we continue to carry out the goals we’ve set for ourselves. Journalism is so broad of a field that creativity, authenticity and alignment are the biggest factors in navigating your niche. Measuring success by their own meter, this issue highlights three professionals who have used their journalistic talents in creative ways to excel in a league of their own.  

Celebrate Arts, Culture & Creativity in Atlanta

• Atlanta Dogwood Festival April 12-14th at Piedmont Park
• Atlanta Film Festival begins April 25th
• Inman Park Festival April 27-28th

Enjoy exhibits from local museums and galleries such as The High Museum, Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), The Atlanta History Center, The APEX Museum, ZuCot Gallery, Trap Music Museum, The King Center, Black Art in America, Spelman College Museum of Fine Art & Clark Atlanta Art Museum.

 

Announcements

• Our next meeting is April 13th at noon at WSB-TV Studios. We can’t wait to see you there!
• Congratulations to the iN Contact team for producing their first show for 2024!
• Thank you to everyone who attended the memorial service for the late Mr. James Washington. Read about his legacy & impact here.
• NABJ Upcoming Events:
  • April 12-13th: NABJ Region 3 Conference, Tulsa, OK
  • April 20th: NABJ Emerging Journalists Media Institute & Investigative Reporting Summit, New York, NY
  • July 31st – Aug 4th: NABJ National Convention, Chicago, IL

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How Ashley Drayton is Paving Her Own Path

By: Dante Miller

When journalists start their careers, it can be difficult for some to find their niche, especially for those who want to avoid the ‘news’ path. But Ashley Drayton knew from a young age what outlets and beats she wanted to work with; magazines and fashion. Instead of waiting for a path to open, she created her own. 

“I was collecting magazines as a child. I read them all the time. I had dreams of being in Teen Vogue. So I already had this childhood attachment to magazines.” 

Because of her attachment, Drayton continuously wondered how she could create magazine publications for her alma mater, Georgia State University, as a student. 

“Georgia State actually did not have a magazine. I was on Twitter, and this page called ‘Her Campus’ popped up on my feed. I was like, ‘Oh, look at this cute pink organization!’ I went to the website and saw ‘Start your own chapter,’ and it started from there. It launched in 2015 and is still a very prevalent organization today. That was my first experience writing for a magazine,” said Drayton. 

After starting ‘Her Campus’ for Georgia State, Drayton’s experience continued to grow, from working with another digital magazine to starting her blog for a time. In 2020, Drayton found herself scrolling through the internet and found a page that piqued her interest. She ran across CNK’s (Chicks n’ Kicks) Instagram page. CNK is a woman-owned digital publication that discusses women in the sneaker industry, which is very male-dominated. 

“I loved that these two women, Channing and Cassidy, have this platform and are using it to tell stories about women who work in the industry.” Despite not having prior experience writing about sneakers, Drayton wanted to jump out of her comfort zone and see what opportunities would follow–and it paid off. 

Since 2021, Drayton has been a freelance writer and editor for CNKDaily.com. In addition to her writing, she is also an assistant manager for Kate Spade New York. 

She says juggling everything can be a lot, but scheduling and open communication are necessary. 

“I write everything down and have everything on my phone, like reminders and deadlines. If I say I am showing up, I make sure that I have the time to and will show up. Sometimes, that means I bring my computer to work to do stuff on my break.”

Drayton said everyone’s path is different and has their own timeline. She encourages people to pave their path if that road is initially closed, whether you’re freelancing, creating a website, or writing a blog.  

“Keep your experience up, so when the time comes when someone asks for your stuff, you’re ready. I’m at a point where my writing is about to pivot into brand writing. I’m trying to combine retail and writing and venture into the copywriting route. As far as a career goes, that’s something I’m interested in, and I don’t think I would have known that if I didn’t work in retail.”

Drayton is still paving her path by combining her interests & expertise into one. She says that this chapter in her career will definitely start from the bottom up, but she looks forward to what her future holds. To follow her writing journey, check out her portfolio here.

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Garrett Brown on What Versatility in the Industry Looks Like

By: Da’Zhane Johnson

At a young age, Garrett Brown became an NBA fan and followed the Atlanta Hawks closely. The hobby of watching the sport helped him decide on a career path in media. Today, Brown works as a content manager, mediacaster and on-air podcast host of his show, while managing his day job at Delta Airlines. 

“I’ve always loved watching basketball and the Atlanta Hawks. Now, I am able to cover them every week, which is cool. Like anything there have been some challenges to get to this place, but it’s just a part of the journey.” said Brown. 

The Georgia native spends his weeks managing four different media roles. Two of them are social media management roles. Although these roles require a sacrifice of time, Brown believes his work will cultivate a bigger job for himself. Brown also highlights his hard work and goal-driven mindset can lead to the longevity of his career. 

“When creating ‘TheGB3Show,’ there were challenges, but it was something I wanted to do.I had to put in many hours, but it happened exactly how I envisioned it. Working with my co-host has also taught me a lot,” he said. 

Brown’s development of multiple skill sets reflects how competitive the media industry is today. He shared how outside of content creation for social media, he’s learned producing, writing and sound engineering. When asked about the next chapter of his career, Brown explained he will become more versatile as an on-air talent. 

“I want to do more work with engineering,” he started. “I’m really looking to expand my podcast and role as a mediacaster. Hopefully as more people continue to tune in, I can stream more and more.”

Although versatility is significant, managing multiple skills and roles can be challenging. Nonetheless, Brown stated with time management and organization, anyone can grasp success.  Brown mentioned how he takes time to plan his weeks in advance so that his schedule goes completely smoothly. The key, he highlights, is to not procrastinate at all. 

“If you can, do it early. The earlier the better. You don’t want everything to pile up, so it’s better to get stuff out of the way, he said. “I will block out time just to plan my weeks or game days.” 

Today, it is common to see people in the media tackle various skills. Brown still wants to emphasize the significance of mastering the basic skills as a foundation. Skills like writing, reading and studying the industry are all significant building blocks for undertaking new talents. 

Brown explained further, “Writing, reading and studying the industry will help anyone become more versatile. Writing is especially big at any job. Keeping those skills intact will allow everything else to flow smoother and keep opportunities coming your way.” 

Overall, versatility comes with time and dedication. Brown hopes his peers can continue moving forward in their journeys, without stressing too much about mastering multiple skills. 

To keep up with Brown, follow him on Instagram @iam.gb_ or X @therealgb__

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Ebonee Bailey Proves Diverse Interests Can Lead to a Fulfilling Career

By: Aaleah McConnell

If you ever felt stifled by the thought of choosing a single career, then snag a page from the textbook of this Dekalb County teacher, who manages to educate by day and create by night.

Ebonee Bailey is an interrelated co-teacher for the Dekalb County School District and creative director for an Atlanta-based collective called Creatives After Dark. At 27-years-old, Bailey sits at the helm of her classroom from Monday to Friday, providing unique lesson plans and accommodations for children with special needs. 

When school lets out, Bailey spends the evenings coordinating and conducting artist interviews, brainstorming themes for Creatives After Dark events, and designing marketing materials. Not to mention, the occasional freelance article she takes on for various music publications such as Flurry, an Afrocentric media platform that produces a biannual online magazine. 

Bailey, like many people, considers herself a multipotentialite. These individuals take up an interest in various intellectual and creative disciplines but rarely develop their expertise in more than one area of interest. So the question of which career to settle on presents a challenge for many in this group. For it often means sacrificing one passion over another. Or, having to carve out a new path that consolidates each interest into one, hopefully, lucrative career. 

Though Bailey says she loves teaching and appreciates “the acquisition of knowledge,” as she continues down two different career paths, she is no stranger to the anxiety-inducing, tug-and-pull of pursuing multiple creative endeavors. 

In sticking with the artistic theme, Bailey compares her multifaceted nature to the color orange,  because while some may settle for living in the dull, predictable gray – Bailey thrives in the bold, orange glow of her whimsical life. 

“You don’t know what to expect when you get orange, and I feel the same about myself,” Bailey said. “I could be doing my hair, I could be talking to my friends. I could be doing anything and [an idea] will pop up. Once I get that idea, I fixate on it.” 

But Bailey said her roles have quite a bit of overlap. As a fourth-generation educator, Bailey emphasizes educating Black artists, writers and musicians about the culture of mass media as they carve out their own space in Atlanta’s creative scene. 

And Bailey understands that the issue of not knowing how to balance multiple passions has roots in the classroom, she said just as her students need to see their culture represented in the curriculum to achieve academic success, professional artists need to see themselves reflected in the different creative mediums in which they aspire to excel. 

“Getting into this [field], you realize a lot of people are not media trained at all, they just start doing music because it’s something that they love to do,” Bailey said. “The beautiful thing is I’m teaching artists marketing and public relations.” 

“Through Creatives After Dark, I’m building a platform where Black women (and all Black people) are allowed to express themselves professionally,” Bailey said. “Creatives After Dark shines a spotlight on our people in a way that teaches our community to love ourselves, just the way we are.”

Establishing a seat at the proverbial table for Black artists is a goal Bailey clings to with all her might. Though Bailey remains adaptable and open to her synchronistic instincts, she believes focus is key to any creative routine. 

That requires a strong ability to concentrate and manage time wisely on self-guided projects, which is challenging for those who jump from interest to interest. Therefore, Bailey suggests planning a few small tasks to complete each day.  

“I focus on getting three things done every day. It doesn’t matter what those three things are. It’s just, every single day, something different from what I did yesterday,” Bailey said.

Bailey adds that, with structure and self-confidence, multi-talented people inevitably find their glow.

To stay up-to-date with Creatives After Dark, visit their website: creativesafterdark.us, and follow them on Instagram @creativesafterdark. Connect with Ebonee Bailey on Instagram @theefinestebonee. 

 

This issue of The Byline was edited by Mya Grant, Vice President of Print for the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ), and Mandisa Johnson, Chair of The Byline. 

THE BYLINE 04/ 2021

How Clark Atlanta professor balances his freelance career, influences students

By: Jamila Wood 

When he is not teaching Clark Atlanta University journalism students the ins and outs of the business, Christopher Daniel is racking up bylines for the likes of The Daily Beast, The Undefeated, HuffPost, Atlanta Magazine, and  NBC News.

But, the award-winning journalist’s love of words, entertainment and culture began well before he started helping students jumpstart their career in the media industry. 

Daniel found a love for entertainment with his childhood being surrounded by constant music. His mother was a general manager at night clubs and his father a DJ. At nine, Daniel was captivated by Nelson George’s writing style and Ed Bradley’s interview skills. 

“One of the first books that I remember reading was this book called ‘The Death of Rhythm & Blues’ by one of my favorite writers, Nelson George,” Daniel said. “I just noticed that as a nine year old reading this adult book that the way he wrote about was the same way I thought about the music that I heard in my house.”  

The writing passion for Daniel started early and was seen through his constant love for reading magazines at the supermarket and carrying his own notebook. 

“I would literally go to the supermarket and read magazines. I could rundown the bylines of all my favorite writers. I used to walk around with a notebook and write all the time,” he said.

Daniel started his career through his involvement in nonprofits and wanted to cover things that carried purpose. Eventually, his work spoke for itself and opened endless doors of opportunity. 

“At the time there weren’t a lot of people covering it [nonprofit events]. I made it my thing. Every weekend I was at The High Museum, Georgia Aquarium or the Fernbank Museum. I was networking with all these executives and different people. They would see my blog post about who received an accolade at the gala that year,” Daniel said. 

“They would reach out through  LinkedIn or through my email. A lot of it was connecting with communications teams that work with these nonprofits,” he continued. “Naturally, all of these people wanted to invite me to lunch and I started going to events like The Commerce Club. I was just out and talking about things that I did.” 

With Daniel’s immense amount of passion, he went into his career with a strategic mindset that prepared him to handle any difficulty — including maneuvering the challenges of virtual teaching as a professor. 

“As a journalist, it wasn’t hard at all. It was more of a challenge at Clark Atlanta, where I teach. That was because I wasn’t really sure of the content management system or learning management system that we [the school] would have to use to communicate with the students,” Daniel said. “The challenge was trying to figure out how we would transition from the physical setting and deliver it to the virtual setting.” 

Daniel expresses that his strategic networking helped his career and assisted him in gaining more opportunities during the pandemic. 

“I had so many relationships that I built over the years and most of them started by showing up to places and someone referring me because of something they read in a smaller publication. I was just making sure that when I went places I had strategic networking,” he said. 

Now, after making a name for himself, Daniel uses his connections in media to help students at Clark Atlanta University, has dedicated his career to giving more Black writers opportunities, and tries to be a form of representation for his students.

“I knew if there was an assignment I was going to get it. I also knew if they needed students that were good in PR and journalism and would ask for my recommendation,” Daniel said. “That’s why so many students at Clark Atlanta right now are doing well. Why, because they asked questions and followed every move that I was making. It really rubbed off on them by paying attention to the bylines. It really encouraged students to do it because I was doing it.”

But Daniel also cautioned against feeding into misconceptions people have about the entertainment industry whether you’re consuming media or working in the field. 

“You still have to research people and watch tv shows up close and listen to full-length albums and mixtapes. You should be able to read voraciously,” Daniel said. 

As Daniel reflects on his career, he realizes the importance of always executing quality work. Daniel has received endless attention from the entertainment industry and multiple interviews and is thankful to receive the opportunity to share his story with up-and-coming Black journalists. 

Daniel urged rising journalists to “keep your ear to different topics and different things people are talking about. Pay attention to what these editors and producers are doing on social media. 

“A lot of times they put their emails and social media handles out there. They also share the pay and how to pitch,” he said. “It’s one of those things that if you are going to be virtual, you have to utilize the virtual in all possible ways.”

Jamila Wood is a Clark Atlanta University student. 

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PR Veteran Carlos Scott talks career, gives insight on the PR industry 

By Da’Zhane Johnson

From crisis management to event planning, publicist Carlos Scott has been able to establish upstanding brands and reputations for celebrities. The marketing extraordinaire is known in the PR industry for his ability to strategically navigate a myriad of matters for his clients.  Scott’s expertise has led him to be seen on CNN in 2016, where he gave professional insight on the scandal surrounding Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte, who fabricated a story about being robbed at gunpoint with three other swimmers. Carlos also spoke on his experiences and his responsibilities at N-Vision Marketing, his Atlanta-based marketing firm. Scott spoke to AABJ’s The Byline about his marketing and PR expertise.

DJ: Tell me how you became interested in the PR industry? Did someone inspire you, or did you discover the industry on your own?

CS: It was really my sister who introduced me. After leaving the military, I actually found myself in the music industry as a songwriter. I was able to sign a deal with a record label and started writing for a new artist. I remember sitting in a meeting for about four hours waiting to play the new records we recorded, but that never happened. We spent hours discussing the artist’s image and reputation. We even talked about her dermatologist! That’s when I realized what importance PR, marketing and image had, not only on artists, but on any talent.

DJ: What do you believe is the most difficult part about your job?

CS: I would say the most difficult part can be the clients. You can get clients who are “a problem child.” Another thing is the communication and elitism in the industry. It’s always about respect for me. I can send emails and people do not respond because they see I’m not worthy or they’re not interested. To me, that’s disrespectful. You should treat everyone equally in this industry because you never know who will be your boss.

DJ: As a PR veteran, have you seen any PR trends occur in the past year?

CS: I have definitely seen some trends change. I told a friend of mine earlier this week that the ability to adapt and embrace technology has been the biggest trend. People who couldn’t do those two things probably weren’t able to keep business coming in during COVID-19. In times like this, it’s good to keep your ear to the streets and your mind open.

DJ: Social media has allowed for news to travel across the world easily. It is possible for anyone or anybody to trend on Twitter. Do you believe this has added pressure for publicists when they are managing a crisis situation?

CS: Absolutely. Social media marketing is actually something we specialize in. You just have to learn how to be smart and intentional with every post. We have clients who just don’t need social media because they are so well-known. Some clients just don’t need it for their own good. In those cases, we usually will manage their social media accounts ourselves.  

DJ: What does your typical workday look like? Was it altered at all because of COVID-19?

CS: A typical workday for me doesn’t really exist. Every day can be different depending on the client. Some days I am at my desk emailing pitches. Other days I am helping clients with interviews. The pandemic didn’t hurt business for us actually. The only thing that stopped was traveling. I used to fly from four to five times a month, but that stopped once the world shut down last March.

DJ: What advice do you have for current students who are studying to become a PR expert like yourself?

CS: I would advise any beginner to get an internship first. I say that because it will help you determine if this is the business you really want to be in. I’ve had interns work for me, and say, “You know, Mr.Scott, I’d like to thank you for this opportunity, but this just isn’t for me.” The work is more labor intensive than people think. You need to study the craft in general, get an internship to discover which entity you want to do — whether that be corporate or entertainment — then study this entity. 

Da’Zhane Johnson is a student at Clark Atlanta University. 

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This issue of The Byline was edited by Raisa Habersham and Tianna Faulkner. 

THE BYLINE (7/2019)

A message from AABJ VP of Print Amir Vera

With the National Association of Black Journalist Convention just weeks away, we at the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ) decided to do something different this month.

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

I remember walking to class in April when I received an email alerting me that one of my dreams was becoming reality.

I received an invitation to be a part of the 2019 NABJ Student Multimedia Project at the 44th Annual NABJ Convention and Career Fair in Miami.

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.

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Cierra Johnson provides tips on navigating the national convention

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).

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Craig Brown explains how to prep for interviews

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.

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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.

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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.

You can donate here.

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This edition of The Byline was edited by Amir Vera

THE BYLINE (2/2019)

Amir Vera & Shalon Bell, The Byline Editors

Message from the President

Dear AABJ Members,

I want to take a moment to personally thank each of you for a productive and profitable 2018!  It is my pleasure to inform you that in 2018 we were able to bring in nearly 11-thousand dollars in revenue through sponsorships (Georgia Power), events & membership dues. Our partnership with AIB Network provided us with approximately 40-thousand dollars of in-kind services to produce our TV show, In Contact and our documentary, “Black and Reporting: The Struggle Behind the Lens.”

Read More