What Can We Say Now? Reporting on Equity, Identity, and Community Under New Laws: Let's talk about it FRIDAY, APRIL 17 @ 1:10 pm at the Region II Conference . Legislation, such as Ohio’s SB1, has reshaped how public institutions approach diversity, equity, and inclusion. This panel explores how journalists can navigate evolving legal and institutional constraints while continuing to tell authentic, community-centered stories. Attendees will gain practical tools for responsibl

Here's the latest article for The Land  from our own Kevin MC Chill Heard: In a profession built on visibility, costumer Harold “Ragz” Crawford made a career out of what audiences rarely see. For more than five decades, Crawford has helped define how stories look on screen and stage, contributing to productions that helped reshape Black representation in American entertainment.

Deacon Ronald Kisner of Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church was the victim of a senseless and brutal attack during the weekend of March 22. If you'd like to donate to his GoFundMe page to assist with medical expenses, please use the link below. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ronald-kisners-recovery

In case you missed it, GCLEABJ President Rhonda Crowder had the privilege to moderate a conversation with Justice Melody J. Stewart Friday, March 20, as part of the Cuyahoga County's Series Can We Talk: The Power of the Ballot. Stewart, a justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, and formerly served as a Judge on the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals. They discuss voting history and personal stories on voting, the Save America Act and much more. Watch the YouTube archive.

Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists member Branson Wright will moderate a conversation with former Cleveland Cavalier Kendrick Perkins Monday, April 6 at 7 pm at Cuyahoga County Public Library Parma-Snow Branch , 2121Snow Road . Seats still available; registration required.

GCLEABJ Members — Registration is OPEN! The 2026 NABJ Region II Conference is heading to Columbus, Ohio, April 17–18, and we want strong representation from our chapter. Let’s show up and support this incredible regional experience. Register today and join us! #NABJRegionII

The 2026 ‘Class’ of the Cleveland Media Academy  ‘graduated’ from the eight-week program held at the Cleveland.com newsroom on Tiedeman Road.  The program, geared towards high school students interested in a career in journalism, provided hands-on instruction in podcasting, video, writing, photography, and more. Guest speakers for the final session were Signal Cleveland  video journalist Michael Indriolo, who took the students outside for a crash course in photography; and f

Congratulations to our esteemed President, Rhonda Crowder, who was named one of Cleveland’s Future History Makers at Radio One Cleveland’s 93.1 WZAK Cleveland 's annual event, held February 26 at Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar. Other recipients include Dr. Henry Pettiegrew II: Superintendent and CEO of East Cleveland City Schools; Richard A. Starr: Cleveland Ward 5 Councilman; Dr. Gregory L. Hall, and Major M. Harrison III. Rhonda was recognized for being a leader in loca

On Thursday, February 26 at 4 pm, 'Song of Solomon' will be the first book discussed during the East Cleveland Public Library 's yearlong celebration of Nobel Prize-winning author - and Lorain, Ohio native - Toni Morrison. A different book will be featured each month. Read more here .

On Saturday, January 31at 2 pm, spend your afternoon at the East Cleveland Public Library , indulging in a literary & lyrical feast featuring a dialogue with Cleveland native/ author J. Everett Prewitt and singer/songwriter Melrose Eve . The event will be moderated by author/journalist/entrepreneur - and current President of the Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists - Rhonda Crowder. Prewitt's 2005 debut novel, Snake Walkers, won the Bronze award (General Fictio

GCLEABJ member Felicia Haney is hosting a Community Screening & Conversation with Taalib Abdul Qadir (Walter Triplett, Jr.) Friday, January 30 at 6 pm at Cafe Indigo on Shaker Square. Qadir is featured in an episode of the current season of Netflix' long-running series, I Am A Killer, entitled Defense of Another . A Q&A session will follow the screening. Read more here . This event will serve as the kickoff of an ongoing spoken word night to be hosted by Qadir at Cafe Indig

UPDATE: Due to extreme weather conditions, this event has been rescheduled to Thursday, February 5. Join the Cleveland History Center THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 from 6-8 pm for a unique discussion with the pioneering Hollywood and stage costumer, Harold “Ragz” Crawford. Hear stories from his prolific career including dressing the cast for "Everybody Hates Chris", "Hanging with Mr. Cooper", "Swordfish" with Halle Berry, "Men of Honor" featuring Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Robert De Niro,

Get a jump start on Black History Month Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 6-8 pm, as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch of the Cleveland Public Library (10601 Euclid Avenue) welcomes renowned author Amy DuBois Barnett for an intimate evening of music and conversation about her debut novel, “If I Ruled the World.”   The event, moderated by Barnett’s life partner, Cleveland’s own Richard Brooks, serves as the culminating event of a full day of celebration marking the one-year an

After a 3 1/2 year run, NABJ's Black News & Views newsletter has ceased publication. After three and a half years of providing cutting-edge journalism that affects the international Black community, NABJ's Black News & Views newsletter has ceased publication, effective December 31, 2025. Launched in the summer of 2022 under the direction of Melanie Eversley and Amber Hudson, Black News and Views featured original content from a team of contributors from NABJ, as well as 30+

Happy New Year from the Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists!! Here's to a year of accomplishments and excellence!

Kicking off its fifth year, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Leadership Academy recently announced its cohort members for the 2026 cycle. Congratulations to GCLEABJ member Janelle Bass Hawthorne for being named to the 2026 NABJ Leadership Academy Cohort, which is a a year-long executive leadership development program designed to prepare NABJ members in broadcast, print, and digital media for the next level of leadership. "Being selected for the 2026 NABJ L

Happy 50th Anniversary, NABJ ! Here's to 50 more years!

GCLEABJ President Rhonda Crowder (left) interviews Northeast Ohio native Jayne Kennedy-Overton, who's currently promoting her memoir, "Plain Jayne." Jayne Kennedy-Overton, one of Northeast Ohio’s most celebrated multi-hyphenates (sportscaster, model, actress, author, mother), made a special appearance at the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Public Library on Tuesday, December 2 to promote her memoir, “Plain Jayne.” GCLEABJ President Rhonda Crowder served as moderator, and Kennedy-Overt

Happy Holidays! Here's a short list of cool happenings around town this week. Check back each week for more. A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS - Christmas just ain't Christmas without the legendary music of Motown. Head to Playhouse Square's Hanna Theater through December 14 for a rousing musical revue! Created and adapted by Nate Jacobs,  A Motown Christmas   is a lively, toe-tapping musical experience that combines the magic of Christmas with the timeless appeal of Motown's greatest h

The 1985 martial arts cult classic ‘Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon’  is back in theaters for a limited engagement (October 19, 21 and 22) to mark the film’s 40th anniversary.  Starring martial artist/actor/model Taimak, singer Vanity, and Julius Carry as the unforgettable Sho’Nuff, ‘the Last Dragon’ tells the story of a young marital artist in New York search of a training master to help him improve his skills to the level of his idol, Bruce Lee. The film also includes a speci