NABJ Celebrated 50th Anniversary in Cleveland

By Hannah Gates

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) kicked off its annual convention and career fair in Cleveland with an opening ceremony Aug. 6 at 6 p.m., honoring the legacy and history of the organization’s 50th anniversary and its 44 founders.  

Fourteen of the 44 original founders stood on stage, a powerful reminder of both the passage of time and the enduring legacy they built. 

Convention Honorary Co-Chairs Shana Black, founder of Black Girl Media, and WKYC’s Russ Mitchell guided convention guests through the rich legacy of NABJ. Cleveland’s own Karamu House delivered outstanding performances honoring NABJ’s heritage and paying tribute to the evolution of Black journalism and history. The group, dressed in regalia representing different eras of Black history, performed several songs including “Moving on Up” from The Jeffersons, “Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)” from The Color Purple, and Bob Marley & The Wailers’ “No Woman, No Cry.” The evening concluded with two powerful reenactments of famous speeches by Barack Obama and Kamala Harris.

Throughout the ceremony, clips of news moments spanning decades played on two large screens flanking the stage, a vivid reminder of how Black journalists have documented and shaped the ongoing story of change. From the election of the nation’s first Black president to the George Floyd protests and the challenges brought by COVID-19, Black journalists have helped the country reflect, understand and move forward. 

Despite ongoing obstacles, the legacy of innovation and courage endures, thanks to the leaders of the past, present, and future. The ceremony included awards recognizing individuals and chapters, with the board of directors receiving a standing ovation. 

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb thanked NABJ for choosing the city as the host, and David Reynolds, a representative from sponsor Chase Bank, also addressed the audience. Attendees were invited to contribute to the “50 for 50” donation campaign, further supporting the organization’s mission. 

Not only did the ceremony offer a powerful look back at pivotal moments in recent history, from the challenges of COVID-19 to news events that shaped a generation, attendees were also treated to a glimpse of “Beyond the Headlines: The NABJ Journey,” a documentary celebrating NABJ’s core values: resilience, advocacy, and excellence, which have defined the organization’s evolution and our country’s journalism as a whole. 

With the theme of “Resilience, Advocacy, and Excellence: Evolution of Our Voices,” the NABJ convention in Cleveland stands as a testament to the enduring power of Black journalists. It celebrates their vital role in strengthening Black voices, pushing boundaries, and shaping the future of journalism. As NABJ continues to grow and evolve, it honors the legacy of the past while forging a path toward greater representation and impact in the media landscape.