The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) will hold its 38th Annual Convention and Career Fair July 31- Aug. 4, in metro Orlando. In traditional NABJ fashion, this year’s convention brings some of the biggest names and issues in the news to convention plenaries, workshops and news conferences. NABJ’s annual conventions bring together the largest gatherings of journalists of color in the country, including the largest career fair for minority journalists. The NABJ Convention is geared towards preparing today’s newsrooms with digital journalists and savvy media professionals.
“This year, we have a great convention lineup, jam-packed with the experts and personalities dominating the headlines.” said Gregory H. Lee Jr., NABJ president. “So much has happened in the past year affecting African-Americans that people still are talking about and news organizations still are covering— from the Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act to the Trayvon Martin case to questions about black leadership. We look forward to delving deep into these issues, and exploring how they were covered in the news.”
America’s Thought Leaders Come to NABJ
The conference will open with a dynamic plenary session, “NABJ Live”, hosted by the organization’s Journalists of the Year, and political commentator, Roland S. Martin. Martin will have a conversation with the parents of slain Florida teen, Trayon Martin, Sybrina Fulton and Tracey Martin, about their continued efforts to get justice for their son.
Martin will also interview the Mayor of Atlanta, Kasim Reed in a session on the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act. Bishop T.D. Jakes will participate in a one-on–one interview with Martin to discuss black leadership and deliver a message to the media.
In response to the recent news of the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial, Rev. Al Sharpton will lead a session with key journalists that lead coverage of the case, such as MSNBC’s, Touré, Mark Russell, Editor of the Orlando Sentinel; as well USA Today’s Yamiche Alcindor, NABJ’s Emerging Journalists of the Year.
NABJ Welcomes the Biggest Names in Entertainment
One of the most incomparable forces in gospel music, Deitrick Haddon, will be the headliner for NABJ’s Sunday Gospel Brunch. Critically acclaimed director Steve McQueen will screen his latest project, “12 Years of Slave” at the NABJ Film Festival. The film’s stars Alfre Woodard and Lupita Nyong’o will also be in attendance.
The highly anticipated film, “The Butler” will also be screened in its entirety on Saturday. Academy Award winning actor, Forest Whitiker will take questions after the screening, along with the films acclaimed director, Lee Daniels.
NABJ Film Festival highlights will also include an extended preview of the “Best Man 2”, with the films stars, Taye Diggs and Nia Long on hand to do a Q& A. An extended preview of the film “Baggage Claim”, with talents: Jill Scott, David E. Talbert, and Jenifer Lewis, will take place on Thursday night. As well as the film, “Black Nativity, with director Kasi Lemmons, and its stars, Jacob Latimore, and Tyrese Gibson.
Additionally, NABJ’s Sports Task Force celebrates its 20th year, and will honor Boston Celtics Coach, Doc Rivers and the Miami Heat’s, Alonzo Mourning, with their annual Pioneer Award.
NABJ will host its annual Salute to Excellence Awards Gala on Saturday, Aug. 4, where the organization honors the brightest stars in journalism. This year’s event will be hosted by Don Lemon of CNN, and Cari Champion of ESPN.
For the full convention schedule, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/myqt3cj. Also download the conference mobile app for all the up-to date conference news: http://tinyurl.com/lkvlb7y.
For additional information please visit, www.nabj.org.
