CSUABJ: Building Our Chapter, Strengthening Our Voices

CSUABJ officers President Derek Williams Jr., Vice President Tammy Westmoreland, and Secretary Brazil Jackson at Spring 2024 Week of Welcome Student Organization Fair

Black representation matters, especially in journalism. Representation inspired 44 Black men and women to create a professional organization known as  National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in 1975. Their mission was to provide a supportive and empowering place for those who had a passion for journalism. NABJ wanted to offer  media professionals top-notch programs and services while also being the voice for Black journalists. 

Currently, NABJ has more than 4,000 members. Cleveland is home to its own local NABJ chapter, the Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists (GCLEABJ), reinstituted in 2013. Similar to NABJ, the mission of GCLEABJ focuses on empowering Black journalists and media professionals to reach their goals. 

This mission inspired Cleveland State University (CSU) graduate student, Tyisha Blade to establish the Cleveland State University Association of Black Journalists (CSUABJ). The student chapter became a CSU Recognized Student Organization (RSO) on October 24, 2024. Blade noticed the importance of starting an NABJ student chapter at CSU to help aspiring journalists network, build skills, and receive professional mentorship while overcoming unique challenges.

CSUABJ recently held its student elections, filling the positions of president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. Derek Williams, Jr. Williams, a Journalism and Promotional Communication major at CSU, filled the president role. Williams graduates in 2027 and aims to inspire and serve his community as the student chapter president. 

Tammy Westmoreland is current vice president. She is a Journalism and Promotional Communication, graduating in 2026. Westmoreland’s goal is to build connections with people who have a similar background to her own, and she is excited to be a part of a brand-new organization. 

Brazil Jackson, secured the role as secretary. Jackson is a Journalism and Promotional Communication major, graduating in 2027. Jackson hopes to become a skilled journalist as she contributes to the new association. 

The formation of CSUABJ signifies a major step forward in cultivating a supportive and inclusive space for Black voices within the CSU community. The newly-established organization offers students a platform where they can connect, learn, and grow through  CSUABJ. 

NABJ  will celebrate  50 years of inspiring media professionals this year with its a anniversary on  December 12, 2025. The national chapter organization hosts a convention and career fair every year where members participate in panels, workshops and networking opportunities. NABJ's 50th annniversary convention takes place in Cleveland from August 6-10.  

CSUABJ welcomes journalism-interested students and young professionals eager to join. CSUABJ is a key support system for students who are pursuing an interest or career in journalism. Email csuabj@gmail.com for more information about our CSUABJ student chapter. 

Editor's note: Eboni Dunn serves as CSUABJ treasurer. She is Psychology major with a minor in American Sign Language and Communications. Dunn will graduate in 2026. She says she hopes her role with CSUABJ will help her to step outside of her comfort zone and be more active in her community.