NABJ Hosts Board Meeting in Cleveland, Welcomes CSUABJ Student Chapter

CSUABJ President Derek Williams Jr., Vice President Tammy Westmoreland and Secretary Brazil Jackon at the 2025 Week of Welcome Student Organization Common Hour Showcase at CSU

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convened for their quarterly board meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Cleveland on March 15, 2025, marking a significant moment. During the meeting, Region II Director Angela Smit highlighted the growth of NABJ's student affiliate chapters, including the newly established Cleveland State University Association of Black Journalists (CSUABJ). This addition underscored NABJ's commitment to nurturing future journalists and fostering diversity within the industry. Other notable student chapters recognized during the session included the Iowa State University Association of Black Journalists and the NABJ Regional Chapter of Central Illinois.

Prior to the board meeting, the Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists (GCLEABJ) set the stage with a lively mixer event at the historic City Club of Cleveland on March 14, 2025. The gathering provided an opportunity for networking and camaraderie among NABJ members and supporters, showcasing Cleveland's vibrant media community and hospitality. GCLEABJ's efforts aimed to ensure that NABJ experienced the best of Cleveland, emphasizing the city's rich cultural offerings and supportive media environment. Attendees heard remarks and introductions from NABJ President Ken Lemon. GCLEABJ President Rhonda Crowder also addressed the audience, sharing her insights. The NABJ organization made other visits during their time in Cleveland to sites such as WKYC Studio located at 1333 Lakeside Ave. and Signal Cleveland located at 3200 Euclid Ave.

Looking ahead, NABJ plans for its monumental 50th anniversary convention scheduled to take place in Cleveland from August 6-10, 2025. This upcoming event promises to be a landmark occasion for journalists, media professionals, and advocates of diversity in media, celebrating NABJ's 50th anniversary, legacy, and future endeavors in advancing representation and equity within the journalism industry.