By Ashleigh Fields
Special to the AFRO
Heritage and history were on full display at the 50th National Association of Black Journalists Convention (NABJ) in Cleveland from Aug. 6-10 as attendees paid homage to the organization’s founders.
Media professionals of color gathered from around the nation to celebrate the organization, which continues to transform and shape coverage of communities.
This year’s convention theme was, “Resilience, Advocacy, Excellence: Evolution of Our Voices,” a call to journalists to press ahead into the future without fear.
In an effort to spearhead a new path, Errin Haines, editor at large of The 19th, was elected as NABJ president with 57 percent of members voting in her favor.
Haines, a non-profit journalist from Philadelphia, said her mission is to revitalize the Black presence in media.
“The truth is, we are facing a time when the forces of erasure and exclusion are working overtime to silence Black voices, distort our history, and undermine our role as truth-tellers. This is not a time for division,” said Haines during her acceptance speech.
“This is a time for us to lock arms, to advocate fiercely, to innovate boldly and to ensure NABJ remains not just relevant, but indispensable,” she added.
Her leadership of the organization comes during a time when diversity, equity and inclusion are being targeted by the current presidential administration and as reporters of color are vacating mainstream media outlets at rapid rates.
Dozens have left the Washington Post in the wake of recent shifts in operations.
Haines, a former journalist at both The Post and The Associated Press said she will fight for newsrooms to remain honest and fair.
“Our next 50 years will be defined by how we respond right now, by how we fight for newsroom equity, how we defend press freedom, how we nurture the next generation, and how we insist on telling the full, unvarnished story of America,” Haines said.
“I promise you this: I will lead with transparency, I will listen with intention, and I will act with the urgency this moment demands. Together, we will honor our legacy not just by preserving it, but by pushing it forward,” she added.
She will be supported by a storied board of leaders to include Vice President of Broadcast Walter Smith Randolph; Vice President of Digital Roland Martin; Secretary Khorri Atkinson, and former Washington Association of Black Journalists president; Region I Director Melony Roy; Region III Director Steve Crocker and student representative, A’lauren Gilchrist.
Others, who were not up for reelection this cycle include: Vice President of Print Eva D. Coleman; Treasurer Jasmine Styles; Parliamentarian Sia Nyorkor; Region II Director Angela Smith; Region IV Director Aaron Day; academic representative Lisa Armstrong and media-related representative, Raschanda Hall.
NABJ said 2,373 members voted in the 2025 election.
Journalists who attended applauded the organization’s efforts to mold their career path by positively influencing the industry.
“I had a blast at the NABJ convention,” said Kiara Patterson, a journalist at WZZM 13 and
native of Cleveland. “The week was full of fun, leadership, creativity, development, growth, impact and fellowship.”
“The convention truly felt like a family reunion and I’m so grateful to NABJ for making a space
for Black journalists to relax, succeed and be their true authentic selves,” she added.
The next NABJ convention will take place Aug. 12 – 16, 2026 in Atlanta (ATL).
Journalist Bryce Parker said he was “grateful to have been a part of the 50 year celebration of excellence, service and perseverance. Countless friendships, experiences, and memories were made that will last a lifetime.”
“I wish I had the time to thank everyone I met one by one,” said Parker. “Instead, I’ll just say see you next year in ATL.”
Disclaimer: Ashleigh Fields is an NABJ member but did not vote in this year’s election.
Great Job Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor & the Team @ AFRO American Newspapers Source link for sharing this story.
