NABJ, National Newspaper Publishers Association explore joint programs

Jobina Forston, reporter for WAVE 3 News receiving complimentary headshots by photographer, Michael Jackson at the 2018 NABJ Convention Career Fair on Thursday, August 2 in Detroit, MI. Photo by Jazmin Goodwin.

By BRE’ANNA GRANT

NABJ Monitor

 

A joint conference and member program between the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Newspaper Publishers Association may be in the works for the future. The conversation is just the beginning.

“I had great conversations with [NNPA President Dr.] Benjamin Chavis over the past year on how NABJ and NNPA can further partner and work collaboratively,” NABJ President Sarah Glover said. “He brought up the idea of a joint membership. I think any great partnership starts with great ideas, so I certainly hope NABJ and NNPA can explore a joint membership or joint programming.”

Glover attended NNPA’s conference in Norfolk, Virginia, a few weeks ago. The NABJ Board of Directors will decide if a partnership is in NABJ’s future.

“This is just an idea at this point. It’s an idea stage,” Glover said. “Other organizations have asked to partner with us. The board has to have that internal conversation first.”

Both NABJ and NNPA hope the partnership will create more advocacy, programming and possibly a convention.

“It’s important to support each other,” Glover said, “not just in media, but also in the black community.”

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of NNPA, is optimistic about the partnership. According to him, the timing is right.

“Timing is everything, and it’s time to join forces. There is a convergence of mutual interest,” said Chavis. “I’m very pleased with the dialogue that has been going on for the last year. Not only do we need to work together, but also strategize and advocate for the black Press.”

“If a partnership is implemented, the joint membership will create more opportunities for black journalists,” Chavis said.

“We want to contribute to the empowerment of our communities we serve—the African-American community—economic empowerment, political empowerment and social empowerment,” he said.

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