Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals, Inc.

05/14/2026

The Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals has a new leadership team — and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead!
Please join us in welcoming the officers and committee chairs elected to serve the 2026–2028 HRBMP term:

OFFICERS:
President — Kiahnna Patterson
Vice President — Aesia Toliver
Vice President — Romelo Styles
Recording Secretary — Brittany Miller
Corresponding Secretary — Kalynne Wilson

COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Education & Scholarship — Larry Rubama
Professional Development — Dr. Cathy Jackson
Membership — Dr. Willie Terry Marsh
Media Watch — Brandi Kellam
Communications — Rebekah “Beck G” Gaines
Special Events — Amber “Ambie Renee” Payton
Congratulations to each of you. HRBMP’s mission is in great hands!

04/04/2026

03/30/2026

MCJR WEEK 2026 🎬📺📻🎙️👩🏽‍💻🎞️👨🏽‍🏫
Norfolk State University (NSU) kicks off its MCJR Week starting TOMORROW!!! (Monday 3/30 through Thursday 4/2) on campus.

This event is open to students and the general public. Be sure to see your media industry favorites in person conducting a variety of seminars and workshops this week.

Stay up to the minute with scheduling by visiting the QR code on the flyer, social media sites, hashtags or by visiting the website:
nsu.edu/mcjrweek

See you there!💚💛💚💛💚💛

IG:
Twitter:

03/18/2026

NABJ proudly celebrates Black Press Week and 199 years of Black journalism. We honor the generations of journalists who paved the way and those continuing the work today.

Black journalism is essential to the American story.
Black voices matter.
The truth must be told.

03/13/2026

📸:
HRBMP
NABJNSU
SPARTANECHO
CONTENTCLUBNSU

HAMPTON ROADS BLACK MEDIA PROFESSIONALS, INC.
AN AFFILIATE CHAPTER OF NABJ
Statement of Mourning from Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals
Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals, an affiliate chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, mourns the passing of Louis A. Boone, a proud member of the Norfolk State University chapter of NABJ.
Boone represented the next generation of journalists committed to truth, service, and community. In a short time on campus, he became actively involved in student media and storytelling. Boone was a member of The Spartan Echo, the student newspaper at Norfolk State University, and participated in the university’s Content Creator Club. His early involvement reflected both his passion for journalism and his commitment to using media to inform and uplift his community.
We extend our deepest condolences to Boone’s family, friends, classmates, and the entire Norfolk State University community. We also stand with the members and leadership of the Norfolk State University NABJ chapter as they mourn the loss of one of their own.
The loss of a young voice in journalism is deeply felt. Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals honors Boone’s memory and the energy he brought to the field. His commitment to journalism and campus life will not be forgotten.
During this time of grief, we remain united with our colleagues, students, and educators who continue the work of strengthening Black journalism and ensuring that the next generation of storytellers is supported, encouraged, and remembered.

03/10/2026

HAPPY WOMEN’S MONTH!!!
💃🏾🙋🏽‍♀️💁🏽‍♀️🏃🏾‍♀️👸🏽🧘🏽‍♀️🦸🏾‍♀️👩🏽🧍🏽‍♀️🧕🏾👩🏽‍🦱👩🏾‍⚖️👩🏾‍⚕️👩🏽‍🏫👩🏽‍💻
We 💖 you Barbara Ciara!!!💋 You are HRBMP’s Queen!👑

From NABJ:
This Women’s History Month, NABJ proudly honors the nine illustrious women who have served as NABJ President, each carrying the torch of leadership and passing it forward for the next generation.

Their leadership has strengthened NABJ, elevated Black journalists, and helped shape the future of journalism during some of the most pivotal moments in our industry.

Through advocacy, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to truth and representation, these trailblazers have paved the way for the voices that follow.

Thank you for your vision, courage, and service to NABJ and Black journalism.

03/05/2026

Congratulations to our Lisa Godley!!!

Immediate HRBMP Past President and current BBCJA Superintendent, Godley was recently honored as one of the several community leaders Grand Furniture selected for ‘Excellence in Leadership’ during their Black History Month reception on February 27, 2026.

The plaque inscription says “In recognition of your outstanding leadership, dedication, and contributions to the Hampton Roads community. Your impact inspires and uplifts those around you, and we celebrate your excellence.”

Grand Furniture’s annual Black History Month Celebration is a signature community event dedicated to honoring Black trailblazers across the Hampton Roads region.

For the past three years, the event has recognized leaders whose impact spans faith, education, media, public service, athletics, and community advocacy.

The celebration brings together community members, local leaders, and partners to reflect, celebrate excellence, and uplift the powerful contributions shaping Hampton Roads. Through this initiative, Grand Furniture proudly continues its commitment to recognizing legacy, leadership, and lasting impact in the area.

In addition to this wonderful accolade, this seven-time Emmy Award winner (amongst other multi media trophies) is currently celebrating her 18th year anniversary at WHRO Public Media.

What a great honor to happen during Black History Month. Happy Women’s History Month too!

02/28/2026

🐝 🌼The hint of Spring is in the air-💐🌊
Our days will soon be longer 🌅and lighter later-

Join HRBMP for our first meeting of year:

🗓️Saturday, March 7, 2026🗓️

🏫Hampton History Museum
120 Old Hampton Lane
Hampton VA 23669
757-727-1102

⏰11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

We will be discussing topical issues, updates, as well as networking, providing inspiration, motivation and fun.

Check your emails for the Zoom link and 🅿️ parking directions.

Afterwards feel free to spend the afternoon leisurely visiting the 1619 exhibit and more artifacts.

FYI: You can also take advantage of Hampton’s Restaurant Week starting March 1-March 15. For a full list of establishments, please check the link 🔗 below:

https://visithampton.com/restaurantweek/

02/19/2026

CONGRATULATIONS!!!🍾🎉🎈🎊
HAPPY 13th ANNIVERSARY ASHLEY!!!🥳🤗
HRBMP is so glad to celebrate our former President, Ashley Smith, on 13 years with Channel 13 (WVEC)!!! Time ⏰ has flown by and you’re still as radiant as ever with your effervescent smile and bubbly personality!💖We wish you nothing but the best continuing your broadcast journey! We love you Ashley! 💋

02/17/2026

Today we honor a voice of courage, justice, and equality. May we continue to learn from his leadership, service, and unwavering fight for civil rights. His legacy lives on in the work we do and the hope we carry forward ✊🏽🕊️.

Rest in Power — Rev. Jesse Jackson 💛🖤