The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is an organization of journalists, students and media-related professionals that provides quality programs and services to and advocates on behalf of black journalists worldwide. Many of NABJ’s 3,500 members also belong to one of the dozens of professional and student chapters that serve black journalists nationwide. NABJ is committed to the following:
* Strengthening ties among black journalists;
* Sensitizing all media to the importance of fairness in the workplace for black journalists;
* Expanding job opportunities and recruiting activities for veteran, young and aspiring black journalists, while providing continued professional development and training;
* Increasing the number of black journalists in management positions and encouraging black journalists to become entrepreneurs;
* Fostering an exemplary group of professionals that honors excellence and outstanding achievements by black journalists, and outstanding achievement in the media industry as a whole, particularly when it comes to providing balanced coverage of the black community and society at large;
* Working with high schools and colleges to identify and encourage black students to become journalists, and to diversify faculties and related curriculum; and
* Providing informational and training services to the general public. NABJ holds an annual convention and career fair each summer with dozens of plenary sessions and workshops for professional development. The career fair draws hundreds of recruiters and is among the best means of finding a job in the industry. The annual Salute to Excellence awards and special recognition honors (Lifetime Achievement, Journalist of the Year, Community Service, etc.) are bestowed at each convention. Each year, NABJ awards nearly $100,000 in scholarships and internships to college and high school students nationwide, as well as fellowships for seasoned professionals. The NABJ Media Institute provides professional development and technical training for black journalists at venues across the country. NABJ is headquartered on the campus of the University of Maryland-College Park. Every two years, the membership elects a president and national board of directors to govern NABJ. An executive director leads the national office staff.
