Detroit NABJ Celebrates 40th Anniversary

The Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (Detroit NABJ) is gearing up to celebrate their 40th year Anniversary. Founded on Dec 1, 1982, the chapter will recognize and celebrate its founding members and those members of the past and present.

The kick-off celebration started with a presser that included supporters like Detroit City Mayor Mike Duggan who delivered a proclamation. Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, sent a video message congratulating the chapter for their work in the community. Other attendees included some of the greatest journalists in the City of Detroit.

What made the kick-off event extra special was the location. It was held in Detroit at the first Black-owned TV station in America during its time, WGPR-TV Channel 62. Now the building houses a broadcast museum that is dedicated to the history. Walking through the museum, it takes you on a journey through a timeline with interactive displays and memorabilia.

Over the course of the year, Detroit NABJ, aspires to shine a bright spotlight on its legacy that helped Detroit's Black media professionals become success in the world of journalism and media. The Telegram News had the honor to speak with Detroit NABJ's Chapter President and Regional Manager with Report for America, Vincent McCraw. Vincent McCraw gave insight on the history of the organization and what we can expect over the next year.

Clifton: What does it mean to be celebrating 40 years as a Black Organization?

Vincent McCraw, Chapter President: It is a milestone year, it represents the number of black journalists that were born here, many of which were the first black in newsrooms here in Detroit or those who moved on across the country or into media-related fields. For 40 years this organization has advocated for black journalist, to be hired and trained in the newsroom.

Clifton: Knowing that the organization advocates on behalf of Black Journalists and media professionals, what is your thought about diversity, equity and inclusion in newsrooms across the city?

Vincent McCraw, Chapter President: Managers get the hiring part right but they forget the equity and inclusion part. Newsrooms need to make sure that they are covering issues that affect Blacks.

Clifton: Celebrating 40 years is such a milestone, what can we look forward to from NABJ over the next year?

Vincent McCraw, Chapter President: We are looking forward to our Spring Gala. You can expect more fundraising events centered around the celebration and history of Black journalists in and from Detroit. It will be shared on our social media platforms. We are also having a limited-edition T-Shirt sale that begins on September 8th. You can order your shirt by visiting the website http://www.detroitnabj.org.

According to Detroit NABJ's website, they will also host a celebrity roast honoring Chuck Stokes, editorial director for WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) to cap off the 40th Anniversary.

Detroit NABJ is a volunteer organization and they are committed to strengthening ties among Black Journalists, student journalists, journalism educators and media professionals.