The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) celebrated a milestone this year with their 35th annual convention being held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego, CA.
The convention, which took place from July 28th to August 1st aimed to provide career opportunities for members through their career fair and networking events. NABJ also hosted workshops, an author's showcase and bookstore, several gala award events, film screenings and receptions.
With a year of turbulence in the job market, especially with an huge number of job losses in the media industry, there was some doubt whether or not attendance for this convention would match previous years. However, during the opening ceremonies, NABJ President, Kathy Times, announced "some people predicted a low turnout for this year's convention, a west coast convention, that it would be a ghost town. NABJ, we have exceeded our projected attendance."
Various well-known faces, celebrities and newsmakers attended the conference. Dr. Mehmet Oz, best known for his own highly ranked health-related daytime television show, "The Dr. Oz Show," delivered an educational series on becoming a smart patient and small steps to adjusting your life for better health.
Actress and Model, Beverly Johnson, made an appearance at "The Black List Volume III" screening and reception. The HBO project is the third installment in a series of interviews and photos with some of Black America's elite including Singer John Legend, Actress & Co-Host of the View, Whoopi Goldberg, Black Entertainment Television C.E.O., Debra Lee and Actor Hill Harper.
Director Spike Lee, who has a film slated to air on HBO in late August titled, "If God is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise," also screened it for NABJ attendees. The film is the follow up to his 2006 documentary, "When the Levees Broke," which chronicled the devastation and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans the previous year.
Shirley Sherrod, who was fired from her job as a Georgia State Director for the United States Department of Agriculture in mid-July, made an on-stage appearance at the NABJ convention. Sherrod made headlines after a conservative blogger posted excerpts of her from an NAACP speech in March of this year which made her appear to make racist remarks towards a farmer who requested financial help for his farm. Once the video was fully reviewed, the NAACP, the USDA and the White House apologized and offered her job back, however, she has not yet accepted. She also told NABJ attendees that she is considering a lawsuit and refuses to speak to Fox news who after airing the excerpt, made no effort to air the full video.
Many achievement awards were giving out during various receptions throughout the 5-day convention. Canadian Hockey Pioneer, Willie O'Ree, was a recipient of the Sam Lacy Sports Pioneer Award. O'Ree was the first Black player in the National Hockey League and managed to play despite being almost blind in one eye. In 2008, he was given the Order of Canada recognizing him for his contributions to the sport. Other awards of distinction were given out to members of the media during a Salute to Excellence Gala.
To celebrate next year's NABJ convention being held in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ) held an All-Red Wear "Philly Love" Kick Off Party, hosted by Hip Hop Artist Monie Love, a Philly native, and Kid 'n Play's DJ, DJ Wiz.
Former Canadian NHL Player Willie O'Ree Accepts the Sam Lacy Sports Pioneer Award
Spike Lee talks to CNN's Chris Lawrence about his upcoming HBO film "If God is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise"
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