Reclaiming Our Story
posted by Keyona Smith | April 24, 2019 | In Arts and CultureThe Fayetteville State University chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists traveled to the 2019 NABJ ‘Reclaiming Our Story’ conference in Hampton Roads, Virginia sponsored by the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communication at the historic Hampton University on April 12.
The conference commemorates the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans on North American soil.
Despite the rainy weather adding a drizzly filter, the conference agenda was filled with panel discussions and need-to-know forums for entering the media world. The atmosphere was professional, yet welcoming, with an eb-and-flow conversation at a low buzz, but it still possessed that Black magic swag that the culture just cannot deny. The melody of ‘All The Stars,’ a song featured in the Black Panther soundtrack played softly as Kendrick Lamar’s voice flowed through the speakers of the auditorium, ushering journalists from all over to their respective seating.
Conference participants were greeted by President William R. Harvey, NABJ Region I Director Johann Calhoun, Mayor Donnie R. Tuck, NABJ President Sarah Glover, Dean Da’Vida Plummer, Conference Co-chair Karen Wilson and President of Hampton Road’s Black Media Professionals Ashley Smith.
‘Reclaiming Our Story’s’ schedule ranged from Black student journalist panels who shared their experiences as African American interns and ways that you can make your experience genuine. There were sessions covering the checks and balances of public relations and the how-to’s of freelance journalism. There was something to take away from all areas of media journalism: broadcast, print and digital storytelling.
After breaking for lunch, participants reconvened for the last session of the conference agenda: Boosting your broadcast skills with NBC’s Rashida Jones. Jones currently works as the senior vice president for NBC News and MSNBC playing a vital role in the success of both programs. Although her presentation was packed with useful tips, her answers to a participants’ questions were the most striking. Jones spoke powerfully into the crowd explaining that you have to be willing to bet on yourself before you expect anyone else to, which included in newsrooms. When you decide that you have the skillset and you are ready for the next challenge, prove it by placing the bet on yourself.
Being one of the many young black professionals in the same space sharing tips on how to acclimate to press rooms still dominated by males and newsroom environments where you may be the only African American, was both refreshing and inspirational. The organization proves that their intention is not just the preservation of inclusive conversation but greater advancement for young African American journalists.
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