This August, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention took place in Birmingham, Alabama, drawing some of the nation’s most prominent Black voices. The multiday event included networking opportunities and panel discussions, where journalists shared the importance of the Black press, especially in today’s current political climate.
Comedian and actor Roy Wood Jr. of “The Daily Show” spoke to the Washington Informer about the pivotal role of Black journalists and media.
“The Black Press has an interesting battle now though, because in media, as a whole, funding is down. And if funding is down for mainstream, then it’s really down for Black media,” he said. Wood Jr. is the son of the late Roy Wood Sr., a renowned pioneer in journalism who built his career as host of the series One Black Man’s Opinion on the National Black Network.
“Black media has this double-sided duty of uplifting and showing the things that have happened in the Black community that people don’t talk about, but also the Black press has a responsibility of showing the things within the Black community that the people don’t want to talk about,” Wood Jr. continued.
The convention was complete with several different events, including a live recording of The Grio’s “Dear Culture” podcast on Aug. 3, where host Panama Jackson delivered witty commentary alongside featured guests Michael Harriot and Wood Jr. The convention also held a Black Press Task Force meeting and panel discussion. Attendees discussed impactful ways that the Black press can continue to evolve.
“There’s so much negativity in media. It’s good to have Black publications— printed Black publications, online Black publications— that promote not just Black, but Black business; not just Black business, but Black families; not just Black families, but all positive things going on in the Black community,” he said.
Source: Black Enterprise
