SDABJ advocates on behalf of African-American journalists in San Diego. It is committed to strengthening ties among black journalists; sensitizing all media to the importance of fairness in the workplace for black journalists; and expanding job opportunities and recruiting activities for veteran, young and aspiring black journalists, while providing continued professional development and training. Our goals include increasing the number of black journalists in management positions and encouraging black journalists to become entrepreneurs. We work to foster an exemplary group of professionals that honors excellence and outstanding achievements by African American 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. We work with high schools and colleges to identify and encourage black students to become journalists and to diversify faculties and related curriculum. We are also committed to providing informational and training services to the general public.

SDABJ HISTORY

The San Diego Association of Black Journalists (SDABJ), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the newest chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). NABJ is an organization of journalists, students and communications (public affairs, media relations and community relations) professionals that provides quality programs and services to and advocates on behalf of black journalists worldwide. Founded by 44 men and women on December 12, 1975, in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization of journalists of color in the world.

SDABJ was founded in April 2000 by a small group of journalists and communications professionals, including Maria Hunt, Jerry McCormick, Ozzie Roberts, Gil Griffin, Bernie Jones, Samuel Autman, Lisa Lake, Booker Crenshaw and Kelly Williams. Today, SDABJ boasts 40 members -- working print and broadcast reporters, anchors, writers, producers, editors, photographers, videographers, graphic illustrators/artists, and public/community relations professionals. Since its founding, the organization has hosted several successful community events, including workshops to prepare high school and college students for careers in journalism and a free "How to Get Your Story Told" seminar for non-profit agencies and small businesses. The organization has a speakers' bureau and recently established a scholarship program to be launched at a multicultural media/sponsor reception during the 2003 San Diego-hosted Super Bowl

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS
SDABJ's Parent Organization

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, through its Endowment Campaign, 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.