National Association of Black Journalists Gathers in Cleveland Amid Industry Challenges
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) celebrated its 50th anniversary this year with its annual conference held for the first time in Cleveland. The event attracted 3,096 attendees at the Huntington Convention Center from August 6-11, a notable decrease from the record 4,336 attendees in Chicago in 2024.
Cleveland was chosen for this milestone gathering due to its commitment to the journalism industry, according to Candace Ledbetter of the NABJ PR and communications team. Despite the lower turnout, local organizers emphasize that factors beyond the city itself influenced attendance numbers.
Economic Pressures and DEI Cuts Affect Attendance
Rhonda Crowder, president of the local Greater Cleveland NABJ chapter, points to economic challenges and shifting political climates as key reasons behind reduced participation. Many media companies have cut back on funding for travel and registration, even for significant events like NABJ's 50th anniversary.
"Some TV stations didn’t cover the cost of their staffers attending the convention as they have in the past," Crowder explained. "With layoffs and budget cuts, many journalists simply can’t afford to attend, even though the conference is a vital space for networking and professional growth."
Despite these hurdles, attendees reported positive impressions of Cleveland, highlighting its hospitality and the quality of the event.
The Impact of Losing Black Journalists on Newsrooms and Communities
Founded in 1975 by over forty Black journalists, including ABC news anchor Max Robinson, NABJ was created to amplify Black voices and improve news coverage of Black communities. However, layoffs and buyouts in recent years have led many Black journalists to leave the industry altogether, risking a decline in representative and accurate coverage.
Erinn Haines, who assumed the NABJ presidency at the conference, stresses the importance of adapting to industry changes while supporting the next generation of Black and brown journalists.
"Print journalism has been deeply affected by shifts toward digital platforms," Haines said. "Many members started in print, but now the landscape looks very different. NABJ needs to ensure our writers have the skills to succeed, including ongoing training on emerging tools like AI and digital storytelling."
Addressing AI and the Future of Journalism
AI, especially large language models, presents both challenges and opportunities for journalism. Haines warns against being passive in the face of technological change.
"Journalists have often been skeptical of new technologies and let those tools shape how we work instead of guiding their use," she noted. "We have to learn from the past and engage proactively with AI, making sure it supports quality journalism rather than replacing it."
For PR and communications professionals, understanding AI’s role in media is crucial. Staying updated through continuous learning—such as specialized AI courses—can help teams prepare for these shifts. Resources like Complete AI Training’s latest courses offer practical skills to keep pace with these developments.
Fighting for Inclusive and Accurate Coverage
Locally in Cleveland and nationally, NABJ continues to advocate for better media coverage of Black communities. Crowder emphasizes the need to support Black-owned media and ensure Black professionals hold decision-making roles in newsrooms.
"We need to demand inclusive coverage and empower Black media outlets," she said. "Representation in the boardroom matters to how stories are told and which stories get told."
Haines echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the craft of journalism remains essential.
"There’s always going to be a need for this craft," she said. "What that looks like going forward is uncertain, but we can prepare ourselves to be part of it as NABJ moves into its next 50 years."
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