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August 8, 2009
INSIDE
Kathy Times President
Ybor City still
smolders with the
ancient art of cigar
rolling. Pages 6 and 7
Deirdre Childress
Bob Butler
Vice President-Broadcast
Sign of the Times Vice President-Print
New NABJ president’s vision sets 360-degree course of change, training and more jobs
By WESLEY LOWERY and BRITTNEY FENNELL
nabjconvention.org
Local Bucs fans get
better access to their
favorite team. Page 10 ONLINE WWW.NABJCONVENTION.ORG
Big guns come out
for the Photography ShootOut.
What is “good hair?” Nabjconvention.org
reporters ask attendees that touchy question. Convention wrap-
up webcast at 5 p.m. today.
BAHIYJAUI ALLEN/NABJCONVENTION.ORG
w e h a v e a w i n n e r Incoming NABJ president Kathy Times celebrates with her husband James Convington and campaign manager Rod Carter after receiving the good news about her victory.
Kathy Times was elected as the 18th president of the National Association of Black Journalists, capturing 57 percent — 325 to 248 — of the vote to defeat opponent Angelo Henderson. In a convention year when NABJ saw some of its lowest attendance numbers, 1,326 NABJ members cast their vote in an election that many members think will be pivotal to the organization’s survival (only full members are allowed to vote for president). The industry has been hammered with a flurry of layoffs, buyouts and furloughs. NABJ has lost more than 300 members over the past two years and convention attendance has been declining. Presidentelect Times, who will succeed President Barbara Ciara, will take the keys to the nation’s largest association of minority journalists and have to navigate through an everchanging industry. “NABJ, I love you, and I don’t take this moment lightly,” Times, an anchor and investigative reporter for Fox 40 in Jackson, Miss., said after hearing she won. “I have Continued on Page 3
2 • The Monitor • Saturday, August 8, 2009 • www.nabjconvention.org The Students Sophia Adem,
Howard University
Yamiche Alcindor,
Georgetown
University
Ayana Allen,
UNC Chapel Hill
Karise Allen, Cheyney University Bahiyjaui Allen, Nia Arnold,
Ohio University
Northwestern University
Bliss Davis,
Bowling Green State University
Stephanie Claytor, Jessica Coley,
Syracuse University
Morgan State University
Breana Copeland, Moore College of Art & Design
Randi Crowder,
University of North Texas
Sharise Darby,
Hampton University
Brittney Fennell,
Hampton University
Tameka Flowers,
Kutztown University
Adele Hampton,
University of Maryland
Jarrad Henderson, University of Missouri
Heather Hope,
The Ohio State University
Francesca Hoskins,
Southern University and A&M College
Brittany Hutson,
Howard University
Gerrick Kennedy,
The Ohio State University
Norris Kyles,
Alabama State University
Wesley Lowery,
Ohio University
Corrine Lyons,
Wayne State University
Larry Miller,
Point Park University
Monique Mitchell,
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Shaneen Quarles, University
Penn State
Jazmund Walker,
University of AlabamaBirmingham
Daniel Sampson,
Texas Southern University
Shauna Stuart, Aaron Sinclair, Brittany Smith,
University of Maryland
Morgan State University Michigan State University
Herbie Smith,
Sam Houston State University
Jennifer Smith,
San Francisco State University
Summer Suleiman,
University
Dion Rabouin, Eryn Rogers, Nicquel Terry,
Louisiana State
Ithaca College
Northwestern University Michigan State University
Veronica Wells,
University of Missouri
Natelege Whaley,
Howard University
Go to WWW.NABJCONVENTION.ORG for complete bios and photos
Photos by tameka r. flowers/nabjconvention.org
After serving two years as NABJ’s president, Barbara Ciara bids farewell to the organization’s member during the Hall of Fame Banquet.
Ciara created innovative training for journalists By GERRICK D. KENNEDY
nabjconvention.org
When Barbara Ciara took to the stage Thursday for one of the last times as president of the National Association of Black Journalists, she summed up her presidency simply. “A lot has happened over the past two years,” she said during NABJ’s opening ceremony. “Nearly 400 black journalists lost their jobs last year,” Ciara said during the ceremony. “It’s time to reinvent ourselves and refresh our careers. Simply, we must look to the future and embrace change.” It is this change that Ciara has bought to her two-year term as president of NABJ. During her time as president, Ciara launched the NABJ Media Institute, which offers professional-development opportunities, educational programs, conferences, workshops, entrepreneurial guidance, as well as Web seminars. Some of those seminars include: advancing in broadcast management, the business of freelancing,
Outgoing NABJ President Barbara Ciara holds back her tears as she stands next to Ernie Suggs while bidding farewell to members after serving two years. mastering newsroom politics and managing today’s newsrooms. The Media Institute also has hosted a conference and offered fellowships. Ciara also introduced the Reinven-
tion Committee, a group that organized a yearlong series of seminars to help members become better prepared for the disruptive changes in traditional media following layoffs, buyouts and separations from em-
ployment. Creating new ways to help journalists find, and keep, jobs was one of the many challenges Ciara faced during her presidency, said Herbert Lowe, NABJ president from 2003 to 2005. “During her term, black journalists were really starting to feel the downturn of the economy in the industry,” Lowe said. “Her administration really focused on that reinvention (of journalists). Barbara was leading that effort.” Andrew Humphrey, president of the Detroit Chapter of NABJ, said her impact was tremendously positive. “NABJ is still strong and bright -- it’s because of her work,” Humphrey said. “I will always remember her charisma, her positive attitude, her open mind and willingness to listen.” Humphrey, who is founder and chair of the NABJ Digital Journalism Task Force, said even though Ciara’s administration was marked with a number of economic challenges, she consistently made intelligent decisions.
www.nabjconvention.org • Saturday, August 8, 2009 • The Monitor •
Kathy Times celebrates her win Election, from Page 1 big shoes to fill.” Ciara, who served as a regional director as well as two terms as vice president-broadcast before being elected president, said: “I’ve really devoted quite a bit of my time and energy for the love of NABJ, and I am ready to pass the mantle.” Ciara added that she was encouraged because seven of the 13 election races were contested. “Contested races means that there’s a love for this organization and people are stepping up to serve,” she said. “I felt that no matter the outcome of any of the races that we would be in good shape.” Times, whose term begins Sunday, says she is ready to lead and has been training for this new role in her life years before the campaign began. “It’s going to take a lot of work to be president … I’ve always been a workhorse.” Times said, “I thank the members for believing in me. I look forward to carrying out my vision.” Numerous members of Times’ family – including her mother, sister, husband and nephew – traveled to Tampa to campaign and be with her for the announcement. It was her mother’s first NABJ convention. Both candidates campaigned extensively during this week’s NABJ convention. They canvassed the halls of the convention center, shaking hands and distributing handouts to make one last push before the polls closed at 5 p.m. Friday. “I want to thank my opponent, Angelo Henderson, who called to say congratulations and that he was willing to help out in any way possible,” Times said. Times said her first major initiative will be NABJ 360, an online network to connect members with potential employers. She said she plans to launch the site in 90 days. “I started mapping out a plan before I was elected,” she said. “I have a six-month plan and a yearlong plan.” Henderson offered his congratulations and support to the newly elected president. “If there’s anyway I can help just count me in,” Henderson told Times in a brief concession phone call. Henderson, a former Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The Wall Street Journal and a cur-
Election Results Name
Votes
President
Kathy Times
325
Angelo B. Henderson
248
vice president print
Deirde Childress 298 Rochelle Riley
259
vice president BROADCAST
Bob Butler
282
Andrew Humphrey
248
Dedrick Russell
50
SECRETARY
Roland Martin
327
Sherlon Christie
198
Jacqualine Williams
39
Treasurer
Greg Lee
526
Parliamentrian
Tonju Francois
523
REGION 1 DIRECTOR Bahiyjaui Allen/nabjconvention.org
Incoming NABJ president Kathy Times celebrates in victory after hearing the word about her success in the election. Go to WWW.NABJCONVENTION.ORG for additional information
jarrad henderson /nabjconvention.org
NABJ presidential runner-up Angelo B. Henderson votes before the election results were released on Friday. rently a radio host for Radio One in Detroit, declined to attend the news conference following the announcement of the election results.
“Well, I’ll get more time with my son and my wife,” Henderson said jokingly as he took one last picture with the friends and family who
waited for the election results in his hotel room with him. “I’m excited for Kathy. It’s a big job.” Henderson noted that his campaign efforts were impeded by his inability to become a registered candidate on the NABJ Web site for a month after Times, but he refused to place the fault for his loss solely on that hardship. “We couldn’t have worked any harder, that’s for sure.” Henderson said. “I’m glad that NABJ picked who it wanted.” He said that he hopes Times will continue to expand programming and training for member entrepreneurship and media ownership, which were two pillars of this campaign platform. “If my presence changed the conversation – and it did – then we had a victory.” Dion Rabouin contributed to this story.
Katina Revels
91
REGION 2 DIRECTOR
Charles Robison 56 Benét Wilson
28
REGION 3 DIRECTOR
Ken Knight
121
REGION 4 DIRECTOR
Keith Reed
40
Hilary Golston
29
REGION 5 DIRECTOR
Cindy George
37
Associate Representative
Aprill Turner
57
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Georgia Dawkins 59 Lee Sandra Alexandre
29
Daniella Dorcelus 12 TOTAL VOTES
1,326
3
Just what the journalist ordered.
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World Journalism Institute touts power of faith By NIA J. ARNOLD
nabjconvention.org
Before writing a story, professional journalist Will LaVeist calls on a higher power: his religion. “Being a journalist, my faith is very important to me,” said LaVeist, an author and journalism professor at Christian-based Regent University. “As a journalist I would seek guidance to execute properly on the story.” LaVeist was one of about 60 people who attended the luncheon for the World Journalism Institute Minority Conference on Thursday. With seven full tables, some attendees were foreced to stand, the event marked the first partnership between the World Journalism Institute and NABJ. The WJI, based in New York City at the King’s College, hosts classes for Christian journalists with a mission to “recruit, equip, place and encourage Christians in the world’s newsroom.” Prior to becoming an official partner to the NABJ convention, the World Journalism Institute held conferences at Morehouse College. After being invited to speak at the institute’s conference, former NABJ President Herbert Lowe Jr. told Robert Case, the institute’s director, to connect WJI to NABJ. “A few years ago he talked to me about how they were looking to get more students to participate in the AfricanAmerican conference, and I suggested to him, since I was president at the time, that NABJ would be a good place,” Lowe said. “A lot of NABJ members grew up believing in faith, and a lot of the things that the World Journalism Institute is offering is how to do journalism with faith not too far from your mind.” In an industry focused on neutrality, Case said, journalists are told to “keep faith in your back pocket.” “We don’t agree with that view,” he said. “Everyone approaches a story with bias. No one can be completely objective.” Go to WWW.NABJCONVENTION.ORG for additional information
“God came before Knight Ridder and CNN, and he’ll be here for a long time after that.” Evansville Courier & Press Editor Mizell Stewart, who was the featured speaker at Thursday’s lunch, told the group that there is no such thing as an unbiased journalist. “Racial and gender diversity, class diversity and diversity by far are necessary if we are going to report on and reflect the issues and concerns of the communities we serve,” he said. With a few audience mem-
bers’ approving “amens,” the self-proclaimed servant delivered a message that came across at times more like a sermon than a speech. “God came before Knight Ridder and CNN, and he’ll be here for a long time after that,” Stewart said. “As a servant journalist, I work for God don’t you?” Stewart, who has spoken at a number of World Journalism Institute conferences, said that one message he wanted Christian journalists to take away from attending the luncheon was that it is OK to be “joiners” in areas such as the church. “We don’t join church. We don’t always get involved and part of what we’re doing here is to let people know that it is OK to have a strong religious faith,” he said. “It is OK to be part of a church community, and it is OK to allow those values to come from the Bible to inform our work as journalists.”
Poynter.
www.nabjconvention.org • Saturday, August 8, 2009 • The Monitor •
More of the Right Training for Today’s Journalists On-site and Online Seminars | Webinars and Video Conferencing | E-learning Courses
Poynter. 801 Third Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 821-9494 | www.poynter.org
Philadelphia supports NABJ,
and we look forward to welcoming you in 2011. In the meantime, consider gophila.com/pressroom your 24/7 source for Philadelphia tourism news. On the site, you’ll find:
• Easily searchable news and feature stories about the city’s new African-American tourism marketing campaign, fall happenings, live music and more • Downloadable high-resolution photos, themed videos and photo slideshows • Social media and sharing tools, including RSS, Delicious, Facebook and more, to help you stay on top of Philly news and share it • Contact information for all of GPTMC’s PR specialists Follow us on Twitter @philly360
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6 • The Monitor • Saturday, August 8, 2009 • www.nabjconvention.org
Puff
www.nabjconvention.org • Saturday, August 8, 2009 • The Monitor •
Piece
O N A R O L L Smoking jackets not required when experiencing the hand-rolled cigars available in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood.
BAHIYJAUI ALLEN/nabjconvention.org
Let it blow
Antonio Riverol hands a cigar to Rent-a-Center vice president Xavier Dominics at his store, Gonzalez y Martinez Cigar Factory and Gift Store in Tampa. Riverol is a master cigarmaker who hand-rolls his product.
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NABJ, we salute you.
FedEx is proud to support the work of the National Association of Black Journalists as a sponsor of the 2009 Annual Convention and Career Fair.
fedex.com Š 2009 FedEx
www.nabjconvention.org • Saturday, August 8, 2009 • The Monitor •
Employers look for versatile journalists
By Dion Rabouin
nabjconvention.org
Andrea Henderson had only been working for five months when she was laid off last fall from the Fort Bend Sun a small-town newspaper near Houston. Henderson has been making ends meet since then by freelancing and taking odd jobs, but that work has been scarce. “I lost my job, it was my first job out of college and I just thought, ‘What am I going to do next?’ ” said Henderson, who was at the NABJ Career Fair on Friday waiting to talk to a recruiter. For many in the industry, Henderson’s story is all too familiar. Hundreds of journalists have lost their jobs as waves of layoffs, buyouts and furloughs have been unleashed without respite throughout the industry. But journalists of color are being hit harder than their counterparts, according to a survey from the American Society of Newspaper Editors, based in Reston, Va. The study showed that 5,900 newsroom jobs were lost last year; 854 minorities departed, including 400 black journalists. It was the largest drop in all minority employment for journalism, according to the survey,
which began in 1998. Nadia Gedeon, president-elect of the Colorado Association of Black Journalists, thinks this problem is a byproduct of an even larger one that is being overlooked. “When you just look at the numbers of African-Americans in the newsroom, it’s already such a small percentage of the work force, that when the companies do layoffs, it’s obviously going to look like more African-Americans are being laid off,” Gedeon said. “Our numbers are still not where they need to be in the newsroom, so when you do have these layoffs, we are going to be impacted.” Gedeon’s chapter is one that has been fighting a seemingly uphill battle to combat the state’s low minority representation in the media. But the problem is certainly not isolated to Colorado. In addition to blacks having the highest rate of layoffs, the ASNE survey found that there are 458 newspapers that still do not employ any people of color. ASNE has fallen short of its 10year plan to increase minority employment in newsrooms by nearly 22 percent by 2009. ASNE President Charlotte Hall said in a news release that ASNE is committed to keeping newsroom di-
column
Career race, like any other, given to those who endure By Nicquel Terry
nabjconvention.org
I
Tameka R. Flowers /nabjconvention.org
Jamel Lane, right, WCJB TV20 News and Irika Sargent, left, wait in line during the NABJ convention job fair at the Tampa Convention Center on Thursday. versity on the front burner, even in tough times. “The loss of journalists is a loss for democracy,” she said in the release. “The loss of people of color from our newsrooms is especially disturbing because our future depends on our ability to serve multicultural audiences.” As layoffs become a regular occurrence in journalism, many believe the only option is for the entire indus-
try to change its approach. Gedeon said journalists of color must be exceptionally qualified and versatile if they are going to survive. They must be invaluable, she said. “You want to make sure that you have everything you need to position yourself to do any need available,” Gedeon said. “We have to make sure we’re ready so that there’s not any excuse to look at you as a potential layoff.”
perspective
Journalists’ ages, skills key factors in digital divide By Natelege Whaley
nabjconvention.org
breana copeland/nabjconvention.org
N e x t g e n e r at i o n : Randi Crowder, a recent University of North Texas graduate, works on audio production. WWW.NABJCONVENTION.ORG For New School and Old School box
Randi Crowder For veteran journalists trying to learn technology, recent college graduate Randi Crowder advises that they embrace it. “Don’t be afraid of it and don’t be shy to ask a young person how stuff works,” said Crowder, 21, of Dallas. “It’s actually really easy to use.” As a journalist of the next generation, Crowder is comfortable with using social networking Web sites. “I keep up with my friends on Facebook, especially since I graduated. I use LinkedIn as a professional tool to stay connected with my recent internships and jobs.” Crowder said she has always loved writing. She has an undergraduate degree in public relations from the University of North Texas and is part of the NABJ 2009 Multimedia Student Projects. She is a copy editor and member of the radio/audio group. “Before college I wrote some poetry and short stories about young peo-
9
Davidson, an NABJ founder, said he wants to immerse himself into new technology this year. “I’m definitely a rookie in this area,” Davidson said. “I think it’s important for veteran journalists to get involved and that’s one of my main goals at this conference.” Davidson said he is still learning about social networking Web sites such as Facebook. “I don’t think I’ve had Facebook a month and I rarely check it,” he said. “I Joe Davidson uploaded a picture last week The process of crafting toafter one particular person gether facts and information sparked Joe Davidson’s in- Columnist Joe kept asking me to do it.” Davidson covDavidson began his career terest in journalism. Davidson, who writes the ers the federal at The Detroit News in 1969 as an intern and became a “Federal Diary” column government copy aide there in 1971. He for The Washington Post, said journalism newcomers for The Wash- said he is always looking for new ways to approach a should remember success ington Post. story. comes with versatility. “It’s still like an evolutionary pro“It’s important to be fluent in all of the different formats, because I think cess for me,” he said. “I approach stothat makes you more valuable and ries quite a bit the same as in the past, marketable to your employer,” said but I feel a desire to move in the direction of greater technology.” Davidson, 60. ple‘s issues,” she said. “I even wrote a book that hasn’t been published.” Crowder published her first article in college and is interested in global news and culture. She said her inspiration comes from others. “I want to give people an opportunity to be heard who wouldn’t be heard otherwise, and present their issues to people who can help them,” she said.
t was the beginning of my 2009 summer internship at the Detroit Free Press. Management had just announced more layoffs in the newsroom, leaving many employees uncertain of their job stability. Many colleagues were still stopping at my desk for introductions when an investigative reporter approached me and asked a question that I will probably never forget: “You really want to go into journalism at a time like this?” I was alarmed. No one had ever questioned my aspirations — in good or bad times. I had an answer for her though: I am determined. About 5,900 newspaper journalists lost their jobs in 2008, according to the American Society of Newspaper Editors. It was the largest oneyear employment decline in the history of the ASNE census. Young journalists have a serious obstacle to overcome. It’s almost like running in a relay race at a high school track meet. If your teammates fall behind, you have to run faster and harder once you catch the baton. Irvin Harrell, a recruiter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, said it plainly: Young journalists have a duty to reinvent journalism. He said we must explore ways to inform the public in fresh, captivating platforms. When the industry turns around, Harrell said, he will be looking for journalists who can produce stories in print, online and video formats. He isn’t alone in his vision. The Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism received 44 percent more applications this year for the Master of Science journalism program. Leon Braswell, director of admissions and financial aid at Columbia, credited the rise in applications to hungry young journalists looking to diversify their skills. While I’m exploring ways to gain multimedia experience, so are thousands of other journalists across the nation. I am determined to remain loyal to the passion I’ve had since 10th grade. Young journalists are the pioneers of this profession. When veteran journalists say I should escape the dying industry, I’ll tell them it’s my job to keep it alive.
10 • The Monitor • Saturday, August 8, 2009
• www.nabjconvention.org
JaRRAD HENDERSON/NABJCONVENTION.ORG
Rookie quarterback Josh Freeman, center left, jokes with Bucs coach Alfredo Roberts, center right, on Monday.
Buccaneers quarterback Byron Leftwich floats a ball to the back of the end zone to a receiver.
Homecoming a win for Buccaneer fans
A
By CORINNE LYONS
nabjconvention.org
fter seven years of holding training camp in Orlando, Fla., the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are moving to One Buccaneer Place. Located just off of West Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Tampa, the 145,000-square-foot facility sits on 33 acres and has three full-length practice fields. Some fans like the new location because it means more access to the team. On Tuesday, two groups brought children to take part in the training camp. President Kim Walter of the Bulldog Little League in St. Petersburg, Fla., brought about 65 football players and cheerleaders for tips on improving their game. Eric Riggins of All Pro Dads from South Brooksville, Fla., brought his students many of whom cheered throughout the prac-
It’s not just about cars.
tice. Their efforts paid off when players shook hands with fans after the session. However, children aren’t the only people who get excited about Bucs football. Brian O’Neil, a self-proclaimed “huge” Bucs fan, flew in with his wife from Connecticut just to see the training camp. “We come first for the players, then the cheerleaders,” said O’Neil. “[The cheerleaders] are nicer and more accessible.” Returning home is not the only change the Bucs made this season. The team added firstround draft pick Josh Freeman to the roster. Freeman, the 17th player taken in the 2009 NFL draft, said he took a crash course in being a quarterback in the NFL, but with seven-year veteran Byron Leftwich on the team, he has an additional mentor. Leftwich says he doesn’t wait for players to come up to him but approaches them first. “I know everything Freeman is going through on and off the field,” said Leftwich. “As a quarterback, it’s our duty to train the new guys. It’s what the Steve McNairs did to me.”
It’s also about helping people enrich the quality of life in their communities. That’s why we’re proud to support a wide range of organizations, schools and nonprofits that are opening doors and creating opportunites. Together, we can make a difference.
www.toyota.com/community
Can you name the company?
This year, Across America
We supported Junior Achievement with a $200,000 gift for financial-literacy education. We contributed $125,000 to Feeding America and member food banks. We pledged $100,000 to furnish 20 teen recreation rooms for Boys & Girls Clubs. We raised $269,908 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. We awarded $50,000 in scholarships to our customers, their children and children of our co-workers. We surprised countless non-profit groups with donations of merchandise and funding.
And now in Tampa…
We are pleased to provide computers, furnishings and TVs in support of the NABJ convention.
www.nabjconvention.org • Saturday, August 8, 2009 • The Monitor •
No news is bad news
11
Thomas Smith, 61, receives a haircut sans guard from 74-year-old Abdur’Rahim Abdullah at Abdullah’s Max Modern Barber Shop in Tampa on Thursday.
LEFT
BELOW Abdur’Rahim Abdullah, tends to long-time patron Thomas Smith during one of Smith’s biweekly appointments.
By Jazmund Walker, Summer
I
Suleiman and Veronica Wells
Inner-city residents say ‘hoods will lose with less coverage
nabjconvention.org
t isn’t hard to figure out that Abdur’Rahim Abdullah is a news junkie. Inside his barbershop in Tampa’s College Hill neighborhood, Abdullah has stacks of newspapers scattered around his business that he and his clients read every day. Though he likes to stay informed, he doesn’t always appreciate the coverage newspapers provide regarding his community. And as media outlets struggle to stay afloat in a down economy, readers say they wonder how it will affect what they already consider as limited coverage in their neighborhoods. “Our neighborhoods are the most neglected neighborhoods,” said Abudullah, who owns Max Modern Barbershop. He is not alone. Journalists say newsrooms have abandoned some city coverage because it is not popular with mainstream consumers. Members of these communities and some elected officials believe more must be done to insure that their neighborhoods are covered fairly. In Abdullah’s shop, Reginald Mosley sat back in a chair for his weekly haircut. He said the media only comes to his neighborhood to cover bad news rather than report
Photos taken by bahiyjaui allen/nabjconvention.org
stories about community rallies, volunteer programs and stories that focus on positive trends. He believes both sides need to be covered. “The media can report positive stories but it doesn’t sell ... unless it’s something really big,” said Mosley, who works as a juvenile detention officer. But not all agree with Mosley’s perspective, feeling the media is bal-
anced. Ana Maria Mendez, a community relations manager at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa, said she has no qualms with how the media covers stories in her community. “I think the media is becoming more receptive,” Mendez said. “We’ve got real-life stories to tell, people who have never struggled before and now they are struggling.
“We’ve really seen the media step it up and want to cover those types of stories,” Mendez added. Tampa City Council member Linda Saul-Sena said she has seen scenarios where the media has covered the community fairly, but she also acknowledged there are times when certain neighborhoods have been neglected. “Locally, our coverage tends to
focus on crime,” Sena said. “You say ‘murder’ and everyone knows what you’re talking about.” Journalists also see both sides of the issue. “We’re normally told what goes in the paper is what sells the paper,” said Naomi Patton, a city hall reporter for the Detroit Free Press. “The papers now are becoming a lot smaller and we don’t have space.” NABJ presidential candidate Angelo Henderson said the association can do a better job of teaching journalists to cover stories relevant to the inner city. He said more community forums are needed to teach journalists how media coverage in urban communities work. Despite cuts in newsrooms, some journalists believe it is their responsibility to take on the task of making sure urban communities are covered fairly. “It is the stories of young men and young women that are living lives that may be different from the suburbs.” said Ken Knight, an online community producer for The Tampa Tribune. “It is those types of stories that people want to read about.”
Baseball giant’s daughter spreads father’s legacy by Veronica Wells
N
nabjconvention.org
Taylar barrington/nabjconvention.org
Sharon Robinson, daughter of legendary baseball player, Jackie Robinson, discusses her book “Testing the Ice: A True Story about Jackie Robinson”.
urse. Midwife. Major League Baseball consultant. These careers may seem completely unrelated, but they all appear on Sharon Robinson’s resume. As the only daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who died in 1972, she is pursuing one of her first passions: writing children’s books. “Testing the Ice” illustrates Sharon Robinson’s absolute favorite childhood memory of a man who most recognize as an American
hero, but who she knew as an attentive father. The book is slated for publication Oct. 1 by Scholastic Inc. “I have a unique perspective of him, being his only daughter,” said Sharon, 59, who divides her time between Apollo Beach, Fla., which is a Tampa suburb, and New York. Although he was a four-time letterman at the University of California at Los Angeles, Jackie Robinson couldn’t swim. One winter’s day in the late 1950s when his kids and their friends wanted to ice skate, Robinson ventured out onto a frozen Connecticut lake and found himself on top of the ice. He told them they couldn’t skate until he tested the ice. Sharon Robinson hopes her book illustrates
true courage and not the romanticized notion of courage being “the absence of fear.” Jackie Robinson was courageous in the risks he took breaking into the major leagues, Sharon Robinson said, enduring verbal and physical abuse when people shouted epithets at him and threw things at him during games. He was also courageous in testing the ice, risking his life so that his children and their friends could skate, she said. Exploring several careers is something the younger and elder Robinson share. Jackie Robinson was not just a baseball player; after his retirement, he was analyst for ABC, a vice president for Chock Full o’Nuts, and a civil rights advocate.
The St. Petersburg Times salutes Peggy Peterman and her induction into the NABJ Hall of Fame.
Peggy Peterman: One of a kind. One of our own.
Terra Cotta
Sand
Green (Palm)
The National Association of Black Journalists 2009 Annual Convention and Career Fair Tampa Convention Center
Celebrating our commitment to the community for 125 years
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