As a seasoned gamer with over 30 years of experience under my belt, I can say that the current state of affairs at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is reminiscent of a poorly designed game level: full of unexpected obstacles, lack of transparency, and an overall sense of betrayal.
Justice B. Hill, a long-time member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), has been a member for close to five decades with great pride. However, during this week’s 2024 NABJ Convention and Career Fair in Chicago, Hill shared sentiments similar to many journalists in attendance when they learned that their organization intended to interview former President Donald Trump. This news left Hill feeling puzzled and betrayed by the association he has been affiliated with for so long.
“Hill expressed that the situation is disorganized to The Hollywood Reporter, stating it all came together in just a few days. He dislikes opacity and there’s discord among members, with one co-chair of the Chicago convention (Karen Attiah from The Washington Post) resigning. Surprising members like this isn’t wise. The individual in question has never spoken at our convention before, despite being invited in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, but he declined each time. However, he’s attending now because he perceives some benefit.”
On Wednesday at the Chicago convention, Donald Trump appeared before panel moderators ABC News’ Rachel Scott, Fox News’ Harris Faulkner, and Semafor politics reporter Kadia Goba for an interview. The discussion, which began an hour late and was eventually halted by his campaign team, turned tumultuous as Trump lashed out in a confrontational manner. He repeated false claims about his past policies concerning Black communities and challenged Vice President Kamala Harris‘ racial identity, stating she is not truly a Black woman.
“Trump stated on the Chicago Hilton stage that the woman had Indian ancestry and advocated for it. He expressed his surprise when he learned later in life that she identified as African-American. Now, she prefers to be recognized as black. Trump seems confused about her identity; is she of Indian or African descent?”
Trump continued his comments about Harris, stating, “I hold both perspectives in high regard, but it’s clear she doesn’t share this view. She had always identified as Indian, but unexpectedly changed course and now identifies as African-American, given her Jamaican and Indian ancestry.”
In response, later on Wednesday, the Harris campaign countered by labeling his hostility as a preview of the disorder and discord that might ensue under another term of Trump’s presidency. Michael Tyler, the campaign’s communication director, stated in a press release that all Trump needs to do is attend the debate scheduled for September 10th instead of continuing his games.
“Once again, it was the familiar performance, as stated on Harris’ official Twitter account. To put it simply, the American public deserves more than Donald Trump’s divisive behavior and disregard.”
In conversation with THR, Hill criticized the panel as being divisive for NABJ. This sentiment was echoed by others, including NABJ members and journalists on social media, who expressed their anger. White House correspondent April Ryan, NABJ’s 2017 Journalist of the Year, wrote, “Trump came into our gathering, a Black Press advocacy convention, and insulted us directly. It’s appalling that he was invited to do this by NABJ leadership. Shame!” NAACP President Derrick Johnson stated, “Entering a room filled with Black journalists and attacking their ‘Blackness’ is an extraordinary level of disrespect. A reminder: we cannot alter the color of our skin, and we don’t wish to.”
As a gamer, I penned a piece for The Washington Post, laying out my reasons for stepping down and offering a peek behind the curtains. “I took issue with the format,” I expressed on Thursday, “which I instinctively felt could be manipulated by a White politician to transform our Black press advocacy group into an instrument of their agenda.” I refused to be part of a spectacle that I knew would lead to hurt feelings among my fellow members.
In response to Trump’s social media remark about Harris prior to the event, Hill told THR, “I get that he’s a presidential candidate, but traditionally, Republicans have skipped our conventions or declined to speak there. So, why this sudden change? It seems like he’s trying to undermine Vice President Kamala Harris. I don’t think it’s right to tarnish our members like that.”
Hill expressed disappointment that none of the three interviewers for Trump’s interview were representatives from Black Media or Journalism outlets. “The Black Press should not be overlooked, especially when dealing with matters pertaining to this,” he stated. “It’s crucial that we have a seat at the table, particularly with an organization that focuses on Blackness and the influence of media.”
He added, “Chicago undeniably boasts an exceptionally vibrant Black Press. Why weren’t they included from the start? Why wasn’t their input sought before any actions were taken? Announcing something like this at the last moment and calling it brilliant doesn’t make it so. It isn’t a brilliant idea.”
As a gamer, I’ve been keeping an eye on the news and wanted to share some updates about my favorite organization, NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists). Recently, there was a bit of confusion due to some conversations they were having with political campaigns. To clear things up, their President Ken Lemon posted an update on social media.
In her article, Attiah pointed out that fact-checking was available on NABJ’s website and other platforms, but not during live TV broadcasts or at the convention. She also highlighted that it wasn’t done face-to-face with Trump. “What’s crucial to note,” she penned, “is that no genuine journalist thinks Trump should never be interviewed. However, it’s hardly a step forward when Black journalists are questioning him in the same flawed format that White colleagues have struggled with for almost a decade.”
As an ardent follower, I too express my agreement with her sentiments. She mentioned that the NABJ leadership declined the chance for Vice President Harris to appear remotely, which aligns with the remarks made by Hill. Furthermore, she echoed Hill’s concern about the moderators not adequately representing Black community journalists.
“What seemed most painful, it seems, was the fact that Black journalists were overlooked during the process. In a crowded ballroom filled with experienced Black journalists ready to ask incisive questions centered around the Black community, we found ourselves relegated to silence, which could be misconstrued as respect rather than protest or challenge. I heard countless people express concerns that if they spoke up truthfully, they might face potential job loss or unwanted attention from security personnel. Instead of fostering empowerment, this event left many of us feeling powerless and ashamed.”
Jackie Strause contributed to this story.
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2024-08-02 01:25