NABJ Convention 2025: Honoring 50 Years of Black Journalistic Excellence

From August 6–10, 2025, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) returns to Cleveland for its 50th‑anniversary Convention & Career Fair. With dynamic programming, awards, and industry networking, NABJ elevates Black voices in media. This piece also reflects on the impactful and controversial 2024 gathering in Chicago.

2025: A Milestone in “The Land”

• When & Where: Cleveland’s Huntington Convention Center, Aug 6–10, 2025 NBCU Academy+15nabjconvention.com+15nabjonline.org+15

• 50th Anniversary Celebration: Marking NABJ’s golden milestone since its founding in 1975 Wikipedia

• Key Features: The Career Fair, Innovation Bubble, task‑force forums, JSHOP training, Founders Roundtable, Hall of Fame induction, Salute to Excellence Awards, plus receptions and service days nabjonline.org+4nabjconvention.com+4nabjonline.org+4

Core Highlights:

• Innovation Bubble: A showcase of new journalism tools and tech

• JSHOP Summit: A one‑day workshop for emerging investigative journalists The Guardian+8nabjonline.org+8Wikipedia+8nabjonline.org+1nabjonline.org+1

• Author Showcase: Spotlighting Black writers & publishers

• Hall of Fame & Awards Gala: Celebrating excellence in Black media NBCU Academy+9nabjonline.org+9nabjconvention.com+9nabjonline.org+1YouTube+1

2024 Recap: Chicago’s Energy and Tensions

• Location & Timing: Held July 31 – Aug 4, 2024, in Chicago nabjonline.org

• Successes: Overwhelmingly positive feedback on programming and career development nabjonline.org

• Controversy:

  • A high-profile, contentious panel featuring former President Trump sparked backlash for its hostile tone and problematic invitation Axios+3The Guardian+3The Guardian+3

  • Critics argued it undermined the safe space for Black journalists and overshadowed the convention’s educational mission nabjonline.org+15The Guardian+15The Guardian+15

Why NABJ 2025 Matters

• Representation & Legacy: Reinforces NABJ’s role in uplifting Black voices in media over five decades.

• Forward Momentum: Builds on past wins and prepares for future advocacy, innovation, and inclusivity.

• Professional Growth: Offers diverse career-building avenues—from digital tools to investigative training.

Call to Action

Register now for #NABJ25 in Cleveland to connect with industry leaders, sharpen your skills, and honor half a century of Black journalism shaped by your voices. Learn more and secure your spot at NABJConvention.com.

References

National Association of Black Journalists. (n.d.). Annual Convention and Career Fair. In NABJ Conventions. https://nabjonline.org/events-training/nabj-conventions nabjrdu.com+1nabjconvention.com+1nabjonline.org+4nabjonline.org+4nabjonline.org+4Instagram+7nabjonline.org+7Wikipedia+7

National Association of Black Journalists. (n.d.). August 6, 2025 – August 10, 2025. In 2025 NABJ Convention & Career Fair Save the Date. https://nabjonline.org/event/2025-nabj-convention-career-fair/ nabjonline.org

National Association of Black Journalists. (2024, July 31–August 4). 2024 NABJ Convention and Career Fair – Chicago, Illinois. https://nabjonline.org/event/2024-nabj-convention-and-career-fair/ nabjonline.org

The Guardian. (2024, July 31). Black journalists respond to ‘disastrous’ Trump panel at annual convention. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/31/nabj-trump-panel-black-journalists-respond The Guardian+2The Guardian+2The Guardian+2