By Montez Jennings .
The absolute representation of NABJ and possibly the new face of journalism was former NYABJ President Michael J. Feeney. A journalist’s job is to pursue truth and preserve the art of truthful storytelling. He captured these ideals in a career that was tragically cut short.
Feeney pushed for diversity in media, encouraging young journalists to strive and create change. He even mentored students who wanted to become journalists. “Mike did everything to help everyone,” said his mother Reba Willis to the New York Daily News. “He did whatever he could with any person who he came across who wanted to know anything about journalism and about life,” she added in her interview with the newspaper.
From Delaware State University to New York Daily News, Feeney learned the art of storytelling. The Teaneck, NJ native found his spark in 2005 as a freshman spinning out a whirlwind of stories, “They couldn’t stop me! I was writing so many articles. I literally kicked in the door when I was a freshman.” The power of the press is what attracted Feeney to journalism. “Telling the stories of those people who don’t get their stories told every day,” He said when filming Making Our Mark On The World. “I felt like I could make a difference, tell those stories, and hopefully get changes for people and for the communities that I cover.”
At the newspaper, Feeney covered the communities of Upper Manhattan, Harlem, East Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood. He had a passion for his w
ork and that inspired many young journalists. Feeney was named NABJ’s emerging journalist of the year in 2010 and earned the title of NYABJ president a short time later. His work ranged from hard news to exclusive celebrity interviews, including megastars like Beyoncé and Rihanna. Feeney’s most recent work included coverage of the Baltimore uprising, commonly referred to as the “unrest.”
From crowded churches to campuses, Feeney wrote stories for the world to read. Many saw him as a beacon of hope and a role model. However, his time as a journalist was cut short. He died of complications from a staph infection in his kidneys. He had previously accepted a job with CNN.
Fabienne Lauture Gordon, CNN recruiter, remembers Michael’s vibrancy, offering these words to CNN.com, “He smiled and rocked with a palpable energy, fueled with a passion to get and tell the story.” He touched many hearts and received many acknowledgments from those he helped.
Michael J. Feeney’s life and legacy will be celebrated April 29, 2016 as the Baltimore Association of Black Journalists host an opening reception for the NABJ Region 1 Conference. Click here to purchase tickets for $10.
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About the author:
Montez Jennings is a Student Social Media Ambassador for the Baltimore Association of Black Journalists. The University of Baltimore Digital Communication major is also part of the BABJ Mentor Program.