The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) hosted its 4th annual Black Male Media Project June 6, 2020 via Zoom meeting.
The National Association of Black Journalists #InspireBlackMen initiative aims to inspire, support and develop training and mentorship opportunities for Black men working in journalism and media and those that aspire to.
This year’s BABJ Black Male Media Project centered on Black men navigating the coronavirus pandemic and #BlackLivesMatter. This 2 hour panel discussion entitled “Black Men Navigating The Crisis” focused on the difficulties Black men are facing during the recent events involving a pandemic and the slayings of multiple Black people at the hands of law enforcement.
BABJ is committed to amplifying the voices of Black men while paying attention to their unique stories and health needs. This discussion emphasized the importance of Black male physical and mental health, while acting as a safe space for participants to discuss the impact of crisis on their lives. Nearly 30 guests attended the BABJ virtual educational and healing event..
Moderator: Stephon Dingle, WLKY-TV anchor
Panelists:
- Dr. Richard A. Rowe, Black Mental Health Alliance for Education and Consultation, Inc.
- Dr. Sherita Hill Golden, Vice President and Chief Diversity Office, Johns Hopkins Medicine Professor of Medicine
- Tsanonda Edwards, Mental Health Advocate and Author of “The extraORDINARY Mr. Nobody: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Healing”
- Vance Brinkley, Journalist, DJ
- Tevin Jay, DJ, Producer
The panel offered several suggested readings and documentaries to follow up the discussion.
Moderator Dingle said rewatching the documentary “LA 92” which chronicles the 1992 LA riots following the Rodney King police beating verdict is pivotal to understanding the #BlackLivesMatter uprising underway today.
Edwards’ suggested his book, “The extraORDINARY Mr. Nobody: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Healing,” as a springboard for those looking to understand his journey and devotion to helping Black boys and men heal in Baltimore.
Dr. Rowe offered several books for those looking to read more about coping with racism:
- “Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower,” by Brittney Cooper
- “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing,” by Dr. Joy DeGruy
- “Black Pain: It Only Looks Like We’re Not Hurting,” By Dr. Terrie Williams.
- “Between the World and Me,” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
BABJ’s 2020 Black Male Media Project was organized, produced and promoted by:
- Vance Brinkley, SiriusXM Audio Editor, Journalist and DJ.
- Henry Kenny III, Edelman Assistant Account Executive.
- Tramon Lucas, BABJ Student Liaison and WBAL-TV Digital Editor.
- David C. Steele, BABJ Membership Chair, Sports Writer and Author.
- Brian H. Waters, Johns Hopkins Medicine Communications Specialist.
###