2020 was an unprecedented year filled with the COVID-19 global pandemic, multiple #BlackLivesMatter killings and attacks on the journalism industry. The climate forced the Baltimore Association of Black Journalists to pivot our programming to keep members and guests ready for the work from home demands, while also addressing the hostile climate in the world around us as Black journalists. Here’s a look at the “BABJ 2020 Year In Review.”
BABJ 2020 by the Numbers
- 30 guest speakers and panelists in 2020.
- 9 Meetings with professional development or education
- 5 Social events
- 1 Planning meeting
- 1 Advocacy public statement
- 1 Membership Drive
- 1 #BABJPurpose charity fundraiser
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January 25, 2019
Elections & BABJ State of the Union 2020
#BABJSOTU and elections pave the way for 2020
https://www.babjmd.com/2020/02/babjsotu-and-elections-paves-the-way-for-2020/
The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists kicked off 2020 with the “BABJ State of the Union” meeting and chapter elections noon Saturday January 25, 2019 at WMAR 2 News in Govans, Baltimore. Seventeen members attended the planning meeting dedicated to updating chapter members on BABJ’s 2019 accomplishments, while setting the tone for the chapter as we plan events and initiatives for 2020.
Board members include:
- President – Nicki Mayo
- Vice President – Benét J. Wilson
- Secretary / Treasurer – Latoya Stevens
- Student Liaison – Tramon Lucas
- Operation Boomers Chair – Jannette J. Witmyer
- Membership Chair – David Steele
- Mentor Program Chair – Maria Pitts Roberts
- Immediate Past President – Benét J. Wilson
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January 1 – April 1, 2020
Annual Membership Drive
The 2020 BABJ Membership Drive was January 1 through April 1, 2020. The chapter also produced a membership drive video featuring BABJ Membership Chair David Steele https://youtu.be/rB5aLJqc9Xk .
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February 22, 2020
Experts Share Their Media Magic Tricks and Tips
https://www.babjmd.com/2020/02/experts-share-their-media-magic-tricks-and-tips/
The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists hosted its February 2020 meeting at Maryland Public Television on February 22, 2020. National Association fo Black Journalists Region 1 Director Tori Parrish welcomed those in attendance. She also shared plans for the Region 1 Conference in Pittsburgh and a webinar on Parliamentary Procedure. About 30 people attended the #BABJMagic Saturday afternoon workshop “Making Magic: Tips and Tricks of the Trade.” These professionals offered multiple trade secrets and apps that make their lives easier and garner results. From juggling breaking news reporting and digital updates, getting the difficult interviews or the money shot, turning someone small into a full media campaign, to pulling together a podcast or video project on a budget and more. The three hour discussion and question & answer session provided attendees with insight into easy to apply tactics. The panel of journalism and media-related professional experts included:
- Regan Farley, The Regan Farley Agency CEO/Senior Publicist
- Vanessa Herring, WBAL-TV Reporter
- Kevin Richardson, Baltimore Sun Visual Content Editor
- Brian Waters, Johns Hopkins Medicine Communication Specialist & Bwaters Productions
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March 10, 2020
BABJ March Membership Mixer Comes to Teavolve
https://www.babjmd.com/2020/03/babj-march-membership-mixer-comes-to-teavolve/
The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists hosted a March Membership Mixer at Teavolve Cafe on March 10, 2020. The evening social gathering served as an opportunity to meet-and-greet local NABJ members, while fellowshipping with colleagues. Approximately 10 people were in attendance for the “party with a purpose” intended to spur BABJ membership and participation.
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March 25, 2020
BABJ Webinar Focuses on Apps Journalists Love
https://www.babjmd.com/2020/03/babj-webinar-focuses-on-apps-journalists-love/
The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) hosted its March meeting, “There’s an App for That: Free/Low-Cost Tools & Apps for Digital Journalists” with BABJ’s Vice President Benét J. Wilson Wednesday March 25, 2020. These days, we’re all trying to do our jobs smarter and more efficiently. There are plenty of free and low-cost tools and apps on the market that can help you do both. With the added threat of COVID-19 and a need for more social distancing, BABJ wants to do our part to keep journalists equipped and protected. More than 15 participants signed on for the hourlong interactive information sharing discussion. Wilson offered up a lightning presentation sharing some of her favorites digital apps for mobile devices, laptops and desktop computers. At least four participants also jumped in to share the apps they frequently use to help with news gathering.
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April 18, 2020
The Virtual Quad and Dat Rona
The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) and the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals (HRBMP) teamed up for a “Zoom Room” for students Saturday April 18, 2020. The event entitled “The Virtual Quad and Dat Rona” served as a virtual safe space to address students’ concerns amid the Coronavirus COVID-19 crisis and the pandemic’s impact on college campuses in Maryland and Virginia. BABJ Student Liaison Tramon Lucas, NABJ – Hampton University Chapter President and HRBMP member Alexus Baldwin lead this student centered discussion. Also in attendance was Morgan State University Association of Black Journalists Chapter President Donethe Cyprien and Bowie State University NABJ Chapter President Brandon Williams. Both are BABJ members. Nearly 20 Maryland and Virginia college students participated in the virtual discussion. Attendees talked about coping with leaving campus, graduation commencement ceremonies being postponed, distant learning and adapting to taking classes online, as well as how to prepare for virtual internships. They also shared best practices for preparing clips and reels to apply for journalism job opportunities in the age of COVID-19.
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April 25, 2020
Making it Work at Home
https://www.babjmd.com/2020/04/making-it-work-at-home-during-the-covid-19-crisis/
The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) hosted its April meeting, “Making it Work at Home” Saturday April 25, 2020. Due to health concerns surrounding the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), BABJ opted for a webinar in an effort to implement social distancing and keep members safe.The COVID-19 crisis has forced newsrooms and media organizations to change how they operate. The BABJ wants to help you take control of your new at-home workspace and studio. Our panel of news, public affairs and lifestyles experts shared their tips on how they are balancing the new remote demands to ensure that the show goes on. More than 20 participants signed on for the two hour interactive information sharing discussion. Our panelists demonstrated how they are achieving professional broadcasting visuals and sound for their jobs. They also offered some best practices and common sense tips to balance the “new normal” of working, social distancing and coping during this COVID-19 crisis.
The panelists included:
- Elsa M, “Midday Maryland” Host, WMAR-TV
- Karen Campbell, Anchor/Reporter WTHR-TV
- Harold Fisher, “The Daily Drum” Host, WHUR 96.3 Radio
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May 23, 2020
“Let’s Go LIVE at Home
https://www.babjmd.com/2020/05/babj-tackles-live-streaming-in-the-age-of-covid-19/
The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) hosted a May meeting, “Let’s Go LIVE at Home.” The meeting on Saturday May 23, 2020 offered live streaming strategies in the age of COVID-19. The COVID-19 crisis has forced newsrooms and media organizations to change how they operate. This virtual panel discussion featured demonstrations of live streaming tools. The panelists offered best practices to connect multiple social media accounts to broadcast simultaneously. More than 25 participants signed on for the hourlong interactive information sharing discussion. Takeaways from the discussion include: virtual backgrounds, ring light use and recommendations, streaming across multiple social media platforms and troubleshooting and enhancing the Instagram LIVE experience for your audience.
The panelists included:
- Brian H. Waters, Johns Hopkins Medicine Communications Specialist and Christian Memorial Church Multimedia Director
- Jose Vilson, Math Teacher and Executive Director of #EduColor
- Terry Owens, Pulsar Senior Communications Director and Wealthy U Multimedia Producer.
- Vance Brinkley, SiriusXM Radio Audio Editor
Each of the panelists tackled specific aspects of live streaming and apps that make this possible. The discussion also offered best practices for engaging your audience during the live streams. The list of apps are as follows:
- Brian H. Waters: Facebook Live and Scheduling Premieres
- Jose Vilson: Instagram Live
- Terry Owens: ecamm
- Vance Brinkley: Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) and Restream
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June 1, 2020
ADVOCACY: Baltimore Sun pending sale and newsroom D&I efforts
BABJ issued a letter to The Sun Media Group concerning The Baltimore Sun’s pending sale and the potential impact on newsroom diversity and inclusion efforts. The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) applauds The Baltimore Sun’s recent efforts to increase newsroom diversity. During this time of movement toward possible new local management, BABJ wants to emphasize the importance of maintaining The Sun Media Group’s commitment to recruiting and retaining African American professionals. In the past three years, The Sun Media Group has added seven African American employees and five more individuals who identify as people of color. The incoming summer intern class also reflects this commitment to newsroom diversity and preparing the next generation of journalists. African Americans make up 60% of Baltimore’s population and 30% of Maryland residents, according to the U.S. Census American Community Survey. This is not the time for a Pulitzer Prize-winning staff to lose its diverse voices telling the stories. BABJ is familiar with the business practices of Alden Global Capital and its continued investment in the media industry. Although the New York-based hedge fund has a history of newsroom staff reductions, these scenarios are reflected disproportionately and more devastatingly to journalists of color and recent hires. It is our hope that the next owners of The Baltimore Sun will share our commitment to journalistic integrity and newsroom diversity. BABJ is concerned for the well-being of African American Marylanders and coverage surrounding issues impacting the Black community. As a professional journalism advocacy group, we are committed to monitoring The Baltimore Sun’s ownership developments to make sure that this management shift does not send its newsroom diversity efforts backwards.
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June 7, 2020
4th Annual Black Male Media Project
https://www.babjmd.com/annual-events/inspireblackmen/
The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) hosted its 4rd 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 two 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
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July 10, 2020
BABJ Virtual Happy Hour
Typically BABJ takes a summer hiatus break from May to August. The Black Male Media Project has shortened this to two months. Now with COVID-19 BABJ members have reached out often trying to connect using social media during our normally slow summer season. This led to a BABJ Virtual Happy Hour via Zoom meeting on July 10, 2020. The Friday evening event offered members a chance to catch up “face-to-face” for casual conversation, fun and a “Black Jeopardy Game.” BABJ Student Liaison Tramon Lucas won the trivia game and a $50 donated prize from BABJ President Nicki Mayo.
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August
No events.
BABJ was on summer hiatus.
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September 18, 2020
Association of Black Media Workers Virtual Reunion
https://www.babjmd.com/2020/09/association-of-black-media-workers-virtual-reunion/
The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) hosted a virtual reunion for members of the Baltimore Association of Black Media Workers (ABMW) Friday September 18, 2020. This zoom social happy hour brought together more than 20 former ABMW members to reminisce on the good times and foundation of Baltimore’s premier organization for Black journalists and media-related professionals. Former ABMW leaders Jannette J Witmyer and Terry Owens served as co-hosts to rally the group together for a night of fond memories and countless smiles.
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September 26, 2020
We Won’t Shut up and Dribble.
https://www.babjmd.com/2020/09/babj-tackles-sports-activism-and-blacklivesmatter/
The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) hosted its September general meeting with a panel devoted to covering athletes and activism. The discussion entitled, “We Won’t Shut up and Dribble,” focused on recent sports activism and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. BABJ Membership Chair and author of “Silent Gesture :The Autobiography of Tommie Smith” David Steele led the discussion.
- DJ Heat, WNBA DJ in the “Wubble.”
- Aaron Maybin, Art-Activist and former NFL player.
- Robyn Murphy, JRM Consultancy and sports journalist.
- Torrey Smith, Philanthropist and former NFL player.
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October 8, 2020
BABJ StreamYard Tutorial
https://www.babjmd.com/2020/10/babj-streamyard-tutorial/
The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) hosted its October 8, 2020 mini-meeting to explore the live streaming studio app StreamYard. Johns Hopkins Medicine Communication Specialist and Christian Memorial Church Multimedia Director Brain H. Waters guides participants through tips, tricks and best practices for using the app.
BABJ member and 5Starr Enterprise founder Kendrick “Dj5Starr” Tilghman also jumped in to share expertise and help demonstrate how to create polished virtual experiences.
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October 24, 2020
Covering the 2020 Election
https://www.babjmd.com/2020/10/covering-election-2020/
Maryland Public Television’s Charles Robinson III and a panel of journalists that cover the election talk about the political landscape and key issues and challenges for Black voters and journalists.
More than 20 participants signed on for the two hour discussion on politics, voter suppression, and early voting. The panelists included:
- Denise Clay – Political Editor, Philadelphia Sunday Sun
- William Ford– Political Reporter, Washington Informer.
- Gromer Jeffers – Political Reporter, Dallas Morning News.
- Ernie Suggs – Political Reporter, Atlanta Journal Constitution
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November 12, 2020
Journalistic best practices for verifying sources, spotting bots and deep fakes as well as other fraudulent content. BABJ member and C-SPAN host Jesse J. Holland was joined by Heaven Taylor-Wynn from The Poynter Institute’s MediaWise program to discuss verifying digital content.
NOTE: Webpage and recap video coming soon.
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November 21, 2020
NABJ Virtual Regional Conferences
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December 18, 2020
8th Annual #BABJHoliday virtual party
https://www.babjmd.com/2020/12/the-8th-annual-babjholiday-is-going-virtual/
About 25 people attended the “party with a purpose” hosted online using the Zoom video conferencing app. Considering the chaotic, stressful and intense year that is 2020, this was a much-needed opportunity for BABJ members and supporters to gather for an evening of games and fellowship. Special guests included National Association of Black Journalists board officers: President Dorothy Tucker, Vice President of Print Kathy Chaney and Region One Director Tory Parrish. This year’s charitable outreach focused on Catherine’s Family and Youth Services (CFYS) Adopt-A-Family program. BABJ raised $1,130 to adopt four families in Northwest Baltimore’s 21215 community.
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