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.
