CAABJ Board Member Named One of 'Seven To Watch'

This week The Charlotte Observer is profiling its "Seven To Watch" for 2009. The newspaper chose seven area people that it says is "shaping our region" and is revealing one each day this week. We are proud to announce that CAABJ board member Ayofemi Kirby is one of those seven and she is featured in today's paper. The article is below.

She encourages young voters to get involved
Ayofemi Kirby, Co-community director of GenerationEngage

By Clay Barbour
Photo by Yalonda M. James

The recent presidential election proved just how powerful the youth vote can be. Ayofemi Kirby is determined to not let that momentum slip away.

Kirby, 23, is Charlotte's new co-community director of GenerationEngage, a national nonprofit agency that tries to get young people involved with politics in their community.

The nonpartisan organization, which focuses on 16- to 30-year-olds, holds forums and parties that often give young voters their first chance to meet local elected officials.

“What we want is for young people to take advantage of what they have to offer,” she said. “Their energy and willingness to take chances.”

As proof, Kirby points to the election of Barack Obama this past November. More than 70 percent of younger voters cast their ballots for the new president.

“Without their vote, he would not have won,” she said.

CAABJ Board Chosen for 2009

Members of the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists have elected their 2009 Board of Directors. They are as follows:

Jarvis Holliday, President
Ken Lemon, Vice President of Broadcast
Sondra Hines, Vice President of Print
Ayofemi (Femi) Hunter-Kirby, Secretary
April Turner, Parliamentarian
Nicole Carter, Treasurer

We thank each of these journalists for answering the call to lead CAABJ in 2009. We also thank outgoing board members Trey Harmon, Tiffany Leonard, and Kristina Hill for their outstanding service and dedication during the past year.

Call for Journalists Affected By Layoffs

Below is a note from our NABJ regional director Ken Knight. If you're a black journalist in the Charlotte area who has been affected by layoffs in the past year, please email us at info@caabj.com so we can help compile the list for NABJ.

As you may have heard, Gannett lost more than 1,000 journalists and newspaper professionals in the latest round of layoffs and buy outs yesterday. The media job losses in the past two to three years have been massive and damaging to the livelihoods of so many of our professional colleagues and NABJ brothers and sisters.

NABJ doesn’t plan to sit still while many of your members find themselves out of work for the first time in their career.

I need your help to compile a list of your chapter members or journalists in your city or area who you believe are NABJ members who have been affected. We are trying to create a master list of NABJ members who have been laid off. I’m requesting names and contact information.

NABJ is committed to do all that’s possible to help our colleagues find work, receive training or access to contacts and information.

Ken Knight
Region III Director
National Association of Black Journalists

The State of Our Industry: NABJ Town Hall Teleconference

The National Association of Black Journalists is hosting a town hall teleconference tomorrow (Nov. 19) at 1 p.m. Titled "The State of Our Industry: Layoffs, Buyouts, and Separations from Employment," the teleconference will address the concerns of journalists who are seeing the size of their newsrooms dwindle.

Town Hall Agenda

*Things to Consider When Getting Laid Off or Taking a Buyout
Tim Traylor, director of Human Resources, WJLA-TV (Washington)

*Your Personal Finances
Michelle Singletary, business writer, The Washington Post

*Taking Care of the Business of You
Jackie Jones, career coach, Jones Coaching, LLC.

Call information
Dial: 866-502-8312
Passcode: 2264907
Teleconference will begin at 1 p.m. ET.

Mingle With CAABJ On November 23

Come join us for our Year-End/Pre-Holiday Mixer this Sunday, November 23, 5-8 p.m. at Wine Up.

We'll celebrate the end of a momentous year in media and the contributions CAABJ has made in the community. So before you get into the rush of the holidays, come mingle with your fellow journalists while enjoying free hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, music, and billiards. Also help us congratulate the winner of our annual college scholarship, to be awarded that evening.

Admission is $5 (free for CAABJ members and their guests). The proceeds will help fund our events and programs for 2009.

Wine Up is located at 3306 N. Davidson St. (in NoDa). www.wine-up.com.

NABJ to Media Executives: Time to Gather Your Transition Team for Change

Below is a column written by NABJ president Barbara Ciara that was originally posted today on NABJ.org.

In the months and years to come, historians and pundits alike will no doubt dissect and analyze the political and cultural implications of Tuesday’s historic election of Sen. Barack Obama, the first African-American to win the White House.

What does it say about the collective mindset of the country that voters were able to put race on the backburner long enough to elect a biracial candidate?

Have we turned the corner in race relations in this country, or were the past eight years so terrible that drastic change was the only viable alternative for most Americans?

Will this new president appoint a cabinet that embodies the diversity of the country’s electorate, shattering barriers for women and minorities?

Whatever the answers, as analysis reigns in print, on the air and online now through Inauguration Day, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), the nation’s largest organization of minority journalists, will ask these questions of news media executives.

By our accounts, in the midst of this monumental campaign for the Oval Office, black journalists had little to no opportunity to cover the candidates or the issues. Now in the midst of this defining moment, as the White House press corps is being formed to cover this country’s 44th President, NABJ urges the news media to gather their own transition team for change.

Yes, we know the facts. The economy has worsened, and ad and circulation dollars are drying up, resulting in an absence of hundreds of minority journalists at newspapers, magazines, and radio and television stations across the country. A new generation of listeners, viewers and readers decided last night that in the midst of crisis, the status quo needed a shake-up.

For the big media companies out there, diversity at all levels of the newsroom should be about gaining a competitive advantage and not satisfying a quota. For the readers and viewers, it should be about fairness and completeness in coverage – an implicit assurance of inclusiveness.

And like the advertisers they serve, media companies should do the necessary homework to make sure they are demographically inclusive in their news coverage.

If the country ever needed the unique perspective and expertise of journalists of color, it is now. Not just in the coverage of the presidency, but also on issues such as immigration, housing, predatory lending, the impact of the economic collapse in our communities, the Iraq War, the war on poverty and education.

Further, as this country moves deeper into the 21st Century, issues of race and culture are sure to abound, and who better to tell those stories than the people who’ve lived them all their lives?

But our business is in trouble when it comes to the numbers of minorities in the nation’s newsrooms.

To date, not one black journalist hosts a Sunday morning or daily news and commentary show on the major cable and television networks. There are no African American executive producers at network newscasts and shows such as Today, Good Morning America and the CBS Early Show, and minorities account for 11.4 percent of all supervisors in newsrooms. These statistics are particularly important because it reflects who makes newsroom assignments and decides what news is worth covering.

If change is the result of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, then it’s time for readers and viewers to demand that media companies provide balanced coverage by a diverse group of journalists, from the White House press corps onward.

If Tuesday’s election is the nation’s mandate for change, perhaps it’s time now for the news media to do something truly historic too.

Yours in service,
Barbara Ciara
President, National Association of Black Journalists

Deadline for 2009 Charlotte Observer Summer Internships Is Dec. 1

Below is a description from Hope Paasch, regional editor and intern coordinator for The Charlotte Observer.

The Charlotte Observer offers summer internships each year. We prefer to hire rising seniors, but also select recent graduates. We strongly prefer candidates who've worked a previous internship at a daily newspaper. A journalism major is not required.

The Observer is the largest newspaper in the Carolinas, with a circulation of 209,000 on weekdays and 258,000 on Sunday. Our staff includes 200 newsroom positions and a total of 800 jobs in the company.

An intern is usually assigned to one of the following departments: metro, features, photography, business news, or a regional news bureau.

Our intern program includes seminars where experienced reporters and editors discuss interviewing, writing, graphics, multimedia, online, libel law, and researching public documents.

We expect our interns to function as beginning professionals: that is, to go out on stories or photo assignments that we can publish immediately. A car is required for reporters and photographers. Interns (and all new employees) must pass a drug test.

Applications for 2009 internships should include a cover letter, resume, five work samples, and a one-page autobiography. The deadline is Dec. 1, 2008. Interns will be selected and notified in by March 1, 2009.

For more information, please contact the editor in charge of your area of expertise:

Reporting
Hope Paasch, Regional Editor/Intern Coordinator
hpaasch@charlotteobserver.com
704-358-5143

Copy editing & Design
Robin Johnston, UniversalDesk Chief
rjohnston@charlotteobserver.com
704-358-5247

Photography
Bert Fox, Director of Photography
bfox@charlotteobserver.com
704-358-6135

Next Meeting Oct. 18 and More From CAABJ

Hello black journalists and media professionals,

It's the fourth quarter and we're looking to end this year on a high note. We're very proud of what we've accomplished in CAABJ during the first nine months of the year and we thank each of you who have supported us. Our next event will be a general body meeting on Saturday, October 18, 1 p.m. And below is a rundown of our activities for the remainder of the year.

October 18
General Body Meeting
If you've been wanting to learn more about our great organization, here's your chance. Meeting starts promptly at 1 p.m.
Carrabba's, 1520 South Blvd.

October 31
Deadline to apply for $1,000 CAABJ college scholarship.
Click here for the application.

November 23
Year-End Mixer
We'll celebrate a successful year (before you get into the hustle and bustle of the holidays) and also announce the winner of our college scholarship.
More details to come!

December 10
Black Professionals Network's Annual Winter Mingle
CAABJ has been invited to join the Charlotte Chamber's Black Professionals Network (along with other professional organizations such as black lawyers, black MBA, black engineers, INROADS, etc.) This affiliation with BPN for 2009 will give you added value for your CAABJ membership. Winter Mingle will be a great event and it always sells out. You'll need to RSVP.
Click here for details.

December
Board Elections
We'll be holding elections for the six offices for the 2009 CAABJ Board. (We'll be contacting only dues-paid members.)

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,

Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ)
Email: charlotteaabj@gmail.com

Boston Globe's Summer Internship Program

Below is a letter we received via email.

Dear Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists,

I'm Paula Bouknight and I oversee The Boston Globe's summer internship program. I wanted to take a few moments to tell you about our program -- one of the top summer internship programs in the nation -- and encourage you to pass this information along to any of your student members.

The Globe started its program more than 50 years ago. Through the years, it has continued to be a challenging and rewarding program for those invited to participate. The 12-week program gives young journalists a chance to work for a major metropolitan paper, covering a variety of stories in our Metro, Business, Living/Arts, Health/Science and Sports sections, as well as shooting photos and video, designing section fronts and creating graphics for print and online, and copy editing. While we provide guidance, direction, and editing to the interns, as well as offer another layer of feedback with a writing coach dedicated to the interns, we expect them to work nearly at the level of a beginning reporter. This means our interns produce great work and finely polish their journalism skills every day.

In 2005, The Wall Street Journal published "America's A-List of Internships," and The Boston Globe was the only newspaper included on it. To make the final list, the Journal said "internship programs had to receive multiple recommendations from employers" and "stand out from competing programs."

So, if any student in your chapter is seeking a summer internship next year, please consider our program.

A fuller description of the program as well as an application can also be downloaded from our website: bostonglobe.com/newsintern.

Sincerely,

Paula Bouknight
The Boston Globe
AME/Hiring & Development

It's Still 'Your Voice. Your Vote.' - Learn All You Can About the Candidates

We're grateful to the more than 25 candidates who spoke at Your Voice. Your Vote. on September 21. And since there are several weeks until the election, we're linking the candidates to their campaign websites so you can learn more about them.

We know you're fired up about who you're choosing to vote for president and probably also excited about the gubernatorial race. Now do yourself--and your future--a favor and learn about your choices for county commissioner, state representative, district court judge, etc., so you'll truly be making informed decisions on November 4.

This is not a list of all state and local candidates, but is a list of the candidates who participated in Your Voice. Your Vote.

State
Pat McCrory – Candidate, N.C. Governor (R)
Bev Purdue – Candidate, N.C. Governor (D)
Kay Hagan – Candidate, U.S. Senate (D)
Beverly Earle – Candidate, N.C. House of Representatives (D)
Dan Clodfelter – Candidate, N.C. State Senate (D)
Vince Coscia – Candidate, N.C. State Senate (R)
Charlie Dannelly – Candidate, N.C. State Senate (D)
James Soder – Candidate, N.C. State Senate (R)
Mary Fant Donnan - Candidate, N.C. Labor Commissioner

Local
David Granberry – Candidate, Register of Deeds (D)
Harold Cogdell– Candidate, Mecklenburg County Commission (D)
Vilma Leake - Candidate, Mecklenburg County Commission (D)
Dan Murrey – Candidate, Mecklenburg County Commission (D)
Dan Ramirez – Candidate, Mecklenburg County Commission (R)
Jennifer Roberts – Candidate, Mecklenburg Co. Commission (D)
Susan Walker – Candidate, Mecklenburg County Commission (R)

Judicial (Non-Partisan)
Suzanne Reynolds – Candidate, N.C. Supreme Court
John Arrowood – Candidate, N.C. Court of Appeals
Linda Stephens – Candidate, N.C. Court of Appeals
Sam Ervin – Candidate, N.C. Court of Appeals
Kimberly Best – Candidate, District Court Judge
Charlotte Brown-Williams – Candidate, District Court Judge
Gary Henderson – Candidate, District Court Judge
Donnie Hoover – Candidate, District Court Judge
John Totten – Candidate, District Court Judge
Todd Owens – Candidate, District Court Judge

'Your Voice. Your Vote.' We Did It!

Thank you to everyone who helped make "Your Voice. Your Vote." a success. When we began planning the event several months ago, we couldn't have foreseen that Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama would decide to hold a rally in Charlotte on the same day. Or that the Rev. Al Sharpton would hold two speaking engagements on our day as well.

But we persevered, and the people who realized the importance of learning more about their local and state candidates came out to our great event. And thank you to the more than 25 candidates that attended and spoke as well. CAABJ looks forward to holding more exciting events and having a more impactful presence in the community.

Below is an article published today in The Charlotte Observer.

Voters get a chance to meet the candidates

By April Bethea
abethea@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Monday, Sep. 22, 2008

Dozens of candidates for elected office had a chance to tell Mecklenburg County residents why they should be put in office at two forums held in uptown.

The first featured a candidates meet and greet, and panel discussion on politics and the media. Later in the evening, the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg held a candidates forum.

The events capped off a whirlwind day in the Queen City for anyone interested in politics, including a rally with Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama.

In addition, civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton appeared at a northeast Charlotte church to encourage people to register to vote.

The first stop for many candidates on Sunday was the Levine Museum of the New South.

There, organizers of the event “Your Voice. Your Vote” aimed to help make the public more aware about candidates running for local and statewide offices – races they said are often overshadowed by the presidential and other national contests.

Among those speaking at the non-partisan event were candidates for county commissioners, state legislative and judicial seats and democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kay Hagan.

The event was sponsored by the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists – Charlotte and Generation Engage, a group that aims to boost involvement of young adults in politics.

Sunday evening, the Black Political Caucus held its traditional forum for candidates seeking office. As with the journalist' program, the event drew candidates seeking a variety of offices, including 18 candidates for district judge and the court of appeals.

For more than three hours, about 50 hopefuls introduced themselves to a crowd gathered at Little Rock AME Zion Church uptown, then fielded questions on topics like the economy, the judicial system and the candidates' top goals for office.

Incumbents touted their experience and past accomplishments while in office, while their challengers pledged to bring change and to be more responsive to public needs.

The Black Political Caucus will vote on endorsements next weekend.

"Your Voice. Your Vote." Will Give Public Chance to Meet Local, State, and Judicial Candidates

Do you know anything about the candidates on this fall's ballot other than John McCain and Barack Obama? Come meet face to face with your state, local, and judicial candidates during "Your Voice. Your Vote." September 21, 12-4 p.m. at the Levine Museum of the New South.

During this free, non-partisan event, you will be able to talk directly to candidates, receive voter guides, and register to vote. The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections will have a voting machine on hand for demonstrations as well as a computer for you to check your registration.

Mert's Heart and Soul will provide complimentary refreshments and the museum's exhibit halls will be open. Also, join us as we discuss the relationship between the media and the public during "The Changing Face of Politics" open forum from 3-4 p.m.

Candidates and elected officials confirmed to speak include U.S. Senate candidate Kay Hagan, N.C. Gubernatorial candidates Pat McCrory and Bev Purdue, N.C. State Representatives Beverly Earle and Robert Pittenger, N.C. State Senator Malcolm Graham, Mecklenburg County Commission candidates Harold Cogdell, Hal Jordan, Dan Ramirez, Jennifer Roberts, and more. Panelists will include Charlotte Observer political video columnist Tonya Jameson and CNN and Fox News political contributor Lenny McAllister (The Hip-Hop Republican).

"Your Voice. Your Vote." is being brought to you by the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists in partnership with the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and GenerationEngage. Sponsors include the Levine Museum of the New South, Charlotte magazine, the Charlotte Chamber's Black Professionals Network, and Mert's Heart and Soul.

WFAE's The Media's Role in Election 2008

WFAE presents a community dialogue on the role of the media in the current election year. This informal and interactive session is designed to engage the audience in discussion with local media experts and journalists. The event will be held Wednesday, September 17, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Mint Museum of Art (2730 Randolph Road).

Panelists are: Daniel Grano, assistant professor of communication studies at UNC Charlotte; Jim Morrill, political writer at The Charlotte Observer; Jeff Sonier, television journalist and political reporter.

Topics and questions to be discussed include:

• How can the media go beyond 'sound bite' journalism and 'horse race' reporting of the latest poll results to help voters better understand the issues and where the candidates stand?
• Are the local media doing a good job of covering the NC races for governor, U.S. Senate and congressional contests?
• How can voters balance what they see and hear through political coverage, with the messages they encounter through campaign advertising? Do the media overemphasize candidates' race, gender, religion?
• What should be the media's role in encouraging voter turnout?
• Should newspapers still endorse candidates?

Admission is free, but seating is limited. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Gracie Awards Call for Entries

Excerpt from press release

The Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) is inviting entries for the 34th Annual Gracie Awards. The Gracies is the most prestigious industry award that recognizes exemplary programming created for women, by women and about women, as well as outstanding achievement by individuals.

The 34th Annual Gracie Awards will continue the tradition of recognizing programming and individuals of the highest caliber in all facets of radio, television, cable and new media, including news, drama, comedy, commercials, public service, documentary and sports. The entry deadline is January 5, 2009.

To qualify for entry, programs must have aired for the first time between December 1, 2007 and November 30, 2008. National Award winners will be honored at the star-studded Gracie Awards Gala, to be held on June 3, 2009 at the New York Marriott Marquis. Local markets, public and student award winners will be honored at the Awards Luncheon of the Gracie Awards, which will be held on June 4, 2009 at the Tavern on the Green, New York, NY.

To obtain a copy of the Gracies Call for Entries, please visit www.awrt.org or contact AWRT Headquarters at 703-506-3290.

Bloggers among journalists at DNC

Written by Marc Giauque
www.ksl.com

For every three delegates at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) there is at least one journalist; but many of them are working online instead of on the air.

If you walk down Denver's 16th Street Mall, you can't miss the sight of someone with a small video camera, gathering information for their blog sites.

Utah's Rob Miller is among them, entering diaries on Utah Amicus.com. He's one of 55 bloggers given press credentials for the event.

"It's making history because it is the first time they've credentialed bloggers, and what an honor for our blog to be a part of that," he said.

Miller is also the vice chairman of the Utah Democratic Party. Like a lot of bloggers, he doesn't make a dime for the work he'll do.

Next NABJ Webinar Scheduled for Sept. 17

The second of NABJ and the Poynter Institute's four-part webinar series on Managing Today's Newsroom is scheduled for September 17, 2-3 p.m. Part two of the series is titled Coaching and Counseling for Outstanding Performance. The presenter will be Joyce Davis, senior vice president of content for WITF-TV (PBS), WITF-FM (NPR, APR, PRI), and Central PA Magazine.

If you're an active NABJ member, receive your special passcode for the webinar at MyNABJ.org. Then register at NewsU.org, and use the code to view it for free.

Don’t Question My Credibility Because I’m Black

By Barbara Ciara
President, National Association of Black Journalists
Reprinted from www.nabj.org

When I was an aspiring journalist back in the 1970s, a college professor taught a lesson that has shaped the kind of journalist I try to be today. He instructed our class to use three questions when approaching a story. Before writing or broadcasting the story we should ask ourselves: Is it true? Is it fair? Is it necessary?

I was reminded of that lesson when attending the UNITY Journalists of Color convention in Chicago in July. The UNITY alliance is made up of Asian, Hispanic, Native American and Black journalists. Together it is the largest organization of journalists of color in the world. Most political candidates consider it a “must attend” event during an election year.

The National Association of Black Journalists has hosted President George W. Bush, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, and Secretary of State Colin Powell, all Republicans. It’s a better journalistic experience when all parties are represented.

On July 27, Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president made UNITY his first stop after visiting Iraq and European countries. Republican nominee John McCain was invited but declined. Both candidates were invited months in advance when it became clear they were frontrunners. It’s too bad McCain didn’t consider UNITY a “must attend” event. It would have been a great opportunity to hear the platforms of both candidates speaking before thousands of journalists.

The Obama appearance was not exclusive to those attending. It was also broadcast live on CNN. That’s when an interesting angle surfaced among the media covering the event. The question was asked, is it possible for journalists of color to cover the Obama campaign without bias?

“Excuse me,” I countered when I heard that would be the angle of several news organizations covering the Obama appearance. The little hairs on the back of my neck danced in anger.

Yeah, I’m mad at the question, and the suggestion. How does that expression go? “We have seen the enemy and it is us.” My answer to the question is with a question: What in the world are you thinking? Or better still – are you thinking?

Will Black reporters dance with joy in their written words or in their broadcasts because of the historic nature of the campaign? How did that question become a legitimate news story? I wondered what my college professor would say.

Is it true? Let’s see, have you counted the number of African Americans who are on the Obama campaign plane? There is not one single front-line Black reporter from ABC, CBS, or NBC assigned to cover the Obama campaign, nor will you find an African American assigned to cover the candidate from the New York Times, or Time magazine.

You need the opportunity to play the game before you can be accused of misplaying it.

Besides, one of the toughest questions asked of Obama during the CNN broadcast at UNITY came from African American columnist Leonard Pitts. He wanted to know if Obama was avoiding visiting Mosques and Muslims out of fear that he would run the risk of being tied, incorrectly, to a faith he doesn’t practice. Was Obama allowing propaganda to disregard the Muslim community? It was a tough question – and a Black reporter asked it. I guess Pitts didn’t get the memo.

Is it fair? Did female reporters have to pass a litmus test before they were assigned to cover Sen. Hillary Clinton? Perhaps we should question the plethora of White guys covering Sen. McCain and ask them if they can cover a White candidate without displaying bias. After all, they must love the guy since he’s the same shade and gender right?

Is it necessary? I asked my colleague Pat McReynolds his thoughts and after a thoughtful pause he said, “We all have biases. No one could truthfully say otherwise. But as in any profession, if you are good at what you do and take your job seriously, you check your biases at the door no matter whether you are Black or White.”

I’m annoyed that skin color has been injected into the presidential race. It detracts from the issues that matter to us all. And what matters most to journalists is our credibility. When you question that be prepared for a 12-round heavyweight verbal fight.

Don’t get me wrong, journalists are not above biases or answering tough questions. But keep it above the belt. McReynolds summed up my feelings with his parting comment when he said, “To me, saying all African American journalists think alike is just as insulting, if not more so, than saying they all look alike!”

Is it true, is it fair, and is it necessary?

Yours in service,
Barbara Ciara

NABJ Presents Free Webinar Series on Managing Newsrooms

Take the time next week to enjoy the first in a series of webinars themed Managing Today's Newsroom, presented by the National Association of Black Journalists and the Poynter Institute. If you're an active NABJ member, receive your special passcode for the webinar at MyNABJ.org.

Register at NewsU.org, and use the code to experience this or the entire series for free.

Members are signing up every day to one or all four webinars. NABJ's own Walter Middlebrook of the Detroit News and the team at Poynter are working on a fun, engaging and interactive presentation.

Making the Transition to Supervisor
August 20
2-3 p.m. EST
Free to NABJ Members
Powered by the Poynter Institute's NewsU

This series of web seminars (webinars) will prepare you for the complete change of responsibilities that come with becoming an editor or producer and will help you plan for the challenges ahead. Come away with a better understanding of what your colleague in the newsroom expects of you. The invaluable set of tools in this seminar will prepare you to assume that all-important first supervisory role with greater confidence and success.

Event Focuses on the Evolution of Media

Please note that this is not a CAABJ event. But it is an event we think our members would benefit from attending.

Ink Starved: Millennials and the Evolution of Media

Man can't live on ones and zeros alone, but millennials seem determined to forego the nourishment of ink on paper in favor of digital media. Are they ink starved or digit hungry? How will newspapers and journalists adapt to this generation's preferences? Is this new media trend as prevalent in Charlotte as in other markets? Who will be the innovative leaders that help media adapt?

Join the discussion with Charlotte's leading publishers. Presented by Engage Charlotte, an affiliate of the Charlotte Chamber.

Tuesday, August 26
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. networking, 12-1 p.m. lunch
The Westin Charlotte
601 S. College Street

Guest Speakers
Carolyn Butler, Publisher, Creative Loafing
Ann Caulkins, Publisher, Charlotte Observer
Jeannie Falknor, Publisher, Charlotte Business Journal
Hilda Gurdian, Publisher & CEO, La Noticia, The Spanish-Language Newspaper

Moderator
Michael Juby, Associate, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP

Tickets
$20 for Charlotte Chamber member young professionals (If your employer is a member of the Charlotte Chamber, you are too.) $30 for non-members.

Visit www.engagecharlotte.org for more info.

Creative Loafing Internship

Creative Loafing, Charlotte's alternative weekly newspaper, is seeking editorial internship candidates who are currently enrolled in school and are pursuing a degree in journalism or a similar field. Students with an interest in news, arts, music and film are especially encouraged to apply. Students must receive class credit for this unpaid internship. No exceptions.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: data entry for events and listings, writing event previews, copy editing, assisting staff writers with research and organization for news and feature stories; writing short section pieces, blog entries, sidebars and/or feature stories; and general office tasks, including transcribing letters to the editor, plus general mailings, filing and archiving.

Applicants should submit their resume with a cover letter, and a minimum of three published writing samples via email, fax or mail by August 15. Email Kimberly Lawson, operations editor, kimberly.lawson@creativeloafing.com.

CAABJ Presents "Creating a Brand Called You"

We hope your summer has been going well. Our members had a great time at CAABJ's Annual Summer Kickoff Cookout last month. Now, it's on to our next exciting event.

Because we’d like you all to attend the NABJ Unity Conference in Chicago July 23-27, we will hold our meeting a little later than usual.

CAABJ's next official event is scheduled for July 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Perk at South End (coffeehouse). We'll be featuring guest speaker Millette Granville, diversity recruiting strategist for Wachovia and former recruiter for Time Warner/Turner Broadcasting.

Millette will present her signature workshop "Creating a Brand Called You," in which she will share expert advice on:

• The link between personal branding and professional career growth.
• How to connect the gap between the way others see you and the way you want to be seen.
  
• How to build and craft your brand to positively influence others.

Millette is well known for her presentations, and we have been guaranteed an enlightening and energizing workshop. This event should be particularly beneficial to our journalists who are facing cuts in their newsrooms.

We'll have about 30 minutes of networking at the start of the event and Millette will begin at 7 p.m. We'll conclude the event with more networking. Complimentary pastries will be served.

Though this workshop is free (!), we ask that you email us at charlotteaabj@gmail.com if you're planning to attend. You are allowed to bring one guest.

CAABJ and Creating a Brand Called You
Tuesday, July 29
6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Perk at South End
1427 South Blvd.
(Located in Dilworth Station next to Elder Art Gallery)

You won't want to miss this. We look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ)
Email: charlotteaabj@gmail.com
Online: www.caabj.com

Best Wishes Alva Pearson!

Alva Pearson, CAABJ Vice-President of Broadcast and producer for WCNC-TV, is leaving us this weekend to serve her country in the military.

We’d like to thank Alva for all she’s done to make CAABJ a thriving organization. We're going to greatly miss Alva and we appreciate her service.

Alva, we look forward to hearing about your experience serving our country.

If you’d like to send Alva a personal note, she can be reached at her personal email address, alavistau05@yahoo.com.

Best Wishes Alva and Thank You.

The Charlotte Observer Announces More Layoffs

The Charlotte Observer announced yesterday that it will be reducing its workforce by 123 positions. We've learned that some current and past CAABJ members are being affected by these layoffs.

Below is a letter sent from the Observer's publisher to employees. It provides great insight into the types of financial challenges many news organizations are facing.

To All Observer Colleagues,

I am writing today to tell you that The Charlotte Observer is reducing its workforce by 123 positions, or about 11.1% of the total.

This is a painful but necessary step. We're operating in a time of great change and challenge for our operations, for The McClatchy Company and for the newspaper industry overall. Increased competition and a pronounced economic downturn have combined to reduce revenues dramatically, and these cuts are part of the way we must respond. As you know. We have already been transitioning to new ways of doing business, and we are now accelerating that effort. We are confident in our ability to navigate to a stable and prosperous future as an integrated media company serving as our community's most trusted supplier of news and advertising information.

Reductions will occur in Operations, Advertising, Finance, News, Circulation, Information Technology, Administration, Human Resources and Marketing. Although many of these job eliminations will occur through involuntary layoffs, there also will be opportunities for employees to voluntarily elect a severance package were reductions are occurring in work groups of two or more employees. If enough employees do not take the voluntary option, then the work groups will be reduced according to least tenure. Employees affected by this reduction are being notified as quickly as possible and being provided with information about the severance program and their last day. They will be provided with a transition package that includes a severance pay allowance and benefits continuation. We also will provide outplacement services.

As a news company, we have often reported on such transitions in other industries. Now we face the painful reality of severing employment ties with valued friends and colleagues, many of whom have served the company well for many years. We are sorry to do so, and will do everything possible to make their transition as smooth as possible.

The Charlotte Observer is making other changes in its business model and operations, as well. We have found regional efficiencies with other McClatchy newspapers in the Carolinas, such as working with the Raleigh News and Observer in sharing newsroom resources, consolidation of magazine production work for several of the McClatchy newspapers and a change in newspaper web width from 48 inches to 47 inches. We will continue to look for other operating efficiencies as we respond to our changing business model.

Other workforce reductions were also announced today throughout McClatchy. A press release detailing those actions -- amounting to about 1,400 jobs, or 10% of the company's workforce -- is available on . As CEO Gary Pruitt says there, "McClatchy is committed to remaining a healthy, profitable company positioned not only to meet current challenges, but to take full advantage of opportunities for growth as we restructure to support our mission of delivering high quality news and
information."

This is also a difficult and disorienting time for those of us who remain on the job. Your continued effort and dedication are the foundation of our faith in the future, and we know from experience what a talented and productive group you are. The public service mission that has always animated us remains unchanged, but we will need to make many other changes as we adapt to today's far more competitive media landscape. We will be working diligently alongside you to ensure that we do so.

Today Is the Deadline to Pre-register for UNITY Conference

This is just a reminder for NABJ members (members of the national chapter) that today, June 13, is the deadline to pre-register for UNITY '08 in Chicago, July 23-27. Pre-registration saves you as much as $200 and proceeds go to NABJ.

Click here to register.

Your Vote, Your Voice Committee Meeting this Wednesday!

Just a reminder that the first committee meeting for CAABJ's 2008 candidate forum and voter registration event Your Vote, Your Voice/Su Voto Su Voz will be held this Wednesday (5/28/2008) at 6:30pm at WCNC Studios located at 1001 Wood Ridge Center Drive in Charlotte.

Given the current political climate and recent comments made about the integrity of black journalists (read more here), we hope this will CAABJ's biggest event of the year. So, we need your help. During Wednesday's meeting we will be discussing event logistics, sponsorships, media, and signing folks up to volunteer for the following subcommittees:

* Food & Beverage
* Publicity
* Voter Registration
* Candidate Recruitment
* Sponsor Recruitment
* Signage & Event Materials
* Event Program
* Forum

If you are interested in volunteering for Your Vote, Your Voice/Su Voto Su Voz please be sure to attend the meeting this Wednesday at 6:30pm. If you are unable to attend, and would still like to volunteer, simply respond to this email indicating your interest and we will keep you informed of updates.

If you have any questions please contact committee co-chairs
Ayofemi Kirby at ayofemi@gmail.com or Melody Taylor at mtaylor@wcnc.com.

Thanks and we hope to see you on Wednesday!

NABJ Responds to Geraldine Ferraro's Comments on Black Journalist 'Bias'

May 23, 2008

National Association of Black Journalists

NABJ: Ferraro Comments Shows Unapologetic Bigotry

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) voices a strong rebuke to the remarks made by former vice presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro.

In an on-air interview with Fox News Channel's Shepard Smith, Ferraro, the 1984 Democratic vice presidential candidate, implied Saturday that all black journalists were surrogates for the Barack Obama campaign.

"if you have conference calls with these people every week and you give them your message and they put your message in the paper, that to me is a campaign," said the country's first female vice presidential nominee.

Ferraro cited The New York Times columnist Bob Herbert as an example of black journalists as the arbiters of misogynist attacks against Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.

"Have you read Bob Herbert recently in the past six months? There wasn't one column that had anything decent to say about Hillary," Ferraro said.

"NABJ is outraged that a former vice presidential candidate would suggest that all black reporters are mouthpieces for the Obama campaign. To suggest this shows not only a stunning lack of judgment but also her unapologetic bigotry," said Barbara Ciara, president of the nation's largest minority journalism organization. "Ms. Ferraro used her appearance on Fox News to reinforce stereotypes that suggest that black reporters can't be trusted to cover another person of color without bias and favoritism."

"To suggest that black journalists have done anything less than cover this campaign fair and objectively is a direct attack on not only their integrity, but the integrity of all journalists who work every day to provide good, honest journalism," said Ernie Suggs, vice president of print.

"African Americans make up a tiny fraction of journalists covering this historic campaign. We are more than qualified to handle the job objectively," said Kathy Times, vice president of broadcast.

The Democratic and Republican nominees for president will have an audience with journalists of color this summer at the UNITY: Journalists of Color Convention and Career Expo, July 23-27 in Chicago, Ill. Senators Clinton and Obama both spoke at NABJ's convention last fall. Sen. John McCain turned down the invitation due to a scheduling conflict.

An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization of journalists of color in the nation, with nearly 4,000 members, and provides educational, career development and support to black journalists worldwide.

Watch Video of Ferraro on Fox News by clicking here.

RSVP for May 17 Meeting

Come network with your fellow journalists and learn more about CAABJ's upcoming events and programs at our next General Body meeting. We hope to see many old and new faces there. Here are the details:

May General Body Meeting
Saturday, May 17, 1 p.m.
Jillian's
200 E. Bland St. (South End)

If you plan to attend this meeting, we're asking that you RSVP (so we can give an accurate count to the restaurant). RSVP by emailing us at charlotteaabj@gmail.com by Friday please.

Upcoming Events!
Stay tuned for details for our 2nd Annual Summer Kickoff Cookout coming in June. This event will be for CAABJ members and invited guests only. Another reason to join our great organization!

Ready to Join CAABJ?
Email us at charlotteaabj@gmail.com to request a membership application. You can mail the completed application and dues to the address listed or bring it to the May 17 meeting.

In Case You Missed It!
Click here to watch a video recap of our Secrets to Accessing the Media Workshop held last month. (Video courtesy of Eastonsweb Multimedia.)

We hope to see you on Saturday.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ)
Email: charlotteaabj@gmail.com

Media Access Workshop a Success/May GB Meeting

Thank you to everyone who helped make last Saturday’s Accessing the Media workshop a success. And a special thank you to our volunteers and panelists: Joy Scott, Managing and Interactive Editor for the Shelby Star; Steve Crump, Reporter for WBTV; and Hope Paasch, Regional Editor for The Charlotte Observer.

Many of the workshop’s attendees thanked us for providing them with valuable tips and information, and for hosting this community event. Here’s a quote from an email we received from workshop participant Pamela Mahoney, PR Manager for the Charlotte Film Festival:

“Thank you for alerting me about the CAABJ Media Workshop. It was definitely a good event for me to attend. I gleaned useful information, and also met a number of helpful people.”

Read more about the workshop and watch a video of the workshop here (Courtesy of Eastonsweb Multimedia).

Also, if you have not been receiving our emails, we truly apologize. We are now using an email program that should solve the problem. If you or someone you know is still having trouble, please email us with their name and email address. Please make sure you add charlotteaabj@gmail.com to your address book, and make sure our emails are not going to your SPAM or Trash folders.

Next up:
May General Body Meeting
Saturday, May 17, 1 p.m.
Jillian’s
200 E. Bland St. (South End)

We hope to see many old and new faces there.

Stay tuned for details on our 2nd Annual Summer Kickoff Cookout coming in June!

Sincerely,

Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ)

Email: charlotteaabj@gmail.com

CAABJ Shares Media Secrets with the Charlotte Community

Members of the Charlotte community discovered accessing the media may not be as hard as it seems during the CAABJ annual Accessing the Media workshop.

On April 19, small business owners, public relations specialists and members of local organizations engaged in a lively discussion with area journalists, and learned how they can get their stories told.

CAABJ President Jarvis Holliday guided the two-hour discussion with topics that ranged from building relationships with reporters, to story pitching, to the opportunities online newsrooms and new media offer community members looking to engage the media and the greater Charlotte community.

Panelists included Steve Crump (Reporter, WBTV), Hope Paasch (Regional Editor, The Charlotte Observer), and Joy Scott (New Media Editor, The Shelby Star).

In addition to exclusive tips offered during the session, participants were also given a personal Accessing the Media toolkit that included tips on writing press releases, media management advice, and a media list.

CAABJ would like to thank our panelists, volunteers, the Freedom Regional Library, Harris Teeter, and all participants for making "Secrets to Accessing the Media: How to Get Your Stories Told" a success.

We want to hear from you! Please share with us how the information you received during the "Secrets to Accessing the Media: How to Get Your Stories Told" will benefit you, your organization or your business by leaving a comment on our blog.

"Secrets to Accessing the Media: How to Get Your Stories Told"

Accessing the Media workshop April 19

The Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists cordially invites you to our 3rd annual educational workshop, "Secrets to Accessing the Media: How to Get Your Stories Told."

This free workshop will give you a unique opportunity to speak with some of the men and women who work for Charlotte-area newspapers, magazines, and television and radio stations. This is also a great networking opportunity, not only with the media, but other community leaders.

During this workshop, you will learn the best way to get the word out on your events. You will also get a chance to learn how newsrooms in our area work. This informative workshop will also arm you with information on who you should call first and how to pitch a great story.

Secrets to Accessing the Media

Where: Freedom Library, 1230 Alleghany Street, Charlotte

When: Saturday, April 19 at 1 p.m.

Free admission

Light refreshments will be served.


For more information contact Alva Pearson or Ken Lemon: 919.673.3691/ 704.564.0313 or apearson@wcnc.com / klemon5165@aol.com

CAABJ Discusses the Black Voice/Upcoming in 2008

Greetings Journalists!

If you missed our General Body meeting last week, you missed an opportunity to experience the essence of what the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists is all about. Held at Carrabba's on South Blvd, your fellow journalists gathered to discuss upcoming CAABJ events and to discuss the state of the black voice in Charlotte media. We conversed, we connected, we had conflicting opinions, but we all agreed that we as black journalists have both the responsibility and the opportunity to make sure African-Americans are portrayed accurately and equally in the media.

Things to keep in mind for 2008:

1. CAABJ Access to the Media Workshop - April 19, 2008
The CAABJ Access to the Media Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 1-4 p.m., at Freedom Regional Library (1230 Alleghany St.) This event will allow the Charlotte community an opportunity to hear from area journalists on how to get their stories told. Our annual Access to the Media Workshop is in its third year and has been very successful in the past. We'll be relying on you to help us promote the event to the community, so please make sure it gets listed in the event calendars in your publications and on your stations. If you would like to volunteer for this event, please contact committee co-chairs Alva Pearson at apearson@wcnc.com or Ken Lemon at klemon5165@aol.com.

2. CAABJ Summer Cookout - June 2008
Fun times, very likely at our president's home this year. Enough said. Details to come.

3. "The Black and Brown Vote" - September 2008, Levine Museum of the New South
Given the current political climate, the 2008 election has caused a resurgence in interest in the American democratic and electoral process. The world has its eyes on America and Americans have their eyes on us, the media. Therefore it is our responsibility to provide as much accurate information as we can to help the public to make well-informed decisions. This event will do just that. We will partner with the National Association of Hispanic Journalists to bring the black and brown communities in Charlotte together to hear from local politicians, the media, and each other on why our vote is so important. Additional details to come. Contact committee co-chairs Ayofemi Kirby at ayofemi.kirby@wachovia.com or Melody Taylor at mtaylor@wcnc.com to volunteer.

4. Black Talk Radio in Charlotte Mecklenburg
Tavis Smiley. Tom Joyner. And Charlotte's own B.J. Murphy (who attended our meeting last week). Check out black-owned radio station WGIV 1370 am and the all new B.J. Murphy Show. Visit www.wgiv1370.com for more information.

5. Membership
It's time for you to get connected to your community, your peers, and to take an active role in the future of African-Americans in our industry. If you have yet to join CAABJ, here's your chance. Complete the application below, and mail in your dues. Questions? Contact us at charlotteaabj@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ)

Location Change for Thursday's Meeting

We had to change the location for this Thursday's CAABJ meeting. It will now be held at Carrabba's on South Blvd. Our apologies for the inconvenience. We hope to see you there.

CAABJ General Body Meeting
Thursday, March 20
7 p.m.
Carrabba's
1520 South Blvd. (South End)


Sincerely,

Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ)

Email: charlotteaabj@gmail.com

CIAA Mixer Was a Success, See You at March 20 Meeting!

In the college basketball world, this month is known as March Madness. But for those of us who work in media, communications, marketing, or public relations, every month includes some sort of madness. That's why it is great to have an organization like the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ) that helps you network and build relationships with others who can relate to the demands and joys of our profession.

We truly thank all of you who came out to our CIAA mixer last week at Tutto Mondo. We had a great turnout and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We hope you will consider joining our great organization. CAABJ is only as great as its members.

We're off to a great start this year and we want to continue to build on that momentum. Please join us at our next meeting:

CAABJ General Body Meeting
Thursday, March 20
7 p.m.
Carrabba's
1520 South Blvd. (South End)
*UPDATE 3-16-08: THIS IS A NEW LOCATION FROM PREVIOUS BLOG POST

If you aren't familiar with CAABJ (an affiliate chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists), come to the meeting to see what we're all about. Our members represent nearly 15 newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations in the Charlotte area. Not only is that number growing, but our membership also includes a number of PR and corporate communications professionals.

Who's better connected than us?

We look forward to seeing you March 20.

If you have any questions, email us: charlotteaabj@gmail.com

Dont Miss CAABJ's CIAA Mixer/ Membership Deadline Coming Up Soon!

Happy February!

We're nearly halfway through Black History Month and we trust that you're doing your best to recognize and honor those who paved the way for us. What better way to continue paving the way for those in our industry than by joining the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ)?

Not only is your membership valuable as an all-access pass to the exclusive benefits that come with being a member of CAABJ, but it also helps fund the great events we have planned this year like mixers, workshops, and forums on our profession. Your membership also helps a future journalist pay for school through the CAABJ scholarship we'll
award to a deserving student at the end of the year.

We are currently accepting applications for 2008 membership and dues. So please complete the attached membership application and mail it with your appropriate membership level dues to the address listed on the application, or you can contact one of your friendly board members listed on the left who will be happy to meet you at a mutually convenient
time and place.

And please don't forget to mark your calendar for our official CIAA event Jump Starter! Come out to Tutto Mundo (1820 South Blvd., above the Sunset Club), on Tuesday, February 26th, 6:30-9 p.m for a great evening of mingling and networking with your fellow journalists and public relations professionals. It's definitely the way to start the CIAA week off right.

And finally, we'll soon begin streamlining our communications. Starting next month, we'll only be sending member-specific emails to our paid members. We still have love for all of you and will continue to send mass emails regarding our events, but now that we're entering our third year of chapter renewal, we don't want to keep flooding inboxes of those who aren't interested in joining. (But please do! Trust us, you'll love it!)

Again, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact any one of your board members.

Thank you to all of the media professionals and college students who continue to support CAABJ!

CAABJ is off to a great start!

After our Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists General Body meeting nearly a week ago, the energy around our plans for 2008 is at an all-time high.

We would like to thank each of you for joining us at Jillian's last Saturday to meet your new board and fellow CAABJ members, and we hope you'll continue to join us at future meetings and events. If you were unable to make it to the meeting, please remember that we are still accepting membership applications and dues for 2008 (see online form below).

Also, don't forget to mark your calendars for our FREE CIAA "Jump Starter" Mixer, scheduled for February 26, 6:30-9 p.m., at Tutto Mundos on South Blvd.

Stay tuned for more details to be posted here!

January 2008 Meeting Minutes

Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists
General Body Meeting – January 26, 2008

• Welcome and Introduction of members and attendees
- Introductions
• Financial report from treasurer
-$300 balance going into 2007
- Deposit - $82
- Balance - $432 (final balance to come after meeting)
- Board looking to add student membership prices
• Highlights accomplishments of 2007
- (Melody)
- Relaunched CAABJ in 2005
- Race and Education forum with P. Gorman
- Access to the Media
- Networking (Mixers)
- Scholarship – Year End Event
o Two goals for 2008
- Serve Charlotte Area Black Journalists
- Be more engaged with our members
- Ask for feedback to improve service to members
- Serve Community
o Why is CAABJ Important?
- Diversity initiatives, or lack of diversity, in newsrooms
- Need for African-American stories to be told and represented in the media
- Golfweek noose incident – relevance to CAABJ and NABJ
- Organizational responsibility
- Social responsibility and involvement in major stories, as an organization, releasing statements on relevant
issues
- Mini forums on Charlotte/national issues
- Gathering of African-American people making a change
- Allowing general public access to the media
- Networking resource
- Mentorship
- Personal and professional development
o Communication
- Forwarding emails to coworkers and interested journalists
- Feedback, ideas welcome ← send to CharlotteAABJ@gmail.com
- Will add more information to website in 2008
- Events, member news, spotlight members
* (Lena) Accepted into Group Study Exchange program – Taiwan. Visiting with Rotarians and journalists in
field and sharing with them American media experience. Egypt will be 2009 trip.
*Carlton Hargro/ Torrey Fiemster – honored with Urban League awards - Mentorship program
* JCSU email addresses inverted
* Brevette in touch with mentors and get started in 2008
o 2008 Events
- Sign Up sheet circulated
- CIAA Mixer (CIAA Jumpstarter) - Feb 26, 2008
* Tuesday of CIAA week
* Handed out flyers
* Distribute to interested and fellow journalists
* Will be atTutto Mundo, close to Pewter Rose/Sunset Club/McIntosh’s Steakhouse
* Appetizers provided
* 4 people needed at 6pm
* Melody to make personal calls
- Assume people don’t know about CAABJ and meeting, get them informed and involved.
- Access to the Media 2008
- CAABJ Summer Cookout
- The Black and Brown Vote
* Election year – how CAABJ can be involved
* Need volunteers, committee members
* Will discuss over next few months
* Partnership with Hispanic Journalist Association
- Scholarship Event
*Bigger scholarship, more scholarships in the future
o 2008 Membership
- Please make sure you’ve filled out application either in hard copy or online.
o No GB meeting in Feb
- Committees begin to meet in Feb
o Spread word about CAABJ
- Forward all emails!

First 2008 General Body Meeting Next Saturday!

We're getting closer to the first Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ) general body meeting of the year, next Saturday, January 26, 12 p.m. at Jillian's (200 E. Bland St., in South End).

Come meet with us to discuss the exciting projects and events CAABJ has planned for 2008, including our highly anticipated CIAA Mixer! We'll meet for about an hour to discuss new business and introduce all who are in attendance. Then after that, hang around and network with your colleagues.

We are currently accepting membership applications and dues for 2008. You can complete your application online by filling out the form below or at the meeting on Saturday. You are welcome to mail in your dues or pay them on Saturday, January 26.

If you're not sure if you want to become a member just yet, there's no pressure. Come to the meeting, learn a little more about us and our plans for 2008, and enjoy the opportunity to network with some of the Charlotte area's best journalists. We're sure you'll be glad you came.

Also, we want to make sure we know who you are! Please help us update our contact list by sending a quick email to charlotteaabj@gmail.com with the following information:

Your name
Job title
Company you work for
Email address
I will or will not be attending the CAABJ meeting on Saturday, January 26.

If you have any questions, email us at charlotteaabj@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you Saturday, January 26, 12 p.m. at Jillian's, and please pass the word to your colleagues who may be interested.

It's Time for CAABJ's First Meeting of 2008!

Hello and Happy New Year!

By the way, how long is it appropriate to still say Happy New Year? First couple of weeks? But one thing’s for sure, last year went by fast so make sure you cherish this year. Speaking of last year, it was a great success for the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ) and we owe it to our dedicated members and great leadership of last year’s board. We’re ready to build on that momentum. And it’s time for our first meeting of 2008!

Come meet with us to discuss the exciting projects and events CAABJ has planned for 2008. We want to see you—past members, current members, potential members, those of you who’ve heard of us but have yet to come see what we’re all about.

Meeting Info
Saturday, January 26
12 p.m.
Jillian’s, 200 E. Bland St. (in South End)

We’ll meet for about an hour to discuss new business and introduce those who are in attendance. Then after that, feel free to hang around and network with your colleagues.

We’re currently accepting membership for 2008. You can fill out the application below or complete it at the meeting, at which time you can also pay your dues (see dues amount below). But if you’re not sure if you want to become a member just yet, there’s no pressure. Come to the meeting and enjoy the opportunity to network with some of the Charlotte area’s best journalists.

We look forward to seeing you Saturday, January 26, 12 p.m. at Jillian’s.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ)
Email us: charlotteaabj@gmail.com

Excited about 2008!

CAABJ is excited about 2008! Keep checking back on our site for the date and time of our first meeting of the year. Can't wait to see you.