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