CAABJ Holds Great First Meeting of the Year

The Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists held our first meeting of the year on Saturday, January 24 at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille. We had a great group of African-Americans who work for local media outlets and communications departments, along with a few journalism students from UNC Charlotte in attendance.

After going over agenda items that included upcoming CAABJ programs and events, we had enlightening conversations about the effect the Internet continues to have on traditional media and we talked about ways to make sure the African-American community isn't left behind.

We also had two of our attendees discuss their current ventures. Glenn Burkins, former deputy managing editor at The Charlotte Observer, talked about the news website he launched two months ago, QCityMetro.com. And Ramona Holloway, co-host of The Matt and Ramona Show, talked about the second radio show she started a little over a year ago called The Satisfied Life.

We hope to see you at an upcoming CAABJ event. We have an exciting schedule planned for this year. Visit our website often to stay abreast of what we have going on. And we hope you will decide to become a member.

Girl Talk's College Tour

Girl Talk Foundation, Inc. continues to do great work in the community and we wanted to share their upcoming efforts with you. The nonprofit organization creates events and programs to "empower young girls ages 11-16 to be leaders of tomorrow." The organization's founder and executive director is Power 98's morning show co-host and producer Janine Davis.

The next Girl Talk event is their College Tour, in which they will be taking a group of girls to visit Winston-Salem State University and Wake Forest University. The all-day event takes place February 7. The cost of the trip is $50 and that includes lunch. Click here if you have someone you would like to sign up.

For more information on Girl Talk Foundation, Inc. or if you'd like to get involved, visit www.girltalkfoundationinc.com.

Five Reasons to Join CAABJ In 2009

1.Through our resources and contacts, we've helped CAABJ members obtain jobs, internships, and freelance opportunities.

2. During this struggling economy in which newsrooms and communications departments are experiencing layoffs, we're working with the national chapter to help ensure that diversity isn't being lost as well.

3. In 2008 we held important community events, including our annual "Secrets to Accessing the Media Workshop," our "Your Voice. Your Vote." voter information forum, and we awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a future journalist.

4. Our dues are very affordable: $50 per year for full membership, $35 for associate membership, and $20 for college student membership.

5. And lastly, we have fun! Our meetings and mixers are a great way to network and get to know likeminded professionals.

You can download our membership application by clicking here.

ASNE Job Fair in Durham

If you're a college student looking for your first job or internship, you're invited to attend an ASNE-sponsored job fair at the Convention of Newspaper Editors at Historically Black Colleges and Universities on February 14 in downtown Durham.

About 25-30 editors, primarily from newspapers in the South, will be looking for candidates at this job fair. Recruiters from some large national newspapers will also attend.

HBCU Convention Job Fair
Saturday, Feb. 14
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Durham Marriott Convention Center
201 Foster St., Durham

If you register in advance you will receive a full schedule of interviews with editors throughout the day. Click here for the registration form. Registration fee before Jan. 14 is $35; registration fee after Jan. 14 and on-site is $50.

Students should submit registration form, resume, clips, and payment all together to Karla Prentice, ASNE, 11690B Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA, 20191. Phone: 703-453-1128. Fax: 703-453-1133. E-mail: asne@asne.org.