Merry Christmas!

"May the peace and joy
that Christmas brings
always be with you
and
your family."

Merry Christmas!

Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists
Executive Board

President - Alexis Mitchell
Vice President of Broadcast - Audrina Bigos
Vice President of Print - Sondra Hines
New Media - Neima Abdulahi
Treasurer -  Kevin Hyrams
Parliamentarian - Emiene Wright
Photographer - Jon Strayhorn 

November Chapter Updates

"Eat, Drink and Be Merry" 
Holiday Soirée 

Courtesy: Jon Strayhorn, Media Arts Collectives

Let's fellowship one more time before St. Nick comes to the "Queen City".

Saturday, December 13th, 2014

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The Charlotte Observer

600 South Tryon Street

Charlotte, NC

(Park in the Charlotte Observer Parking Deck on Church Street.)

News Content Awards and CAABJ Scholarship Awards will be presented.

Click HERE to RSVP

2014 CAABJ News Excellence Awards  
Extended Deadline

Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists News Excellence Awards honor outstanding media coverage of or by African Americans. Last year, our debut contest saw outstanding submissions from dozens of entrants. This year we are expecting even greater participation!

All print, TV, radio and online news outlets (including blogs) are invited to submit in the following categories:

Hard News, Feature, Sports, Commentary/Editorial, Business and Entertainment

EXTENDED DATELINE: Sunday, November 30th

CLICK FOR MORE

Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists Scholarship

CAABJ Scholarship is designed to assist college students in their quest to achieve success in the journalism field.  The deadline has been extended. Applications must be posted marked by Saturday, November 29, 2014

CLICK FOR MORE

NABJ "Region III- On the High Seas"
2015 Conference Cruise
#R3HighSeas

Get ready to sail with "Region III- On the High Seas"
2015 Conference Cruise

March 5-8, 2015

We're bringing all the great workshops to the
Carnival "Sensation" sailing of Port Canaveral, FL (Orlando)

Book your cabin NOW! Deposits due by December 15, 2014
Final Payment due, January 5, 2015

It's a fantastic voyage you don't want to miss.
We'll see you on the ship!

CLICK FOR MORE

National Association of Black Journalists
2015 Convention and Career Fair
#NABJ15

The National Association of Black Journalists welcomes you

 August 5-9, 2015 in Minneapolis for the 40th Annual Convention and Career Fair! Thousands of journalists, media executives, public relations professionals, and students are expected to attend to network, participate in professional development sessions and celebrate excellence in journalism.

CLICK FOR MORE

Glen Proctor Veteran's Day Book Signing

Glen Proctor

In honor of Veteran's Day, Tuesday, November 11th, Glen Proctor will be hosting a Book Signing and Chat at the Harper Campus (315 West Herbron Street, Charlotte) of Central Piedmont Community College. The event begins at 12:30 pm and is open to the public. 

Just as important as Veterans Day, November 10th is the 239th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. For Marines, that's the most important day of the year. 

The book will be available for purchase at the event. For efficiency's sake, Glen is asking attendees to purchase the book in Charlotte Park Road Books or online at Barnes & Nobles or Amazon.

The event is sponsored by Student Life and the Center for Military Families & Veterans and one of CPCC's events to celebrate student veterans.

Congratulations Glen on your new book! Let's support our CAABJ Member, Glen Proctor on this awesome event.

NABJ Region III 2015 Conference Cruise

                               

CAABJ, Get ready to sail with "Region III- On the High Seas"

2015 Conference Cruise

March 5-8, 2015

We're bringing all the great workshops to the Carnival "Sensation" sailing out of

 Port Canaveral, FL (Orlando Area)

Book your cabin NOW! 

Deposits due by December 1, 2014

Final Payment due by January 5, 2015

It's a fantastic voyage you don't want to miss.

We'll see you on the ship!

BOOK YOUR SPOT TODAY!

The 2014 CAABJ News Excellence Awards Competition is Here!

2013 CAABJ News Excellence Award Winners

The Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists News Excellence Awards honor outstanding media coverage of or by African Americans. Last year, our debut contest saw outstanding submissions from dozens of entrants. This year we are expecting even greater participation!

The deadline is Monday, Nov. 17^th. To ensure fairness, entries are judged by a sister chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).  Winners will be announced at CAABJ’s annual year-end reception. Finalists will be complimentary guests at the reception 

All print, TV, radio and online news outlets (including blogs) are invited to submit in the following categories:

Hard news

Feature

Sports

 Commentary/Editorial

Photography prizes will be awarded in two categories: features and breaking news.

Contest Rules: Entries must be submitted by Nov. 17, Click Here to Submit

Entries may be submitted by the journalist or by the employer.

     Only works published or broadcast between Oct. 31, 2013 and Nov. 17, 2014 are eligible.

     Each entry must contain either an active URL linking to the work or an attached file of the work

     There is no limit on the number of submissions to each category, but each submission must be made separately and accompanied by a contest entry fee of $25.

      Photo entries must be shown in their original context.

       Submissions become the property of CAABJ and will not be returned.

  Each entry can only be submitted in one category.

***Please include in the notes section of each submission your name, email and telephone number, the outlet that ran/aired the peice, your title there and a 2-3 sentence bio.***

Any questions, please email Emiene Wright, Awards Chair, at emienewrites@yahoo.com.

CNN Withdraws Support of the National Association of Black Journalists

MINNEAPOLIS (October 17, 2014) - Today at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Board of Director's Meeting, President Bob Butler announced that long-time supporter CNN has withdrawn support of NABJ for the 2015 Convention & Career Fair.

NABJ issued a statement last week, "NABJ Concerned About Atmosphere at CNN for African Americans", in which NABJ expressed concern over the large number of African-American staff members leaving and being fired from the cable news network. Several African-Americans anchors have left the anchor desk or CNN altogether in the past few years. 

Following the release CNN contacted NABJ President Bob Butler and informed him the association's request for support was denied.

Since that time CNN announced a major layoff in which at least five senior managers were laid off. In the past year nearly a dozen African American managers have resigned, been laid off or were terminated."

"I understand the company has a right to make personnel decisions," said NABJ President Bob Butler. "There were not that many African American managers at CNN in the first place. These layoffs have hurt our members tremendously. I am severely disappointed that CNN has ended our partnership."

9th Annual Secrets to Accessing the Media Workshop

The Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists cordially invites you to our 9th annual educational workshop, "Secrets to Accessing the Media.

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.

9th Annual Secrets to Accessing the Media Workshop

Saturday November 15, 2014
11:00 am

The Charlotte Observer

600 S. Tryon St. 

Charlotte, NC 28202

Past CAABJ President Retires

Fannie Flono

Fannie Flono, Associate Editor at The Charlotte Observer, is retiring this month after 30 years at the paper. She spent 20 years as an editorial writer and columnist. In a note to staff, Editorial Page, Editor Taylor Batten wrote "Fannie has been a leading voice in this

community on a variety of issues, with public education and poverty among those about which she has been most passionate." 

Fannie also is a past president of Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists. 

The Observer is holding a public farewell for Fannie from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, September 22 in the lobby of the Observer, 600 S. Tryon Street.

Congratulations Fannie! Your CAABJ family loves you and wish you the very best in your retirement.  

Let's Talk: NFL vs Domestic Violence

Courtesy: CoverGirl Makeup

Recent events in the NFL have raised questions concerning domestic violence. Greg Hardy, Ray Rice and Jonathan Dwyer are just a few cases getting national attention. For two weeks, we've heard questions about punishment for athletes, policies for the league, even whether the commissioner should be fired. However, very little attention has been directed to victims of domestic violence.

This month, we will hear from a victim and local advocate for victims, Sandra Escobosa-Guynes, founder of Pearls For Creative Healing, which is a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness and empowers survivors of domestic violence through creative art programs.  Their non-profit organization has workshops focused on helping survivors express themselves through a creative outlet  and serve as a complement to group or individual counseling.

Join us....

General Body Meeting
Saturday, September 20th
 11:00 am

 All American Pub
 200 East Bland Street
 Charlotte, NC 28203
http://www.allamericanpubclt.com

Parking is FREE.
 

September General Body Meeting

Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists

General Body Meeting
Saturday, September 20th
 11:00 am

 All American Pub
 200 East Bland Street
 Charlotte, NC 28203
http://www.allamericanpubclt.com

Parking is FREE.

 We can't wait to see you.

RSVP: Bowling with the Journalists

Photo By: Jon Strayhorn, Media Arts Collectives

CAABJ presents
"Bowling with the Journalists"
Friday, August 29, 2014
6:30 pm - 8:30pm

AMF University Lanes

5900 N Tryon St
Charlotte, NC 28213

**Members and Friends**
 Please RSVP!
We need the final head count by
Thursday, August 28 at 7:00 pm

 It's a lot of fun each year, and serves as a fundraiser for our CAABJ College Scholarship.
Members of media and the general public are invited to come out, mix and mingle, bowl, and have fun in supporting a great cause.

Free Admission- Paid CAABJ members
 $20 for Non-Members, which includes bowling and shoes. 

RSVP TODAY

Congratulations Antriece Mitchell!

Antriece Mitchell 

It is a great honor and privilege to inform you, our very own CAABJ Member, Antriece Mitchell has been selected as one of one hundred honorees for the Twenty Fourteen Trailblazers Award. This year’s ball, themed “Continuing The Legacy”, will honor 100 African American individuals within "The Carolinas", that have led or are leading the way in their perspective fields and setting a standard for others to follow. This year’s Trailblazers Ball will take place on August 9th, 2014 at Label House Charlotte.

Trailblazers Committee Stated: "As you may imagine choosing just 100 individuals within North & South Carolina was a very hard task. However, due to your commitment to enhancing the lives by passionately pursuing your purpose and influencing the next generation along the way; we believe you deserve this great recognition."

Their mission is to honor 100 past and current African American individuals that have led or are leading the way in their perspective fields. At the same time the event seeks to raise awareness and financial support for organizations and institutions, which focus on positively influencing and enhancing the lives of the next generation of African American trailblazers**

If you are interested in attending this event to support Antriece, please visit trailblazersball.com/tickets  and use the promotional code trailblazers100 to take advantage of this offer (August 9th, 2014 is date of event).

Congratulations Antriece!   

One Night Only Success

CAABJ Executive Board Members with Roland S. Martin
Photo Courtesy: Jon Strayhorn, Media Art Collective

Greetings CAABJ Members and Friends:

Saturday night was absolutely wonderful. Even though, this event was implemented within a weeks time... you couldn't tell it. My head has finally stop spinning like the girl from the exorcists. LOL!

Since our first general body meeting this year, I’ve express "Membership does have it privileges". Many of you received it first hand on Saturday with "One Night Only". It was such a hit, many of our members are requesting to do "One Night Only" again. The most exciting part of the entire event were the number of people who renewed their membership or joined for the first time.  I can't believe we now have 54 members on our roster. That is UNBELIEVABLE! Just UNBELIEVABLE!  

If you have not had the opportunity to glance at our social media platforms, folks are still retweeting, posting photos and they're adding us as friends on Facebook and Twitter. Our NABJ family across the country are retweeting about the event as well. CAABJ is on FIRE!

We have a lot to be proud of.  We've accomplished so much within the last seven months. But HOLD-ON! Don't put up the work gloves and shoes just yet!  We have five months remaining until the end of the year. God only knows what he has in store for us. I'm very excited to see what's to come. I truly believe CAABJ is on the right track. And it's because of members like YOU.  All of you are the reason for our success! 

We have one more big event before #NABJ14.... CAABJ Summer Madness Cookout. Don’t forget to send in your RSVPs. ( Click Here to RSVP )

Again, thank you for helping your executive board roll out the red carpet during Roland’s visit to the “Queen City”.

I can’t wait to see all of you on Sunday. Have an awesome week!

Alexis Mitchell
President
Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ)

"Only Night Only" with Roland S. Martin

Roland S. Martin

Journalist, Syndicated Columnist and Author 

"One Night Only" 

with 

Roland Martin

Saturday, July 12th, 2014

(TOMORROW)

6pm-8pm

Osso Restaurant and Lounge

1000 NC Music Factory Blvd

Charlotte, NC 28206

http://www.ossocharlotte.com

We realize this is a last minute event, but we would like to welcome him to the

"Queen City" 

(CAABJ MEMBERS ONLY EVENT)

RSVP Today

CAABJ SUMMER MADNESS COOKOUT

There's nothing quite like food from the grill and tall drinks on the patio during the summertime.

 Join CAABJ  as we fellowship, eat delicious food, play card games and win door prize at our private manor house.

WHEN

 Sunday, July 20th  

WHERE 

6625 Berewick Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28278

TIME

12pm - 6pm

DRESS

 Summer Chic

CAABJ Members -  Free

Non-members - $5.00

Here's a lil something to get you ready for our "Summer Madness Cookout".

VIDEO: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Summertime


RSVP TODAY

CAABJ Members Nominated for 2014 Salute to Excellence Awards

Let's congratulate our members on their NABJ 2014 "Salute to Excellence Award" nominations. 

The categories and finalists are: 

Television- General Assignment

Long Form:

"Redemption at Negro Head Creek"- Steve Crump (WBTV)

Television - Features

Short Form:

"Turning Trash Into Treasure" - Steve Crump (WBTV)

"The Perfect Match"- Christine Nelson (WBTV)

Television-Specialty 

"The Perfect Match" - Christine Nelson (WBTV)

Digital Media:

Commentary/Weblog

"Collection of Columns" -  Mary Curtis (Washington Post)

The awards ceremony is the only event in the United States that honors exemplary coverage of African/African-American people or issues exclusively. The Salute to Excellence Awards Gala highlights the 2013 work of media organizations and individuals involved in print, broadcast and online journalism media. Over 50 awards will be presented to writers, columnists, producers, reporters, photojournalists and editors for their exemplary work. The annual gala also recognizes NABJ’s Journalist of the Year, Emerging Journalist and Lifetime Achievement honorees. 

Again, Congratulations to all of you!! 

Successful Community Service Day

CAABJ 1st Community Service Day Event

If you missed our 1st Community Service Day, then you missed a treat. It was great to see everyone roll up their sleeves and join in this worth wild event. We had twenty-two journalists to attend. When you think about sorting non-food products, inspecting boxes and stocking donations, this sounds like a piece of cake. Needless to say, it was HARD WORK but with great team work, we were able to accomplish our goal before the 12 Noon deadline and retire at our meeting spot "All American Pub" for a great lunch. Because many of you truly had a ball, we will be doing this again really soon. Stay tuned...

Our past CAABJ President, Jarvis Holliday said, it best... "To whom much is GIVEN, much is REQUIRED." It's our civic responsibility to help those less fortunate than us.

Special thank you to Second Harvest Food Bank staff for all their assistance in making this happen.

Click Here for Community Service Day Slideshow.

CAABJ Community Service Day

 Register TODAY! 

  

CAABJ presents

 "Community Service Day" 

with 

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina 

Saturday, May 17, 2014

500 Spratt St.

Charlotte, NC 28206

9am-12pm
(Please arrive by 8:45 am)

CAABJ members will be asked to do a variety of tasks. Our primary activity will be sorting, inspecting, boxing and stocking donations for the agencies. Other activities may include: packing food boxes and/or food backpacks for kids or sorting non-food products and pet food. Please wear comfortable conservative clothing. CLOSED TOED SHOES are required.

Community Service Day will take the place of our May General Body Meeting.

Click here to RSVP if you are planning to volunteer.

We can't wait to see everyone roll up their sleeves and join in this worth wild event to help 

CAABJ contribute to ending hunger.

Chuck Stone Memorial Service

Photo By: UNC News Services

The UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication and Chuck Stone's children -- Krishna, Allegra and Charles III -- invite you to celebrate the life of Chuck Stone with family, friends and colleagues in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Saturday, May 3, at 1 p.m. in the Carroll Hall auditorium on the UNC campus. A reception with light refreshments will follow. 

Please RSVP to attend: http://jomc.unc.edu/stonememorial#RSVP

Charles Sumner "Chuck" Stone Jr. was a veteran journalist and educator.  Stone was a founder of National Association of Black Journalists and the association's first national president. 

He died April 6 at the age of 89.

Congratulations Mary Curtis

Mary C. Curtis, Award-Winning Multimedia Journalist 

Our very own, Mary C. Curtis will be keynote speaker and recipient of the Liberty Bell Award at the Mecklenburg County Bar (North Carolina 26th Judicial District) Annual Law Day celebration. This year, they will be celebrating "Law Day". The theme, "American Democracy and the Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters". 

The event will take place at the Hilton Charlotte Center City, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 12 pm. Cost is $30 per person; Full and 1/2 Table sponsorships are available. 

To register, click here. Registration deadline is Thursday, May 1, 2014.

We encourage all members of CAABJ to support. 

Congratulations Mary!

Congratulations Winthrop Association of Black Journalists

Alexis Mitchell, CAABJ President and the Students of Winthrop Association of Black Journalists 

Congratulations to the students of the Winthrop University Association of Black Journalists. Students received awards during the 25th Annual Mass Communications Recognition Dinner. 

The receipts are:

Chelsea Brown: Outstanding Senior in Broadcast Journalism; Winner of the Best Radio Show, "Battle of the Sexes"

Leslie Brown: Induction into Kappa Tau Alpha, National Honor Society

Daisy Burroughs: Scholarship from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association ($2500); Induction into Kappa Tau Alpha, National Honor Society

Tabitha Corley: Radio Television Digital News Association Scholarship ($1500); Scholarship from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association ($2500) 

Ciapha Dennis: Outstanding Service Award from the Roddey-McMillan Record; Outstanding Member award from WU-ABJ; South Carolina Press Association Paid Internship with The Moultrie News in Charleston, SC

Will Latimer: Winner of the Best Radio Show, "Battle of the Sexes" along with Chelsea Brown; Outstanding Service Award from the Roddey-McMillan Record 

Brandon Grate: Induction into Kappa Tau Alpha, National Honor Society

Keep up the "GREAT" work WU-ABJ! We are VERY proud of you.