CAABJ Initiative Connects High School Students with Prominent Journalists

Me In The Media Initiative

The Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ) is pleased to announce the “Me in Media” Initiative. The mission of this initiative is to encourage African-American middle and high school students to consider careers in journalism and mass communications. Our goal is to foster growth in those who aspire to be journalists by introducing them to high-profile African Americans working in media-related professions.

We are excited to launch this program during the historic Democratic National Convention, where select students will share the spotlight with nationally acclaimed journalists.

This initiative will also challenge students to explore and express their views about the media’s portrayal of the African-American community and experience.

Four winners will be chosen from the Me In the Media initiative, to meet and partner with members of the national media during this year’s Democratic National Convention. We thank you in advance for your support.

Requirements
• Applicants must be of African descent living in the Charlotte region.
• Applicants must be in the 6th-12th grades as of May 31, 2012.
• Applicants must have permission to enter from a parent or legal guardian.
• Applicants must submit an original essay OR video on the following topic: Choose a specific issue in your community (bullying, education, recycling, health issues, etc) that needs more media coverage. Write an essay or create a video addressing that issue.
          o Essays must be 250-350 words and in Mac or Word format.
          o Videos must 2-3 minutes long and on a CD or DVD in .mov or .avi format. Alternatively, a link to the uploaded video may be included on the application.
• Completed applications with video or essay must be received by midnight June 9, 2012.

Email entries to info@caabj.com with Subject: Me In the Media Application, or mail to:

Me In The Media Initiative
Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists
PO Box 31024
Charlotte, NC 28231

CAABJ is a chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. We are a nonprofit organization composed of writers, artists, managers, and talent from all of the major television stations, newspapers, and some of the most notable radio stations, magazines, web publications, and public relations firms in the greater Charlotte area. Our mission is to increase diversity in media organizations and the diversity of coverage as it relates to the African-American community.

Application Form

Me in the Media Application

Win a Chance to Attend NABJ Nationals Free!!

CAABJ will cover registration for one lucky member to attend the 2012 NABJ national convention in New Orleans!
This is a $380 value that is really priceless for all the network- and relationship-building that will take place when journalists, celebrities, executives and professionals converge June 20-24th.
All you have to do is be a current member of CAABJ and NABJ and leave a comment on why you should be chosen on our Facebook page. Please limit comments to 70 words max.
The winner will be announced at our monthly meeting this Saturday April 28th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kickstand Grille, 1101 Central Avenue, Charlotte, 28204.
Membership has its privileges!

**********DEADLINE EXTENSION******DEADLINE EXTENSION**********
There's still time to put your hat in the ring for a chance at the convention!!! Due to enthusiastic response, we've extended the deadline to Friday, May 4th. Don't delay!

CAABJ Discusses Trayvon, Media & Race

Media watchers are not going to want to miss this month's membership meeting!
We'll be discussing Trayvon Martin, media coverage and race. Special guest James Jackson of Fox 35 WOFL News in Florida will be skyping in to talk about the handling of sensitive national stories like the Trayvon Martin case. Topics will include:

• Convincing decision-makers that a story warrants more or continued coverage
• Objectivity and journalists of color
• The role of digital media in breaking this story
• And more! Email questions you'd like to pose to info@caabj.com.

WHEN: April 28th, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Kickstand Grille, 1101 Central Avenue Charlotte, NC 28204
HOSTED BY: Charlotte Association of Black Journalists

K. Lemon to Emcee Operation Purple's Black Tie Affair

March 19, 2012 / Charlotte, NC-- Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists President Ken Lemon (WSOC-TV) has been tapped to emcee the United We Serve Black Tie Reception. The event will benefit Operation Purple, a charity organized by the National Military Family Association to send children of military families to summer camp. Gubernatorial Candidate Pat McCrory will be the guest speaker.

The event takes place Sunday April 1st, 6 p.m., at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture. Also speaking: Patrick Cannon, Mayor Pro-Tem and City Councilman; Radio personality Cheryl “Chirl Girl” Patterson of WBAV 101.9, Niki Kapoor, NIKA formalwear owner and designer, and Oronde McClean, Mecklenburg County Commissioner-at-Large candidate.

The reception is also the official launch of SFTV, owned by Susan Flowers, PhD. According to Dr. Flowers, "The SFTV Network is not only giving North Carolina an international media presence this April by staking its claim here in Charlotte, we are giving back to the community from day one by supporting NC's hardest working military families with the Operation Purple Benefit Gala."

The mission of the Operation Purple program is to empower military children and their families to develop and maintain healthy, connected relationships. The program is open to children and families of active duty, National Guard or Reserve service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or the Commissioned Corps of the U.S.

• WHAT: United We Serve & SFTV Launch to Benefit Operation Purple
• WHERE: Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St, Charlotte NC
• WHEN: Sunday, April 1, 2012, 6 – 10 pm. VIP Cocktail Mixer at 6, Opening Address at 8
• TICKETS: http://tinyurl.com/6qa3b8z

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For more information or to schedule an interview with Dr. Flowers, please contact:
Helen Davis, Co-Owner NextStep Marketing  @ 704-408-8073 or hdavis@nx-step.com

Deadline Approaches for DNC Press Credentials

Attention journalists planning to cover DNC events: the deadline to apply for press credentials is April 15, 2012. There is less than ONE MONTH LEFT to do so. For more information on the process, see the press release below.
__________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release
November 8, 2011
Contact: LaVenia LaVelle, Kristie Greco 704-338-7075

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY***

DNCC Announces Launch of Media Credentialing Process for
the 2012 Democratic National Convention

CHARLOTTE - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced the opening of the 2012 media credentialing process for the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Applications are being accepted by both the Congressional Press Galleries and the DNCC Press Gallery.

The credential application process is open from December 8, 2011, through April 15, 2012, to allow media outlets to apply in order to obtain access to the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, the week of September 3, 2012.

The majority of press credentials for the Democratic Convention will be issued through the Congressional Press Galleries—Radio-Television, Daily, Periodical, and Photographers. The DNCC Press Gallery exists in order to credential organizations that do not fit into their categories or meet their requirements. The DNCC Press Gallery spans a range of media including specialty media, blogs, college/student media, entertainment media and other outlets that the Congressional Galleries defer.

*** Links to the Congressional Press Galleries and the DNCC Press Gallery application can be found here.   The credential application deadline is Friday, April 15, 2012***

If you have questions in the interim, please contact our DNCC Press Gallery team at DNCCpressgallery@demconvention.com or our Communications Department at press@demconvention.com for any editorial inquiries. Please note submitting an application does not guarantee an organization will be credentialed for the Time Warner Cable Arena site during the Convention.