​Greetings PABJ, 

We hope all is well. Since Friday's official announcement of PABJ no longer being affiliated with NABJ, there's been a misinformation campaign from some critics of the decision unlike anything we've seen before. One would think they would actually read our public statement in full and not put out blatant lies or details that lack context -- but here we are. As Black journalists and media professionals, you all have the power to inform yourselves adequately and sustainably. Before posting and/or sharing information about PABJ, ask yourself if you've gotten it confirmed from our official platforms and/or directly from our PABJ leadership. 

For starters, PABJ has been fully transparent and responsive to the membership's concerns around NABJ affiliation. Yes, there really was a reason for us to challenge the compliance issues raised by NABJ regarding our status as a chapter. And no, we have remained steadfast in listening to PABJ members who made it clear that they didn't authorize us to give their professional emails to any other third-party, including NABJ. 

During February’s General PABJ membership meeting, you all voted for the PABJ Executive Board to send a letter to NABJ’s leadership requesting an apology and more clarity regarding a defaming letter they sent to “PABJ Stakeholders” about the chapter’s leadership regarding the audit. In March, I sent an email to inform you all that after several attempts at reaching out to their leadership, they have refused to respond back to our multiple requests to meet and have denied offering any apology for their concerning behavior. 

We are disheartened by the misinformation that's been shared by some NABJ members who haven't reached out to PABJ leadership about our decision. As Black journalists and media professionals, such skills should be of second nature. But common sense isn't always common. 

For those members who haven't been staying abreast of PABJ's ongoing dialogue with NABJ, here's a brief summary. Following our March 2022 update to members, PABJ was informed by NABJ that the chapter audit didn't require membership emails. Following the NABJ Convention in the summer, and after speaking with some NABJ Board members in-person, our PABJ Exec Board made the decision to submit a chapter audit in the fall.

At the time, PABJ believed that it gave NABJ everything it had asked for (financials, annual report of activities, bonding, board members being NABJ members, a membership roster of names and affiliations) -- but we were informed by a NABJ Executive Board member reviewing the audit form that it was incomplete due to us not providing the professional email addresses of all of our members. 

Yes, you heard this correctly -- NABJ had changed their policy over the summer. 

During the late summer, NABJ created a revamped Membership Committee that created new policies to enforce regarding the chapter audit. One of those new polices was that all chapters must include the professional email addresses of all of their members (including those who aren't NABJ members) in their audit. 

Please read the email that was sent to me  on October 31st regarding how our audit application was deemed incomplete over the request for professional affiliation, which required email addresses:

​Good morning!

PABJ's application is under review and we find that the membership roster is incomplete and missing information about the PROFESSIONAL affiliation used to join NABJ (i.e. workplace, organization, professional email address). 

Per the NABJ constitution: 

(b) The applying organization, at the time of its application for alignment with NABJ, and at the time of the annual renewal of that status, submits to NABJ a membership list showing that two-thirds of the organization’s members are eligible for NABJ status as provided in Chapter 4, Article I, Sections 2-6 of this constitution.


I realize this information is delayed as I had work and other NABJ board commitments that needed my attention.
I have talked with Madame President Dorothy Tucker and she agrees to give the PABJ chapter a 2 week extension from TODAY, October 31, 2022 to get this information in.

Any questions, let us know.

Yours in service,
Sia Nyorkor
Parliamentarian
Chair, Membership Committee


After several back and forth exchanges, I finally sent the following concerns via email to NABJ leadership on October 31st:

This is pointless and tedious. The NABJ By-laws don't explicitly require chapters to give all of the professional emails of their members from their respective orgs. You all are choosing to mandate this independently.

I've made it very clear that forcing us to do so in order to be compliant serves as a conflict to the membership overall. Again, you don't have to require this, for it is not explicitly in the bylaws in regards to submit such emails. You're making this a mandate that's tacted on to the audit. It can be changed, you're refusing to adjust for all respective 501(c)3s seeking affiliation.

Again, some chapters might not care, but mine do. And this shouldn't be a deal breaker. Members of my chapter who aren't NABJ shouldn't have to give their professional emails to a third party organization.

You're literally holding us up to be complient on this one single matter. Again, the Bylaws don't explicitly call for it. 

I would expect better from NABJ to be more accommodating on matters like this. I'm beginning to wonder why this is such a big deal for the national organization to have this particular detail. Again, we're willing to fairly and reasonably provide everything else. 

Please reconsider. 

Best,

Ernest Owens
PABJ President

At that point, NABJ never reached back to me or the PABJ board and went forward with mandating this policy across the national organization. Here's an excerpt from a memo they sent to chapter leaders on November 17th:

Our current governing document also states that “at the time of its application, for alignment with NABJ, and at the time of the annual renewal of that status, (chapters) submit to NABJ a membership list showing that two-thirds of the organization’s members are eligible for NABJ status." (Chapter 5; Article 1; Section 1-b)
 
Let’s work together to strengthen our membership rosters while helping our chapters achieve compliance heading into 2023. This can be easily accomplished through the annual audit that is due December 1. During the audit process, we ask chapter presidents to submit a membership roster annually that includes local members’ media affiliation and business or professional email. 
 
A note about email submissions: For a business or professional email, vdodson@ABCnewspaper.com, for example, is sufficient. 
 
Other examples of accepted email types: 

• Freelance members: vdodson@myownbusiness.com
• Academic members: vdodson@myuniversity.edu
• Media-related members: vdodson@mediarelatedcompany.com
• Non-media members: vdodson@nonmediacompany.com 

 
If it's easier for you to just share your current local roster, please do so. The Membership Committee understands that many chapters have non-media members but again, only 2/3 of the local roster must be eligible for national membership.


Given that PABJ was currently considered non-compliant because we refused to give NABJ all of our member's emails and they offered us no alternative -- we were at an impasse that appeared to have no end in current sight. So given that we weren't going to compromise our chapter's request not to give away such information -- the PABJ Executive Board decided not to complete the chapter audit with that requirement -- forfeiting our affiliation with NABJ altogether. To be clear, this was one of several major reasons previously discussed as to why we decided to depart -- but this was fundamentally the straw that broke the camel's back. 

To reduce any further rumors, gossip, and confusion on our stance. Here's a brief FAQs on this:

Question: So what does this directly mean for you as a PABJ member?

Answer: Nothing major. PABJ is an independent 501(c)3 that solely fundraises and supports itself outside of NABJ. PABJ has never been fiscally sponsored or co-owned by NABJ. Our organization predates NABJ's very existence. 

Question: Will PABJ forever not be affiliated with NABJ?

Answer: Only time will tell. If the next NABJ President (who will be elected next year) decides to influence better policy on behalf of organizations like PABJ, then things could definitely change. PABJ would love to be affiliated with NABJ, but not under these current inequitable terms. 

Question: How long have PABJ leaders raised these issues with NABJ?

Answer: For over a year, we have been in back and forth emails and communication with NABJ board leaders and staff about these concerns. PABJ leaders have previously discussed these issues during our general membership meetings. 

Question: What does NABJ President Dorothy Tucker mean when she says PABJ "will not receive the benefits of being affiliated with the National Association of Black Journalists"?

Answer: Now unaffiliated with NABJ, PABJ cannot apply for their Chapter of the Year award, we won't get the chapter affiliate discount during the NABJ convention, and we won't be eligible for their micro-grants they give out to chapters. To be honest, it's not that big of a deal to our overall operations as a nonprofit. 

Question: But how does this individually affect me if I'm a NABJ member?

Answer: You simply won't get a chapter affiliate discount for the NABJ convention. That's it. As an individual NABJ member, you will still have all of your other privileges and benefits associated with their organization. 

Question: But how does this individually affect me if I'm a PABJ member?

Answer: It doesn't. NABJ doesn't run anything over here at PABJ. 

Question: What social/cultural changes, if any, will happen from this current succession from NABJ?

Answer: We will not be using any NABJ logos, wordage, and/or promoting any of their programming within our organization. But no worries, we rarely did anyway.

Question: Would there be a problem if PABJ members want to be NABJ members on their own?

Answer: Absolutely not. Our board members are individually NABJ members, but as for PABJ affiliation -- they have made it difficult to be associated with them as a nonprofit in good faith. 

Question: Last question, what can I do, if anything?

Answer: Nothing much, just await the opportunity to support better NABJ members running for their board in 2023 to hopefully change this policy around. 

Question: Okay, final question. If the policy changes in favor of PABJ, will we apply for affiliation again?

Answer: Absolutely. 


In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to myself or the board if you have any further questions. 


Sincerely, 

Ernest Owens
PABJ President

Greetings PABJ, 

On behalf of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists Executive Board, I would like to formally notify the organization of our current affiliation with NABJ based on recent policies enforced by their current board administration. Our Executive Board has thoroughly considered all options on the table to remain in affiliation with NABJ and have come to the unfortunate conclusion that their current board's leadership is not conducive, productive, and/or accommodating to our needs as a chapter at this time.

Until there is a more reputable National President that can represent our needs in good faith, alongside a board that can prioritize principle over personal politics, we have zero confidence in NABJ's current leadership team. We will not be submitting a chapter audit at this time. We will reconsider our organization's options of affiliation to their organization when a new NABJ President is elected that may best understand the concerns we have raised with them for over a year.

We have weighed various options before coming to this decision, we have caucused with our executive team, chapter members, and legal consultants. NABJ's current chapter expectations are simply inequitable, unintelligent, and not sustainable for the growth of our organization that will turn 50 very soon. This recently announced NABJ chapter split is an overreach, the updated chapter audit policy is provincial, and the NABJ board's steadfast refusal to speak to our board collectively about these concerns after multiple requests over the past year is downright inexcusable and immature. 

Our organization has served at the pleasure of NABJ for decades. Our members have deserved better for far too long. After several attempts to discuss these issues with NABJ's leadership -- their failure to engage us shows us that they don't care about our standing within their organization. NABJ leaders have been saying the silent part the loudest for a while, and we hear them loud and clear.

To reiterate why we have reached this decision, a few major things to consider:

The New NABJ Audit Requests for Chapter Membership Emails

Our chapter leadership and respective members feel that this current policy overreaches beyond PABJ's role in tracking memberships. For NABJ to request the email addresses of all of our chapter members to confirm their eligibility to join the organization isn't necessary or feasible.

Here's why:

1. The very rigid definitions on email types do not reflect the current trends of the industry. For example, professional freelancers do not all have email addresses created for personal companies they don't create. Even many NABJ members, including some of our PABJ members, use Gmail in our individual NABJ membership applications and general communications. We've never given NABJ a "professional email" in order to be active. 
2. These requirements overall put an excessive burden on chapters to do an extensive tracking of our members who don't even belong to NABJ. Furthermore, NABJ has been notoriously reluctant to give chapters the email addresses or membership status information of our members within their organization. I've brought this up numerous times at Council of President meetings and to current board members over the years. I've been told verbatim that NABJ can't give such information of their members to other groups -- including chapters like ours. 
3. That's hypocrisy at its finest -- you're asking for chapters to give up the information/data of our members (including those who aren't your members) but we can't request the same from NABJ. We personally request that the organization drops this email policy and/or be more lax on the rigid definitions set forth on the types of emails being requested. 

The New NABJ Revenue Blueprint (Chapter Splits)

1. Our organization's executive board finds this to be one of the most inequitable financing models we've ever seen. 
2. The proof is in the wording itself -- most potential revenue gains are rooted in "new" sponsorships, which are so limited and/or harder to procure during this time. 
3. With NABJ's expansive reach of sponsors, whether small or grand, this "blueprint" ignores the potential appeal and ability of chapters to forge even better and/or more relevant fundraising capabilities than NABJ for a given event. For example, PABJ has been able to fundraise impressive sponsorships from major corporations and/or their respective affiliates that may not have given NABJ the same amount for a given event. This current policy wouldn't honor said chapter a decent cut for getting these sponsorships because they wouldn't be deemed "new." That's downright ridiculous and not good business. 
4. We perceive that NABJ is only moving the goalpost once more to make it difficult for competitive chapters to actually generate real revenue from said partnerships. To have us concur more liability for little gains is a fool's bargain. 
5. As a result, PABJ would be extremely better off hosting and producing its own events without the headache of inequitable splits collaborating with NABJ. We predict that once other chapters begin to be hit by these unfair practices, NABJ will have to go back to the drawing board and reconsider this altogether. We recommend this blueprint be scrapped for something more fair, reasonable, and equitable. 

A NABJ Constitutional Chapter Concern (see hyperlinked)
​

1. In the PABJ executive board's consideration of the new chapter audit requests, we realized a concern within the NABJ Constitution regarding chapter membership formation. Chapter 5, Article 1, Section 2, (B) of the NABJ Constitution reads: The applying organization, at the time of its application for alignment with NABJ, and at the time of the annual renewal of that status, submits to NABJ a membership list showing that two-thirds of the organization’s members are eligible for NABJ status as provided in Chapter 4, Article I, Sections 2-6 of this constitution.
2. To enforce such a strict quota (roughly 66%) limits a chapter's ability to fundraise, expand its operational capacities, and grow its membership overall. In full transparency, PABJ doesn't currently have two-thirds of our members eligible for NABJ status based on the NABJ constitution -- and might not ever be given our current success. 
3. Our 501(c)3 and respective bylaws don't hold PABJ to such rigid definitions on membership formation and to abide by NABJ's Constitution in order to be affiliated overrides ours. To be fair, PABJ leaders recognize that this mandate has been in place for years -- but with the current NABJ policies in regards to the audit, PABJ cannot in good faith be affiliated with NABJ under these current mandates. 
4. We recommend that NABJ leadership steps up and propose a Constitutional bylaw change that either eliminates this 2/3rds percentage or fairly reduces it. 

Overall, these issues are serious concerns that we didn't take lightly in our decision to not move forward with our audit for NABJ affiliation. As always, our executive board will always be available to discuss with NABJ leadership. I've personally spoken to several board members over the past year who have been more transparent individually with our leadership team -- but we know that not one individual outside of the National President and/or Executive Director speaks on behalf of NABJ. 

The PABJ Executive Board has made it clear to the leadership of NABJ's board and staffers that we hope that they consider our concerns and recommendations in good faith and act responsibly in how they leverage mandates on chapters. PABJ is one of the first chapters to help form NABJ. As NABJ celebrated their 47th birthday this week, it was disheartening to reflect on how much this organization has changed in its embrace of PABJ.

Following our decision not to submit the audit based on dispute with PABJ membership emails, the chapter split blueprint, and constitutional concerns -- NABJ President Dorothy Tucker reached out to me with the following response:

"Your decision not to submit a chapter audit and remain out of compliance means the Philadelphia of Black Journalists will not receive the benefits of being affiliated with the National Association of Black Journalists.

Furthermore, we must abide by our constitution. Chapter 5, Article 1, Section 2, (B) of the NABJ Constitution reads: The applying organization, at the time of its application for alignment with NABJ, and at the time of the annual renewal of that status, submits to NABJ a membership list showing that two-thirds of the organization’s members are eligible for NABJ status as provided in Chapter 4, Article I, Sections 2-6 of this constitution."

We can respectfully agree to disagree and until the NABJ Constitution and audit requirements change, PABJ will not be affiliated with NABJ. 

To reduce rumors, gossip, and confusion on our stance. Here's a brief FAQs on this:

Question: So what does this directly mean for you as a PABJ member?

Answer: Nothing major. PABJ is an independent 501(c)3 that solely fundraises and supports itself outside of NABJ. PABJ has never been fiscally sponsored or co-owned by NABJ. Our organization predates NABJ's very existence. 

Question: Will PABJ forever not be affiliated with NABJ?

Answer: Only time will tell. If the next NABJ President (who will be elected next year) decides to influence better policy on behalf of organizations like PABJ, then things could definitely change. PABJ would love to be affiliated with NABJ, but not under these current inequitable terms. 

Question: How long have PABJ leaders raised these issues with NABJ?

Answer: For over a year, we have been in back and forth emails and communication with NABJ board leaders and staff about these concerns. PABJ leaders have previously discussed these issues during our general membership meetings. 

Question: What does NABJ President Dorothy Tucker mean when she says PABJ "will not receive the benefits of being affiliated with the National Association of Black Journalists"?

Answer: Now unaffiliated with NABJ, PABJ cannot apply for their Chapter of the Year award, we won't get the chapter affiliate discount during the NABJ convention, and we won't be eligible for their micro-grants they give out to chapters. To be honest, it's not that big of a deal to our overall operations as a nonprofit. 

Question: But how does this individually affect me if I'm a NABJ member?

Answer: You simply won't get a chapter affiliate discount for the NABJ convention. That's it. As an individual NABJ member, you will still have all of your other privileges and benefits associated with their organization. 

Question: But how does this individually affect me if I'm a PABJ member?

Answer: It doesn't. NABJ doesn't run anything over here at PABJ. 

Question: What social/cultural changes, if any, will happen from this current succession from NABJ?

Answer: We will not be using any NABJ logos, wordage, and/or promoting any of their programming within our organization. But no worries, we rarely did anyway.

Question: Would there be a problem if PABJ members want to be NABJ members on their own?

Answer: Absolutely not. Our board members are individually NABJ members, but as for PABJ affiliation -- they have made it difficult to be associated with them as a nonprofit in good faith. 

Question: Last question, what can I do, if anything?

Answer: Nothing much, just await the opportunity to support better NABJ members running for their board in 2023 to hopefully change this policy around. 

Question: Okay, final question. If the policy changes in favor of PABJ, will we apply for affiliation again?

Answer: Absolutely. 


In the meantime, we look forward to steadfast change and progress in the new year. Happy PABJ Independence Day!


Sincerely, 

Ernest Owens
PABJ President

Greetings PABJ!

I hope you're having a happy and healthy summer, one that is filled with love, impact, and joy. This year has been unpredictable, and yet inspirational, at the same time. As President, I've been impressed with how our members have persevered thus far -- producing incredible journalism and media/communications services, while not forgetting to prioritize Black voices and issues. 


As the saying goes, "self-preservation is key." In order to succeed in our efforts, we must prioritize our health and wellness: Whether that is indulging in self-care or doing everything you can to stop the spread of this still devastating virus. 


PABJ is taking the necessary and responsible steps in prioritizing public health and safety during the pandemic. Today, our Executive Board discussed what that looks like for our organization given the rise in COVID-19 cases spiked by the delta variant, and news of other emerging variants.

The decision was clear: In order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus within our organization, we must emphasize the importance of vaccinations and ensure that our spaces/events represent that as well.  

Effective Immediately: All PABJ in-person meetings, events, and gatherings will require that all members and associates (including guests, partners, and service providers) attending must be fully-vaccinated, no exceptions. The mandate only exempts children under age 12, given that they are still not yet eligible to receive any of the vaccines -- but we strongly encourage they not attend such gatherings unless dire. PABJ will require proof of vaccination before entry. PABJ will also be requiring that all members have a mask with them, as we will be following and observing all city recommendations on mask wearing as well.

We are following similar protocols being set by other organizations, businesses, and cites to reduce the spread. No, such a mandate does not violate HIPAA. We are are enforcing this mandate to ensure a healthier return to in-person events in the fall without any unnecessary setbacks.

But essentially, this isn't about solely enforcing mandates -- but caring for the wellbeing of our members.

Here's some additional information and details to note:

• On Proof of Vaccination: We are requiring that members and guests either show their physical vaccination card or provide a credible copy or cell phone image of it (front and back) at the event in attendance. Please note: PABJ Executive Board has the right to refuse entry if an image of a vaccination card appears to be fraudulent and/or compromised. PABJ Executive Board holds full discretion and the final decision on such matters. Good news! Once you confirm your vaccination status once, you'll never have to do so again, as PABJ will keep track of members who have been already confirmed.
• On Defining "Fully Vaccinated": According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated: 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. Translation: If you have only one shot or received your second one in less than two weeks -- you aren't fully vaxxed and can't attend PABJ events in-person. 
• On Event Size and Attendance RSVP: PABJ will be following the recommended guidelines of the venues hosting us. For example, if Pipeline Philly says we can only host 80 people at a meeting -- that will be the cap. RSVPs will be important and transparency will be key. Be prepared to RSVP in advance for our events and be prepared to be likely turned away if you just show up unannounced at maximum capacity. We're going to take this policy as serious as we should be taking this pandemic right now. 
• On PPE at Our Events: We encourage our fully-vaxxed PABJ members to have a mask with them, but we know some people might forget. PABJ will be having disposable masks and hand-sanitizer at all of our events, guaranteed. So no worries. 
• On Virtual/Hybrid Alternatives: PABJ will be exploring how to provide recordings and virtual viewings of our meetings and some specialized events. However, events like our upcoming PABJ Pool Party (more details on this will be coming soon), our Awards Gala, and other social/networking events most likely won't. 
• On Getting Vaccinated: If you haven't gotten vaccinated and would like to now that this mandate is in place, there are a variety of options in Philadelphia and other surrounding counties to get it. The good news is that if you get vaccinated now, you'll be fully vaccinated in time for our upcoming September 14th general meeting!

PABJ Executive Board appreciates all of our members, partners, associates, and service providers for your cooperation and support on this matter.



Keep the faith,  

Ernest Owens
PABJ President  ​

Change isn’t an option, but a mandate -- something that requires swift action, not passive consideration. 

​When evaluating the two candidates currently running for president of the National Association of Black Journalists, the decision could not have been any more clear to the PABJ Executive Board. 

Our chapter strongly endorses Manuel McDonnell Smith for NABJ president because his steadfast leadership, vision and ability to enact real change within the national organization is desperately needed now more than ever.

It’s clear that both candidates are passionate about NABJ and our members. Both have been faithful servants to the organization, volunteering countless hours to ensure that NABJ is as strong as it can be. 

But passion alone isn’t enough to keep an organization relevant, innovative and transparent. Smith has demonstrated these latter qualities in his service to NABJ and PABJ, more than his opponent. And for that, NABJ members should take note of this when they cast their virtual ballot starting next week. 

As the immediate past president of PABJ, Smith transformed the chapter into a highly engaged nonprofit that has generated more than six figures in grant fundraising -- a rare feat for a local NABJ chapter. 

With more than 300 paid and active members, PABJ is the largest local chapter in NABJ. Under his leadership, Smith revamped chapter task forces and committees, helping to provide direct funding support for their specialized activities and projects.

Smith’s advocacy for Black journalists dealing with diversity issues at major media companies such as The Philadelphia Inquirer, made national headlines and prompted immediate institutional reaction at Philadelphia's paper of record. He’s led an intersectional and multi-generational board that includes millennials, Gen Xers, and Boomers that represent various career tracks, gender identities, LGBTQIA identities and other diverse backgrounds. His leadership helped make PABJ a finalist for the 2020 NABJ Chapter of the Year, along with other record-breaking honors and accolades.  

As a long-time volunteer and producer for NABJ events and convention programming, Smith has seen the national organization at its highest levels and during its most challenging times. PABJ believes that he has the relevant insight, strategic vision and inclusionary drive to modernize NABJ as the organization approaches its 50th year in service. His fiscal leadership is impeccable and his ability to speak truth to power for Black journalists is noteworthy. NABJ would be in great hands under his presidency. 

While we appreciate NABJ President Dorothy Tucker’s years of service to the national organization, our rationale for not endorsing her boils down to our concerns with her current leadership. Right now, NABJ is stagnant in its advocacy efforts, fundraising model, leadership development and overall support for local chapters and members. 

As Smith found new fundraising streams and kept morale high within his local chapter during the pandemic, Dorothy’s leadership has been less stellar in terms of membership engagement and overall advocacy. Yes, NABJ has released statements speaking out against mainstream media diversity issues -- but such tactics have been more talk and less walk from an organization that represents thousands of Black journalists. 

Recent concerns around the organization’s nearly $1 million fiscal surplus has left more questions than answers, as NABJ Task forces and committees continue to not be funded and convention registration fees have continued to stay the same as the year before. 

There have been ongoing problems and structural inequity for local chapters without 501(c)3 status trying to fundraise for themselves -- and no strong support from NABJ for those caught up in the confusion. 

We strongly condemn the inequitable split that was supported by the NABJ Board of Directors during President Tucker’s presidency in November 2019 that only mandates a 70 percent/30 percent split for registration fees -- and only an “up to 50% split of the profits” from their total partnerships with local chapters via regionals and other events. Host chapters and its members do the lion’s share of the work -- as volunteers -- in making regional conferences successful for both members and NABJ, so the split needs to better reflect that work.

Looking at the bigger picture, PABJ is greatly concerned that NABJ is becoming more of a price-gouging enterprise that pontificates on Black journalism advocacy, rather than acting as a full-functioning non-profit that seeks to support intersectional leadership at all levels with a pipeline for sustainable growth and transparency. We believe that a Smith NABJ presidency will bring about the immediate change our national organization so desperately needs -- because we have already seen how his leadership has revolutionized PABJ, the association’s founding chapter.  

Starting on Monday, July 12 through Friday, Aug. 20, we are asking for NABJ members who are eligible to cast their vote in this election to support Manuel McDonnell Smith for NABJ president because we truly believe it’s the last chance to significantly reverse the stagnant state of a national organization that PABJ is the founding chapter of. 

We appreciate anyone who steps up to serve on the NABJ board. But it’s time for a real change -- not another two years of business as usual.

In solidarity with NABJ members and chapters across the nation, 

Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists Executive Board  

PHILADELPHIA (March 9, 2021) – The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists is proud to announce a brand new website and online donor/membership database thanks to a generous grant from Flipcause, Inc, a renowned tech company that specializes in creating digital platforms for small nonprofits. 

In February, PABJ won a Black Lives Matter Service Credit Grant from Flipcause that empowered the organization to revamp its digital platforms. Effective immediately, thepabj.org is the one-stop shop for all things PABJ online -- general updates, memberships, events, opportunities to donate, and more can all be found on the stylishly designed website. The new website also allows PABJ the option to launch an online shopping portal, a volunteer sign-up section, and other convenient features that can be implemented for future endeavors. 

As a part of the sponsorship, Flipcause redesigned PABJ’s entire website and will maintain its back-end maintenance and troubleshooting for the organization, free of charge, for the next eight and a half years. After that, the organization will be granted an already-negotiated reduced annual rate to sustain the website in the future. 

Another major competent to thepabj.org is that PABJ will now have the ability to maintain a strong membership and donor database that will increase its general outreach efforts. The public can now easily donate to supporting the 501(c)3 efforts of the organization more comprehensively than ever before. Effective immediately, non-journalists/media professionals can now sign up to become a “Friend of PABJ,” which allows them to make an annual contribution to the organization that will help advance newsroom diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Greater Philadelphia area. 

"PABJ is extremely grateful for the generous grant and partnership from Flipcause at a time when the organization is rapidly evolving,” says Ernest Owens, PABJ President. “This innovative expansion will do more than just revamp PABJ’s online presence, but will give us the needed tools to increase our fiscal and membership outreach -- components that will ensure our efforts to become the most effective Black journalism advocacy group in the nation.” 

To see the new and improved PABJ website, check out thepabj.org right now. ​

CONTACT:
Ernest Owens
PABJ President
pabj.info@gmail.com


                                 PABJ Statement on Unprecedented Partnership with CBS3 Philadelphia


PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2021) – The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and CBS3 Philadelphia have forged a new and unprecedented partnership following the recent allegations of racial discrimination from national corporate executives at the company.

Throughout February, PABJ President Ernest Owens and PABJ Vice President of Broadcast Charlene Horne met with CBS3 President and General Manager Brandin Stewart and Vice President and News Director John Wilson on initiatives that will advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the CBS3 Eyewitness News station.
The breakthrough partnership includes expanded recruitment opportunities, future job fairs, and a paid apprentice program starting this summer. This partnership will mark the beginning of many new efforts between PABJ and CBS3.
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“PABJ is pleased to work with CBS3 on this unprecedented partnership that will make newsroom diversity, equity and inclusion more than just an idea, but an immediate action,” says Ernest Owens, PABJ President. “The commitments made by CBS3 in this partnership are rooted in sustainable and intentional practices that will make a positive impact in the Greater Philadelphia community for many years to come.”
CBS Philadelphia will also be expanding their continued work with other community organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area. CBS3 expects to announce its plans for rolling out new community service initiatives in the near future.


Signed,
Ernest Owens
PABJ President