nabj approves nabj-philadelphia

After an impassioned speech from Melanie Burney, vice president of NABJ-Philadelphia, the board of the National Association of Black Journalists voted on Friday morning, Oct. 27, 2023, to approve us as an affiliate chapter. The roll-call vote was 11 for and 1 abstention. Eva D. Coleman, Region III director, nominated NABJ-Philadelphia for approval, and we are grateful and honored by her faith in us. (NABJ-Philadelphia president Michael Days was not able to attend the meeting. He was returning from a trip to Ghana. Member Jenice Armstrong was on assignment.)

“It is my pleasure and honor to ask this board to approve as a new chapter an affiliate of the National Association of Black Journalists because Philadelphia needs and deserves a chapter connected with this group,” Burney said. “We want to be a part. We want to work with you.”

“This is your chance to make history.”

A core group of NABJ-Philadelphia members were on hand for the presentation and stood behind Burney in solidarity as she spoke to the board. After the vote, the group celebrated by offering T-shirts to NABJ President Ken Lemon and Executive Director Drew Berry. The entire NABJ board received travel mugs emblazoned with the NABJ-Philadelphia logo.

Photos by Curtis Brown.