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Jimmy Williams
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) announced that former President Trump will speak at their annual conference in Chicago this week, sparking intense debate among Black reporters. Some journalists see this as a chance to ask Trump tough questions about issues affecting Black Americans, while others worry about his past rhetoric toward the Black community.
NABJ President Ken Lemon emphasized the importance of this opportunity. “This is the chance for our members to ask the tough questions that will provide the truthful answers Black Americans want and need to know,” he said. Jemele Hill, a contributing writer for The Atlantic, agreed. “Journalists can never be afraid to tackle someone like Trump,” she posted on X. “He is running for president and needs to be treated as such.”
Inviting political candidates to NABJ events isn’t new. In past years, George W. Bush, John Kerry, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton have all spoken at the convention. The NABJ also invited Vice President Harris this year, but she has not yet responded.
Trump, aiming to win 20% of Black voter support, has already campaigned in several predominantly Black communities. His campaign claims he has “accomplished more for Black Americans than any other president in recent history” through various policies. Janiyah Thomas, Black media director for Team Trump, said, “President Trump is grateful for the opportunity to bring his message to their diverse audience. Unlike Kamala Harris, he’s willing to meet people where they are to earn their trust and support.”
Tia Mitchell from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution helped invite Trump. “I’ll continue to work to create opportunities for journalists to interview the potential next president,” she stated.
However, some journalists criticized the decision. Arionne Nettles, author of “We Are the Culture: Black Chicago’s Influence on Everything,” pointed out that no Black media organizations are on the panel of moderators. “Not even any Black orgs? On top of everything. So please don’t claim to give ‘opportunities’ to anyone but those who would already have them,” she posted on X.
Karen Attiah from The Washington Post resigned as co-chair of the convention over this decision. “I have decided to step down as co-chair from this year’s NABJ24 convention in Chicago,” she announced on X. “To the journalists interviewing Trump, I wish them the best of luck.”
April Ryan, a White House correspondent for theGrio and NABJ’s 2017 Journalist of the Year, also expressed her disapproval. “The reports of attacks on Black women White House correspondents by the then president are not myth or conjecture, but fact,” she said. “To have a presumed orchestrated session with the former president is an affront to what this organization stands for.”
Trump’s treatment of Black journalists has been controversial. He repeatedly told April Ryan to “sit down” and called her “nasty” and a “loser.” He also accused CNN’s Abby Phillip of asking “a lot of stupid questions.”
Critics also highlighted Trump’s comments about Chicago, a city known for its rich history in Black journalism. “I would like to unwelcome @NABJ for surprising Chicago with this Trump news,” posted Morgan Elise Johnson, co-founder of The Triibe, on X.
Non-journalist organizations also condemned NABJ’s decision. Cliff Albright, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, posted, “NABJ has betrayed the legacy of Ida B Wells.”
