CHAPTER ACTIVITIES

Many winter events were canceled or cut back because of the Sept. 11 attacks and the weakening economy. The following are reports from chapter presidents:

Buffalo held a pre-Kwanzaa open mike night filled with poetry and music at a black-owned coffeehouse. BABJ attracted black media professionals who were not members, providing information, free food and entertainment.

Garden State canceled its winter awards/scholarship banquet. However, the chapter did hold its annual contest.

Philadelphia held a lively panel discussion at its November meeting on the roots of the Sept. 11 attacks. Several Muslim leaders and observers squared off on the issue. In December, the chapter held its first annual "Artists Among Us." The event was a successful endeavor that showcased the artistic talents of some of PABJ's members. The event was held at Bluezette, a black-owned upscale soul-food restaurant and bar in Philadelphia.

Pittsburgh held a well-attended fundraising banquet in November.

New York held a successful holiday affair at the Museum for African Art in NYC, including a live band. Gerald Boyd, New York Times managing editor, was honored. NYABJ recently began using a chapter listserve, which boasts 240 members. It has been a great way for the executive board to communicate with members about chapter events, disturbing chat excluded. NYABJ now has a permanent meeting place at the offices of Black Enterprise magazine, 130 Fifth Ave., 10th Floor (between 18th and 19th Streets). Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Westchester is looking to revitalize its chapter. President Gayle Williams is eagerly seeking new members.

Stella Payne, who organized the Central Pennsylvania chapter has decided not to continue to lead the organizing effort. The chapter's application was ready to go before the NABJ board at the January board meeting but will be held until new leadership steps forward.