Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists

PABJ MEETING NOTES
Oct. 9, 2001

March 12, 2002
May 8, 2001
April 12, 2001

From President Sherry L. Howard:
I. We plan to have a short meeting on Nov. 16 to allow time for a speaker or speakers on Islam, Muslims and the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Americans were blindsided by the terrorist attacks and many now realize that they know little about the religion and the people who practice it, especially the extremists. If you're interested in brainstorming about it or participating in the planning, please contact Al Hunter.

II. In December, we are planning a celebration of the "Artists Among Us." These are the journalists who use their creative ability beyond work: the artists, photographers, playwrights, painters, craftspeople, etc. Our plan is to hold an event that will allow them to sell books, artwork, etc. at a bazaar-type event at a local restaurant. This event, too, is still in the planning stages. It's designed to be a chat-mingle-and-chew fest that will allow for networking and Christmas-gift buying. Deirdre Childress is heading up this event.

III. Partnership with the Daily News' Urban Journalism Workshop. This workshop has been in operation for almost two decades, and this year it was in need of a co-sponsor. UJW's focus -- to work with high school students who are interested in journalism -- jibes with the mission of PABJ. Members felt that it was a good fit and decided to go for it. We will serve as the nonprofit organization to receive funding for the program. Members are encouraged to volunteer when asked by Earni Young, the workshop director. We will offer one of our yearly scholarships to a deserving student in the workshop, which is held for two weeks each summer. The PABJ liaison for the workshop is our VP/Broadcast Tiffany Montgomery. If you are interested in assisting, please contact either Tiffany or Earni.

IV. We are in the process of redesigning our website to make it more useful. It will include sections for members, students and the community. We hope to be able to offer updated information on who's moved here, who's moved away, who's been promoted, etc. Also included will be upcoming PABJ events, a photo gallery, a calendar and job openings. The Region 2 director will write often about the region and NABJ, and Temple's ABJ will be featured. We'll need your help to keep the site current. So if anything is happening in your shop, please let us know.

V. We decided to postpone our annual Media Access Workshop until next spring. It'll give us a chance to plan it along with the Temple ABJ, which is planning a project for students during that time. The Media Access Workshop has been a hit in the past, and it's our way of giving back to the community. Dawn Jones is heading that project, along with Eva Blackwell.

VI. Our membership drive event will take place in January, and we're ready to start working on it. This project is our major fundraiser and membership booster. One suggestion is to get Cathy Hughes, owner of Radio One, as a speaker. Volunteers and suggestions are welcomed. Contact Dawn Jones.

VII. We are also starting early on our scholarship awards program. Denise Clay is looking for volunteers to help send out letters to high schools, read applications once they arrive and choose winners.