NABJ Member Leroy Chapman Makes History as First Black EIC at AJC

NABJ congratulates Leroy Chapman Jr., who was named The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s editor-in-chief today. Chapman makes history as the first Black editor-in-chief in the newspaper’s 155-year history.

According to the AJC, Chapman, a 28-year journalism veteran, will oversee the newsgathering, programming, features, and opinion teams, and the editorial teams responsible for video, audio, newsletters, and events. Chapman will report to AJC President and Publisher Andrew Morse.

NABJ President Dorothy Tucker applauded today’s announcement.

“NABJ is proud to see another one of our members make history and pave the way for the next generation of Black journalists,” said Tucker. “We look forward to seeing more Black leaders taking the helm of America’s newsrooms.”

Chapman, an NABJ member, is celebrated for overseeing some of the AJC’s top stories, including Georgia’s 2020 election results, the Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal, Atlanta’s affordable housing crisis, and more. He came to the AJC in 2011 as a front-page story editor and over the next decade advanced to the role of managing editor.

“The significance of this moment isn’t lost on me. This kind of opportunity is why African Americans come to Atlanta,” said Chapman in a statement. “… I am looking forward to getting out into the community and understanding more about how the AJC can continue to serve audiences and improve our city.”

Read more about Chapman’s appointment here.

Photo credit: BEN@BENGRAY.COM