Events

 

May 1, 2026 - May 2, 2026

2026 NABJ REGION I and YOUNG BLACK JOURNALISTS TASK FORCE PRESENT EMERGE: BUILDING THE NEXT 50

May 1-2, 2026 | Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Theme: Building The Next 50

Join us for NABJ EMERGE, May 1 – 2, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA

A must-attend event for journalists and communicators! 

Join the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) at Temple University in Philadelphia, May 1-2, for a powerhouse Region I Conference. As the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, there is no better place than the “City of Brotherly Love” to reflect on the vital role of journalism in shaping our democracy. This year, in a special partnership with the Young Black Journalists Task Force, we are uniting seasoned veterans and emerging talent to advance equitable storytelling and navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving media landscape. Prepare for a dynamic, high-impact summit designed to foster “authentic connections” and deliver fresh insights and practical skills. Don’t just witness the evolution of media—be a part of it. Join us to collaborate, innovate, and build resilient communities through the power of civic dialogue.

Registration 

Click Here to Register and See Registration Rates

Schedule-at-a-Glance

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

8:30 – 9:15 AM
  • Registration/ Breakfast
9AM – 5:00 PM
  • Career Fair & Resume Reviews: Resume reviews are provided by the NABJ Business Journalism Task Force.
9: 15 – 9:30 AM 
  • Opening Remarks & Prayer 
    • Speakers
      • Errin Haines, NABJ President & Editor-At-Large, 19th News
      • Walter Smith Randolph, NABJ Vice President 
      • Melony Roy, NABJ Region I Director, The Wall Street Journal
      • Nkwa Asonye, NABJ Philadelphia Chapter President
9: 30 – 10:20 AM 
  • Opening Joint Session | State of the Industry: Mass layoffs, company takeovers, new ownership—a lot has happened in the media world over the past year. During this joint session, we’ll discuss everything that’s happened.
    • Moderator:
      • Janay Reece, WJZ Baltimore
    • Panelists:
      • Errin Haines, NABJ President & Editor-At-Large, 19th News
      • Dorothy Tucker, NABJ Past President and Investigative Reporter, CBS Chicago
10:30 -11:20 AM
  • From Newsrooms to Classrooms: Building the Next Generation of Journalists: As newsrooms evolve and academic programs adapt to industry changes, journalist-educators play a critical role in preparing the next generation of storytellers. This session explores how newsroom veterans can leverage their real-world experience to empower students, develop innovative curricula, and create meaningful pathways into the profession. 
    • Moderator:
      • Jonelle Henry
    • Panelists:
      • Chris Blackman, Director of Career Services, Klein College, Temple University
      • Denise James, Assistant Professor of Practice- Temple University
11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
  • The Future of Fashion & Culture Journalism: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Conversations: Fashion and culture journalism is more than style—it’s storytelling that shapes how we see identity, power, and representation. In an industry historically criticized for its lack of diversity, Black editors and writers have been at the forefront of pushing for inclusion, equity, and authenticity. They’ll discuss the evolving landscape of fashion and lifestyle journalism, from leading major mastheads to championing inclusive storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences.
11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
  • MMJ Toolkit: In this session, you’ll hear from multimedia journalists about the latest tools they have in their toolkit.
  • Keynote | Lunch & Learn
    • Guests: 
      • Kayla Solomon, Investigative Reporter, FOX13 Memphis & Co-Chair, NABJ Young Journalists Task Force
1:30 – 2:20 PM
  • Creating News in an Influencer Economy: This presentation will bring together news reporters who are riding the lines between news reporter and news influencer. It will also include newsroom managers who have dipped their toe into the world of influencers- by bringing some on board.
2:30 – 3:20 PM
  • The Power of Podcasting: Storytelling, Strategy, and Revenue in the Audio Era: Podcasting has become one of the most powerful tools for journalists to connect with audiences, expand storytelling, and create sustainable revenue streams. From daily news roundups to long-form investigative series, podcasts offer unique opportunities to dive deeper into stories and voices that are often overlooked. Panelists will share strategies for developing compelling concepts, building audiences, and monetizing content while maintaining journalistic integrity. The discussion will also cover how to leverage podcasts to amplify diverse perspectives, create community, and drive meaningful conversations. 
2:30 – 3:20 PM
  • How to Find and Get Funding for Your Reporting Project: Every journalist and newsroom has faced the question: Where do I get money for this project or position? Thing is, there is money out there. But where do you find it, and how do you stand out among a large pool of applicants who all need funds? This session brings together reporters, grantees, funders, and newsroom leaders who’ve successfully raised funds or awarded funds. This also will show where funding is amid this challenging environment. I’m a Reynolds Journalism Institute fellow who’s building a website and other tools to help journalists find grants. I’ve started this initiative after raising $1 million in funding. This year, I’ve already spoken on panels on this topic with IRE, the National Press Club Institute, the Pulitzer Center, Fund for Investigative Journalism and the Knight Lab. In this year of research, funders also have told me that people of color aren’t asking for enough money. My website, Grants for Journalists, will go live in March 2026, a month before the regional. This would be a good venue to demonstrate the tools as well as talk about funding for Black journalists.
3:30 – 4:20 PM
  • From Inbox to Interview: Mastering the Application: This session is designed to support early-career journalists as they prepare for internships, fellowships, and entry-level roles in competitive newsrooms. The goal is to help students understand what editors and hiring managers look for in resumes, cover letters, and clips, while building confidence in presenting their skills, stories, and experience.
3:30 – 4:20 PM
  • Play Ball! The Role of Sports in Civil Rights: From Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali to the Dream Team and WNBA, sports have played a vital role in American history. This panel will explore how sports is covered locally and nationally, the biases that inform those narratives, and why diversity among the press ranks is important – and often stifled.
4:30 – 5:20 PM
  • Fireside Chat | Convention registration giveaways
5:20 – 5:30 PM
  • Closing Remarks