STORIES

NABJ 2024

Reflections from the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Black Journalist Fellows

Learn more about the fellows: read, watch and hear about their careers and experiences at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention and Career Fair in Chicago, Illinois, July 31 to August 4.

Editors’ Note

One of the highlights of the inaugural Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre Fellowship was the participation of our three student fellows: Chris Harrison, a second year student in the Bachelor of Journalism at Toronto Metropolitan University; Danielle Reid, a 2024 Bachelor of Journalism graduate at Toronto Metropolitan University and Ijeoma Ukazu, a second year Master of Journalism student at Carleton University.

Over the course of their time at the NABJ convention, the student fellows spent time interviewing the mid-career fellows about their paths to journalism, their career trajectories and their experiences attending the convention. You’re about to read the result of these conversations: profiles of our Mary Ann Shadd Cary mid-career fellows written by our student fellows.

The NABJ convention is an enthralling, enriching and, at times, overwhelming experience. The student fellows also put together a tipsheet on how to make the most of the convention for first-timers, including what to wear and how to divide your time. The presence of our student fellows was an important part of the fellowship’s success and we’re grateful for their work capturing the experience of an enthralling time at NABJ. Here they are, in their own words. We hope you enjoy reading the stories and experiences they’ve captured in this publication.

Nana aba Duncan

Vicky Mochama

Pacinthe Mattar

Directors, Canadian Delegation to the National Association of Black Journalists Convention

Fellows’ Stories

By Danielle Reid

Allya Davidson

An audio interview (and transcript) with a CBC executive producer, featuring her career and experiences at NABJ.

LISTEN Now

By Danielle Reid

Nur Qorane

An audio interview (and transcript) with a CBC producer, featuring his NABJ journey and lessons.

LISTEN Now

By Ijeoma Ukazu

Shari Okeke

Reviewing over 20 years in radio and podcasting, her academic career, and her NABJ experience.

Read Now

By Danielle Reid

Danica Samuel

Insights from the fashion journalist and entrepreneur about how she incorporates Canadian designers into her identity.

Read Now

By Ijeoma Ukazu

Danielle Edwards

A look into her passion for news and storytelling, and her career at CBC.

Read Now

By Chris Harrison

Libaan Osman

Reflections on sports journalism, mentorship and longform writing.

Read Now

By Chris Harrison

Adriel Smiley

His work in radio, hosting and production, along with advice for young journalists.

Read Now

TIP SHEET

Tips For Going To The NABJ Convention

Whether it’s your first time or not, here is a practical guide on how to prepare for a convention with 4000+ attendees.

Tip One:

Update your resume, think about how many copies you need to print out, then print twice as many.

“The list of employers you can make appointments with at the career fair is pretty extensive, but the actual total number of employers present is far greater, and the last thing you want to do is be unprepared. Also, because the career fair portion of the convention is so big, it’s best to identify a day in the convention’s schedule where there are relatively few events/panels/workshops you feel like you absolutely must attend and just reserve that whole day for the career fair. You can easily spend several hours there without even visiting every booth.”

Tip Two:

You can sleep when you get home.

“I knew going into the convention that it’d be a big deal in terms of its importance, but I didn’t realize how literally big it would be, or how packed the events schedule would be. Some of the most interesting events where I had some of my most fruitful conversations were either late in the evening or early in the morning, receiving mentorship over breakfast. Attend as much as you can. Hopefully you’re the type of person who can actually fall asleep on the return flight.”

Tip Three:

Chat with anybody and everybody you come across.

“Go up to the most random news outlets because you don’t know, they might have an opportunity that might fit you. It could lead to an opportunity that could lead to another opportunity.”

Tip Four:

Keep your LinkedIn up-to-date.

“Ensure it best represents you and your experience.”

Tip Five:

Plan ahead.

“The events schedule can be overwhelming but planning ahead and scheduling interviews ahead of time can ensure you don’t miss out on a great conversation or connection.”

Tip Six:

Be versatile and flexible.

“Don’t get too caught up on what specific role you see yourself in in the future. Every role is a gateway to something.”

Tip Seven:

Be clear on your intentions.

“Who are you and why are you here? Two very challenging questions. Before the start of the convention, take time out to get clear about what you wish to get out of your experience at NABJ. It can be useful to use different tools like journaling to dig deep and determine what your career and personal goals are. Think about the type of questions you might be asked by a potential employer and brainstorm your answers so that you’re prepared. At the end of each presentation and workshop, organizers open up a few minutes for audience questions and participation. Take time in advance to pen out some questions you would ask presenters or panelists.”

Tip Eight:

Create a routine for yourself.

“I was shocked by the enormity of the convention and how easy it can be to become overwhelmed. Even if you’re staying close to the event centre, you will be spending a lot of time on your feet and most likely have very long nights. In order to show your best everyday, create a routine for the days of the conference. This could look like working out or going for a walk to start your day, having nutritious breakfasts, unplugging from devices by a certain time or taking time to write down what you learned at the end of each day. A sense of routine can help you stay grounded and remain focused during a time that can be very hectic otherwise.”

Tip Nine:

Apply for special panels before the convention begins.

“One of the best experiences I had at NABJ was attending the ABC storytellers summit which I had to apply in advance for.”

Tip Ten:

Wear comfortable shoes.

“The sessions and workshops are spaced out, and after a while, those high heels start to hurt. It’s important to prioritize comfort over style. The NABJ has long sessions that start in the morning and last till the evening. You want to ensure your feet are not hurting.”

Tip Eleven:

Stay focused on networking and making new friends.

“The NABJ is not a place to bond with old pals. Go out and meet new people, but ensure you have a little background on those whose work has inspired you, as that is a wonderful place to start off a conversation and bond.”

Tip Twelve:

Bring business cards to the NABJ Convention.

“It’s such an incredible opportunity to connect to so many people. It is important to stay hydrated and take breaks. Alternatively, you can use an electronic business card like Blinq that has your contact information and social media handles.”

Tip Thirteen:

Stay hydrated.

“The NABJ has lots of sessions, and you need to do a lot of walking around to look for rooms, panels and events. This can be overwhelming. Staying hydrated will help you concentrate and attend all of the workshops and sessions.”

Tip Fourteen:

Plan out your time and schedule out because there are so many sessions to attend.

“It could be useful to plan and schedule your high-priority conference sessions in advance. I discovered that it was most effective to confirm my daily workshop selection the day before, as it allowed me to plan ahead for each day.”

Tip Fifteen:

Pace yourself.

“NABJ sessions are very well-attended and you’ll want to go to many of them. But don’t forget to make time to take in the city you are in. Engage in a few sessions and remember to take breaks.”

Testimonials

“Thank you all for crafting such a wonderful experience. I learned so much and will always treasure the connections I made!”

“LOVED the experience, such a positive opportunity to meet fellow Black journalists and make lasting connections.”

“The Mary Ann Shadd Cary Fellowship has provided me with invaluable insights and opportunities that have already started benefiting my career.”

“It was a great experience! I met new contacts and felt inspired throughout the convention.”

“Just enormous gratitude for the opportunity and the wonderful organization of the fellowship.”

About the Authors: 2024 Student Fellows

Chris Harrison

Second year student, Bachelor of Journalism
Toronto Metropolitan University

Danielle Reid

2024 Bachelor of Journalism graduate
Toronto Metropolitan University

Ijeoma Ukazu

Second year student, Master of Journalism

Carleton University Fellow

Contact Us:

Next year’s NABJ Convention is in Cleveland, Ohio for its 50th anniversary! Hope to see you there. To contact the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre for Journalism and Belonging, email: [email protected].