Local chapters are the beating heart of the National Association of Black Journalists. For countless members—including me—they’re where the journey starts: the first handshake, the first workshop, the first sense of belonging. But too often, our chapters are left to innovate and organize on their own. We ask them to build with little, then come for a share of their success. That’s not partnership—that’s missed opportunity.
It’s time to fix this. Because the future of NABJ depends on the energy and ingenuity flowing from every chapter, campus and community—especially from the rising generation of Black journalists determined to leave their mark.
Introducing NABJ Ventures: Investing in Our Chapters—and Our Future
That’s why I’m launching NABJ Ventures: a $250,000 annual investment fund dedicated to empowering local chapters and task forces to dream bigger, build stronger and deliver year-round impact. With NABJ Ventures, we flip the script: The national office becomes your ally, champion and seed investor.
Here’s how it works:
- $250,000 Fund: NABJ will allocate up to $25,000 in startup capital for selected chapter-led or task force events.
- Empowered Leadership: Chapters submit proposals for recurring, revenue-generating events that can net at least $50,000 in profit.
- Revenue Sharing: When you succeed, everyone wins. Profits are split between your chapter and NABJ, unlocking fresh resources for your local work.
- Real Support: Chapters get more than just a check. You’ll have direct access to NABJ’s executive director plus our new Chief Technology Officer, CFO and Director of Philanthropic Partnerships—to help secure sponsors, streamline logistics and maximize impact.
- Year-Round Value: Not everyone can make it to the national convention—but every member deserves premium professional development, networking and opportunities to shine all year long and close to home.
Why This Matters
For too long, the value of NABJ membership has peaked around one annual convention. That’s not enough—especially for young journalists and freelancers who can’t afford the trip or the time away. Imagine if, instead, you could hit a media innovation summit in Atlanta, an audio boot camp in Detroit or a creator economy meetup in Oakland, hosted by your local chapter and powered by national support.
With NABJ Ventures, we transform local chapters into creative engines—spaces where new leaders emerge and bold ideas take shape. We foster true collaboration and knowledge-sharing instead of top-down mandates. We restore trust.
Building Toward a Bigger Vision
But this is just the start. As NABJ Ventures grows, it becomes a launch pad for an even greater mission: building an NABJ investment fund, fueling Black-owned media companies and next-generation innovators. Not just covering the story—writing the future. With our leadership team gaining hands-on experience in venture-building and partnerships, we’re laying the groundwork for NABJ to drive Black economic power across tech, media and philanthropy.
I believe in our chapters. I believe in your ideas and your hustle. Together, we can make NABJ not just an historic institution but a future-ready force—one that defines what’s possible for Black journalism, Black storytelling and Black futures.
Let’s invest in ourselves. Let’s build. Let’s win.