Donald Trump's scheduled appearance at the Q&A session with prominent Black political journalists, as part of the esteemed 2024 National Association of Black Journalists Convention and Career Fair in Chicago, has ignited a fiery storm of controversy on social media, with esteemed Black journalists voicing their vehement disapproval.
On the auspicious opening day of July 31, the former president is poised to engage in a candid dialogue with three influential Black female political journalists, a panel moderated by Rachel Scott, ABC News' seasoned congressional correspondent; Harris Faulkner, the charismatic anchor of 'The Faulkner Focus' and co-host of 'Outnumbered' on Fox News; and Kadia Goba, a politics reporter at Semafor, renowned for her insightful reports.
This exclusive event, though closed to the general public, will be accessible to all via live streams on the NABJ's YouTube and Facebook platforms, fostering a virtual bridge between the former president and the nation's Black journalists.
While the NABJ has extended an invitation to Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, her attendance remains tentative. "We eagerly anticipate our attendees being enlightened by former President Trump's insights on the pressing issues that resonate deeply with our members and their audiences," declared NABJ President Ken Lemon in a resolute statement on the organization's website. "As a journalism body, NABJ abstains from endorsing political candidates, yet we acknowledge the gravity of our members' work and embrace the chance for them to pose probing questions that unveil truthful answers craved by Black Americans."
However, the news of Trump's participation sparked an immediate backlash on Monday evening, with prominent Black journalists and NABJ members taking to social media to lambaste the organization for granting the former president a platform. Jim Trotter, a revered sports writer for The Athletic and the NABJ's 2023 Journalist of the Year, tweeted his indignation, expressing, "The NABJ's decision to invite Trump is so misguided, it defies words. " This reaction underscores the intensity of emotions stirred by the unprecedented collaboration.
Ashley Nicole Moss, a renowned CBS Sports analyst, vented her frustrations on Twitter with a scathing critique, "Incredibly disheartening from @NABJ. This was meant to be a sanctuary for Black journalists, a haven for networking and mutual empowerment. A space where we lift each other up, reminding ourselves of our belonging. His presence in such a sacred circle is utterly unwarranted and unacceptable."
Journalist-turned-publicist Dave Jordan echoed her sentiments, bewildered by the association, tweeting, "How could @NABJ possibly engage with an individual who consistently degrades and undermines the very essence of a free press? This defies all logic and comprehension."
April Reign, the media strategist behind the groundbreaking #OscarsSoWhite movement, addressed NABJ's chair Tia Mitchell directly, lamenting, "This is how the 45th President is promoting his appearance at @NABJ this week. Was this your intention, Tia Mitchell? He's already spinning lies from afar. This will be your legacy."
Carron J. Phillips, a prominent sports writer, expressed his outrage in no uncertain terms, tweeting, "This is the most asinine and detrimental decision NABJ has ever made. Whoever green-lighted this is woefully misguided. I'll say it to their face this very week – this is a colossal blunder."
Ameshia Cross, a Democratic strategist and political commentator, couldn't help but wonder aloud, "The same Trump who has attacked Black journalists on the campaign trail, the same Trump who undermines diversity, equity, and inclusion, a man unable to overcome his own racism and sexism, who seeks to dismantle journalism as we know it – is the keynote speaker at #NABJ24 with record attendance? Come on, guys."
Jason Ingram, a seasoned sports producer and a long-standing NABJ member, lamented, "After over two decades as a part of NABJ, this is undoubtedly their worst decision yet. I am profoundly disappointed in everyone involved. This man doesn't give a damn about Black people!"
Yet, Jemele Hill, a contributing writer for The Atlantic, attempted to justify NABJ's invitation to Trump, tweeting, "As journalists, we must never shrink from confronting the likes of Trump. He's running for President, and we must treat him accordingly. Being grilled by journalists is an inherent part of the job, all the more crucial among our Black peers. Mainstream media keeps propagating the myth of his growing Black support. Let's put that to the test."
