Honoring and congratulating the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, for celebrating the organization's 50th year representing the Black media industry professionals of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists was founded in 1974, predating the National Association of Black Journalists, established following the lead of PABJ in 1975; and

WHEREAS, PABJ “monitors journalism companies in the greater Philadelphia region for instances of bias [and] racism” to ensure fair and equitable hiring and reporting practices in the local industry; and

WHEREAS, the organization holds the PABJ Awards and Scholarship Gala which honors Black Philadelphia journalists for exhibiting excellence in their field; and

WHEREAS, PABJ provides worthy journalism students in the Philadelphia area, including college, community college and high school students, with a scholarship to advance their studies and the industry; and

WHEREAS, PABJ’s Entrepreneurship Task Force “fosters collaboration, investment, training, and support among content creators and journalists-of-color” to advance the business and financial interests of the community; and

WHEREAS, PABJ holds community events such as writing workshops and community forums to discuss important issues in the Philadelphia community, and connects aspiring journalists with job opportunities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and congratulate the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, for celebrating the organization’s 50th year representing the Black media industry professionals of Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy be presented to President Ernest Owens and the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.

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