WHEREAS, Founded in 1974, the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ) is the nation’s first and oldest professional association of Journalists-of-Color; and
WHEREAS, Prior to 1974, Black journalists began to organize themselves to discuss the conditions Black employees faced while working at white newspapers, television stations, and radio stations; and
WHEREAS, Having recognized the lack of minority representation in the media world, a coalition of journalists, writers, editors, and more began to meet with editors of Philadelphia newspapers with a focus on increasing the number of minority hires; and
WHEREAS, The coalition of journalists announced the formation of the Association of Black Journalists (ABJ) with a press release on October 31st, 1974 and gained 50 members in its first year; and
WHEREAS, After two years, the Association of Black Journalists began to organize outside of Philadelphia, leading to the founding of the National Association of Black Journalists in Washington, DC in 1975; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 50 years, PABJ has been a trailblazing organization dedicated to encouraging the Black community to engage with and join the ranks of media professions in order to provide more balanced coverage of Black experiences and culture; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its history, the PABJ has tackled a plethora of issues affecting diversity and inclusion in media, from working with Temple University to increase the number of Black students in their media programs to advocating for greater representation of female journalists and media professionals; and
WHEREAS, The PABJ has long held a commitment to community development and outreach. It has consistently given a platform to Black media professionals and advocates for equity in media through public campaign and relationships with Philadelphia’s most influential media outlets; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ) for its 50th anniversary and ongoing commitment to serving Black journalists, increasing the number of Black media professionals in the Philadelphia area, and combating racism in the media.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, to show the commitment of this legislative body to honoring groups advocating for equal representation.
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