Indiana University School of Journalism

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Photo by Thomas Miller

NABJ kicked off fall semester with a meeting to plan fundraising and other events in the coming year. From left are Ashlee Green, India Jackson and Joy Msiska.

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At their call out meeting Tuesday, members of the IU chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists discussed plans for fundraising, collaboration with other campus groups, and celebrating chapter president India Jackson’s 21st birthday.

It’s not unusual for campus groups to socialize outside of club activities, but for the members of NABJ, it’s more than just a birthday party. It’s a family affair.

“When it comes to minority communities in general, they are very close knit and family-like,” said senior Ashlee Green said. NABJ offers students an environment to form connections with students who share similar backgrounds and struggles, she said. The group’s close-knit nature leads to frequent social activities outside the club.

“I think it’s really important and it’s why members keep coming back consistently,” she said.

The National Association for Black Journalists is a nationwide organization founded in 1975 that aims to help strengthen ties between black journalists and promote diversity. IU’s NABJ chapter organized three years ago, and last February the group was granted chapter status in the national organization.

Green guided those efforts with support from School of Journalism faculty and staff, such as Career Services Director Marcia Debnam, who has been helping the club since its formation three years ago. Debnam spoke at the meeting and encouraged students to work toward internships and opportunities in student media.

“NABJ provides an unique opportunity for students who join to combine individual interests and resources,” Debnam said of the group’s cohesive nature. “It gives students an opportunity to see people like themselves in professional positions.”

Photo by Thomas Miller

Junior Jory Stewart fills out his contact information at the start of the NABJ call out meeting. Stewart is a member of the NABJ executive board.

Although Green helped get the club off the ground, this year junior India Jackson will be leading NABJ. Jackson said the group hopes to collaborate with different organization on campus, and already has partnered with the IU chapter of Society of Professional Journalists to stage First Amendment Free Food Festivals. The chapter also wants to send more students to the NABJ national conference and raise funds for the organization.

Jackson said membership in the NABJ also is a resource in a highly competitive job market.

“We don’t have to worry about the outside as much if we take advantage of the networking that’s available to us in NABJ,” Jackson said. “It’s easier to get your foot in the door.”

Jackson and Green’s hard work is what attracted new members like Stephanie Hart, a sophomore who just transferred to IU this semester. Hart said NABJ is a great resource to journalism students, one that made her feel welcome to IU and the School of Journalism.

With all the possibilities in the future, Green reflected on how the club has grown.

“I’m leaving December,” she said. “It’s going to be very bittersweet.”

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