Indiana University School of Journalism

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Photo by Rosemary Pennington

NABJ member and sophomore Ashlee Green is trying to establish a student chapter.

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A group of IU students are hoping to add their own chapter to the National Association of Black Journalists’ 25 student chapters around the country.

“I hope this opens opportunities up to interested students to become more involved in the journalism community,” said sophomore Ashlee Green, IU’s NABJ liaison. “I hope it encourages students to become more participatory in organizations like the IDS or IUSTV.”

Green and others organized an informational meeting Monday afternoon in the Ernie Pyle Lounge that attracted 16 interested students.

As part of its mission, NABJ is committed to strengthening the ties between black journalists, ensuring fairness in the workplace and increasing the number of African Americans in news management positions. Green said she hopes having a NABJ chapter at the School of Journalism will help bring black students to IU.

“I’d like to build up a mentorship program with high school students,” said Green, who is already a member of NABJ. “Hopefully, that would help with recruitment, bring more black students to the school.”

Photo by Rosemary Pennington

Sophomore Courtney Beaman thinks an NABJ chapter could "draw people here."

Sophomore Courtney Beaman said she thinks a chapter could very well do that.

“People want to go somewhere they feel comfortable,” she said. “Seeing something like this in place could draw people here.”

The School of Journalism supports the effort. Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies Bonnie Brownlee has agreed to be the NABJ adviser.

“I’m really interested to hear what you have in mind,” she told the students. “The school is behind you. We’re ready to help you bring your ideas into fruition.”

Photo by Rosemary Pennington

Sophomore Ashlee Green said the NABJ interest group will meet every Monday at 5 p.m.

In addition to increasing the number of black students in the School of Journalism, Green said she hopes NABJ will give students insight into the profession.

“I think this could create some networking opportunities for students to further their careers,” Green said. “I’d really like to setup a relationship with professionals. That’s really helped me learn about the business.”

Students had questions. Some wanted to know the purpose of the $40 registration fee while others wondered about the networking opportunities. One student asked about what kinds of programming the chapter would support.

“The Indianapolis professional chapter is very willing and interested in doing programs with you guys,” said Career Services Director Marcia Debnam, an NABJ member. “People at the Star and some of the other outlets have said they’d be interested in working with you once you’re up and running.”

This all hinges on the IU chapter becoming a reality. Right now, it’s considered an interest group. In order to become an official NABJ chapter, students must come up with an action plan as well as a letter of recommendation from Regional Director Leisa Richardson at the Indianapolis Star.

Green said much of the paperwork is in place. She hopes the chapter will become official sometime in April. In the meantime, the NABJ interest group plans to meet every Monday at 5 p.m.

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