The National Newspaper Publishers Association, the nations largest group of black newspaper publishers, met in Atlanta this summer for their annual convention.
This opportunity gave some of the nations most influential African Americans the chance to chat and exchange ideas.
The Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta hosted the convention, which was full of seminars, workshops, and speakers on a host of topics.
Highlights included a breakfast honoring HBCU’s. Eight of university presidents spoke about the need for the black press and their institutions to maintain a strong partnership.
Another exciting seminar included the cast of Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. The director and actors spoke about African American theater and its connection to other black media.
Papers from all over the country competed for Merit Awards in categories such as General Excellence, Best Editorial, Best Column Writing, Community Service, and more. Top winners for the evening included The St. Louis American which was awarded the RUSS-WAUM Award Winner for Overall Excellence, and Yvonne Coleman-Back, editor and associate publisher of the Louisville Defender who won publisher of the year.
One speech in particular that was an important message to be heard was delivered by Reverend Edwin C. Sanders, II of Metropolitan Interdenominational Church, in Nashville, TENNESSEE. Sanders spoke about the importance of being open and honest in regards to the HIV epidemic in the African-American community.
The Legacy of Excellence awards was another highpoint of the week, held that Friday evening. This event gave the NNPA the chance to honor Danny J. Bakewell of the Los Angeles Sentinel and Ambassador Andrew J. Young for their work in the African American Community.
The convention ended on a high note by celebrating the NNPA’s revamped website, http://blackpressusa.com. The launch party was held at Indigo Bar and was sponsored by Chevrolet and GMC.
