By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
In a letter to publishers, Vice President Harris asserted that the NNPA has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting Black publishers. “Your work helps ensure that communities gain critical knowledge and have access to accurate information on the pertinent issues impacting our country,” Harris asserted. “As you know, the freedom of the press is essential to our democracy. I commend the efforts of the NNPA as you continue to be trusted voices of your communities and tell stories that too often go untold.”
The 2024 convention began with the unveiling the “Marylanders Cry Freedom, Civil Rights at Home and Abroad” at Baltimore City Hall, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of Maryland’s divestment from South Africa’s apartheid regime in 1984.
The unveiling featured remarks from Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Democratic Maryland Rep. Kweisi Mfume, Dr. Chavis, Henry, AFRO Publisher Dr. Toni Draper, and other dignitaries. Distinguished guests included U.S. Black Chambers President Ron Busby and Dr. Camille Ragin of Fox Chase Cancer Center.
During the NNPA Fund’s Merit Awards, Baltimore Times Publisher Joy Bramble was honored as Publisher of the Year. The St. Louis American led with twelve awards, including first place in the Armstrong Ellington Entertainment category and the Robert L. Vann Layout & Design Award. Real Times Media publications, the Michigan Chronicle, and the New Pittsburgh Courier collectively garnered eight awards. The Michigan Chronicle won five awards, while the New Pittsburgh Courier earned three.
The Atlanta Voice received six awards for journalistic excellence, including the Emory O. Jackson Award for health coverage and the Ada S. Franklin Award for fashion. The Sacramento Observer, whose publisher Larry Lee won the 2023 Publisher of the Year award, also secured six awards. Other recognized publications included The Washington Informer, Texas Metro News, Houston Forward Times, Houston Defender, Insight News, Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder, Los Angeles Sentinel, New York Amsterdam News, and Seattle Medium.
The NNPA’s daily digital show, “Let It Be Known,” was celebrated with the Black Press of America’s “Black Excellence in Media” award. The NNPA National Legacy Awards, always among the convention highlights, honored Maryland Democratic U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume. Erica P. Loewe, a White House Office of Public Engagement assistant to the president and chief of staff, and photographer Mel D. Cole received the inaugural “Future Goes Viral” award from Let It Be Known under the direction of Greer Marshall for their bravery and unwavering resolve during and after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Philadelphia Tribune Publisher Robert Bogle receives the NNPA’s Let It Be Known Future Goes Viral Award at the 2024 NNPA Summer Convention in Baltimore/Mark Mahoney, Dream In Color
The conference formally closed with a dinner cruise that Regi Taylor of the Baltimore Times presented, titled “From Shackles to Ownership: A Reflection of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.”
“Gratitude is owed to our sponsors, speakers, awardees, and organizers for their unwavering support in making this event possible,” Henry stated. “Together, let’s harness this moment to inspire, learn, and collaborate, shaping a brighter future for all through the NNPA and its Black-owned media companies.”