Empowerment, Justice, and Prosperity Take Center Stage in Savannah
By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
SAVANNAH, GA — Black publishers, journalists, and advocates from across the nation have arrived in Savannah for one of the most anticipated gatherings in the modern history of the Black Press. Titled The Black Press: Engaging Black America — Empowerment, Justice and Prosperity, the NNPA’s 2025 Annual Convention runs from June 25–28, hosted by local icon Shirley B. James, Publisher and President of The Savannah Tribune.
This multi-day summit—held at the picturesque JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District Hotel—brings together national leaders, media pioneers, rising youth voices, and corporate allies, all focused on ensuring the Black Press remains a vital force for truth, justice, and economic power.
“This is more than a meeting—it’s a movement,” said Bobby R. Henry, Sr., NNPA Chairman and Publisher of The Westside Gazette. “We are here to reaffirm our mission, celebrate our legacy, and build a future where Black voices are heard, respected, and empowered.”
A Dynamic Schedule Centered on Impact
The convention opens Wednesday with board meetings and the much-anticipated Chairman’s Reception at the SCAD Museum of Art, featuring greetings from NNPA leaders, local elected officials, and special musical performances. Notably, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA President and CEO, and Shirley James welcomed attendees alongside Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson II, and Georgia State Rep. Edna Jackson.
Thursday’s programming launches with an inspirational Prayer Breakfast followed by a Gen Z and Gen Alpha panel focused on AI, digital ethics, and preserving Black history. Presentations throughout the day tackled key issues like Project 2025’s impact on the Black community, economic power through Black-owned banks and businesses, and harmful federal policies affecting the Black Press.
Evening celebrations included the Messenger Awards, highlighting excellence in journalism and innovation, hosted by the NNPA Fund.
Friday: Speaking Truth and Sharing Power
Friday’s focus will turn to health, technology, and legacy-building. A keynote by Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, emphasized the enduring relevance of the Black Press in confronting injustice. Panels followed on Black mental and physical health, the use of AI tools in the newsroom (led by Google News Initiative), and tobacco harm reduction.
An expected highlight of the day is the presentation of PGA Scholarships and the NNPA Newsmaker of the Year Award, bestowed on Rev. Jamal H. Bryant, who also will deliver a powerful keynote on faith, activism, and community transformation.
Members will gathered for regional meetings and the pivotal NNPA elections. The current leadership team—Bobby R. Henry, Sr. (Chairman), Dr. Toni Draper (First Vice Chair), Jackie Hampton (Second Vice Chair), and Cheryl Smith (Treasurer), all are campaigning to retain their roles, committed to forging the path ahead and grounded in the true spirit of TEAMM—Together Each Accomplishes Much More—with continued confidence in their collective vision and momentum.
This evening, the convention reaches one of its most anticipated moments as Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, delivers a powerful keynote address. He speaks on the enduring relevance of the Black Press in “speaking truth to power” and its role in mobilizing and protecting Black communities in the face of misinformation, suppression, and systemic inequities.
Morial will be honored as the 2025 recipient of the NNPA National Legacy Award during the elegant National Legacy Awards Gala Dinner. Presented by NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry, Sr. and NNPA President & CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the award celebrates Morial’s unwavering leadership in the fight for civil rights, economic justice, and Black media inclusion.
Saturday: Closing with Strategy
On Saturday, the convention will close with a Publisher Think Tank and the swearing-in of the NNPA Board, officiated by Judge Tammy Stokes of the Georgia Supreme Court—ending the week with renewed commitment and clarity of purpose.
A Platform for Progress
Throughout the week, the message was clear: The Black Press is not only surviving—it is leading. With sessions addressing media innovation, economic equity, voting rights, and storytelling integrity, the convention reaffirmed that the Black Press continues to be a trusted guardian of our communities.
“This is what Black excellence in media looks like,” said Shirley James. “And Savannah is proud to be the place where vision meets legacy.”
