Byline

August 2010

The
Newsletter for
the Atlanta Association
of Black JournalistS aabj.org

AABJ announces
San Diego lived up to hype; 2010-’11 Xernona
now eyes set on Philly Clayton Brady
Scholarship winners
By Markysha Cannon
AABJSC

Each year, students from

around the metro Atlanta area
apply for the Atlanta Association
of Black Journalists (AABJ)
scholarship fund. With the
help from local and corporate
sponsors, $10,000 is distributed
to three commendable students
in the area for the upcoming
school year.
The 2010-2011 AABJ Xernona
Clayton Brady Scholarship
winners are: Iesha Little who
was awarded $2,000, Brittany
Hampton who was awarded
$3,000, and Amber Street who
Brittany Cummings

was awarded $5,000.

“The deserving students can
use the scholarship funds for
any assistance,” said Candice
AABJ member Brittany Cummings snags a photo with journalists Michael Wilbon (left) and Mitchell, AABJ’s scholarship
J. A. Adande during the National Association of Black Journalists convention in San Diego. chairperson. ”The funds are
deposited into their accounts
and they can add it towards their
AABJ member shares previous years told me that it was a tuition, fees, and/or books.”
wonderful experience and they go For more than 18 years, AABJ
thoughts of first every year. Could the convention re- has been awarding students who
convention ally live up to all the hype?
The first night of the convention
are in pursuit of a journalism/
mass communications degrees
By Brittany Cummings was filled with incredible journalists, at a metro Atlanta college or
AABJ fancy drinks, historical landmarks university with the opportunity
and of course, a few virtual reality to receive financial assistance

E
ntertaining, exhausting,
educational, exhilarating—
NABJ Convention 2010. As
a first time convention goer, I was
excited and had high expectations
for the event. All of my friends and
colleagues who had attended in
rides. The convention’s welcome through the Xernona Clayton
reception took place on the USS Brady Scholarship Fund.
“Student development is a
Continued on page 3 very important part of AABJ,
that’s part of who we are molding
More AABJ members’ photos from the
convention in San Diego. Page 3 Continued on page 6
 The Byline August 2010

Editor-In-Chief
Amber Street From the Editor
Contributing writers
Ashleigh Atwell
Markysha Cannon
Jam-packed edition explores what
Deja Cromartie
Brittany Cummings
Kathryn Whitbourne
has been and what’s to come
Designer Summer seems to be coming to an end with students
Richard Watkins
heading back to school and summer vacations that have
Adviser come and gone. The days are long and hot, however, the heat
Rashida Rawls waves haven’t slowed down members of AABJ. In this issue,
AABJ Vice President of Print
we will be exploring the 2010 NABJ Convention through
the eyes of a first time goer. We are taking a look forward
and discovering what is in store for the AABJ Student
Consortium this upcoming year. These things, along with so
much more are packed in this edition.
Although August has been filled with joys, AABJ is deeply sadden to
announce the lost of a memorable and inspiring journalist and member:
Andy Artis. Artis, a true fighter and a caring individual, was an endearing
man who anyone would have been fortunate to know.

Editor,
Amber Street
The Byline is a quarterly newsletter for the
Vice President of Atlanta Association of Black Journalists Student
Atlanta Association of Black Journalists. Consortium
For information, please visit www.aabj.com, email
at byline@aabj.com or write to The Byline, c/o
AABJ, P.O. Box 54128, Atlanta, GA 30308

First Impressions

New AABJSC member eager, excited to get involved

By Ashleigh Atwell
AABJSC
I had the opportunity to
interview Tonishia Wimbush for
this month’s First Impressions.
A senior at Georgia College and
State University, Tonishia joined
the Atlanta Association of Black
Journalists (AABJ) over the
summer after her mother sent her
an email that piqued her interest.
Although she hasn’t attended any
events yet, the telecommunications
major is looking forward to getting
involved this year and eagerly
anticipates next year’s National
Association of Black Journalist
(NABJ) convention--
What are your career goals?
2 “My career goals are to work
within the sports
industry and to
one day produce
my own sports
documentaries.”
How did you
hear about AABJ?
What was your
first experience with AABJ?
“I got an email from my mom,
who is a part of Black Professionals
at Turner, about an open meeting.
My first experience was very
refreshing. I met new people, traded
phone numbers and added new
Facebook friends. I learned about
the latest NABJ annual convention
and was immediately inspired and
excited to join the family. Plus, I’ve
already made plans for the 2011
convention. I will not miss it!”
When did you join AABJ?
“I joined at the last meeting in
July.”
Why did you join AABJ?
“I joined AABJ because I wanted
to strive to get involved in my field
as much as possible. After meeting
the people of the organization
and hearing about the things that
they cared about, through the type
of events held at the San Diego
Convention, there was no question
as to whether I would join.”
How do you plan to
get involved with AABJ?
(Committees, volunteering,
Byline, etc.)
“I would like to get involved
Continued on page 6
 Newsletter for the Atlanta Association of Black JournalistS | www.aabj.org

My First NABJ Convention — San Diego 2010

Cummings is all smiles as she takes a

photo with Dr. Oz following the opening
plenary session at NABJ.

JaQuitta Williams sings an impromptu song at the Gospel Brunch on Saturday morning.

Continued from page 1 much experience. It was a spirited

debate which only underscored
Midway Aircraft Carrier, right along the fact that digital journalism,
the edge of one of San Diego’s many use of multimedia, and social
beautiful harbors. The night started networking are all very present in

Photos by Brittany Cummings

outside with an introduction by stars
of the show The Game, followed by
some mixing and mingling. Inside
the Midway Museum, several flight
simulators were available to give
guests the experience of flying a
military airplane. That was really my
favorite part, especially since San
Diego weather is a little colder than
I’m used to.
The convention this year offered
many workshops designed to get
journalists acclimated to the new
world of digital journalism. One
of the workshops I attended was
actually about the sometimes
tense division between veteran
journalists, who often lack digital
and multimedia skills, and rising
journalists, whose digital skills can
often cause them to advance more
quickly without necessarily having
the journalism industry today.
Despite the many great
workshops, NABJ Convention
was not all work and no play.
Following the workshops each day
were many fabulous receptions,
some great parties, and even a few
celebrity appearances. Thursday
night was the night that everyone
was waiting for because it was time
for the annual Sports Task Force
fundraiser party. Every year this is
the most anticipated event and by
all accounts the most fun. There
were a lot of sports journalists,
many from ESPN, and a few
basketball players in attendance. I
had a great time, and it was a great
way to end the first full day of the
convention.
On Friday, I attended a reception
featuring the very handsome Boris
Cummings poses in front of the entry way
to the Salute to Excellence Awards Gala.
Kodjoe and on Saturday attended
the Gospel Brunch, headlined by
Cece Winans. Throughout the
week, I spent the little free time I
had exploring the city and taking in
downtown San Diego.
This year’s convention was a
great mix of education, networking,
entertainment, and fun. I am
so glad I went and I am already
planning for next year’s convention
in Philadelphia!

3
 The Byline August 2010

NABJ Convention — San Diego 2010

Representing ATL to the fullest

AABJ members came out in numbers to show their support for the annual convention from helping with
planning to serving on the multimedia student projects. Atlantans enjoyed the workshops, job fair and taking in
the sights of San Diego – despite the unusually chilly weather! Below are just a few of the snapshots of where and
what we were doing while representing in sunny Cali.

AABJers celebrate yet another win for “In Contact,” our chapter’s award-winning public affairs program, during the NABJ Salute to
Excellence Gala.

Vice President of Print Rashida Rawls

is surrounded by friends Michael Grant
(left) and Stanley Donaldson at the Sports
Journalism Task Force’s fundraiser party at
Stingaree. It is true that this year’s conference was shortened by one day, but we still managed to
4 get actor Boris Kodjoe (center) to appear!
 Newsletter for the Atlanta Association of Black JournalistS | www.aabj.org

VP-Print Rawls,Vice President of Broadcast Craig Bell, AABJ President Tenisha Abernathy and Cummings are all smiles during the
opening reception Wednesday, July 28 aboard the USS Midway.

NABJers were treated to an inside look of

the museum and were greeted by celebri-
ties and political officials from San Diego.

We can’t leave without inspiration. CeCe Winans gives us just that through song at the
Gospel Brunch on Saturday, July 31.

5
 The Byline
Looking Forward
A message from the AABJSC President
This month the Byline staff
reached out to the newly elected
Atlanta Association of Black
Journalists Student
Consortium
President, Deja
Cromartie. She
was delighted to
share her goals
and expectations
of AABJSC for the
upcoming year.
I’m looking forward to a
productive year for the student
chapter. Some of my goals are to
improve programming, increase
membership and presence on
surrounding school campuses.
AABJSC will continue to be
successful because of two actions:
planning and execution.  organization must give back.
I want every student to know
what AABJSC offers. I would
First Impressions
Continued from page 2
with AABJ by joining one of the
committees and volunteering.”
What would you like to see
AABJ do for the 2010-2011
year? (Events, etc.)
“A workshop targeting high
school, and maybe, middle school
students. They are very internet
savvy today, and they have to do
lots of writing anyway. I loved
to write in middle school and I
had teachers that swore up and
down that there was no way
that I understood how to use
quotes, commas, etc. at 12 years
old. I didn’t know much about
journalism back then, but it
would’ve helped to have known
where writing or creating videos or
even telling stories could take me.”
6 professors, mentors, or professional
August 2010
like for the programming to be
interactive and for the students to
gain something from each event.  is mentioned, AABJSC should be
I want AABJSC to be known for
hosting key events, such as the
sports journalism event. It was very
successful and brought out not only
students, but people from all over
the Atlanta area. I want our events
to always attract attention from the
media.
The programming will continue
to reflect the current media trends
and the interests of students. I plan
to specifically focus on workshops
so that students can have the
opportunity to practice skills
necessary to being successful in this
field. Community service also will
be incorporated into programming
this year. Every successful
By improving programming
there should be an increase
Xernona Clayton Brady Scholarship winners
Continued from page 1
and mentoring future journalists,
because at one point we all were
young eager journalists,” Mitchell
said.
Application requirements state
that qualifying students must be
a member of AABJ. They must
be a rising freshman, sophomore
or junior attending an accredited
college or university in the metro
Atlanta area. Applicants are
required to have a cumulative GPA
of 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale) and previous
experience in community/ student
media.
The students must prepare a
300-500 word essay that answers
a particular question, which
changes each year. The essay
must be submitted with two
letters of recommendation (from
in membership. Every time
“student journalism in Atlanta”
associated.  AABJSC has to be a
resource for students. Students
need to realize how valuable this
organization can be for those
interested in a journalism career.
Most of the students that attend
AABJSC meetings are from two
main areas: the AUC and Georgia
State University, but the chapter
caters to all students in the
metropolitan area. I would like to
raise awareness to the other schools
in Atlanta. We have to take the
grass roots approach to achieve this.
We have to go to the other schools
and talk to the students and find
out the best method of getting them
involved.
Deja Cromartie
AABJSC President
journalists), and an official college
transcript. Applicants must also
submit 2-5 work samples.
“Its very important to keep this
fund going,” Mitchell said, “It’s a
commitment that AABJ has to the
community. Funds are given to the
organization specifically for the
Xernona Clayton Brady Fund.”
“We are more than happy to help
future journalists around the metro
area,” Mitchell added.
The winners of the scholarship
will be recognized during the Spring
2011 Atlanta Association of Black
Journalists Awards Banquet.
Application submissions will
open up again next spring for the
2011-2012 school year. Students can
find more information by visiting
www.aabj.org.
 Newsletter for the Atlanta Association of Black JournalistS | www.aabj.org
Remembering Andy Artis —
Journalist, Photographer and friend
The Atlanta
Association of
Black Journalists
has recently lost
a member in his
long battle against
cancer. Andy Artis,
51, contributed to the
Artis world of journalism as
an senior assignment
editor for Channel
2 Action News. Beginning as a
photographer for WSB, Artis’s
hard-work, empowering spirit and
love of helping others carried him to
success and inspired many others.
Artis was a man whose impact
resonated through family, friends,
and co-workers alike.
“I worked with Andy Artis
for 23 years here at WSB. Our
children were born around
the same time. Andy was hard
working and passionate about
being a photographer and later an
assignment editor. When he was
Atlanta Voice seeks freelancers, photographers
By Kathryn Whitbourne
AABJ
Freelance writers and
photographers are urgently
needed by The Atlanta Voice.
Speaking before a packed room
at the Mechanicsville Library, in
downtown Atlanta on Wednesday
August 11, the paper’s new executive
editor, Gregory J. Huskisson, said he
was actively looking for additional
help. “My biggest challenge is ‘who
can I call right now?’” he said.
The paper is looking for
reporters to cover news, sports,
health, politics, business,
education, religion and the arts &
entertainment. Correspondents
are needed for daytime, evenings,
diagnosed with cancer, I learned
something else about Andy, he was
a fighter. He continued to come to
work, he learned all he could about
his disease and he tried to help
others who had been diagnosed
with pancreatic cancer. Here at
work, Andy never dwelled on his
cancer, and as the years passed, he
helped us learn how to live with it
too. I will never, ever forget him.
His faith and strength were
amazing, his life, a testimony to
God’s grace and mercy.”
Dorthey Daniels, Local Programming
Producer, WSB TV
His faith and strength were amazing, his life, a
testimony to God’s grace and mercy.”
Dorthey Daniels, Local Programming Producer, WSB TV
weekdays and weekends. The pay
rate for front page pieces is $100
and $75 for inside articles. For
investigative series and special
assignments, the price is negotiable.
The rate for photos is $25, with
negotiable rates for special photos.
Huskisson said he is also open to
pitches. His criteria for selecting an
idea is whether the story (a) makes
a positive difference in the lives
of black Atlantans; (b) reflects the
voice and face of black Atlanta; (c) is
educational, entertaining, engaging,
enriching and empowering and
(d) provides a context that helps
explains what news is, how it affects
black Atlantans and why readers
should care. Recent articles include
the dual SCLC conventions, the
“Andy was a professional that just
made you smile at the ease he went
about his work. I knew Andy during
his time at WSB-TV. He was one
the first photographers in Atlanta
to shoot, edit, and tech his own live
shot. That only made Andy more
capable to make the transition to the
assignment desk. When he asked us
[photographers] to do something,
we knew he had our backs. Andy
was a kind soul. A great mentor.
When you were around him, you felt
his love for life. He will be missed,
not just by his co-workers, but all he
came in-touch with.”
Tony Light, WSB TV
Atlanta Public Schools cheating
scandals, and the Bronner hair show.
Prospective freelancers can
contact the paper at freelancers@
theatlantavoice.com. They should
include their resume, 250-word
bio, three to five work samples,
plus areas of interest and available
times for covering assignments or
possible pitches. They can request
a W-9 and a freelance agreement
from The Atlanta Voice.
Founded in 1966, The Atlanta
Voice is the leading newspaper
serving the African-American
community in Atlanta, with
a circulation of 40,000. It is
distributed weekly. Huskisson
appealed to his audience to
subscribe. 7
 The Byline August 2010

Announcements
Calendar for the year

Morehouse college needs adjunct professors Saturday, August 28 — Student

Morehouse needs adjunct
professors for this school year.
With almost no exceptions,
Morehouse requires that adjuncts
for journalism courses have a
masters in journalism. A masters
NABJ / AABJ members invited to UGA reception
You are invited to UGA’s inaugural
program, “Welcome Reception and
Resources Event” on Wednesday,
August 25, 2010. The location is on
the UGA campus in Room 348 of
the Zell Miller Learning Center. The
purpose of the event is to inform
and introduce students to AABJ
industry professionals and provide
Meet the new board of NAHJ on Thursday
The Atlanta chapter of NAHJ
(National Association of Hispanic
Journalists) has a new board
of directors. Please attend their
meet & greet as we continue to
foster relationships will all minority
in Mass Communications might
also be acceptable. Please send
resume to Ron Thomas, Director
of Journalism and Sports Program
rthomas@morehouse.edu or 404-
681-5529.
networking opportunities.
The goal is to increase membership
by welcoming and recruiting new
and returning students to the UGA
Student Chapter of NABJ.
Moreover, the intention is to
highlight the benefits and explain
the importance of supporting
NABJ-beyond the Arch.
journalists in the Atlanta area:
Thursday, August 26th 6pm - 9pm
Uncle Julio’s Casa Grande
Restaurant
1860 Peachtree Road N.W.
Atlanta, GA
Chapter retreat.
Saturday, September 11
(WSB-TV 11:30a.m.) — General
body meeting
Tuesday, October 12 (Georgia
Power 6:30p.m.) — Social
Media Session
October — Unity Mixer / date
TBD
Saturday, November 13 (WSB-
TV 11:30a.m.) — Financial
Workshop
November — Community
service event / date TBD
Tuesday, December 14
(Georgia Power 6:30p.m.) —
How to get the media to pay
attention
December — Kwanzaa event /
date TBD
New AABJ members in July

Markysha Cannon
Chapter Meeting Schedule Danielle Everson
Tonishia Wimbish
Upcoming AABJ meetings Kelly Johnson

The Atlanta Association of Black Journalists holds its regular monthly

meetings the second Tuesday or Saturday of every month. The Tuesday
meetings are normally held at the Georgia Power building, located at 241
Ralph McGill Blvd. N.E., Atlanta.The Saturday meetings are normally
held at at WSB-TV Channel 2, 1601 West Peachtree Street N.E., Atlanta.
Refreshments will be served.

2010 schedule of AABJ general membership meetings:

Tuesdays, 6:30p.m. - 8:00p.m. Saturdays, 11:30a.m. - 1:30p.m.

Georgia Power Building - WSB-TV (Community Room)

Auditorium
241 Ralph McGill Blvd. 1601 W. Peachtree Street
N.E.,
Atlanta.

 N.E.,
Atlanta.

Oct. 12 Sept. 11

Dec. 14 Nov. 13

Follow AABJ on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=32993926625&ref=ts

and Twitter at: http://twitter.com/aabjorg
8