July 30th 2024.
Former President Donald Trump has been announced as a guest speaker at the upcoming National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Chicago on July 31st. Despite the news being revealed by his campaign on July 29th, the announcement has already received backlash from opposing journalists.
The Q&A session with Trump, which will take place on the opening day of the convention, will be moderated by three Black women journalists: Rachel Scott from ABC News, Harris Faulkner from The Faulkner Focus, and Kadia Goba from Semafor. The questions will focus on issues important to the Black community, in line with the NABJ's mission. However, the invitation has sparked controversy, with some calling it irresponsible and "extremely disappointing."
Ashley Nicole Moss, an analyst at CBS Sports, expressed her disappointment on Twitter, stating that Trump's attendance undermines the convention's purpose of uplifting Black journalists. She emphasized that the convention is supposed to be a safe space for Black journalists to connect and uplift each other, and Trump has no business being there.
This is not the first time Trump has shown disrespect towards Black female reporters. In 2018, he referred to CNN's Abby Phillip as "stupid" and called White House Correspondent April Ryan a "loser." His history of insulting the press, particularly African Americans and other minorities, has not gone unnoticed by journalists.
Dave Jordan, a former journalist who now works in publicity, criticized the NABJ for including Trump despite his attacks on the press. He questioned why the organization would engage with someone who repeatedly vilifies and debases the free press.
Despite winning the NABJ's Journalist of the Year award in 2023, Jim Trotter called the decision to invite Trump a "poor decision." He was not alone in his criticism, as filmmaker Morgan Elise Johnson pointed out that none of the moderators represent Black media platforms.
In response to the backlash, NABJ President Ken Lemon clarified that the organization is nonpartisan and welcomes the opportunity for members to ask tough questions on behalf of the Black community. He stated that while NABJ does not endorse political candidates, they understand the serious work of their members and the importance of providing truthful answers to the Black community.
Sports writer Jemele Hill encouraged journalists to be fearless in their questioning of Trump, as he is running for president and needs to be treated as such. She also highlighted the significance of Black journalists being able to question him, especially given the mainstream media's portrayal of his support among Black people.
ABC7 reported that Vice President and assumed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has also received an invitation to the convention, although she has not confirmed her appearance. It is a customary practice for the NABJ to invite presidential candidates, and while only registered attendees can see Trump's session in person, the event will be live-streamed on NABJ's YouTube and Facebook pages for all to see.
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