Former President Bill Clinton to Speak At NABJ Convention in Atlanta

Former President Bill Clinton to Speak At NABJ Convention in Atlanta

WASHINGTON, July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Former President Bill Clinton will deliver the keynote address at the National Association of Black Journalists' 30th Anniversary Convention and Career Fair in Atlanta, NABJ President Herbert Lowe announced today.

"President Clinton is no stranger to NABJ and we are pleased that this very accomplished world leader will visit with us to share his perspective on the important issues that we as journalists are covering in our towns, cities and states every day," said Lowe, a reporter at Newsday in New York.

In 1992, Clinton became the first major U.S. presidential candidate to speak to the nation's largest organization for journalists of color when he spoke at its convention in Detroit. Five years later, in Chicago, he kept his promise and became the first sitting U.S. President to address the association.

Last summer in Washington, President George W. Bush and U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), and then-U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed thousands of NABJ members and other journalists of color at the Unity 2004 convention.

Held this year at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, NABJ's convention is expected to draw more than 3,000 attendees and is the largest annual professional gathering devoted to black journalists.

Another program highlight: Bishop T.D. Jakes, one of America's most influential ministers, is expected to speak during a plenary session, "Mega Churches: The Power, Influence and Impact."

This year's convention theme is "Telling Our Story" and reflects NABJ's yearlong celebration of the passion, pride, purpose and power of black journalists over the last three decades.

As part of its anniversary celebration, NABJ will honor the 44 brave men and women who founded it in 1975 and the 15 men and women elected to serve as association president. Also, the 30 most influential moments impacting black journalists since 1975 will be spotlighted at this year's convention and career fair.

The convention will also feature the nation's largest journalism career fair along with specialized workshops, plenary sessions with other national figures, professional development breakfasts targeted to various journalism disciplines, a Hall of Fame awards banquet, a gospel brunch, media receptions, an exhibit area and so much more for seasoned, up-and-coming and future journalists.

For more information about the convention, visit http://www.nabj.org/ or call (301) 445-7100.

Source: National Association of Black Journalists

CONTACT: Lisa Goodnight of National Association of Black Journalists, +1-301-445-7100 ext. 107, lisa@nabj.org

Web site: http://www.nabj.org/

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