NABJ Rolls Out the Red Carpet for the 2013 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony January 17th in Washington, DC

Simeon Booker, Sue Simmons and Cynthia Tucker Among Honorees

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) will induct six legendary journalists into its Hall of Fame, the organization’s highest honor; and present the Ida B. Wells Award, the annual honor highlighting the achievement of a media executive who has demonstrated a commitment to diversifying the nation's newsrooms and improving the coverage of people and communities of color.

“These trailblazers in the industry have endured great challenges so that black journalists today can have more freedom and professional opportunities”

The ceremony will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at the Newseum in downtown Washington, DC. Proceeds of the gala benefit NABJ scholarship and fellowship programs. The program will be hosted by Byron Pitts, 60 Minutes, CBS News, and Isha Sesay, CNN International/ Headline News.

Annually, NABJ pays homage to legendary black journalists who have made outstanding contributions to the industry.

"These trailblazers in the industry have endured great challenges so that black journalists today can have more freedom and professional opportunities,” said NABJ President Gregory H. Lee Jr. "Their accomplishments will be preserved and passed on to future generations. We’re proud to salute these worthy honorees.”

The newest members are:
Betty Winston Bayé, Longtime Columnist, The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Ky.)
Simeon Booker, First Black Reporter, The Washington Post and Washington Bureau Chief, JET Magazine
Alice Dunnigan, First Black Woman Credentialed to Cover The White House, The State Department, and Congress (posthumous)
Sue Simmons, Longtime Anchorwoman, WNBC-TV
Wendell Smith, Legendary Sportswriter, Helped Desegregate Baseball (posthumous)
Cynthia Tucker, Pulitzer-Winning Columnist, The Atlanta Journal Constitution

Additionally, Richard Prince will receive the Ida B. Wells Awards for his efforts championing diversity in journalism. For 10 years online, he has authored the popular "Journal-isms” column, which covers issues of diversity within the news industry.

Event Details:

Doors Open- 6:30 p.m.
Pre-Reception- 6:30- 8:00 p.m.
Ceremony- 8:00- 9:30 p.m.
Dessert Reception- 9:30-11:30 p.m.

NABJ Hall of Roundtable Discussion with Honorees:

NABJ cordially invites students, faculty and colleagues to a special event to meet and discuss the careers of our 2013 Hall of Fame honorees. The roundtable event is free to ALL students, faculty, and journalists.

Thursday, January 17, 2013
11:00 a.m.
Newseum – Knight Broadcast Studio (3rd Floor)
555 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20001
Register for this event here:
http://www.nabj.org/events/event_details.asp?id=284353

Media Coverage:

Media coverage is welcome for the 2013 NABJ Hall of Fame. Media credentials can be requested here: https://thenabj.wufoo.com/forms/nabj-2013-hall-of-fame-media-credential-form/

For all questions or interview requests for honorees, please contact NABJ Communications Consultant, Aprill O. Turner, [e-mail], [phone] (mobile).

An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation, and provides career development as well as educational and other support to its members worldwide. Please visit us at, www.nabj.org.