The Baltimore Association Of Black Journalists To Host Multimedia Bootcamp This Month

The Baltimore Association Of Black Journalists To Host Multimedia Bootcamp This Month


On Nov. 10, the Baltimore Association of Black Journalists will host a multimedia bootcamp for aspiring journalists and media personalities.

The event will take place at Morgan State University’s School of Global Journalism and Communication from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is open to all nearby college students. There will be three 90-minute workshops—photography/videography, digital content creation, on-air presentation—and a panel discussion featuring some of local journalism’s greatest voices.

Writing is not the same across all platforms. What is written for print is most likely not what a reporter would repeat during broadcast. That is why the BABJ is hosting an interactive storytelling workshop, which is designed to help students develop their writing skills as journalists through hands-on exercises.

The photography/videography workshop is designed to teach students how to use photographs and videos to enhance their storytelling, a key component of news reporting. At the workshop, students will learn to be versatile and adapt to different mediums by using digital cameras and smartphones for photography. For the videography portion, they will learn the essentials of creating a news package, including how to record b-roll and shoot videos from various angles.

In an age when everyone has has information available at their fingertips, people sometimes fail to differentiate between what’s real and what is not. The BABJ digital workshop will show students how to identify news and utilize social media to gather reliable information. It will also instruct participants on how to use social media for audience outreach. 

Being a broadcast reporter requires a specific level of energy and cadence. The last workshop is a hands-on experience, where students will be taught how to showcase their personality on the small screen, learning the best practices to have on-air presence and how to build a demo reel for applications. 

The panel discussion called “Stay Ready, So You Don’t Have to Get Ready,” in which local journalists will share their expertise and experiences in the field. Emmy-award winning reporter Stephon Dingle will moderate; WJZ Executive Producer Nicole Webb-McKnight will be featured as a panelist.  

Students can register for the event here.

RELATED CONTENT: Study Shows Black Americans Want Fairer And Diverse News Coverage

Roaring To Victory: Jackson State Tigers Take Home Hackathon Top Prize

Roaring To Victory: Jackson State Tigers Take Home Hackathon Top Prize

Gift cards were also awarded to students who showed off their Hackathon experience of learning, collaboration and fun on social media, including winners from Spelman, Grambling State University, Rust College and Florida A&M University


The roar of the Jackson State University (JSU) Tigers could be heard loudly and proudly in Fort Worth, Texas, on Nov. 5 as JSU’s team TICODE took home the top prize—including 100,000 American Air (AA) Advantage miles—at the BLACK ENTERPRISE 8th Annual BE Smart Hackathon, hosted by American Airlines.

A platform for students to showcase their technical skills and to be recruited for internships and full-time job opportunities at American Airlines in emerging tech, the BE Smart Hackathon brought together its largest gathering to date: 180 students selected to form 34 teams from 25 of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). During the 24-hour hack, American Airlines provided technical staff to mentor each team and guide them in preparing and delivering their presentations to the judging panel of American Airlines execs.

TICODE made a big comeback, competing last year but not placing within the top five finalists. This year, TICODE competed with returning team members Devin Brown, Khadari Johnson, and Khaylah Rose, joined by first-timers Brandon Newton and Mahlangu Nzunda. All are either junior or senior computer science or computer engineering majors who cited cohesive teamwork as a factor in their win, plus confidence in their coding abilities to create a real-world application called SOAR.

SOAR is a travel assistant app that would streamline the airport experience “from check-in to post-flight assistance, reducing queues, offering clarity and providing crucial support during unexpected circumstances,” according to TICODE’s presentation. In essence, customers should literally be able to “soar” with ease and convenience through their travel experience.

Rose, a JSU junior from Hollywood, Florida, says winning this year’s Hackathon puts her a major step closer to her career as a computer engineer.

“In a field that constantly changes, winning shows how flexible I can be when it comes to technology and innovation,” said Rose.

“This competition has literally challenged me on all aspects of the tech industry: from business to technology to creativity, winning has motivated me to learn exponentially.”

Second place this year went to Florida Memorial & Friends. This combined team included students from Hackathon newcomers Florida Memorial University of Miami Gardens, as well as one student each from Spelman College and Norfolk State University. They were awarded 75,000 AA Advantage miles each for their app, AASharp.

Coming in third place was the Sky Bison from Howard University, with their app Quickbook. They were awarded 50,000 AA Advantage miles and always kept the room’s energy high with their infamous “H-U” school chant.

Additionally, Southern University’s “The Coders” were selected as the Judge’s Choice. Their team, along with Morgan State University’s HaxLab, rounded out the top five finalists who presented a three-minute pitch before judges and the crowd of hundreds of HBCU students, tech leaders, and Black Enterprise staff. The judge’s pick for “Best Technical Solution” also went to JSU, while “Best Pitch” went to Morgan State’s HaxLab. Each team member won Beats Pro and iPads, respectively, courtesy of BE.

“It wasn’t just a Hackathon: there were resources, mentors, and professional engagements that reassured me that I belong in tech,” said Florida Memorial junior computer science major Jabulani Mzee.

“This is Florida Memorial’s first year, but it most certainly won’t be the last-–we had a blast.”

Gift cards were also awarded to students who showed off their Hackathon experience of learning, collaboration, and fun on social media, including winners from Spelman, Grambling State University, Rust College, and Florida A&M University. Follow highlights from the event by following BE on Instagram and using the hashtag #behackathon across social media platforms.

RELATED CONTENT: Saraah Cooper & Taiwo Raji: From HBCU Hackathon to American Airlines Staff

5 Historically Black Colleges And Universities Will Receive Donation To Fight Food Insecurity

The donation is part of PepsiCo's larger HBCU Tour to support HBCU students and celebrate the legacy of these universities.


As part of PepsiCo’s ongoing efforts to support and elevate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), the company is announcing $250,000 in grants toward tackling food insecurity at HBCU campuses, as the student attendance rates at these institutions continue to rise. Five universities will receive $50,000 each, kicking off with Morgan State University and Prairie View A&M University this weekend and also including Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, and Bethune-Cookman University.

Tailored to each university’s needs, the donation from PepsiCo is designed to support each campus’s unique efforts to help students that struggle to balance the cost of their education and their next meal. With the rate of food insecurity among college students growing nationally, those at HBCUs are historically impacted the most. According to data released this year from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, almost 40% of HBCU students report being food insecure, a stat that carries more weight as many campuses encounter record attendance rates this semester.

The universities selected each take different approaches to remove the burden of where students’ next meal is coming from and return the focus to their education. The funds will support existing on-campus efforts, from expanding food pantry capacities to arming students with the long-term skills to avoid pitfalls of food insecurity in the future.

“As a longtime supporter of HBCUs, PepsiCo has always aimed to help students thrive, both on campus and beyond. This year, our HBCU Tour continues to celebrate each universities’ rich culture and recognize the wealth of talent on campus, while also addressing the barriers students can face in completing their education,” said Kent Montgomery, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations and Multicultural Development, PepsiCo.

“Our donation to tackle food insecurity is another example of our commitment to empower students and ensure their success in every aspect of their educational journey.”

Across the five campuses, the grants will go to support more than 37,500 students facing food insecurity by funding on campus food pantry supplies and groceries, meal plans for homeless students, workshops for cooking and meal prep, stipends for student staff within the pantries, and more. In addition, PepsiCo will also supply free meals for approximately 2,000 students at select universities during their respective winter finals weeks in December.

The funds will be distributed to Prairie View A&M University, Florida A&M University, Morgan State University, Jackson State University and Bethune-Cookman University during key university events throughout November, including the SWAC and Florida Classic games on November 18.

The donation is part of PepsiCo’s larger HBCU Tour to support HBCU students and celebrate the legacy of these universities. Driven by Pepsi Zero Sugar and Doritos SOLID BLACK, the tour correlates with the brands’ ongoing initiatives to provide resources and a platform for elevating Change-makers in local communities. In addition to bringing authentic and engaging experiences to students and alumni this football season, they will also show up to support students throughout the semester with recruiting efforts including on-campus events, intimate dinners highlighting local businesses, and the opportunity to engage with PepsiCo leadership– inspiring the next generation of diverse talent.

RELATED CONTENT: HBCU Alumni Collaborate With Maker’s Mark For Limited Bourbon Honoring Morehouse and Spelman

NASCAR

America First Legal Claims NASCAR Discriminates Against White Men

Miller's legal group is targeting Rev Racing, claiming its existence violates title VIII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race or sex.


A conservative law firm with ties to Stephen Miller, the former adviser for Donald Trump, is leveling accusations against NASCAR’s diversity initiative.

According to Bloomberg, America First Legal has asked the Equals Employment Opportunity Commission to investigate NASCAR on the grounds that its diversity initiative is discriminatory against white men, a driver base that makes up 92% of its drivers.

The Charlotte Observer reports that NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, which now has a competition arm, Rev Racing, is successful at attracting diverse drivers to motorsports. The aim of the team is to gain diversity among drivers and the pit crew. Since 2010, the program has developed 125 minority and female drivers.

Prior to the initiative, noted Leonard Miller, one of the first Black team owners in the 1970s who paved the way for today’s Black owners like Michael Jordan and Brad Dougherty, there few ways for a Black driver to get on NASCAR’s radar. They either had to perform at an outstanding level, be backed by somebody white, or bring political and financial pressure to NASCAR. 

Miller’s legal group is targeting Rev Racing, claiming that its existence violates title VIII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race or sex.

“NASCAR, in partnership with Rev Racing, has created programs for the benefit of individuals based explicitly on their sex and race,” said Nick Barry, senior counsel at America First Legal in a Nov. 2 press release. “This illegal activity should not permitted to continue. NASCAR shouldn’t be picking drivers based on their race and sex but on their ability to drive. All racial discrimination is wrong, even if it is the in-vogue ‘social justice’ cause of the day.”  

The group’s argument is not far from the argument that was used to end affirmative action in higher education, but given that these are private businesses and not public education systems, it seems unlikely that Conservative groups like America First Legal will be successful at stopping an attempt by NASCAR to correct its historical wrongs.

In addition to NASCAR, Autoweek reports that the group has targeted MLB, McDonald’s, Morgan Stanley and Starbucks in its attempts at derailing diversity initiatives.

“I’m proud of the work that we’ve done in the areas of diversity inclusion to broaden our sport,” NASCAR President Steve Phelps told Autoweek. “We are going to continue efforts to have the entire country, the entire world, come to our facilities, watch it on television because it’s about a love for racing. I think … racing is a great opportunity for people to come together.”

RELATED CONTENT: BLACK ENTREPRENEURS FACE INCREASING OPPOSITION FROM CONSERVATIVE GROUPS

Boston Logan, Margaret Mbitu

Woman Found Dead At Boston Airport, International Manhunt For Murder Suspect Continues

In between the time that Mbitu had gone missing and her body was discovered, her coworkers, family and friends frantically posted information about her online, hoping that she would be found alive.


Margaret Mbitu, a 31-year-old woman from Whitman, Massachusetts, who was reported missing on Oct. 30 and was discovered on Nov. 1 dead in an SUV that was parked at the Boston Logan International Airport, is suspected to have been murdered by her 40-year-old boyfriend, Kevin Kangethe. According to NBC Boston, Kangethe boarded a plane bound for Kenya immediately after he is alleged to have killed Mbitu.

According to a warrant, which was released to the public on Nov. 3, the Massachusetts State Police got to the airport around 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 and discovered Mbitu was dead inside a white 2013 Toyota Venza she owned. As investigators inspected the scene, they found a lot of blood and “obvious signs of death,” and the Boston EMS team, which had been called to the scene, pronounced Mbitu dead at 7:23 p.m. 

Kangethe was captured on airport surveillance video leaving the airport parking garage a few minutes after his SUV entered. Then, he was seen in the airport terminal checking in and departing on a flight. According to NBC Boston, investigators are currently working on contacting authorities in Kenya to locate Kangethe there. 

In between the time that Mbitu had gone missing and her body was discovered, her coworkers, family, and friends frantically posted information about her online, hoping that she would be found alive. However, once she had been discovered dead in her vehicle, they were forced to grapple with what had happened.

“She was a bright shining star, she had her future, her whole future, ahead of her,” Virginia Ndungu, Mbitu’s cousin, told NBC Boston. “She had ambition, she had drive. She was a beautiful soul and I think her loss is not just a loss to us but to her friends and to her coworkers and her patients, and to the entire community.”

Ulea Lago, a representative of BAMSI, the nonprofit where Mbitu worked briefly, discussed how her death impacted the company, saying to NBC Boston, “It’s a huge loss. She was an amazing young woman. People described her as having a ray of sunshine.”

Meanwhile, her mother, Rose, is struggling to come to grips with why someone would want to kill her child, ultimately calling on Kangethe to surrender himself to a higher power.

“I don’t get it. I don’t get how somebody would take somebody’s life away for no reason, even now I have so many questions,” Rose Mbitu said. “The only thing I would now say to Kevin wherever he is, just surrender his life to God because it is only God who can change whatever mentality is in his mind of whatever he did.”

RELATED CONTENT: Man Accused Of Dismembering Fiancée Was Ex-Republican Official In San Francisco

Black coaches, coaching, diversity in sports

Optimism and Concern Mark NFL’s Coaching Diversity

Twenty years after the NFL implemented the Rooney Rule, the league only employs six minority head coaches.


USA Today released its second annual report of diversity in the NFL head coaching ranks, and it is marked by stagnant growth as compared to last year’s report.

Nearly 20 years after the league implemented the Rooney Rule, which initially mandated that a team conduct an interview with a minority head coach candidate before hiring anyone, the NFL still only has six minority head coaches. That rule has since been expanded to coordinator roles and now requires two minority head coach interviews before a hiring decision is made.

Ahead of the report’s October release, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell discussed the topic of the league’s diversity in a press conference. “How do we continue to have diversity be a part of our league and make us better?” he said. “There’s significant progress. But … I’m probably always frustrated by the pace of the progress. It’s never enough for yours truly. We obviously know we have work to do here.”

In a league where the player base sits at approximately 75% Black or men of color, the disproportionate number of Black head coaches, coordinators or other positions with the potential for advancement is concerning. However, Rod Graves, head of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, a group that champions diversity in the NFL, sees reason for optimism. 

“You can point to areas, particularly I would say in the last five to 10 years, where the league is taking steps to ensure that the processes are improving,” he told USA Today. But he did say the NFL “should be doing more and we should be much further ahead.”

Defensive coordinator can be a pipeline position to head coach, a position that is occupied primarily by Black or men of color, but on offense, all but four coordinator positions are held by white men. As it relates to the head coaching prospects of Black coaches, this typically means that unless a team prioritizes a defensive-minded coach, those Black coaches will not go any farther than Defensive Coordinator. This is particularly true as the league trends more toward younger offensive-minded coaches. 

“This is what we’re trying to address,” Troy Vincent, a former NFL cornerback and currently NFL executive vice president of football operations, told USA Today. “The development of young coaches to become quarterback coaches, offensive quality control, hopefully, an offensive coordinator, then potentially one day be considered a head coach.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers, which spearheaded the league’s adoption of the Rooney Rule, yet again leads the league in terms of a diverse coaching staff. The Steelers enjoy a 10% cushion on the next most diverse staff, the Seattle Seahawks. 

In another analysis of diversity in the league, USA Today notes that the number of women in the NFL with a clearly defined on-field role has not seen an increase in nearly a decade. 2015 was the last season where women had an impact on field, but following that season, with a few exceptions, their impact has mostly been felt as strength and conditioning coaches.

Jennifer King, who became the first Black woman to become a full-time coach in the NFL in 2021 when the Washington Commanders made her an assistant running backs coach, told USA Today that she sees the strides women have made as coaches. King said that the door now has a little crack. “That’s the cool thing about the new generation, is that they’re all so young,” said King, who waited until she was 37 to get a shot as an on-field coach. 

In the owner’s meeting for 2022 some white head coaches called on owners to make some tangible changes.

Frank Reich, then the Indianapolis Colts, said during the meeting, “It’s a hard issue. We have to be intentional. I think we are in some ways. I think we’re all just saying, we can do better. Not only can we do better, but we need to see some results. The NFL is a results-driven league. If that’s the case, we need to see some results in this area as well.”

Reich continued, “For all the resources we have, and for all the good men and women that are in this league—and I really believe that—something is missing. Because we’re not seeing the results we should see in areas of leadership in the league. We need to see more progress.”

missy elliot, rock ' roll hall of fame

Missy Elliott Makes History With Induction Into Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

The celebrated artist was introduced by fellow female rapper Queen Latifah at the ceremony.


Missy Elliott and her legacy is now forever cemented in music history. The legendary artist has been formally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in a ceremony held on Nov. 3 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The event celebrated its latest inductees, including fellow Black artists Chaka Khan and DJ Kool Herc, amid hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. The “Get Your Freak On” artist was honored by others in her field, including Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B, in a video on her renowned artistry and influence in the game.

Queen Latifah introduced the groundbreaking female rapper, the first-ever to be inducted, by speaking on her impact on the music genre and the industry overall.

“Nothing sounded the same after Missy came onto the scene,” Latifah said, as reported by the Associated Press. “She is avant-garde without even trying.”

Elliott then came onto the stage to bask in her achievement with her peers, making a speech highlighting the other inductees in the room.

“I’m still pinching myself to even be in a room with some of the inductees,” shared the 52-year-old on the career milestone, as confirmed by Pitchfork. “I see Flavor Flav, who is a legend. I love you; always been supportive. Elton John, legendary. Sheryl Crow, Chaka Khan, Willie Nelson. All of these people have impacted people around the world through their music. Sometimes I be like, do people really realize, like through music, what music do with people? That’s the one thing I think we can all say that comes together is music.”

After being robustly honored for her work in the art form, the songstress performed a medley of some of her greatest hits, including “Work It” and “Lose Control,” to the music-loving crowd. These past few years have been celebratory for Elliott, receiving a Global Impact Award at the 2023 Grammy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022.

The Virginia native also touched on how, despite making a name for herself in hip-hop, this acknowledgment of its impact throughout all forms of music is especially significant,

“This is the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. And so this is deeper than me just being up here. I was telling Robin, you just feel like it’s so far to reach when you in the hip-hop world, and to be standing here, it means so much to me. I thank you all—the committee from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I just wanna say I love y’all and just try to spread love ’cause we so needed in this world.”

RELATED CONTENT: Missy Elliott Donates $50K To Help Families Facing Eviction In Virginia

Dance Grenada Festival, dance, black dancers

Shola Roberts Empowers Black Dancers Through Dance Grenada Festival


According to data from Zippia, Black professional dancers are both underrepresented and underpaid in their profession.

Black dancers make up approximately 7% of the dancer workforce while also being the lowest-paid demographic, making an average of $49,011 yearly. In recent years, much of the focus of diversity in the discipline of dance has been on ballet, but other disciplines fall under the dance umbrella. 

According to Essence, Arizona State University assistant professor in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, Shola K. Roberts, launched Dance Grenada in 2020. That same year, she also created Dance Grenada Festival, held in Grenada, West Indies. The inspiration for Dance Grenada arose from Roberts’ personal experiences in the dance job market after her graduation from Howard University in 2009.

“Eventually, I was being called to be a part of this showcase and to travel here and do this work and create, et cetera. And so that was really my journey,” she told Essence. “I was a freelance dancer and teaching artist, going into the schools and cultivating my pedagogical practice. I got to a point where I was good in my career, but I started to ask myself, ‘How do I empower learners to find their voice through movement while creating a living for themselves?”

Dance Grenada Festival invites Caribbean and other international artists to participate in workshops, performances, and panel discussions. Roberts described the festival as a hub for innovation in dance, scholarship, and entrepreneurship that gives Black dancers, an underrepresented demographic, critical tools to continue and sustain their careers in dance.

This year’s festival took place Oct. 20-23 and had an all-time high attendance. Roberts also noted that the financial compensation for the visiting artists has increased.

“Dance Grenada is my blessing,” Robert said. “Being able to bring all the individuals together to share this thing that we love so much on the island that I love so much is something that is very important for me. We have these short-term moments when we’re on the stage, but how do we sustain the careers of our dancers? How do we sustain livelihood? I want to stress the importance of honoring and valuing our dancers and supporting them because that’s really what it’s about.”

RELATED CONTENT: Lizzo’s Dance Captain Demands Lawsuit Dismissal, Claims Behavior Was Justified

Curtis McDowald

U.S. Fencer Curtis McDowald Suspended For Misconduct Allegations


U.S fencer Curtis McDowald has been formally suspended for allegations of misconduct.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport declared that McDowald has been suspended, effective starting Nov. 3. The athlete will be unable to participate in any event sanctioned by USA Fencing, immediately barring him from being a present member of the organization.

USA Fencing released a statement regarding SafeSport’s, an independent body established by Congress, verdict.

Citing confidentiality, SafeSport offered no additional information to USA Today on the matter. McDowald also refused to comment on his current status with the team.

“Once we became aware of the allegations, we immediately informed the U.S. Center for SafeSport, who exercised their ability to take jurisdictional control of the case and upheld our temporary measures,” expressed USA Fencing, as detailed by USA Today. “We take the safety and integrity of our sport seriously and will cooperate fully with the inquiry while maintaining the confidentiality of the involved parties. We also encourage anyone who has been harmed in sport to come forward, and we will support them to the fullest extent of our abilities.”

This is not the first time McDowald has been in the news for bad behavior. In June ,the 2021 Olympic fencer kicked through a free-standing banner at the event in Peru. That action, in conjunction with slapping an opponent who tried to shake his hand, led to the USA men’s épée team being disqualified from the rest of the competition, according to Fox News.

The top-ranked team would have won a bronze medal had McDowald’s actioins not occurred, was crucial for qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. However, the disqualification granted them no eligible points, jeopardizing their entire run for the summer sporting event.

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Biden, Africa

President Biden Removes African Countries From AGOA Trade Program


President Joe Biden is making changes to the longstanding trade program with sub-Saharan African nations after allegations of human rights violations. The world leader has removed Central African Republic (CAR), Gabon, Niger, and Uganda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in light of these issues.

As reported by BBC News, Biden’s removal of Niger and Gabon stems from their newfound is that they are not progressing in the “protection of political pluralism,” with both countries currently under military rule.

AGOA, established in 2000 during the George W. Bush administration, created duty-free trading with U.S. products.

As for CAR and Uganda, their expulsion stems from their accused human rights infringements, as the president warned the latter nation of its potential removal following its strict anti-homosexuality law. According to Ugandan law, those found guilty of engaging in same-sex acts can receive the death penalty for their illegal action.

Biden released a statement officiating the removal in a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA).

“Despite intensive engagement between the United States and the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda, these countries have failed to address United States concerns about their non-compliance with the AGOA eligibility criteria,” Biden wrote.

As detailed by the International Trade Administration, the AGOA requires countries involved to adhere to and establish market-based economies, rule of law, and combat corruption in order to receive the benefits.

 “The U.S. Government will work with eligible countries to sustain their efforts to institute policy reforms, and with the remaining nine Sub-Saharan African countries to help them achieve eligibility,” as stated on its website.

The removal will begin next year. Experts, though, are concerned about the impact of the nations’ economies without this support, including in job creation and exporting products. But the United States is considering updated regulations and reform to the trade deal as it expires in 2025, with Biden in support of its expansion with new amendments.

“We would like to see this program be more than just a symbolic one,” shared U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai at a trade forum on Nov. 3, as reported by Reuters. “We would like for it to be more useful and effective.”

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