Staff Reports
Feathers have been ruffled and outrage has spilled over after the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) dared to extend an invitation to former President Donald Trump at their annual convention in Chicago. Those in attendance were treated to what some members considered an affront to their dignity, especially Black women journalists who feel the sting of the decision like a slap in the face. The audacity to invite the man who had the audacity to call out certain journalists at press conferences has left a significant number of attendees seeing red.
Karen Attiah, the convention’s co-chair and a familiar face at the Washington Post, has taken her marbles and gone home, announcing her resignation in light of the Trump invitation. She claimed not to have been involved in the decision-making process, insisting that her departure was the result of various reasons, but isn’t it just a touch ironic that she chooses to step down over a chance to engage in dialogue with a former president?
Some vocal critics include April Ryan, who has had her fair share of sparring matches with Trump. She described the situation as an orchestrated betrayal of the values the NABJ supposedly stands for. Ryan insists that Trump’s past comments and actions toward Black women journalists indicated a pattern that this event would only reinforce, branding it an affront. It seems she believes that confronting Trump on stage is akin to asking the fox to guard the henhouse.
Black journalists object to their association inviting Trump to annual conventionhttps://t.co/UtlrAsdjcz pic.twitter.com/ZpW6RW0sMg
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) July 31, 2024
NABJ President Ken Lemon, on the other hand, is embracing the controversy. He articulated a vision of a forum where tough questions can be directed at Trump, highlighting that the organization doesn’t endorse any candidates. After all, how else are journalists supposed to keep their credibility intact if they shy away from gritty confrontations? Lemon recognizes the importance of discussing the pressing issues facing Black communities, while giving a wink and nod to the idea that firsthand dialogue is better than shouting across a divide.
Despite some journalists decrying the event, Trump’s camp has been busy touting his accomplishments and increased support among Black voters. The former president’s team is no stranger to claiming that his record for Black Americans stands tall, rivaled only by perhaps Lincoln himself. Polls suggest that Trump’s campaign may have a foothold among Black voters that could surprise many—so it’s not entirely shocking that he’d want to present his case, even on a stage where some might prefer to throw tomatoes instead of questions.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris has also been invited to the convention, though her attendance is still up in the air. Whether her presence could kindle a more enthusiastic reception remains to be seen. In a world where conservatives are often painted as the villains, it’s almost comical to watch the Left take offense at a simple opportunity for dialogue. The NABJ’s invitation to Trump might just end up being the delightful chaos everyone secretly enjoys—especially if there’s a heavy dose of uncomfortable questions to keep things spicy.
