The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) annual convention in New Orleans last elevated the urgency of increasing voter registration and voting among individuals of color.
The NNPA is a trade association representing the more than 230 African American newspapers and media companies that comprise the Black Press of America.
In celebration of the 195th anniversary of the Black Press of America, the convention focused on its theme: “Amplifying Our Voices for Freedom, Justice, Equality, and Equity.”
Held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, the convention was greeting by a proclamation from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and featured opening in person and video tributes from Vice President Kamala Harris, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty, Universal Hip Hop Museum Executive Director Rocky Bucano, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, California Rep. Barbara Lee, and Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland.
A panel discussions moderated by Mark Thompson, the host of “Make It Plain,” addressed “Amplifying Voices of Generation Z and Millennials Through the Black Press of America.” Panelists examined how young African Americans view the future of the Black Press.
NNPA Chairman and CEO Dr. Chavis looked at access, equity and environmental sustainability in a discussion positing “The Path to Inclusion is Electric: How GM Is Building an All-Inclusive Workforce to Build an All-Electric Future.”
Melinda Hightower, the managing director, and head of multicultural strategic client segments at UBS Bank, led a session on the role of the Black Press in building wealth for Black America.
Attorney Barbara Arnwine, the founder and president of Transformative Justice Coalition (TJC), and Daryl Jones, TJC’s chairman of the board, will host “Black America Get Out the Vote and the Black Press.”
Another panel described the Black Press role as an antidote to racism.
NNPA presented 2022 Lifetime Achievement and Legacy Awards to Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Jackson State University Football Coach Deion “Prime” Sanders and recording superstar and actress Stephanie Mills.
