NABJ26 Sets Atlanta Events for August 12 to 16
NABJ26 brings professional sessions, a 5K Run/Walk, film screenings and awards events to Atlanta from August 12 to 16.
by Body & Soul Newsroom ·
The National Association of Black Journalists has announced its signature events for the 2026 NABJ Convention & Career Fair, running August 12 to 16 in Atlanta. The program combines professional sessions, tributes, film screenings, a 5K Run/Walk and a gospel brunch under the theme “Our Revolution: Truth, Power and Black Journalism.” Events include a Thursday Newsmaker Plenary, the Sports Task Force’s 21st Anniversary Scholarship Jam, and the Salute to Excellence Awards Gala. Convention registration is now open.
Opening Day Conversations
The convention opens Thursday, August 13, with “The New Power Structure: Black Politics in the Age of Resistance,” a Newsmaker Plenary scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The program includes conversations with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, Reverend Al Sharpton and the family of Nolan Wells. The plenary will be livestreamed on NABJ’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
Errin Haines, President at NABJ, said:
“This week is where we take care of each other. We honor the journalists who've paved the way, we invest in the next generation, and we make space to rest, celebrate and worship together. That is what Black journalism looks like at its fullest.”
Thursday’s schedule also includes an ESPN Sports Summit marking 10 years of Andscape, followed by a panel on career changes in journalism featuring Tiffany Cross, Don Lemon, Joy-Ann Reid, Michael Harriot and Chandra Whitfield.
Honors And Scholarship Support
Friday, August 14, includes the Hall of Fame Induction & Luncheon, hosted by Mara Porter and Ryan Young. That evening, the NABJ Sports Task Force 21st Anniversary Scholarship Jam runs from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at the Coca-Cola Roxy.
Every Scholarship Jam ticket funds the Larry Whiteside Scholarship, which supports Black sports journalism students. Tickets are available through Universe.
Saturday Wellness And Screenings
Saturday begins at 7:30 a.m. with the NABJ 5K Run/Walk along Atlanta’s Westside Beltline. The event is open to all fitness levels and includes finisher medals, race shirts, professional timing and shuttle transportation from the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. A portion of proceeds supports NABJ’s Journalism Student Projects.
Attendees can register for the 5K. Saturday’s program also includes previews and conversations for Paramount Pictures’ “Children of Blood and Bone” and FX’s “The Drop: A Snowfall Saga,” followed by the Salute to Excellence Awards Gala.
Closing With Gospel Brunch
NABJ26 concludes Sunday, August 16, with Gospel Brunch from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Mashaun D. Simon will deliver the message, with Jonathan Stacey Radford hosting and Tamika Patton performing. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Induction & Luncheon, Salute to Excellence Awards Gala and Gospel Brunch are available through convention registration.
