.png)
About Us
President's Message
Hello and welcome to the website for the National Association of Black Journalists-Milwaukee (NABJ-Milwaukee), formerly the Wisconsin Black Media Association (WBMA).
I am thrilled to welcome you to our online home. As president of NABJ-Milwaukee, I have the honor and privilege of leading an organization that is committed to advocating for and developing Black journalists and communication professionals in Milwaukee and throughout the region.
I stand on the shoulders of our founders who established the Wisconsin Black Media Association in 1979 as an affiliate of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) with three primary objectives in mind:
-
To support African American professionals working in mass communications
-
To help media more accurately reflect the communities they serve
-
To use our communication skills to support the Black community when needed
Regardless of your connection to the media, whether you’re a seasoned journalist, emerging journalist, a student or a citizen seeking knowledge to navigate the complex media landscape, you have landed in the right place. Here, you will find a vibrant and cohesive community of talented storytellers across print, broadcast and digital, who are willing to support you.
In these challenging times, amid growing distrust in the media, widespread misinformation and attacks on press freedoms, NABJ-Milwaukee will remain steadfastly committed to championing the truth, advocating for our members and obtaining more balanced and accurate coverage of communities of color.
Despite these unprecedented times , it is still a privilege to do the work that we do. That is why I am excited to embark on this journey with each and every one of you. So, let's connect, share ideas, and support each other as we continue to amplify the voices of underserved communities in Milwaukee and across our region.
Welcome to the NABJ-Milwaukee community!
Tannette Elie
President
National Association of Black Journalists-Milwaukee
NABJ-Milwaukee is the local chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
Our mission is to foster the growth and education of Black professionals in mass communications and to help the media better reflect the multiracial community in which we live.
NABJ-Milwaukee, formerly the Wisconsin Black Media Association (WBMA), was established in 1979 to support African American journalists and media professionals.
The purpose of NABJ-Milwaukee is to advocate for and provide quality programs and services to Black journalists and media professionals.
Our History & Legacy
NABJ-Milwaukee is a nonprofit chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists with a mission to foster the growth and education of Black professionals in mass communications so that media better reflects the multiracial community in which we live. Founded in 1979 as the Wisconsin Black Media Association, the chapter built its early legacy on networking, professional development, advocacy, and raising awareness about representation in newsrooms across Milwaukee and Wisconsin. From the start, the organization played a community watchdog role, elevating conversations about newsroom hiring, fair treatment of staff, and how stories about Black communities are told and represented.
Over the years, the chapter has reached key milestones that include hosting the NABJ national convention in Milwaukee in 2002 and rebranding as NABJ-Milwaukee during Juneteenth 2024 to align more closely with the national organization. Our programs have supported students and early career professionals through scholarships, workshops, and Media Day events that connect young people with working journalists. Professional development opportunities and networking events have given members the tools to grow their careers, while recognition programs continue to celebrate the excellence and achievements of Black media professionals. At the same time, our advocacy has focused on fair representation in newsrooms and authentic coverage of Black communities.
Today, NABJ-Milwaukee continues to honor its rich history while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of journalists and strengthening the pipeline of diverse voices in media.
NABJ-Milwaukee Has Three Purposes:
1. To support African-American professionals in mass communications and to recognize their achievements.
2. To help the media better reflect in their products and staffs the multiracial community in which we live.
3. To use its communications skills to assist the black community where appropriate.
NABJ-Milwaukee is committed to the following:
-
Strengthening ties among Black journalists
-
Sensitizing all media to the importance of fairness in the workplace for Black journalists
-
Expanding job opportunities and recruiting activities for veteran, young and aspiring Black journalists, while providing continued professional development and training
-
Increasing the number of Black journalists in management positions and encouraging Black journalists to become entrepreneurs
-
Fostering an exemplary group of professionals that honors excellence and outstanding achievements by Black journalists, and outstanding achievement in the media industry as a whole, particularly when it comes to providing balanced coverage of the Black community and society at large
-
Working with high schools and colleges to identify and encourage Black students to become journalists, and to diversify faculties and related curriculum
-
Providing informational and training services to the general public.