NABJ-Milwaukee Chapter Becomes Revitalized in 2024

(This article was originally published in the Journal Sentinel Alumni Newsletter)

By Tannette Elie

Winter 2025

For the National Association of Black Journalists-Milwaukee, 2024 was a transformative year. We revitalized our chapter and solidified its position as a vital force in the local media landscape.

The year would bring rebranding and increased collaborations with nonprofit groups and journalism organizations, including the Milwaukee Press Club and Marquette University’s O’Brien Fellowship, to host a series of enriching events that not only benefited Black journalists in the region but contributed to a more connected and supportive media community in Milwaukee. 

Almost from the moment I became president last January, the wheels were put in motion to re-energize the chapter and set us on course to make significant strides. Once the train left the station, there was no stopping us. Fortunately, I had a dynamic group of board members who were committed to doing the work to take NABJ-Milwaukee to new levels. 

From the start of the year, there would be calls for a name change. Up until 2024, the organization was known as the venerable Wisconsin Black Media Association (WBMA.) The Wisconsin Black Media Association was founded in 1975 as an affiliate chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) with the primary purpose of supporting African American professionals working in mass communications in Milwaukee and across the state. 

With so much history behind the Wisconsin Black Media Association name and many wonderful memories and accomplishments, a name change seemed daunting. For example, WBMA had the honor of hosting the NABJ national convention in Milwaukee in 2002.

Although WBMA had long been the place where Black journalists could go for networking, support, and professional development, members wanted something different. They argued that the chapter should be more closely aligned with the nationally and globally known NABJ brand. 

Executive board members knew that with so much history behind this organization and all that it stood for in the community, a name change was not something to be taken lightly. So we took it to the membership for discussion. After some debate, as not everyone was initially sold on the name change, the new name was unanimously approved. 

And it came at a fitting time - during Black History Month, a time for celebrating the contributions of African Americans. A new logo was also approved that captures the NABJ brand against the backdrop of Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront and scenic skyline.  

It wouldn’t be until May that the chapter’s new name and logo would receive final approval from NABJ’s national board. Nonetheless, the approval came in time for us to announce our rebranding at Milwaukee’s annual Juneteenth Day Parade, which generated media coverage from TMJ4 News and CBS58.

We walked proudly in the Juneteenth Day Parade, as we held the banner bearing our chapter’s new name - NABJ-Milwaukee. As I marched in the parade in the sweltering June heat, I could see the pride beaming on the faces of my fellow NABJ-members who walked alongside me. This was our moment to shine and we knew that it was a turning point for NABJ-Milwaukee. 

Beyond the rebranding, this was a year that would reinvigorate the chapter and would mark several firsts for NABJ-Milwaukee. As president, my goal has been to add value for our members through quality programming. One way to make a bigger impact was to collaborate with other organizations in the city. A plum opportunity came when we were asked to join the Milwaukee Press Club and other media organizations to host a Spring Media Walkthrough Reception on April 8 for journalists who would be visiting Milwaukee to prepare for the upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC).  

NABJ-Milwaukee partnered with the Milwaukee Press Club, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists/Wisconsin Chapter, Visit Milwaukee, Athena Communications, CMRignite, and WisPolitics to host the reception at the Newsroom Pub.  After this successful partnership, the idea was born for a reception/mixer for journalists of color who would be in town to cover the RNC in July.  

NABJ-Milwaukee hosted the Journalists of Color Welcome Mixer/Reception at Radio Milwaukee on July 13 during the weekend before the RNC, which was held in Milwaukee, July 15-18. Other organizations that signed on included: Radio Milwaukee, HYFIN Milwaukee, Von Communications, Athena Communications, Jammin 98.3, the Milwaukee Press Club, Luminosity, EX Inc., and the Historic King Drive BID (Business Improvement District).  

The event was attended by many, including business and community leaders and local and national journalists, and media professionals. It also featured trolley tours of Historic King Drive to highlight the good things happening in Milwaukee’s Black community. It was another proud moment for our chapter.

Other highlights of the year include:

• A Women’s History Month program that honored past women presidents of NABJ-Milwaukee for their outstanding leadership and service.

• An Election 2024 panel discussion that brought together a group of influential thought leaders in Wisconsin.

•  Several cultural outings, including a night at the Milwaukee Rep in the chapter’s first partnership with Divine 9 fraternities and sororities and an evening at the Milwaukee Art Museum in partnership with the museum’s African American Art Alliance. 

• The year culminated with a holiday party and toy drive in partnership with the National Executives Network, with support from the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce. The event drew a visit from the mayor of Milwaukee and his team. Toy donations were made to various charitable organizations in Milwaukee that serve needy kids.

As president, my goals for 2025 are to prioritize fundraising, provide scholarships to students of color and offer notable professional development opportunities, such as an AI conference in partnership with our key media partners this spring. We also hope to bring back signature events like Honoring Our Own, which recognizes the achievements of Black journalists across print, broadcast, and digital media. After catching our breath, we soon will be ready for another year filled with successful partnerships, fun and fellowship, and meaningful programs and initiatives.