In two weeks, my two-year NABJ convention drought will end.
My two-year absence is with just cause though. I've been blessed.
My first job out of college in 2003 barred me from having the courage to ask for time off so soon after being hired. I missed the NABJ convention in Dallas. It wasn't like I missed a city that I had never visited. I did a summer sports internship at the Dallas Morning News in 2000...so memories of a hot, HOT, HOT summer flashed before my eyes. So, I passed.
Accepting my second professional (and current job) erased the possibility of attending the UNITY 2004 convention in D.C. Now, I was truly upset about missing D.C. I've been to D.C. several times when I visited my friend at Howard University. Lovely city and amazing nightlife. I will say the most luxurious nightclub on the East Coast (maybe in the U.S.) is in D.C...The Dream Nightclub (now called Love) is truly world class...if you don't believe me visit their website and form your own opinion.
Now we are in 2005 and the Atlanta NABJ convention is 14 days away.
I'm serving on a panel at the NABJ convention and I will be celebrating my upcoming 26th birthday as much as possible. To be honest, I need a break and I need to be amongst more of my young black journalist friends throughout the country. At work, I am the only black reporter in the sports department and my friend Kevin is the only black copy editor in sports. Throughout the newsroom there are more of us. I will give my employer, the Asbury Park Press, three and a half mics for hiring several more black people on the editorial side since I arrived in August of 2oo4. However, my true journalism family has branches all over the United States and you can say Atlanta will be a big reunion. I know I've been the prodigal son since 2003...don't worry that changes in 14 days...and hopefully that will be the end of my wayward convention ways.
10 comments:
Kay Sherlon, I've never heard of giving your employers mike ratings ala The Source... but it works LOL
Man Sherlon, I must say if anyone is excited about the convention it has to be you.
As it gets closer, I must say I am beginning to feel it too. There are so many people I look forward to seeing, talking with and hanging out with.
See you guys real soon!
y'all are gonna make me have to show up at this damn thing with all this talk.
I've had a prolonged hiatus from NABJ conventions myself. Next year no excuses-I'm there. Happy early 26th. You're getting up there grandpa hahahahaha.
if we're so damn old, stop lurking, nucca!
LOL--Pops I like hanging out with you and the rest of the older and wiser folks..that way I soak up all that knowledge and do what you did...but 10 times better.
LMAO...I know ya'll are not carrying on a private conversation on my blog!
fuq yo couch, nucca
Eric...you are a comedian
WOW...not mics...you should use Pens. I feel your pain. I to am the only BLK in sports. At least they don't send you to cover Rodeo's. See you n da "A"
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