While many picture South Florida as a place for fun in the sun, the National Association of Black Journalists South Florida chapter has been working tirelessly to create real impact in newsrooms and neighborhoods alike. In 2024, the chapter awarded $30,000 in scholarships to aspiring journalists at its annual Scholarship and Awards Dinner, where GMA3 anchor DeMarco Morgan inspired the crowd with a powerful keynote speech. The night marked a major milestone as the chapter received $150,000 in scholarship donations, including a $90,000 endowment honoring Dwight Lauderdale, the trailblazing first Black male anchor in Miami.
That momentum carried into the rest of the year. NABJ South Florida teamed up with the National Association of Hispanic Journalists for its annual career fair, raising nearly $9,000 and expanding access to opportunities for students and early-career professionals. Members also hit the road for their signature College Tour, visiting institutions across the region—including Florida Memorial University, South Florida’s only HBCU. The outreach didn’t stop at college campuses. The chapter made sure to connect with younger students, visiting middle and high school classrooms, including Miami Central High, which produced two 2024 scholarship recipients.
To strengthen mentorship efforts, NABJ South Florida launched a new partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Its Black Male Media Project joined forces with Barbershop Speaks to host a fatherhood enrichment initiative that featured Dwyane Wade Sr., who shared his experience and insight with young men navigating life and leadership.
Professional growth remained a priority throughout the year. CNN’s Don Lemon hosted a private meet-and-greet for students and members. The chapter also held intimate mixers and learning sessions, including one with Bea Hines, the Miami Herald’s first African American female journalist. During the holiday season, NABJ South Florida partnered with the Southern Birth Justice Network for a food and essentials drive, helping families in need.
Capping off a busy year, the chapter was recognized at the Sunshine Awards with a special honor bearing its name. But accolades are only part of the story. NABJ South Florida remains deeply committed to advocacy, mentorship, and education. It continues to offer scholarships like the Rochelle Bridges Memorial and Dwight Lauderdale Scholarships while pushing for fair representation of Black voices in media.
For nearly 40 years, NABJ South Florida has stood as a powerful force for equity in journalism. Through its programs and partnerships, it ensures that stories from South Florida’s Black communities are not just included—but valued.
