From sitting in on ESPN’s "First Take" to engaging in hands-on workshops, five journalism majors left the August conference energized about their career paths.
In August, more than 3,000 journalists, students and media leaders gathered in Cleveland to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Among the attendees at the association’s annual summer conference were five Elon University students, who joined Assistant Professor of Strategic Communications Karen Lindsey in experiencing one of the nation’s most influential gatherings of media professionals.
“Resilience, Advocacy and Excellence” served as the theme for this year’s conference, which featured professional workshops, awards banquets, a career fair, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. The Elon delegation featured journalism majors Jordan Armstead ’28, Kaelyn Elien ’26, Savannah Hameed ’28, Tariq Johnson ’28 and Lauren McCowan ’28.
For Hameed, the week proved to be a transformative experience. In a recent online post, she described the conference as “filled with so much information, new ideas, and growth,” noting how sessions on investigative journalism, community connection among Black women in media, and even Beyoncé’s influence on music journalism deepened her love for storytelling. Sitting in on a live broadcast of ESPN’s “First Take” and meeting Kellen Young, WLWT assistant news director, were among the experiences that left a lasting impression.
Elien, attending her first NABJ conference in her hometown of Cleveland, said the opportunity “exceeded every expectation.” She spent time connecting with recruiters, career ambassadors and seasoned journalists, while also enjoying the unique experience of being in the audience for “First Take.” A highlight of the week was witnessing longtime family friend Leon Bibb’s induction into the NABJ Hall of Fame, an honor she described as deeply inspiring.
McCowan, also a first-time attendee, reflected on the conference as a defining moment early in her Elon experience. “It is a blessing to be part of a university that invests in students’ career readiness so early in our academic journeys,” she said. The journalism major credited the NABJ conference’s workshops and networking opportunities with giving her new insights into journalistic trends and strengthening the skills she hopes to bring back to campus.
“Opportunities like this remind me why Elon’s commitment to experiential learning, mentorship, and professional development sets it apart,” McCowan added.
For Johnson, the convention offered both a glimpse into the profession’s future and an appreciation for its current challenges. He described it as “an excellent way to become more knowledgeable about the opportunities, experiences, and intricacies regarding the realm of journalism.” Sessions such as “From Classroom to Newsroom: Thriving in Journalism After College” and “Black Journalists: Defending Democracy, Diversifying Voices, Driving Change” highlighted journalism’s role in shaping public discourse and protecting democracy.
Throughout the week, students connected with Elon alumni working across the country, including Eugene Daniel ’11, Chloe Franklin ’24, Crystal Moyer ’11 and Naomi Washington ’24. Lindsey praised the alumni for making time to guide current students despite their demanding careers.
“I encourage students not to wait until their senior year to attend conferences like this,” Lindsey said. “By engaging early in their academic journey, they not only begin cultivating the professional networks that lead to internships and career opportunities, but they also immerse themselves in a transformative learning environment. The skills-based sessions, combined with direct access to executives and journalists, create what is, in effect, a living classroom. One where theory meets practice, and students begin envisioning their place in the profession.”