WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Today the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) announced
that its 2012 Convention & Career Fair will be held in New Orleans, La.,
June 20-24, 2012.

After conducting a survey of NABJ’s membership on important
characteristics for a convention city, NABJ’s Board of Directors chose
New Orleans. NABJ had selected New Orleans to host its 2014 convention.
The board’s convention search committee reviewed proposals from other
cities and decided it was more beneficial to move up the New Orleans
convention to 2012.

“NABJ is excited about going to New Orleans next year. It is a fabulous
city with the right mixture of a prime location, hotel price, convention
space, and leisure activity to make a great convention for our members,”
said NABJ President Kathy Y. Times. “NABJ has not been to New Orleans
since 1983. We look forward to our return, and partnering with a city
rich in culture and tradition.”

New Orleans is still rebuilding from the devastation of Hurricane
Katrina in 2005. The New Orleans Association of Black Journalists
(NOABJ) has also been rebuilding since the chapter was decimated by the
disaster.

It has been a struggle to get the chapter together; this is a great vote
of confidence for our city.?I think there are still a lot of
misconceptions about what goes on in New Orleans, and this is a chance
to clear that?up.?It is one of our goals, as NABJ, to get out the true
story, and this is a chance to do that,” said Nicondra Norwood,
President of NOABJ and meteorologist at WVUE-TV, New Orleans’
Fox-network affiliate. “And of course New Orleans knows how to put on a
good time!”

This announcement comes as NABJ enters Convention Week for its 2011
Convention in Philadelphia, PA. NABJ has put together a dynamic lineup
of journalists, thought-leaders, and entertainers for its 36th Annual
Convention, exceeding expectations for attendance and revenue goals.

Long-time NABJ member, former NABJ board member and chapter president
Warren “the Golden Voice” Bell, welcomed NABJ to New Orleans.

“I am looking forward to my organization coming to my hometown; I have
very fond memories of NABJ conventions, and am excited that NABJ will
return to the crescent city for the first time in a generation. Laissez
les bons temps rouler!” said Bell.

The decision to select a new convention city came earlier this
year?when, after months of negotiations,?NABJ Board of Directors voted
to end its participation in the UNITY, Journalists of Color Alliance.
NABJ remains committed to advocacy and diversity and aligning itself
with partners that support its mission.

Additional information about the convention and full schedule can be
found at?www.nabj.org.

NABJ is an organization of journalists, students and media-related
professionals that provides quality programs and services to and
advocates on behalf of black journalists worldwide.