By: Erin Slaughter
The National Association of Black Journalists has launched a $15 million Jubilee Endowment Campaign to provide lasting support for Black journalists and expand programs that develop the next generation of media professionals.
The campaign is the largest in NABJ’s history and is intended to establish a permanent financial foundation to fund recruitment, training, mentorship, scholarships, and other initiatives that support Black journalists throughout their careers.
NABJ officials said the endowment will allow the organization to maintain critical programs, plan for the future, and strengthen its role as an advocate for diversity and equity in newsrooms nationwide.
NABJ leaders highlighted ongoing challenges in the journalism industry, including newsroom layoffs, shrinking local coverage, media consolidation, and the growing use of artificial intelligence.
They said these trends often disproportionately affect Black journalists and the communities they serve. The endowment is designed to give NABJ the resources to respond to these challenges while sustaining its programs for decades to come.
The campaign will run over the next four years, with NABJ engaging members, alumni, media organizations, and corporate and community partners to contribute. Officials said a robust endowment will ensure the organization can continue offering professional development, mentorship, scholarships, and career opportunities, even as the media landscape continues to evolve.
The endowment is expected to have a direct impact on students and early-career journalists. It will fund scholarships for journalism education, support internships and fellowships, and connect emerging professionals with mentorship from experienced journalists. NABJ said these programs will help maintain a steady pipeline of Black talent entering newsrooms and give young journalists resources and guidance they might not otherwise have access to.
Beyond individual development, the campaign aims to strengthen newsroom diversity and increase Black representation in media leadership. Officials said the endowment will expand advocacy efforts, increase access to leadership training, and support initiatives that elevate Black voices in journalism. These efforts are considered vital for producing news that accurately reflects the experiences and perspectives of Black communities nationwide.
“This campaign is about building a financial foundation that allows NABJ to lead boldly and protect the pipeline of Black journalists for generations to come,” NABJ said in a statement.
The organization emphasized that the endowment is not just about funding operations but about ensuring that Black voices remain integral to the future of journalism and media leadership.
By securing this endowment, NABJ is not only protecting the future of Black journalists but also ensuring that their voices, perspectives, and leadership continue to shape the stories that inform and inspire communities across the nation for generations to come.
