HOUSTON — Members of the Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ) joined more than 250 journalists, publishers, civic leaders and media professionals for the second annual Houston Community Media (HCoM) Expo, Conference and Awards on October 8.
Held at the Alief ISD Center for Talent Development, the event brought together Houston’s diverse media community for discussions on journalism, public trust, community engagement and the importance of reaching underserved audiences.
HABJ President Nakia Cooper, who also serves as HCoM co-director, helped lead the daylong conference as emcee. The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding journalism across Greater Houston.
HABJ Members Among Award Honorees
HABJ members and fellow Black media professionals were among those celebrated during the HCoM Journalism Awards.
Todd Smith, publisher of Regal Magazine and former HABJ membership chair, earned second place in Best Arts, Culture & Sports Coverage for his interview, “Miss Texas USA Taylor Davis Discusses Legacy, Leadership.”
Bell White, professionally known as Totally Randie, received the Influencer of the Year award. A new HABJ member and national social media correspondent for Black Press USA, White was recognized for her digital journalism and community-focused storytelling.
The Houston Forward Times, one of Houston’s longstanding Black-owned newspapers, received the Best Website award, with judges recognizing its original reporting, editorial depth and user-friendly presentation.
Strengthening Community Connections
The gathering also brought together public officials and community leaders who have been longtime supporters of Black and community media, including State Rep. Ron Reynolds and Harris County Administrator Erica Lee Carter, daughter of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
HABJ members in attendance represented journalism, communications and public service, including Syan Rhodes, press secretary for Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones; Azeb Yusuf, with the City of Houston’s Office of New Americans; Laura Walker, of Houston Public Media; and Christopher Allen, owner of Shoot Your Shot Photography.
HABJ board members attending included Bridgett Waugh, parliamentarian, and Vannessa Wade, media monitor. Damanion Cooper-Lee, HABJ’s student board representative, also contributed to the event’s success by assisting with setup.
Their participation reflected HABJ’s broad membership and its continued commitment to connecting journalists, communications professionals and the communities they serve.
The Expo provided another opportunity for Houston’s media organizations to celebrate excellence, strengthen partnerships and advance the role of community journalism.
Read more: Houston Community Media Celebrates 2026 Expo, Conference & Awards
View the winners: 2026 HCoM Journalism Awards — Complete List
