Sandra Dawson Long Weaver, a founding member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), shared an emotional moment on stage as she recounted a recent encounter with ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith following a taping of “First Take.”
Smith expressed his gratitude for the opportunity Weaver had given him 30 years ago to become a sports writer at the Philadelphia Inquirer, a milestone moment that still moves her.
“I still get emotional thinking about that,” she remarked.
Weaver and fellow founder Allison Davis were recognized on stage during a screening of the NABJ documentary, “Beyond the Headlines: The NABJ Journey,” which highlights the organization’s 50-year history.
The screening took place at the Tara Theater as part of the annual BronzeLens Film Festival.
Both Weaver and Davis, who joined NABJ as young women, expressed surprise at their continued involvement five decades later.
Davis, a producer of the film, emphasized the film’s importance in sharing NABJ’s story and legacy.
“We felt it was important that we share our story,” she said.
Weaver added, “This film will reach a wider audience, not just only our NABJ convention audience,” highlighting screenings in cities like Cleveland as part of the recent NABJ convention.
The journey of creating a documentary about NABJ was significant, and the founders shared insights during a Q&A session led by Leroy Chapman, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Editor-in-Chief.
The film features reflections from other founding members who traveled from across the United States to participate in the organization’s formation in Washington, D.C.
Weaver identified the film as a vital part of Black history, remarking on the original goals of NABJ and its growth to over 4,000 members today.
During an interview before the screening, Davis stressed the importance of passing on their stories to younger generations.
When asked about the necessity of watching “Beyond the Headlines” for NABJ members, Weaver advocated for its critical viewing.
Davis echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the film could serve a similar purpose as those shown in sororities and fraternities.
She stated, “This film is a way of saying we’re not letting our stories disappear.”
The sense of community and shared history within NABJ continues to resonate strongly with its founders even after many years, and the documentary serves as a reminder of the organization’s mission to uplift and celebrate the contributions of Black journalists.
image source from：theatlantavoice
