The Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists was formed in 1980 to provide advocacy for Black journalists in the Los Angeles area and encourage balanced news coverage of the black community. NABJLA also provides employment opportunity information as well as workshops for high school and college students.
To learn more about our national parent organization, visit NABJ.org.
NABJLA Elections 2023
Board Candidates
President
Jarrett Hill
jarrett hill (he/him)
freelance journalist, trblmkng, llc
current NABJLA president
@jarretthill
i'm excited to continue serving our growing community of members, leading the strategy for our board and committees, and ultimately welcoming in new leaders as the future of the organization. we've got momentum going into the new term of leadership that i'm working on turning into great long-term opportunities for the NABJLA to thrive and flourish in its next phase.
Mischa Duffie
Mischa Duffie (She/Her)
Talk Show Host, KBLA TALK 1580 & Chief of Staff, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church
@mischainspires
I am running for President of NABJLA because I believe in the organization’s mission, I value the need for and importance of growing the presence of Black journalists in as many mediums as possible, and I believe I am at the right and ripe season in my life to serve in this
With respect to what I will bring, I proudly bring my 30+ years of professionalism, 25+ years of public speaking, leadership/organizational skills, entrepreneurial astuteness, love for people, and ability to influence individuals to rise to their highest place of greatness.
Additionally, I will bring fresh vision and a spirit of inclusivity that I am confident will build on the previous leadership’s work, ideas and history.
Vice President
Ray Love Jr.
Ray Love Jr. (He/Him/His/Love)
Digital manager
NABJLA communications committee chairperson & media summit co-chairperson
@RayLoveJr
A board member for the past two years, I've learned the ins and outs of this chapter and organization which has allowed me to grow a deeper passion for the work we've done and will continue to do for our community of Black media professionals and students. If elected, I will persist in upholding our mission supporting not only our president but our entire board in our pursuits.
General Board Member
four open positions
Jecoby Carter
Jecoby Carter (He/Him/His)
Jecoby & Company
@justjecoby @jecobyandcompany
There are several reasons why I would like to join NABJLA in a general board member capacity:
Professional Development: NABJLA provides various opportunities for professional development. By working closely on the board, I’ll be able to assist in influencing strategy for workshops, conferences, and seminars that offer valuable insights into the field of journalism.
Advocacy for Press Freedom: Journalism plays a vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and democracy. By being elected to a board member seat, I’ll contribute to the collective voice advocating for press freedom and defending the rights of journalists. Tackling important issues like protecting journalists' rights, fighting against censorship, and supporting freedom of expression.
Networking Opportunities: NABJLA brings together professionals from various fields within journalism, including reporters, editors, photographers, and broadcast journalists. By becoming a more involved member, I’ll gain access to a wide network of industry professionals who can provide guidance, mentorship, and potential career opportunities. Building connections within the industry is crucial to me for personal and professional growth.
Recognition and Awards: Many journalism associations organize annual or periodic awards to recognize outstanding achievements in the field. In this role, I hope to amplify and provide valuable recognition for the work of our members, and help enhance their professional reputation.
Continuing Education: Communications is a dynamic field that constantly evolves with new technologies, practices, and challenges. NABJLA often offers continuing education programs and certifications to help media pros stay abreast of the latest developments. These educational opportunities can broaden knowledge base, improve storytelling techniques, and help adapt to the changing media landscape.
Ultimately, becoming a general board member will provide me with a platform to connect with industry professionals, access valuable resources, and contribute to the advancement and promotion of the media industry as a profession. Finally, and most importantly, I get to be of service and bring my skillset to an association I’m proud to be part of.
Daric L. Cottingham
Daric L. Cottingham (She/Her)
Reporter, Reckon News
@Dariccott
I moved to LA four years ago, juggling graduate school and working in journalism. It took some time to get my bearings, but things began looking up after attending my first NABJLA meeting. Our chapter’s community-oriented approach to welcoming our members while offering exceptional programming stood out. This led to me being more active in the organization nationally, apart from LGBTQ+ and Arts & Entertainment task forces, on the local level joining programming committees and volunteering on event days. As I’ve found my footing as an early/mid-career journalist, I want to continue the advocacy work as a general board member by working to grow NABJLA’s Education & Programming committees to build a path of resources for the next generation of Black journalists as well as cross-generational networking opportunities for our membership. I believe this approach will allow for membership growth and the opportunity to expand our programming with more robust member participation. My goal is simple, to do everything I can to help make media more inclusive for all Black journalists in Los Angeles.
Kayla Clough
Kayla Clough (She/Her)
Entertainment Tonight
Twitter | Instagram
Since moving to Los Angeles from New York last year, I've attended a number of NABJLA programming events and appreciate how fresh and modern the org's approach is to media summits, panels and more. Seeing people I know on the board genuinely being happy to be a part of NABJLA makes my decision to want to join that much easier.
Being able to give back and be part of a bigger purpose is one of my major values.
I'd like to join the board to use my resources and expertise to help guide any young media professionals on their path and speak to my own experience. Additionally, I've been a subcommittee member of ReelWorks, a non-profit based in NYC, which mentors and gives media training to underrepresented minorities in high school and college. Seeing the passion in those young people gives me the will to keep going and makes all the sacrifice feel worthwhile.
Corey Emanuel
Corey Emanuel, PhD (He/Him/His)
Media Psychologist
@coreyemanuel @drcoreyemanuel
Over the past few years, I have worked closely with journalists to address the intersection of media and psychology. As I began attending NABJLA events, it became even more evident that forming an alliance with journalists, particularly Black journalists, was critical. I bring a unique perspective to NABJLA as I’ve spent the past sixteen years as a communications professional in the multimedia publishing industry and the past three years as a media psychologist. Through this leadership role, I can aid in the organization’s efforts to better understand the media’s influence and advocate for Black journalists and Black audience’s overall well-being as we continue to produce and consume media.
Aishia Freeman
Aishia Freeman (She/Her)
Communications Manager, Microsoft
Twitter: @carynfreemandc
I’d like to support the organization in building a robust local chapter that connects members to the community
LaCrystal Parker
LaCrystal Parker (She/Her)
I want to support the National Association Black Journalist Association and President as well. If selected my going is to use my gifts talents and network to serve and uplift the community of journalists.
Jamir Smith
Jamir Smith (He/Him/His)
The JamirSmithShow Podcast
@Jamir_smith
I have been apart of Marketing and Public Relations Boards in Atlanta and NYC, working with Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s as a director previously. I was able to bring a strong family dynamic by connecting people with like minds. I am running for thé position to be apart of the board to bring a fresh set of leadership and bring light to the everyday creative to help tell their stories.
Nadia R. Stanley
Nadia R. Stanley (She/Her)
Global TV Producer, Author, Owner of Financial Services Business with NewYorkLife
Instagram
My 15 years in TV Production, producing shows on networks like OWN, FOX & BRAVO have made me aware of the disparity of inclusion of black bodies & voices. Even in times where "Black" is in" it isn't if we're only included in stereotypes and cliches. I seek to help and work to bring the change I want to see as well as opening the vantage point of blackness past just the US to Africa & the entire Diaspora. Being born in England, raised in the US, building a production company in Jamaica and last year getting my Sierra Leone Citizenship has provided me with a unique perspective. I'm a leader but love to listen and I hope to enhance the organization through my passion but also through tapping into the pulse and thoughts of NABJL Members. Lauded for my professionalism it is my calling to mentor black youth on how to navigate the Entertainment Industry and make my love for my people & my voice heard.
Kaleef Starks
Kaleef Starks (She/Her)
Freelance Journalist / Podcast Host / MC / Graduate Student Journalism (MS)
Instagram and Twitter: @Kaleefnow
I am running for the position of general board member because I believe in connecting and advancing Black media professionals through community engagement. Cultivating community-oriented and professional relationships is essential for Black media spaces. I started my pursuit of becoming a board member last Summer when I met current board members at the Black Women in Media event. After speaking with Laila Muhammad and Jarrett Hill while working on my USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism application for graduate school, I was driven to be a part of an excellent board and serve my community. I joined the events committee and immediately started to assist with tasks assigned by Program Chair Trevell Anderson and Communications Chair Ray Love Jr. I attended a majority of weekly meetings, assisted with NABJLA's Media Summit 2023 as Talent Coordinator, and remained involved.
Participating in advocacy work since the age of 16, I have a desire and passion for ""the people"" and also a respect for Black media professionals having spaces to participate in inspiring dialogue while networking. Paying it forward is a motto I follow to the best of my ability. I also think it's important to have a Black transgender woman contribute to the NABJLA space. As a podcaster, host, UCLA alumna, incoming USC Journalism (MS) student, and community advocate; I believe my participation as a NABJLA board member will allow me to receive the torch for those who've come before me. I aim to continue the legacy former board members have built by being an integral part of the NABJLA board.
Paula Swift
Paula Swift
CEO of Paula Swift Consulting
Instagram
As a lifelong advocate for change and commitment to uplifting our community, I continually seek opportunities to serve in any capacity needed. Specific to NABJLA, I recognize that the need for access and representation persists within Black journalism and I believe this organization is well positioned to further build upon the gains we have attained thus far, and I would love to become part of that journey.
Nykeya Woods
Nykeya Woods (She/Her)
Entertainment + Culture Editor
@nykeyawoods
I work with young reporters, mainly Gen Z writers age 14 to 27. I’ve workers with young aspiring journalists for years. One of my objectives is to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed and be productive. This requires a couple of things. The ability for me to network with others in the business. I want to say to others, “Hey, I know a young journalist who would be great for that.” Or to the young journalist, I want to say,” Hey, there’s a great opportunity and I immediately thought of you. You should apply.” In order for this to happen, I need to be to lend my voice where decisions take place — that’s being a member of the board. In addition, I want to be an ally to the young voices to make sure they know we are reaching back as we move up.