The Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ) , one of the nation’s oldest and most influential organizations for Black media professionals, swore in its new board of directors Jan. 10 during a ceremony that underscored the chapter’s legacy and its relevance in a shifting media landscape.
Founded as a local chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), the AABJ serves as an affiliate of NABJ and functions as a professional home, advocacy body and training ground for Black journalists across metro Atlanta. The chapter, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is the second-oldest NABJ chapter in the country.
The swearing-in ceremony for the 2026–2028 board of directors brought together current leadership, founders and national NABJ officials.
Newly inducted board members included President Condace Pressley, Vice President of Broadcast Lisa Cox, Vice President of Print Delano Massey, Vice President of Digital C. Denise Hendricks, Treasurer Ernie Suggs, Parliamentarian Gwen Anderson Warren and Secretary Imara Canady.
The oath was administered by Judge Glenda Hatchett, a legal trailblazer and television judge, who framed the moment as both celebratory and urgent.
“In these times, that is something to cheer about,” Judge Hatchett said, referring to the chapter’s longevity. “But they’re coming after you… they’re coming after your heart. And if we ever needed to stand in solidarity… we got to do it now more than ever.”
She continued: “If we stay silent now… when they come for you, there won’t be anybody to stand… once they find that weak link in the chain, they can’t find a weak link in this chapter’s chain.”
Also in attendance were NABJ National President Errin Haines, AABJ co-founder Felicia Jeter and AABJ co-founder Stan Washington, who holds founder emeritus status.
Washington, who helped establish the chapter while a journalism student in Atlanta, emphasized that leadership within AABJ is rooted in service rather than status.
“What matters to me is… someone who is dedicated to the profession… not seeking it for titles or positions or ego,” Washington said. “They’re dedicated to the profession of uplifting the members… advancing the profession of journalism.”
He described AABJ and NABJ as more than networking organizations, calling them a refuge for journalists navigating hostile or isolating work environments.
“NABJ [is] a home… a safe haven… a place where you can go and get mentorship, feedback and not be overly judged,” Washington said. “If you don’t have integrity, you don’t have anything… that’s your reputation.”
Washington also stressed that the chapter’s role is especially critical as journalism undergoes rapid technological and economic change.
“The landscape of media has really changed,” he said. “What hasn’t changed is the integrity… young journalists need to know that.”
The ceremony included a prayer and reflection led by the Rev. Dr. Herman “Skip” Mason Jr., president of the Interdenominational Theological Center, who placed the chapter within Atlanta’s broader civil rights history.
“For 50 years, you have carried the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists through seasons of triumph and struggle,” Mason said. He described the organization as “a living archive of courageous excellence and Black brilliance.”
He added: “Black journalists have always been guardians of democracy… witnesses against erasure… they told the truth anyway.”
The swearing-in served as both a recommitment to its founding principles and a signal of continuity between generations.
“You’re going to get a lot more from the organization by what you put into the organization,” Washington promised.
For Atlanta’s Black journalists, the ceremony reaffirmed what the chapter has represented for five decades: accountability, community and an unbroken commitment to journalistic diversity and integrity.
