The Cool Out Suite with DFW/ABJ and the Dallas Chapter NABJ Sports Task Force

The Cool Out Suite scored big as the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (DFW/ABJ) was joined by ESPN’s sports journalists and friends, Jemele Hill, Michael Smith and analyst for ESPN’s SEC Network, Marcus Spears.

The Foundation Room was packed with media professionals, athletes and sports fans during this college football championship weekend. 

"I think having the College Football Playoff here allows DFW/ABJ to show just how important it is to the community. It allows everyone to meet and greet with some of the names and faces you may recognize on TV or the radio, and in turn, it gives those people the opportunity to see that DFW/ABJ is more than capable of putting on a professional, quality event for the masses,” said national college football recruiting analyst, Damon Sayles.

DJ Gumbo turned down the music so that DFW/ABJ board members including Past President KXAS-TV NBC 5’s Stephen Wright, Vice President Eva Coleman, and special guests Jemele Hill and Michael Smith could address the large crowd.  Star-Telegram’s Cowboys/ NFL reporter, Clarence E. Hill Jr. welcomed everyone and invited all to join the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists. 

“We want to encourage everyone to join because it supports us in the business,” said WFAA-TV fill-in Traffic Reporter and celebrity blogger, Amanda Fitzpatrick.

Former NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens, Marcus Spears shared his sentiments on being welcomed to the journalism side of the industry.  He gave lots of credit to other journalists in the room including his “sis," Eva Coleman. 

Other professionals were invited to speak as well and a common theme among each of them seemed to be, “pay it forward.” 

“I make sure I pay my dues and it was opportunities that NABJ provided that led me to where I am today,” said ESPN’s Jemele Hill.  

"As we approach our 35th anniversary in 2016, DFW/ABJ members recognize our rich history and a commitment to providing scholarships, mentorships, professional development programming and networking opportunities,” said DFW/ABJ President, Cheryl Smith.  "We're also proud of our NABJ 'babies' and appreciate the opportunity to show our love when they visit the area." 

If you are seeking a progressive organization that provides scholarships, networking opportunities and pays it forward, join the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists.  When you join, you support students just like the ones featured in the following video participating in the 12-week, Urban Journalism Workshop sponsored by the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists. 

DFW/ABJ has influenced the careers of so many journalists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and around the nation. Visit www.dfwabj.com and join TODAY!

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Blog post by: LaDonna Castro
DFW/ABJ Secretary