“The people must know before they can act, and there is no educator to compare with the press.”

The Buffalo Association of Black Journalists is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to getting expanded and more balanced media coverage of minorities and increasing minority representation at both the staff and management levels in Western New York newsrooms.

As an affiliate of the National Association of Black Journalists, the world’s largest media organization for people of color, the Buffalo chapter helps minority organizations better utilize the media. The BABJ also monitors media coverage of minorities and reports to the community, and holds workshops for groups that seek media coverage.

The BABJ also awards an annual scholarship to African-American students interested in journalism as one means of promoting diversity within the industry.

Using community forums, workshops, political debates, and a variety of other means, the BABJ works to: 

(a) Advance the interests of blacks in the journalistic profession and make available  members to serve as role models and mentors for students interested in journalism;

(b) Strengthen ties among blacks in all media;

(c) Sensitize the media and the community to racism in news coverage and employment practices;

(d) Sponsor scholarships for students to ensure continued representation of blacks in the media;

(e) Assist black journalists in enhancing their skills;

(f) Assist community groups in accessing the media to tell their stories.