Canadian Association of Black Journalists - 2009 AGM Event - March 21, 2009

On Saturday March 21st 2009 we are holding our Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Ryerson University, and we’re looking forward to your support and attendance as we usher in a new slate of CABJ board members. 

Annual General Meet & Greet
Saturday March 21, 2009
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Ryerson University

International Living Learning Centre | Theatre

133 Mutual Street/240 Jarvis

***RSVP deadline extended: end of day Friday,  March 20th to info@cabj.ca

The last two years brought about enormous change as the CABJ re-launched in March 2007 after a brief hiatus. With little delay to ensure members received value for their membership, the 2007-2009 board got to work on a number of projects to re-energize and uplift the organization.

Thank you to the board members for all of your accomplishments, dedication and hard work during this term: 

• Fennella Bruce, former CABJ President 
• Ashante Infantry, former Director of Communications 
• Morgan Campbell, VP Print
• Michelle Lynch, VP Broadcast
• Donovan Vincent, Treasurer
• Vanessa Thomas, Secretary
• Wendy Vincent, Director of Communications 
• Sundra Owesu-Sefa, Student Representative


We are still looking for candidates for most of the positions listed, so if you are interested, dedicated and can offer a unique approach to elevating the position of black journalists and communicators in Canada – please step forward and e-mail us at info@cabj.ca. Don’t forget to include your position of interest. 

Since Wendy Vincent joined us later in the term, she will remain on the board in the position of Director of Communications

Michelle Lynch intends to run for the position of President for the upcoming 2009-2011 term. 

Your membership is valuable. 

For lapsed members – check out what you’ve missed. 
For current members – we look forward to seeing you at future events!


Value for your CABJ membership

July 2007
Speaker Series featuring Toyin Agbetu @ Ryerson University
Toyin Agbetu is a London England-based activist best known for speaking out in the U.K at an event marking the 200th Anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. He staged his protest in front of Queen Elizabeth II in March 2007. Toyin joined us in person four months later, telling his story and fielding questions from a packed room of more than 100.

September 2007
CABJ website
The CABJ launched a brand new website including timely content and exclusive sections for members only. Check us out at www.cabj.ca

October 2007
Speaker Series featuring Jabari Asim @ Betty Oliphant Theatre
Jabari Asim is a best selling author and the syndicated columnist for The Washington Post. He wrote the book the “N” Word – Who can say it, who shouldn’t and why. Close to 100 attended this engaging and powerful discussion with the New York Times best selling author, who also signed copies of his book.

January 2008
Breakin’ Into the Biz @ Rogers Communications Building – Ryerson University
Breakin’ into the Biz was a unique opportunity to partner budding journalists and media related types with hiring professionals from leading television, radio, print and public relations organizations. The well-attended event provided informative discussions for students and entry-level journalists, and free practical and industry related workshops.

October 2008 
The Obama Effect @ Hart House University of Toronto
One of our most successful events to date, The Obama Effect brought together the collective passion and interest of Canadians in the historic U.S. Presidential election. More than 100 attended the event hosted by CBC personality Clifton Joseph. With Senator Barack Obama, the first African-American presidential candidate poised to take it all on Election Day, the CABJ gathered insightful minds from both sides of the political spectrum to share their views and anticipation of what Obama’s win would mean for blacks and other people of colour everywhere, and for Canada’s political culture. High profile guests included Dr. George Elliott Clarke (U of T Professor), Will Strickland (Urban Music Association of Canada), Adrienne Jones (Democrats Abroad Canada). 

December 2008 
Student Scholarship Event and Auction @ Ryerson University
The future of our young people studying in the fields of journalism and communications was celebrated at an event that saw $4,000 in scholarships handed out. The CABJ board, members at large, and scholarship sponsors supported this worthy event. It was an exciting night hosted by CityTV’s Nneka Elliott, another rising young talent.

Financial assistance to students, especially in these tough economic times, will help our young super stars of the future reach the finish line. 

The CABJ was proud to honour the following students for their hard work and dedication to the field. We look forward to future applicants in the upcoming years.

Scholarship winners
• Monique Johnson
• Cassandra Padmore
• Thandiwe Vela
• Stephanie Smith 

There is still so much more to do. We are excited about what is ahead of us and look forward to your membership and support to help us reach the CABJ’s next stage of growth.

Overall Value for your CABJ Membership

• Website access
• Exclusive job postings for members only
• Networking opportunities and access to CABJ membership
• Scholarships 
• Mentorship and internship opportunities
• Social gatherings for industry professionals
• The only association in Canada serving the needs of minority journalists and media professionals
• Volunteer opportunities through leadership and subcommittees within the CABJ
• Writing opportunities
• Discussion boards
• Affordable student membership rates
• Events are free for members and include complimentary refreshments 


www.cabj.ca