NABJ official statements or press releases

Trump's NABJ Convention Appearance Sparks Controversy, Resignation, and Ends Early

Jul 31, 2024, 07:02 PM

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is facing significant controversy over its decision to invite former President Donald Trump to speak at its 2024 convention in Chicago. Trump's participation has led to internal backlash, including the resignation of co-chair Karen Attiah. Trump will be interviewed by Fox News' Harris Faulkner, ABC News' Rachel Scott, and Semafor's Kadia Goba. The NABJ declined Vice President Kamala Harris' request to appear virtually, citing logistical issues, although discussions are ongoing for a possible Q&A session in September. During the event, Trump made several contentious remarks, questioning Harris' racial identity and accusing migrants of taking 'Black jobs,' which led to a heated exchange with the moderators and audience members. The session, initially scheduled for an hour, was cut short to 35 minutes due to technical difficulties and the contentious nature of the interview.