The Sidebar by NYABJ

In this episode of The Sidebar, DAWN KELLY sits down with host JEWEL BENTON for a compelling conversation about member-organizations like NABJ and its local chapters, entrepreneurship, careers, community, and more. The Nourish Spot co-founder reflects on how growing up during the civil rights movement shaped her path, shares insights from her wide-ranging work in public relations, and offers life lessons on relationships, courage, resilience, and trusting yourself as an entrepreneur. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

In this episode of The Sidebar, media pioneer ALLISON DAVIS sits down with hosts JEWEL BENTON and LISA DURDEN for a compelling conversation about news, media, and community. She shares how she found herself at the center of multiple turning points in American journalism, her stint in the Black Panther Party, what it meant to be “unmanageable” as a young Black woman producer, the growing crisis of trust in news, and her advice for the next generation of journalists trying to tell our stories and survive in 2026 and beyond. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

In this episode of The Sidebar by NYABJ, host MICHAEL RAY sits down for a energetic conversation with multi-faceted media maker (and fellow Sidebar contributor) LISA DURDEN. Her journey began at Seton Hall University and in the grassroots world of local access television, but her sharp wit and uncompromising perspective quickly propelled her to one level after another over the years. This interview explores her incredible resilience, her accomplishments as an award-winning producer and documentarian, and illustrates how she uses her platform to challenge the status quo and amplify marginalized voices while remaining unapologetically authentic. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

Do you think a career in journalism starts and ends at the news desk? Think again. In this episode of The Sidebar by NYABJ, we explore exciting career paths in media and journalism that exist well beyond the traditional newsroom setting. From our panel in December 2025, then-NYABJ President BONITA SOSTRE hosted a trio of established professionals to uncover the reality of working in alternative media roles. She speaks with KIM HAAS, host and executive producer of PBS' "AfroLatina Travels with Kim Haas", Emmy-award winning producer and content strategist MICHAEL BARBER, and live events marketing production executive GIDEON MONCRIEFFE about their journey to forge their own paths using the skills they've developed in journalism. (Note: This episode was recorded on December 3rd, 2025) --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

In a year marked by profound instability across media and advertising - including mass layoffs, shrinking newsrooms, and disproportionate job losses among Black professionals - this episode offers a grounding, timely conversation for Black mediamakers and creatives seeking insights, affirmation, and real tools for what comes next. Producer CAROLYN ADAMS sits down with WALTER T. GEER III, Chief Creative Officer of Innovation at VML and co-founder of Blackweek, to talk about the fast-growing economic forum and festival bringing together leading voices from media, tech, marketing, entertainment, finance, art, and beyond to explore all things culture, creativity, and the future of work. He shares how he and his fellow co-founders managed to press forward and host the event for a successful second year in the current climate, the partnerships that helped make it possible, and their vision for the future. They also talk about strategies for navigating layoffs and searching for that next opportunity, the A.I. learning curve, the risk associated with advocacy work, and the importance of trust-building and authenticity in creative spaces. Learn more about Blackweek at www.blackweek.co --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

The Sidebar concludes its fourth dynamic season with interviews featuring the outgoing leadership of the New York Association of Black Journalists. The Sidebar’s JEWEL BENTON sits down individually with the current/outgoing President BONITA SOSTRE, and Vice President, BILL ALLEN, who each served two terms, to discuss their paths to leading the award-winning chapter. They share personal reflections, industry perspectives, advice for the incoming executive board, and a look ahead at what’s next. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

After a seven-year wait, a cornerstone of Black art and culture has returned home. In this episode, The Sidebar's WILL PATTERSON takes us inside the highly anticipated re-opening of The Studio Museum in Harlem. Originally established in 1968 in a rented loft as the first museum dedicated to African-American art, the institution has grown into a powerhouse featuring hundreds of pieces in its permanent collection and a world-renowned artist-in-residence program. Will sits down with Chief Program Officer NATASHA L. LOGAN to discuss the museum’s rich history, the years-long journey of the reconstruction, and how this new architectural marvel will shape the future of their mission and the neighborhood of Harlem at large. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

Becoming the first Black anything in environments rife with racism is far from easy, but trailblazing journalist and actress JAYNE KENNEDY has done it not just once but three separate times. Kennedy made history as the first Black Miss Ohio in 1970, the first Black woman to anchor NFL Today in the 1970s and the first woman of any race to host Greatest Sports Legends in the 1980s. Not to mention her award-winning acting career rubbing elbows with other stars like Sammy Davis Jr. and her status as an icon of Black beauty and excellence. The newly crowned NABJ Lifetime Achievement Award winner shares her remarkable story in her recently released memoir "Plain Jayne". In it, she takes back her narrative and legacy after a sex tape scandal led her into seclusion for years. In an inspiring conversation with the Sidebar’s KIZZY COX, Kennedy discusses her life, lessons and the steps she took on her way back into the well-deserved spotlight. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

This engaging conversation is led by public relations guru of more than five decades, ANGELO ELLERBEE, who works with legends like Dionne Warwick and Melba Moore, and developed the likes of Lionel Richie, Shabba Ranks, Mary J Blige, DMX, and even Michael Jackson, to name a few. Speaking with The Sidebar/NYABJ’s own JEWEL BENTON, Ellerbee discusses his impactful book "Before I Let You Go", emphasizing the importance of self-improvement, community support, and the challenges faced in the entertainment industry. He shares personal anecdotes about his family, the significance of education and reading, and the need for political awareness and activism. Throughout the discussion, Ellerbee highlights the power of love, encouragement, and the collective strength of the community. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

In this episode of The Sidebar by NYABJ, host LISA DURDEN sits down with VIVIAN COX-FRASER, President & CEO of the Urban League of Essex County, to discuss the impact of grant cuts on educational programs. Mrs. Cox-Fraser highlights the vital work the Urban League provides in the community and shares insights on how funding challenges affect their initiatives. She offers practical advice on overcoming financial setbacks, strategies for staying resilient, and inspiring words for organizations navigating uncertainty. Whether you’re part of a nonprofit, leading a business, or simply interested in how communities adapt in difficult times, this conversation delivers valuable perspective, empowerment, and authentic excellence. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

In this education-focused episode of The Sidebar by NYABJ to kick off the school year, producer and host MICHAEL W. RAY sits down with DR. SELMA BARTHOLOMEW, a Grenada-born, Harlem-raised educator and New York City mayoral candidate. Dr. Bartholomew’s journey is both inspiring and multifaceted; starting out by earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from Lehman College, pursuing two master’s degrees at Adelphi and Fordham University, and finally achieving a doctorate in pure mathematics. Beyond her academic and professional accomplishments, she brings a deeply personal perspective as a dedicated educator and a resilient cancer survivor. This conversation explores how her background shaped her values and provide insight into her passion for education, equity, and community empowerment. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

Before leaving for a brief summer break, The Sidebar would like to present a conversation as part of an unforgettable evening of networking and insight in collaboration with Amazon at the Brooklyn Chophouse in Times Square. Moderated by CBS News New York Meteorologist and NYABJ member TONY SADIKU, panelists explored how vision, purpose, and resilience shape modern leadership. The panel was made up of LONDON KEMP BOYKIN, Director of Global Realty Sustainable Development at Amazon; MARA S. CAMPO, four-time Emmy-winning journalist, Webby-winning content creator, and CEO of Magic by Mara; PRISCILLA OKYERE, Senior Manager of Worldwide Circular Solutions and Waste Reduction at Amazon; and KIESHA CLAYTON, Principal at the Climate Pledge at Amazon. From sustainability to social impact, this conversation delivers practical wisdom and bold inspiration for anyone ready to lead without compromise. (Note: This episode was recorded on July 15th, 2025) --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

Scroll through social media and you'll soon be bombarded with perfectly curated snapshots of people seemingly living lives much better than yours—better home, career, partner, looks, more talent, you name it! Even after you’ve logged out, you’re left with the feeling that you don’t measure up—a belief that hip-hop artist and meditation expert BORN I (OFOSU JONES-QUARTEY) is countering with his simple yet powerful mantra “You Are Enough.” Speaking with The Sidebar's KIZZY COX, Born I starts with his introduction to Buddhist meditation as a child by his mom, drifting in and out of the practice as he pursued his hip-hop career—and the party lifestyle it entailed. However, as he deepened his spiritual practice, he eventually decided to stop chasing mainstream success. Once Born I embraced coming "from the heart" by rapping about his spiritual evolution, his career reached new heights. In just the past five years, he’s become the voice behind the popular meditation app, Balance, released two albums, written two children’s books, brought his unique brand to the Kennedy Center where he led a guided meditation, followed by a hip-hop performance and is currently one of the meditation teachers featured on Dharma Homies, an online community making meditation accessible to marginalized groups. But he hasn't stopped there! This BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, Born I released his third album Komorebi and a new book for adults, Lyrical Dharma: Hip-Hop As Mindfulness. He’s redefining what a meditation teacher and hip-hop artist can be—and showing how mindfulness can heal. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

In this packed episode of The Sidebar by NYABJ, we begin with our own JEWEL BENTON's conversation with legendary music icon DIONNE WARWICK. The six-time Grammy winner, known for multiple hit singles over her nearly seventy-year career as a singer, actress, and television host, Warwick reflects on the path she’s walked and the wisdom she’s gained along the way. Then we turn to April’s Business Journalism panel, moderated by NYABJ Treasurer DIANE KING HALL. As economic issues like inflation, tariffs, and the rising cost of living increasingly shape public discourse, this panel highlights the journalists who make sense of it all. The New York Times' JORDYN HOLMAN, Financial Times' TAYLOR NICOLE ROGERS, and Bloomberg's QUEENNETTE KARIKARI share how they turn complex financial data into accessible, human-centered stories and how they impact the Black community at large. (Note: This panel was recorded on April 23rd, 2025. You can also watch the panel on Youtube: https://youtu.be/OapiuwjqM7I?si=grodBs18O5LBx0_5) --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

In this second part of our pair of episodes marking Black Music Month, The Sidebar by NYABJ decided to extend it for a few more days to feature the multi-talented TL CROSS. In a deep conversation with our own MICHAEL W. RAY, Cross shares his views on Black music over the years as musician, singer, songwriter, and producer with platinum credentials. He also expands upon his background as a lecturer and educator, as well as founder of the Cross Academy of Performing Arts. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org. --------- The New York Association of Black Journalists would like to thank the following sponsors who contributed to our 4th Annual Juneteenth Gala and Awards Show swag bag: Brownkind Bifties Rich Nuts Aluminate Life Hask Beauty Epsom-it Spry Andrew Fitzsimons Cheribe Beauty Tea Forte The Doux Kazmaleje New England Sweetwater Maya Angelou: A Writers Journal Keranique BosleyMD

June is Black Music Month and as a special treat, "The Sidebar by NYABJ" is releasing not one, but two extended episodes featuring those who have made their impact on Black music. To start, The Sidebar's SONJA D. GRACY has an intensive interview with music management veteran MATHEW KNOWLES (1:02). While many know him as the father of acclaimed singers Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Solange Knowles and his work managing Destiny's Child, Gracy goes in-depth with Knowles' other as impactful milestones, which include being the founder of Music World Entertainment amongst other music and entertainment business ventures and as a visiting professor teaching courses on the entertainment industry at a number of colleges and universities. In addition, The Sidebar's LISA DURDEN hosts a candid conversation with the multi-talented, platinum-selling artist SYLEENA JOHNSON (50:20). In an interview that will no doubt leave you inspired, Johnson opens up about her evolution as a singer, songwriter, TV host, wellness advocate, and film producer, and provides insight about owning your artistry, navigating industry challenges, and staying grounded in your purpose. She also shares encouraging words for rising artists and gives insider tips on longevity in the business. Remember that if you liked what you heard, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss Part II, which will be released on July 3rd! --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.

Audacious, trailblazer stories need enterprising visionaries to tell them. This tie between compelling film and skillful director seamlessly weave together in the novel, five-part, Disney+ docuseries, “Harlem Ice.” Harlem Ice is the delightfully inspiring, feel-good film chronicling the lives of a bevy of black and brown teen girl ice skaters of the “Figure Skating in Harlem” organization. Brooklyn-based documentarian SAMANTHA KNOWLES is the young, African American, award winning, filmmaker phenom appointed to craft this first-of-its-kind adventure. The Sidebar by NYABJ's SONJA D. GRACY talks with Knowles, a DOC NYC 40 Under 40 List 2023 and “NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Directing in A Documentary Series" recipient, about her work on the Harlem Ice film co-produced by Oscar-winning film director Ron Howard and ABC TV broadcaster Robin Roberts. In this podcast, Knowles shares her vision for the docuseries' creative arc that propels the figure skating organization’s ice access beginnings to its ice-skater mentorships of others across the globe. Knowles also divulges why she squarely centers her art on profiling the plight and progress of African Americans. EDITOR'S NOTE: To protect the identities of the young cast members of the documentary, parts of their names have been blanked out. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org. --------- Please join us for the 4th Annual NYABJ Juneteenth Gala and Awards Ceremony on Thursday June 19th from 6-9pm at the ILA Penthouse and Rooftop Garden. The event will be hosted by CBS News' Vladimir Duthiers and NBC 4 New York's Kay Angram. Get ready to mingle with fellow journalists, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and witness the honoring of outstanding members in the industry. Tickets are on sale at www.nyabj.org, with proceeds benefitting our First Take program. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening!

The Sidebar by NYABJ host JEWEL BENTON sits down with TAMARA PAYNE, co-author of the National Book Award-winning biography "The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X". As we commemorate the 100th birthday of Malcolm X, we also pay tribute to Les Payne—Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, co-founder of the National Association of Black Journalists, and Tamara’s late father. Payne shares her journey of completing the monumental biography following her father's passing, and reflects on the intertwined legacies of Malcolm X and Les Payne. Don’t miss this intimate conversation about journalism, legacy, and the enduring impact of two visionary Black men. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org. --------- Please join us for the 4th Annual NYABJ Juneteenth Gala and Awards Ceremony on Thursday June 19th from 6-9pm at the ILA Penthouse and Rooftop Garden. The event will be hosted by CBS News' Vladimir Duthiers and NBC 4 New York's Kay Angram. Get ready to mingle with fellow journalists, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and witness the honoring of outstanding members in the industry. Tickets are on sale at www.nyabj.org, with proceeds benefitting our First Take program. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening!

In this powerful episode of The Sidebar by NYABJ, we dive into the realities of balancing motherhood and journalism. Moderated by The Sidebar's LISA DURDEN, this conversation goes beyond headlines and deadlines to explore the joys, challenges, and lived experiences of mothers who are also journalists, producers, and storytellers. Joining the discussion is ABC News Senior Producer TAIGI SMITH, NBC 4 New York Reporter TRACIE STRAHAN, and journalist and book collaborator JEANNINE AMBER. Together, they unpack everything from their joyous journeys to motherhood to the emotional toll of postpartum depression. These phenomenal women drop gems, offer encouraging words of advice, and share real-world tips and takeaways for navigating both the newsroom and nursery. Whether you're a working mom, aspiring journalist, or simply curious about how motherhood fuels media-making, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a reminder that our stories matter—because we’re shaping how our communities stay informed, empowered, and inspired. (Note: This episode was recorded on May 6th, 2025) --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org. --------- Please join us for the 4th Annual NYABJ Juneteenth Gala and Awards Ceremony on Thursday June 19th from 6-9pm at the ILA Penthouse and Rooftop Garden. The event will be hosted by CBS News' Vladimir Duthiers and NBC 4 New York's Kay Angram. Get ready to mingle with fellow journalists, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and witness the honoring of outstanding members in the industry. Tickets are on sale at www.nyabj.org, with proceeds benefitting our First Take program. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening!

In this episode of The Sidebar by NYABJ, we go back to our March 2025 panel and uncover the world of sports journalism. New York Association of Black Journalists President BONITA SOSTRE is joined by panelists from all corners of CBS Sports: On-Air Reporter KEIANA MARTIN, Senior Director of CBS Sports' Race & Culture Unit DAVID CUMMINGS, CBSSports.com Basketball Writer JASMYN WIMBISH, and Associate Director/Associate Producer JUSTIN HALEY. Listen in for a candid discussion insight one of the industry's leading sports outlets, filled with stories from the arenas, stadiums, and ballparks near and far that captured in the newsrooms and studios of CBS Sports. (Note: This episode was recorded on March 4th, 2025) --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org. --------- Please join us for the 4th Annual NYABJ Juneteenth Gala and Awards Ceremony on Thursday June 19th from 6-9pm at the ILA Penthouse and Rooftop Garden. The event will be hosted by CBS News' Vladimir Duthiers and NBC 4 New York's Kay Angram. Get ready to mingle with fellow journalists, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and witness the honoring of outstanding members in the industry. Tickets are on sale at www.nyabj.org, with proceeds benefitting our First Take program. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening!