The Rochester Association of Black Journalists is proud to welcome you to our new website. In addition to offering access to media professionals and links to Black publications worldwide, this website is designed to provide Rochester's Black community a forum in which to express their concerns and share constructive information to continue to build a stronger, more cohesive community.

   RABJ consists of full-time professional and freelance journalists of color, working for newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and in related fields such as filmmaking and public relations.
   The idea to seek an NABJ chapter came in 2003 after a small group of Black journalists saw a need to educate the community about how the media functions, how to better access the media, and the need to educate youth on how to pursue journalism careers.
   RABJ was founded under the pledge to seek a fair and more balanced portrayal of Blacks in local media reports. We remain committed to that pledge.

Founded
   After meeting independently for more than a year the Rochester Association of Black Journalists was awarded a chapter by the Board of Directors of the National Association of Black Journalists on April 17, 2004.

Mission
  To help ensure diversity in area media and accurate, balanced coverage of communities of color while serving as a resource for both established and aspiring communicators of African descent.

Purpose
   RABJ brings together people of African descent who work in the media, or media-related jobs throughout the Rochester area. RABJ reaches into schools to mentor students in journalism, participates in journalism workshops, provides career assistance to students, and assists with student-written publications.
   We provide professional support and development for journalists of color and those who work in related fields, such as public relations, publishing, filmmaking and media production.
   RABJ awards scholarships to promising young black students who plan to pursue careers as journalists.
   We serve as a clearinghouse for employment opportunities within local media outlets.
   RABJ sponsors and participates in community events that promote and encourage quality coverage of communities of color.
   RABJ also takes principled stands and positions on issues of journalistic inaccuracy, insensitivity, racism, and media-related ethics.

  Rochester's Black journalism history is legendary. The Rochester Association of Black Journalists is proud to honor giants such as Frederick Douglass, Howard W. Coles and others.