CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands – The U.S. Virgin Islands has forged a strategic communications alliance with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
The Caribbean territory’s Department of Tourism will participate in and support the NABJ’s 2011 Convention and Career Fair in Philadelphia.
The largest gathering of minority journalists in the United States will draw participants from the information communications, public affairs and associated fields from August 3 to 7, 2011.
“We are committed to working with media organizations across all segments, and are particularly delighted to join hands with African American and Caribbean journalists in the United States in a new and exciting partnership,” said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Commissioner of Tourism for the US Virgin Islands
During the journalist association’s 36th annual convention, the Department of Tourism will sponsor a special Founders’ Reception on Thursday, August 4 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. The 44 men and women who gathered at an historic meeting on December 12, 1975, in Washington, D.C. to form the NABJ, will be honored.
“We wish to welcome the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism as a new sponsor of our upcoming Convention and Career Fair in Philadelphia,” said NABJ Vice President-Print Deirdre M. Childress, who has represented NABJ in the Caribbean. “This is a key partnership in our strategic goal of reaching out to the Caribbean and the African Diaspora.”
Founding NABJ Executive Director, Paul Brock, who began his journalism career at WSTA radio in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, confirmed “we want to extend our sincere appreciation to the members of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists for all of their tireless efforts in planning and arranging our 36th annual convention; the President and staff of the African American Museum in Philadelphia for allowing us to use their very beautiful and historical site; and finally the wonderful people at the Virgin Islands Tourism Department. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a grand relationship.”
Sandra Dawson Long, an NABJ Founder, echoing Brock’s sentiments, anticipates a “long and fruitful relationship with the Museum’s leadership and the generous team at the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. All of us coming together on this occasion can only ensure an enjoyable and successful event.”
One of the Founders being honored at the African American Museum reception will be Acel Moore, a former editor and columnist for the distinguished newspaper, The Philadelphia Inquirer, who will also be honored at the NABJ Convention with the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Hundreds of journalists will be treated to the Department of Tourism presentation of the sights, sounds and flavors of the Territory to the City of Brotherly Love. Local entertainment will include mocko jumbies, a steel pan player and Cruzan Rum sampling.
“Participating in this year’s convention further leverages the DOT’s relationship with the African American community, while reaching top influential media and attracting interest for the Territory in a key target market, such as Philadelphia,” added Commissioner Nicholson-Doty.
Details of the smart partnership will be announced at the reception in Philadelphia next week.
