Remembering Edie

We encourage PABJ members to share their memories of Edie here; comments are now open for posting.

*Vernon Clark & Annette John-Hall contributed to Edie's Philadelphia Inquirer Obituary

*Edie's co-workers and friends share memories in extended coverage on NBC10.com

*PABJ Secretary Manny Smith discusses Edie's impact on newsroom diversity on FOX 29's website

*Edie's Memorial Service: Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. at Bright Hope Baptist Church on 12 Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue in Philadelphia

PABJ remembers Edie Huggins

The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists salutes and remembers the legacy of pioneering journalist Edie Huggins.

Edie has meant so much to so many during four decades in television news. As one of the first African American women to appear on TV newscasts in Philadelphia, Edie paved the way for countless journalists of color to excel and be journalistic vehicles for inclusive coverage of overlooked and misunderstood communities.
In 2005, PABJ honored Edie as an industry trailblazer.

Armed with a pen, a microphone and driven by heart, Edie skillfully told stories with unparalleled class and commitment… stories of people, politicians and problems that needed attention. Edie had a way of championing the powerless in her reports, digging deep to uncover an inner strength and ability to overcome tragedy or seemingly insurmountable barriers. Clearly, she was dedicated to giving voice to the voiceless.
Last month, Edie received the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists award for her service to the community and PABJ.
Over the years, Edie Huggins has represented what we strive to do, demonstrate a commitment to our craft and fulfill an obligation to help others. We celebrate her life and legacy and mourn her loss.
To her family, we offer our gratitude and our heartfelt condolences.
Sincerely,
Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists

Chapter of the Year

submitted by PABJ Member Pharoah Cranston

Congratulations members:


I am proud to announce that the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists has won the Chapter of the Year award from NABJ! PABJ got the nod this afternoon during the Unity convention in Chicago, beating out chapters from that host city and Nashville. This is a great accomplishment for all of us who work hard for the organization. 2007 was an incredibly challenging year for us professionally for our industry, but PABJ managed to persevere accomplishing professional and community workshops, acts of advocacy and student mentorship and scholarship. I'm so glad NABJ recognized our hard work! And I want to send a special shout out to Sarah Glover, Vice-President, Print for leading the application submission. She was there along with Acting Treasurer/Parliamentarian Melanie Burney and Vice-President, Broadcast Denise James to accept the award in my absence along with several of our members. Congratulations again! And tell your friends/colleagues, if you're not a member of PABJ, NOW see why you should be!
 
~PABJ President Monique Oliver

PABJ remembers Mal Johnson

PABJ is mourning, and remembering the proud spirit, ingenuity, and legacy of Mal Johnson, who passed away last month at the age of 85. Mal was one of the original founders of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, and like many of her group, later help to found the National Association of Black Journalists. Although Mal worked and lived in Washington D.C. during her later years, many of our members will have memories of her from our 2006 Banquet from our 2006 Banquet, where she received a PABJ Trailblazer Award.

PABJ President Monique Oliver shared her memories upon learning of her passing. "Mal was a wonderful person and a 2006 PABJ Trailblazer. She taught me a few things about broadcasting while I talked with her in preparation for the 2006 banquet. I am glad to have known her." Her feelings were shared by PABJ Parliamentarian Melanie Burney, "I'm so glad that we honored her when we did. I wish I had spent more time with her.". I'm sure many of PABJ's membership feels the same. As Monique and Melanie already have, please share your memories of Mal by leaving a personal message or memory about Mal in the comments section.

We'll share some of the best of these at November's meeting.

Mal Johnson

PABJ Founder, NABJ Founder, Friend

More online sources on Mal's Legacy:

NABJ celebrates life of founder Mal Johnson

PABJ 1973 Pioneers

Pioneer Feminist Journalist Dies

Frontrunners Awards (Mal recieved an honor in 2006)

Trudy Haynes Contest

Are you the next Gospel Sensation, Trudy Haynes is looking for singers and choirs to audition for a new television show, if you know anyone who is interested please have them sign up at:
www.nextgospelsensation.com

Harold Jackson moves up at the Inky....

from Philly.com
Harold Jackson, The Inquirer's deputy editorial page editor, was named editorial page editor, overseeing the opinion pages, the newspaper's publisher Brian Tierney announced yesterday (9/9).

More details in today's Philadelphia Inquirer.

The President in Vegas!

The PABJ President that is.....Here's a few Vegas moments shared by Monique Oliver.