NABJ Honors Morgan State Dean with Inaugural Drum Major Award

School of Global Journalism and Communication Dean Jackie Jones Becomes First-Ever Honoree to Receive the Prestigious Recognition from the Professional Association

In recognition of her transformative impact on journalism, the founders of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) are honoring Morgan State University School of Global Journalism and Communication (SGJC) Dean Jackie Jones with its Inaugural Drum Major Award. The prestigious acknowledgment of Dean Jones’ career-long contributions to her industry and craft will be presented during the NABJ annual convention, which will be held in Chicago this August.

“It's an honor to be recognized by your own, but especially by the founders of an organization you have sought to represent to the best of your abilities,” said Dean Jones.

DeWayne Wickham, SGJC dean emeritus and a founder of NABJ, was instrumental in creating the Drum Major Award and identifying its first honoree.

“This year, our NABJ founders have created a signal award for long-term leadership of the journalism profession. In August, they will make Morgan State University Dean Jackie Jones its first recipient,” said Wickham, who also served as a past president of the organization. “In giving her its Drum Major Award, the founders of NABJ - this nation's largest and most influential organization of minority journalists - have etched Dean Jones' name, and citation for her distinguished reputation for leadership, into the pillars of this historic organization.”

Next year, on the 50th anniversary of its creation, the National Association of Black Journalists will honor its 44 founders.

The National Association of Black Journalists provides programs and services to its more than 4,000 members, including emerging journalists, professional journalists, student journalists, journalism educators, and media professionals. Since its founding, the organization has advocated for Black journalists and media professionals worldwide.

The NABJ Annual National Convention is a multi-day conference for journalism education, career development, networking, and innovation. Held each summer and drawing attendees from across the country, the convention and career fair is reported to be the most extensive professional event of its kind in the nation. Dean Jones will accept the Drum Major Award at the Founders Reception on August 1, with friends and family in attendance. 

Congratulations, Dean Jones, on this well-deserved honor!