Morgan’s School of Global Journalism and Communication Nets Multiple Honors During Summer Awards Season

The exceptional accomplishments of Morgan State University’s School of Global Journalism and Communication (SGJC) were on full display at the 2022 Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association Awards (CAPBA) and the NABJ 2023 Hall of Fame Induction as talented students, esteemed faculty and a recent class of 2023 graduate received top honors at two recently held industry recognition ceremonies. These prestigious recognitions serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication and remarkable talent exhibited by SGJC’s students, faculty, and alumni and the School’s direct hand in shaping the future of journalism and communication. 

The 2022 CAPBA Awards, held on June 3, in Ocean City, showcased the outstanding work of television and radio stations across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Delaware. Among the winners were several SGJC standouts who captured the essence of journalistic excellence through their exceptional contributions. Leading the pack, Morgan State University’s radio station, WEAA-FM 88.9 “The Voice of the Community,” was honored with three first-place awards and two second-place awards.

WEAA’s 2022 CAPGA Award recipients included:

• Outstanding Use of Sound: First Place — Mykel Hunter, for the captivating production “The Griot”
• Outstanding Editorial or Commentary: First Place — Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, Ph.D., Justina Pollard-Bullock, and Andre Melton, for their thought-provoking piece titled “Baltimore: Two Mass Shootings in One Week?! How Do We Save Our City for Our Children?”
• Outstanding Sports Feature: First Place — Gabe Ortis, for his captivating coverage titled “State of Ravens Offense/World Cup Preview”
• Outstanding News Operation: Second Place — Randy Reid, Lena Jackson, and Morelys Urbano, for their exemplary work on the “Morgan News Hour”
• Outstanding Public Affairs: Second Place — Darrell McMillan and Clarence Snuggs, for their insightful program “Owning a Business and Developing Properties in Baltimore” 

In addition to the CAPBA Awards, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) announced its 2023 Hall of Fame inductees and Special Honors recipients, further highlighting the remarkable achievements within the industry. Among this year’s honorees included the coveted “NABJ Student Journalist of the Year” recognition which was awarded to Jordan Brown, a recent SGJC graduate and Class of 2023. Receiving the award served as a testament to Jordan's outstanding talents, commitment to journalistic integrity, and promising future within the industry. 

Additionally, two remarkable individuals with Morgan roots were inducted into the NABJ Hall of Fame. Sheila Brooks, Ph.D., former chair of the SGJC Board of Visitors after eight impactful years of service (five as chair), and Randall Pinkston, former SGJC professor of practice and current associate director of Morgan’s Center for New Media & Strategic Initiatives, were honored for their exceptional contributions to the industry. Their induction further underscores SGJC’s legacy of producing remarkable individuals who leave an indelible mark on the field of journalism.

The NABJ Hall of Fame acknowledges the exceptional accomplishments of Black journalists and communicators who have made remarkable contributions to the industry. Additionally, NABJ’s Special Honors recognize the groundbreaking achievements of individuals, organizations, or companies that support the Black community in news and media.

“We are excited, but not surprised, that these talented individuals are being honored. And we are grateful for the impact they have had and continue to have on the School of Global Journalism and Communication,” said Jackie Jones, the school’s dean. “These accolades serve as a testament to our commitment to nurturing diverse talent and preparing the next generation of journalism and communication leaders…we take immense pride in the extraordinary achievements of our honorees at the 2022 CAPBA Awards and the NABJ 2023 Hall of Fame Induction.”

Established in 2013, Morgan’s School of Global Journalism and Communication is one of only two Maryland-based Universities with an internationally accredited journalism school. Fully accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), SGJC is dedicated to giving voice to people who struggle to contribute to the public discourse that shapes the nation and the world through innovative teaching, cutting-edge research and exemplary service to Maryland, the nation and the world. The school seeks to instill students with the skills, knowledge and training necessary to become effective communicators and to add to the diversity of thought in the media.