Newsroom

THE HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS
HONOR MEDIA TRAILBLAZERS AT THE ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER ON FRIDAY, MARCH 26

January 21, 2010 -- The Houston Association of Black Journalists, HABJ, will celebrate four distinguished media professionals at its 24th Annual Awards Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 26, at the Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar.

The honorees were selected for their outstanding contributions to the journalism profession and for their commitment to the event’s theme, “Empowering Journalists for the Future.”

“In light of all the changes happening in our industry, this is our night to celebrate our achievements and focus on our future,” says Katishia Cosley, KIAH-TV Channel 39 anchor and dinner co-chair.

This year’s anniversary dinner will include an additional category recognizing emerging excellence in the journalism field. The honorees include:
-Roland Martin, nationally award-winning journalist and author, will receive the coveted HABJ Pinnacle Award. The Houston native serves as commentator for TV One Cable Network and hosts “Washington Watch with Roland Martin.” Martin is also an analyst for CNN and senior analyst for the “Tom Joyner Morning Show.”
-Ralph Cooper, sports director for KCOH Radio and commentator for KTRK-TV Channel 13’s Extra Points, will be honored with the HABJ Lifetime Achievement Award for many years of excellence and devotion to journalistic standards.
-Tony Wyllie, vice president of communications for the Houston Texans, will receive the HABJ Spirit Award for his decade-long role in shaping the image of the NFL team and fostering its supporting relationship within the community. He is a graduate of Texas Southern University and the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University.
-Richelle Carey, is a weekday anchor for Headline News and correspondent for Prime News each weeknight. Carey is a Houston native and began her career at KPRC-TV Local 2. She will be receiving the newly entitled award, HABJ’s Emerging Journalist of the Year, for her dedication to the field.

Other dinner co-chairs include, HABJ’s Special Events co-coordinator and author, Sherea Cary, and Houston Chronicle Fashion and Beauty Editor, Joy Sewing.

For more information about HABJ’s 24th Anniversary Awards Dinner, visit www.habj.org or contact dinner chairs Katishia Cosley, 713-435-2895; Joy Sewing, 713-363-7371; or Sherea Cary, 713-249-2765.

HABJ is a 501c(3) organization with its mission to provide professional development, honor excellence in journalism, cultivate young journalists and ensure accurate coverage of the minority community. HABJ provides scholarships, workforce development and summer training for college students majoring in journalism and communications fields. HABJ also presents free community outreach programs, seminars and town hall throughout the year.