3 Books Published by August Press on AALBC — Book Cover Collage

Twenty three black columnists discuss their role in American journalism. The diversity of their voices is exhibited in a collection of their columns at the end of 2005 through the first half of 2006.

There are topics that speak to every reader. Engage, enjoy and continue to follow these writers who publish weekly or several days a week in newspapers and other media.

William Monroe Trotter [1872-1934] was perhaps the rudest African-American journalist this nation has produced. The first African-American Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Harvard, Trotter was uncompromising. He attacked both racists and black accommodationists as editor of the Boston Guardian newspaper in the early 1900s.

Trotter’s legacy of lone wolf protest inspired 18 African-American columnists in 1992 to establish the Trotter Group.

In the 1990s the National Association of Black Journalists became a recognized name. Its members covered the big stories of the decade and also crusaded successfully for diversity in the media. Since the late 1990s however, NABJ stagnated, largely because of apathy and fatigue. Alarmingly, NABJ and its allies became vulnerable to attack by right-and left-wing critics. In this 3rd edition of the NABJ story, Wayne Dawkins defines what is right about NABJ, and he points to wrongs that must be corrected. Along the way, he cites important industry developments and social changes as markers. Dawkins’ historical record is a map to steer the association out of rugged waters.

Wayne Dawkins gives an insider’s account of the battling egos, valiant efforts and controversies that went into creating the National Association of Black Journalists, the largest and most powerful organization of journalists of color in America. The critically acclaimed book also recounts the struggles that have sustained and strengthened the group as it has grown and prospered.