Oakland Local - BABJA Gala Celebrates Excellence in Journalism, Past Present and Future

BABJA Gala Celebrates Excellence in Journalism, Past Present and Future
OaklandLocal.com
October 4, 2010

By Niema Jordan

Media professionals, students, and community members gathered in Jack London this weekend for the 7th Annual Young Journalists Scholarship Gala. One of the many projects coordinated by the Bay Area Association of Black Journalists (BABJA), the event honored broadcast journalist and industry mentor Bob Butler for his contributions both past and present. BABJA also awarded scholarships to students pursing careers in journalism highlighting the work they are doing and the work they will do years from now.

The event kicked of with a reception, giving attendees a chance to network over hors d’oeuvres and drinks. During the Gala program slides and special video were shown honoring Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Bob Butler. A number of people who have worked with and been impacted by Butler, spoke at the Gala and sent video messages. Butler shared stories about how he became the journalist he is today, including his move from DJing parties to reading the news just to get on air.

Reginald James was one of two scholarship recipients. A student at Peralta colleges who will start full-time at UC Berkeley for spring semester, he received the Chauncey Bailey Scholarship. When James accepted his award he explained how being disappointed in local media coverage led him to dedicate himself to journalism.

His mission in the field became extremely clear when he ended his speech reciting and encouraging others to repeat the “Credo for the Negro Press”:

I Shall Be A Crusader...
I Shall Be An Advocate...
I Shall Be A Herald...
I Shall Be A Mirror And A Record...
I Shall Have Integrity...
I Shall be a crusader and an advocate, a mirror and a record, a herald and a spotlight, and I Shall not falter.
So help me God.

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