Bold Voices Take Center Stage at NYABJ’s 4th Annual Juneteenth Gala
- pitches3
- Jun 27
- 2 min read
By: NYABJ Staff
The New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ) lit up the city with its 4th Annual Juneteenth Gala and Awards, a dazzling celebration of fearless storytelling, journalistic excellence, and the power of diversity in media. Held under the theme “Bold Voices,” the evening was a vibrant tribute to those who amplify marginalized voices, inspire change, and uphold the highest standards of journalism, hosted by Vlad Duthiers and Kay Angrum.
From the moment guests arrived the energy was electric. Attendees mingled during the cocktail hour, dressed in bold, summer-formal attire that reflected the evening’s vibrant theme. The night was filled with laughter, inspiration, and heartfelt moments as NYABJ honored some of the most impactful journalists and media professionals in the industry.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to this year’s honorees, whose work has pushed boundaries and sparked meaningful conversations. Among the winners were:
Gwen Ifill Award for Excellence in News Reporting (Long Form): “The CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell, Eye On America: Tracing Roots” — Adam Verdugo, James Brown, Alicia Hastey
Stuart Scott Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism: “COURAG3OUS: Aaliyah Gayle's CWSA Inspiration Award” — James Decker, Mike Stypulkoski, Sean Brennan
Ida B. Wells Award for Excellence in Print Journalism (Features): “Street Wars” — Dodai Stewart
Ed Bradley Award for Excellence in Investigative Reporting: “Women Suing Hair Relaxing Companies after Cancer Diagnoses” — Zinhle Essamuah, Senior Producer: Yasmine Salam — NBC News
Brownkind Luminary Award: Robin Roberts
Each awardee was celebrated for their dedication to telling stories that matter, shedding light on critical issues, and elevating the voices of underrepresented communities.
The gala wasn’t just about awards—it was a celebration of community and the shared mission of empowering Black journalists. Guests were treated to inspiring speeches, live entertainment, and a sense of camaraderie that underscored the importance of NYABJ’s work. The event also featured a raffle with exciting prizes, adding an extra layer of fun to the evening.
Thank You to Our Supporters
NYABJ extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the event. A special thank you goes out to our sponsors, whose generosity made the night possible:
