Washington, D.C. (March 2, 2018) — The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) celebrates the National Writers Union‘s (NWU) final settlement with Ebony Magazine regarding the payment grievances of 45 freelance writers, editors and designers who are collectively owed $80,000.

NABJ President Sarah Glover recognizes NWU’s win as a major step forward for the advocacy of journalists across the nation. NWU President Larry Goldbetter and members attended the 2017 NABJ Convention in New Orleans for fellowship and a meeting.

“It’s great news that Ebony has ponied up and is paying the freelance writers associated with the NWU’s lawsuit and #Ebonyowes. I applaud the NWU for their hard work. NABJ remains concerned that numerous freelance writers not a part of the NWU grievance remain unpaid. It’s unacceptable and past time for Ebony and CVG Group to pay all outstanding freelance writing balances,” Glover said.

Ebony was acquired by the Houston-based CVG Group in 2016. President Glover has requested a meeting with CVG Group executives to discuss the matter further.

“The court decision for Ebony Magazine to pay people for their contributions is a victory in name only,” said Marlon A. Walker, NABJ’s vice president of print. “It shouldn’t take judicial intervention to do what is expected. I look forward to the freelancers who’ve been hurt in this delay being compensated. Until then, #EbonyOwes is still a thing.”

Ebony is the co-recipient of the 2017 NABJ Thumbs Down Award for failure to pay its freelance writers.

To read the complete NWU press release, click here.

About NABJ
An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation, and provides career development as well as educational and other support to its members worldwide. For additional information, please visit www.nabj.org.