National Association of Black Journalists-Chicago Chapter

Fitted In Black
2024-02-05 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Bronzeville Winery, 4220 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL, 60653, United States
Join us for a screening of “Fitted In Black,” panel discussion, food and drinks. RSVP link coming soon!

http://nabjchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/423980780_944058847255303_7588674768778582146_n.mp4

Red Line Double Header
2024-07-30 14:00 - 19:00 | IL
We kick off the day with a lively day party and on-field experience at the iconic Wrigley Field, one of the nation’s most historic baseball parks. In the evening, we move to Guaranteed Rate Field for a luxurious suite party as we watch the White Sox take on the Kansas City Royals at 7:30 PM.
DJ: Mustafarocks
Your ticket purchase includes:
• Round-trip transportation from the NABJ host hotel, between the baseball parks, and back
• Delicious food at both parks
• Open bar at both parks
• VIP ticket to the White Sox game
Don’t miss out on this exclusive event!
Special thanks to our sponsors: The Chicago White Sox, NBC5, Telemundo Chicago, Comcast, and Nielsen.
MUST BE AGE 21+ TO ATTEND. PHOTO ID REQUIRED.

Buy tickets here.

NABJ-Chicago and The Chicago Bears Present: THE CHICAGO “KICK” OFF PARTY
2024-07-31 21:00 - 2024-08-01 01:00 | 167 Green Street, 167 North Green Street, Chicago, IL, 60607, United States
Join the Chicago Bears and NABJ-Chicago for a spectacular fundraiser and welcome party in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop, featuring breathtaking views of the city’s iconic skyline! This unforgettable evening promises not only stunning sights but also the chance to make a meaningful impact.
MUST BE AGE 21+ TO ATTEND. PHOTO ID REQUIRED FOR ENTRY.
Put on your best sneakers and get ready to mingle, dance, and enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails, all while taking in breathtaking photo opportunities and supporting a worthy cause. Your ticket purchase includes round-trip transportation from the NABJ host hotel, food, and signature Chicago goodies. Your purchase is tax-deductible and directly contributes to NABJ-Chicago’s programming and scholarship funds, ensuring your night out makes a difference.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Chicago at its finest, connect with like-minded individuals, and support a great cause. We can’t wait to welcome you! Thank you to our sponsors: The Chicago Bears, Garrett’s Popcorn, United Airlines, NBC Chicago, Telemundo, Comcast, The Chicago Community Trust, and Bally’s.
Purchase tickets here.

Black History Bus Tours with Sherman Dilla Thomas (Three separate tours)
2024-08-03 09:30 - 17:30 | IL
Explore Chicago’s rich heritage with nationally acclaimed historian Sherman Dilla Thomas on our Black History Bus Tours, highlighting significant historical journalism locations that have shaped the narrative of Black America. Roundtrip from the Hilton and back. Sponsored by The Chicago Tribune and CBS 2 Chicago.

Journey through the city as we visit key sites where pioneering Black journalists and media outlets broke barriers, championed civil rights, and influenced generations. From the historic headquarters of the Chicago Defender to the iconic Ebony/Jet building, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact these institutions have had on the fight for justice and equality.
Join us for an enlightening and inspiring tour that celebrates the legacy of Black journalism in Chicago, offering a unique perspective on the city’s vibrant history. Your ticket purchase is tax-deductible and benefits NABJ-Chicago’s programming and scholarship funds. All tours are round-trip from the NABJ host hotel. Sponsored by The Chicago Tribune and CBS 2 Chicago.

Three Bus Tours
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m. -5:30 p.m
Buy tickets here.

Red Hot Holiday Party
2024-12-12 18:00 - 23:00 | Bassline, 2239 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60616, United States

PRESS AHEAD: How Chicago Black Journalists Shaped The Culture
2025-02-27 18:00 - 20:30 | IL
Click here for ticket information!

NABJ-Chicago Speed Mentoring – Sponsored by The White Sox
2025-04-15 17:00 - 21:00 | Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL, 60616, United States
Ready to level up in your career? NABJ-Chicago is partnering with the Chicago White Sox for a one-of-a kind Speed Mentoring event. It’s like speed dating, but for your career! Meet professionals from some of the top media organizations in Chicago, make valuable connections, and catch a White Sox game afterwards. Food and drinks provided.
Mentors:

Tonya Francisco, Anchor, WGN-TV “Daytime Chicago”
Jacoby Cochran, Host, Citycast Chicago
Akemi Harrison, News Director, NBC 5 Chicago
Afua Owusu, Head of Local Content, WCIU-TV
Tacuma Roeback, Managing Editor of the Chicago Defender
Atiba Buchanon, Programming Director, WVON 1690 AM
Jasmine Cooper, Producer, WCIU-TV

Annual Meeting 2025
2025-05-21 18:00 - 21:00 | CBS Chicago, 22 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL, 60602, United States
Join NABJ-Chicago for networking, chapter updates, election voting and results at our Annual Meeting, the biggest meeting of the year for our chapter.
Food will be provided. RSVP is free, but if you’re not a member, we will ask for $5 at the door.
Click here to register.

Changing The Game In A Changing Landscape
2025-06-25 18:30 - 19:30 | IL
Join us for this important discussion moderated by Phil Thompson of the Chicago Tribune. The panelists for this event will include Cody Mack (@codymackkk) of @WhatsTheWordTV, Dometi Pongo of MTV News (@dometi @thecncpodcast), and Norm Parish of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Join us on Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ub4mR_ifQYyg5lZDSvEtLQ

NABJ Elections Candidate Forum
2025-07-16 18:30 - 20:00 | IL
Click this link to register to listen to the forum live!

NABJ Chicago Chapter Mixer
2025-07-25 18:30 - 21:00 | City Bureau, 3619 S. State Street, Chicago, IL, 60609, United States
Still figuring out travel? Need a roommate? Want the inside scoop on registration and the app? Pull up — we’ve got you covered.
Even if you’re not headed to the convention, come kick it with us anyway. Great vibes, catch up, new connections, and the space to get things off your chest.
Bring a friend (bonus points if they become a member), just $5 for non-members. All funds support our chapter’s work.

Beyond The Headlines: The NABJ Journey
2025-08-22 18:00 - 21:00 | The Dusable Museum, 740 E 56th St, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
We’re proud to share the trailblazing legacy and historic impact of NABJ at our Chicago screening of Beyond the Headlines: The NABJ Journey.
In partnership with XL Film Festival and Dusable Museum we invite you to join us for this legendary documentary and experience the story that continues to inspire generations.
Following the film, our President Brandon Pope will lead a powerhouse panel exploring our chapter’s pivotal role and remarkable rise in NABJ’s story.

Mental Health Webinar
2025-09-25 18:30 | IL
Join NABJ Chicago for a candid virtual session with licensed therapist, Dr. Carissa Bacon. This event is designed to give journalists space to unpack and process the weight of the recent news cycle.
This safe, supportive Zoom gathering is an opportunity to vent, reflect, and learn coping tools. Take a moment for yourself, you don’t have to carry it all alone.

NABJ Chicago Presents: Celebrity Bartender Scholarship Fundraiser
2025-10-23 18:00 - 22:00 | Nisei Lounge, 3439 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL, United States
We’re shaking things up! Join us as your favorite journalists and media pros step behind the bar for a great cause.
NABJ-Chicago presents our Celebrity Bartender Fundraiser, featuring an all-star lineup helping raise vital funds for our chapter scholarships.
Come sip, mingle, and support our mission!

Reporting on the Frontlines Webinar
2025-10-25 13:00 | IL
Join us for an informative discussion for NABJ chapters across the country on your rights and legal tips for covering civil unrest, protests and federal troops.

Meet & Greet with Terry Jervis
2025-12-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Sophy Hyde Park, 1411 E. 53rd St, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States

Red Hot Holiday Party & Awards Ceremony
2025-12-18 18:00 - 23:00 | Bassline 2239, 2239 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, 60616, United States
For the first time in NABJ-Chicago Chapter history, we are recognizing the best and brightest of our community with awards. Help us raise money for student scholarships and programming, bid on silent auction items, enjoy light appetizers, drinks (available for purchase), and dance the night away.
First 20 people get a drink on us. Grab a ticket with the link below!

In the spirit of the Season of Giving, this year we are encouraging attendees to bring a toy to donate to “Gifts For Guardians,” supporting parents and guardians of children in low-income households and underserved communities.
The overall goal is to empower parents who are facing financial hardships by providing them with the ability to surprise and gift their children with cool and fun toys this holiday season.
