Meet The Candidates
CANDIDATE AT-LARGE:
Lauryn Azu
PLATFORM STATEMENT:
I am an active member ready to take my role in NABJ-Chicago to the next level. As an at-large board member, I will support a board that responds to member feedback, provides transparency and prioritizes solutions to the concerns facing Black journalists in the Chicagoland area. I have assisted with the coordination of volunteers and materials at NABJ Chicago’s programming for the National Convention, and I also provided extra support at multiple chapter events, including the Red Hot Holiday Party. In this role, I will support board members in whatever capacity necessary, and continue learning how to steer this chapter successfully to organize impactful, dynamic programming and advocacy for our membership.
Norman Parish
PLATFORM STATEMENT:
As a former NABJ regional director and national board member, I am familiar with NABJ. In the 1990s, I helped found the Arizona Association of Black Journalists and a now-defunct NABJ chapter in New Mexico. I was a board member of the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists and for several years I helped lead that chapter’s print portion of its annual high school journalism workshop. While in St. Louis, I also served as a board member of the Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis. I have been a journalist for more than four decades. During most of my professional life in the Chicago area, I have worked as an editor. I am currently a Chicago Sun-Times deputy managing editor.
Cleopatra Draper
PLATFORM STATEMENT:
I am Cleopatra Draper, Your Favorite Millennial and Midday host on WVON 1690AM weekdays from 9AM-12PM. As a Chicagoan, it is imperative I share, all the pretty girls went to Kenwood Academy. Afterwards, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Eastern Illinois University. In 2011, I earned my Master of Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Nationally, we’re facing uncertainty, polarization, and brazen attacks on Journalism. As a result, we need to strengthen NABJ Chicago Chapter. I offer an array of skills, relationships, but most importantly, the time and commitment to serve as a At-Large Board Member. Humbly, I ask for your vote and support.
VICE PRESIDENT-ARCHIVES
Aisha Jefferson
PLATFORM STATEMENT:
We’re in an unprecedented period when the achievements and contributions of Black Americans are being challenged, distorted or outright denied. It’s important now more than ever that we properly archive our chapter’s history and its members’ successes. That’s why I’d like the opportunity to continue my work as Vice President of Archives for NABJ Chicago Chapter. I am currently digitizing our chapter’s archives — the first time ever this has been done. I’d also like to better document our member’s professional milestones and help preserve Chicago’s storied history of Black journalism. If elected again, I’d be doing this while juggling my role as an editor at The Associated Press, and will continue to call on members to assist.
SECRETARY
Leona Towner
PLATFORM STATEMENT:
I believe very deeply in the written and documented word.
One of my favorite quotes is “If it wasn’t written down, did it actually happen?” An organization’s secretary is not just a notekeeper but a resource for its members. I plan to expand our newsletter into a productive note that can actively be used both in our newsrooms and living rooms. I want to document weekly advances and collectively help turn that into an overview of our annual successes. I will be someone who responds timely to your concerns while actively finding answers to questions about what and how we do things before you even ask! I’ll take the notes, if you give the votes! #Vote4SecretaryTowner
VICE PRESIDENT-DIGITAL
Marquita Anderson
PLATFORM STATEMENT:
As a journalist, producer, and digital storyteller, I’ve brought NABJ Chicago’s events to life online. From capturing the legendary impact of the 2024 National Convention to highlighting our work in the community, I’m committed to amplifying the voices of Black journalists. With over a decade of experience in broadcast news, the nonprofit sector, and public speaking, I’ve built a career that blends creativity with strategy. From field producing major moments like the Cubs’ 2016 win to creating digital content for NBC Chicago, I understand the power of our impact. I will work to strengthen our digital presence — one that prioritizes well-being, fosters collaboration, and provides the tools we need to thrive in an evolving media landscape. I would be honored to have your support as we expand NABJ Chicago’s digital excellence.
Brett Brooks
PLATFORM STATEMENT:
As an award-winning journalist, filmmaker and content creator, I bring a dynamic blend of storytelling, innovation and technical expertise to the role of Vice President of Digital for NABJ Chicago.
With more than 10 years of experience in TV news, social media strategy, and multimedia production, I am committed to elevating our chapter’s digital presence, amplifying Black journalists’ voices, and fostering engagement across platforms.
As a mentor and an educator in digital journalism, I understand the evolving media landscape and will collaborate to implement strategies to expand our reach, provide digital training and strengthen member connections.
I am eager to serve and ensure NABJ Chicago remains a leader in digital excellence.
Your Voice, Your Vote:
The National Association of Black Journalists Chicago Chapter (NABJ-CC) is pleased to inform you that candidate nominations are now open for the 2025-2027 terms of the NABJ-CC Board of Directors. A Nomination Form, a Candidate Information Form, and information concerning the nominating process, election procedures, and the overall schedule are provided herewith. You may nominate yourself or forward the Candidate Information Form to any Full Member of NABJ-CC you nominate. The completed
Candidate Information Form must be submitted by March 30, 2025, along with the candidate’s platform statement of no more than 125 words. The nomination materials must be typed and submitted electronically to elections@nabjchicago.org
Only full members of both NABJ-CC and NABJ national are eligible to serve on the Chapter’s Board of Directors. So please join or renew your membership at our local chapter and at National NABJ if needed. Eligible candidates names and position statements will be posted on the NABJ-CC website in the weeks before the election. An email notice will be sent to you at the time of the posting. Only full members of NABJ-CC are eligible to vote. The election will occur at the NABJ-CC Annual Meeting on May
21, 2025. The ballots, with the names of all eligible candidates, will be available to membership online for electronic voting, and in-person voting will also occur at the Annual meeting.
Proposed amendments may be offered and considered during the election process. Any proposed amendment to the Chapter Bylaws and Constitution must be submitted electronically to the Nominating Committee by March 30, 2025. The membership will also vote on the accepted proposed amendments at the annual meeting.
Electronic voting begins Monday, April 28 and closes Monday, May 19. In-person voting will also be held during the Annual Meeting on May 21 and the election results will be announced at the end of the meeting.
Please direct all nomination and election related inquiries to the Nominating Committee at elections@nabjchicago.org.
Thank you for your participation. Your involvement keeps NABJ-CC strong!
Sincerely,
NABJ-CC Nominating Committee
Cheryl
Cheryl Corley, Kathy Chaney, Grace Asiegbu
Board of Directors / Position Requirements
- Candidates must be a Full Member in good standing with NABJ-CC and the National Association of Black Journalists.
- Only Full Members of NABJ-CC are eligible to vote.
- The term of office for each Director position is two years: May 2025 – May 2027
Officer Position Descriptions
- Secretary — Oversees meeting minutes and all formal outgoing communications of the Chapter. Works collaboratively with Vice President of Archives for record
preservation. - Vice President/Digital — Shall oversee and be the President’s liaison for the Membership/Communications Committee. Assists the President in the discharge of duties, as assigned by the President, and presides, concurrently, with the other VP in the President’s absence.
- Vice President/Archives — Shall oversee the photo, video and audio collection and
preservation of Association forums, interviews, workshops and other activities. The
Vice President of Archives shall work collaboratively with the Secretary in pursuit of
comprehensive records preservation. Assists the President in the discharge of
duties, as assigned by the President, and presides, concurrently, with the other VP
in the President’s absence. - At-Large Board Member (4 positions) –Assumes duties as assigned. Must serve
on one or 2 Board committees
NABJ-CC 2025 Nominations
Schedule of Activities:
2025 TIMEFRAME ACTIVITY
March 3 – Election kick-off announcement posted online.
March 30 – Nomination application with electronic Candidate Statement and Proposed amendments to Bylaws or Rules due to NABJ-CC Nominating Committee. Submit statement via email to elections@nabjchicago.org .
April 1 – 4 NABJ-CC Nominating Committee review/verification of nominations and proposed amendments vetted.
April 7 – NABJ-CC Nominating Committee submits Report to Board of Directors.
April 14 – Candidate names and Statements posted on NABJ-CC website, along with proposed amendments, if any.
April 21 – Candidate Forum (via Zoom).
April 28 – Electronic voting begins with notification to membership.
May 19 – Close of electronic voting.
May 21 – Annual Meeting. Election results will be announced.
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