The New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ) is celebrating five decades of excellence in journalism with an unforgettable evening of recognition, networking, and entertainment at its Sneaker Ball & Awards Gala on Friday, October 23, at the historic Alhambra Ballroom, 2116 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard in Harlem.
The celebration will be co-hosted by WBLS “Quiet Storm” radio personality Lenny Green with additional co-host to be announced soon. Tiffany D. Cross a best-selling author and award-winning journalist will participate in an exclusive book signing and audience Q&A during the evening.
Tiffany D. Cross will sign books at the NYABJ gala. Photo courtesy Tiffany D. Cross
Tickets are on sale now, with a special early-bird price of $150. Those wishing to get tickets can go to the Eventbrite link to purchase them.
“This isn’t your typical awards show,” said NYABJ President Cynthia Horner. “It’s a fundraiser and sneaker ball, so bring your best kicks and get ready for an evening celebrating the incredible impact Black journalists have made over the past 50 years while helping us build an even stronger future.”
Horner, the legendary former editor-in-chief of the iconic Right On! magazine (now, one of its owners), helped shape Black popular culture by chronicling the careers of entertainment legends including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and The Jacksons, Prince, Whitney Houston, Nicki Minaj, Drake, DeBarge, Rick James, Heavy D, Public Enemy, and countless others. For many fans, the magazine’s centerfolds became treasured keepsakes that decorated bedrooms throughout the country.
Now serving in her first year as NYABJ president, Horner is leading the organization into its milestone anniversary with a renewed vision focused on expanding programming, increasing visibility, and strengthening opportunities for journalists across the New York metropolitan area. This year, the chapter has hosted webinars tackling the current employment crisis hindering the advancement of journalists with a special initiative called “Layoff Lounge,” and has tackled such subjects as the effect of racism on Michael Jackson’s career in the early 90s, among other topics.
Guests attending the gala will enjoy an elegant evening featuring:
- Open bar (all evening)
- Cocktail reception
- Dinner and dessert
- Dancing
- Exclusive gift bag
- Book signing and Q&A with Tiffany D. Cross
- Recognition of New York City’s most influential journalists, media professionals, and special surprise honorees
Author Tiffany D. Cross shares book secrets with NYABJ President Cynthia Horner. Photo courtesy Cynthia Horner
Founded in 1976, the New York Association of Black Journalists has spent 50 years advocating for excellence in journalism while supporting reporters, editors, digital producers, photographers, public relations professionals, students, and media educators throughout the greater New York and tri-state region.
The organization provides professional development through workshops, seminars, networking events, and partnerships with major media organizations. NYABJ also produces original content, including Pulse Magazine and The Sidebar by NYABJ podcast, which spotlights Black media professionals and industry leaders.
NYABJ throughout its history has used its fundraising events to support scholarships, professional development initiatives, and programs that strengthen the next generation of Black journalists, including the First Take Journalism Program for high school students.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information for the Sneaker Ball & Awards Gala, contact [email protected] and follow @nyabj on Instagram for event updates and additional celebrity announcements.
