An audience of 2,500 saw long time IAWRT
member, Mal Johnson, accept an award by
former President Bill Clinton honouring her
at the 30th Anniversary Conference of the
National Association of Black Journalists
held in early August in Atlanta, Georgia
USA.
Johnson was honoured as the Founder of the
organization of journalists working in
radio, television and print media. In 1975,
Johnson called together four associates to
discuss the possibility of organizing a
committee that would address issues that
would be of interest and service to
journalists of colour who worked in the
American media.
The small group liked the idea and agreed to
support Johnson in her effort to organize
such a committee. Johnson, who was a White
House Correspondent at the time, called upon
journalist nationwide to join her.
More than 100 journalists responded and 44
decided to support her, donating $10 USD
each as founding funds. Today, 30 years
later, the National Association of Black
Journalists number 4,400 paid members.
Accepting the Award from former President
Bill Clinton, Johnson said, "Just knowing
that 4,400 members of the media see the
value in this organization is enough honour
for me". After 32 years as a White House and
Capitol Hill radio and Correspondent,
Johnson is now media consultant and free
lance reporter.
She is the President of three women's
organizations, serves on four media boards
and also serves as IAWRT Main Representative
to the United Nations.
Mal Johnson Bill
Clinton addresses the NABJ Conference
