The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ) is a non-profit organization founded in 1973 by Black journalists concerned about the lack of Black journalists in the media and the dearth of coverage of the Black community. It is the first and oldest association of Black journalists in the United States. PABJ is an alliance of all types of Black media entrepreneurs in the Philadelphia area, including public relations and other media-related professions. PABJ is the founding chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). The organization's current president is Ernest Owens, and other executive board members include Benét Wilson (Vice President of Print), Charlene Horne (Vice President of Broadcast), Camari Ellis (Treasurer), Afea Tucker (Secretary), Tauhid Chappell (Parliamentarian), and Manuel McDonnell Smith (Immediate Past President). History In Philadelphia in 1973, legendary Black reporter Acel Moore of The Philadelphia Inquirer met with The Philadelphia Daily News’ Chuck Stone and The Evening Bulletins Claude Lewis to rally local Black journalists and create an organization that would advocate for fair treatment, equity and accurate representation within their newsrooms. That organization, the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, would become the first association of Black journalists in the country, and the founding organization of the National Association of Black Journalists. Founders Donald Camp Acel Moore (1940–2016) Reggie Bryant (1941–2010) Claude Lewis (1934–2017) Chuck Stone (1924–2014) Mal Johnson (1922–2007) Francine Cheeks Greg Morrison Elmer Smith Sam Pressley Sandra D. Long Committees and Task Forces The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists boasts several committees and task forces that not only uphold the dogged tenets of community-first and community-oriented reporting, but give a nod to the ever-changing dynamics and evolution of the media industry. Public Relations Council, Current Chair: Afea Tucker Media Monitoring Committee, Current Chair: Aaron Eaton Bylaws Committee, Current Chair, Tauhid Chappell Membership Committee, Current Co-Chairs: Manuel McDonnell Smith & Teresa Spencer Scholarship Committee, Current Chair: Charlene Horne Awards Committee, Current Chair: Haniyyah Sharpe-Brown Advocacy Task Force, Current Chair: Benét Wilson Associate Member Committee, Current Chair: Sharron Cooks Entrepreneurship Task Force, Current Chair: Camari Ellis Presidents Ernest Owens (2021–Present) Manuel McDonnell Smith (2018–2020) Melony Roy (2016–2018) Cherri Gregg (2014–2016) Johann Calhoun (2012–2014) Sarah Glover (2008–2012)** Monique Oliver (2006–2008) Keith Herbert (2004–2006) Denise Clay-Murray (2002–2004) Sherry Howard (2000-2002) Al Hunter Jr. (1998-2000) Roxanne Jones (1996-1998) Jenice Armstrong (1994-1996) Sheila Simmons (1992-1994) Vanessa Williams (1990-1992)** Heshimu Jaramogi (1988-1990) Michael Days (1986-1988) Will Sutton (1984-1986)** Brahim Ahmaddiya (1982-1984)