From Yakima to Atlanta, Here’s Some FOMO Scenes from the 2026 NABJ Convention [PHOTOS]

I was lucky enough to be able to attend the NABJ Convention this year in Atlanta, Georgia. As a Black journalist in a landscape where there are so few of us in the field, attending this convention matters to me.

I don't often have opportunities to make any new connections with Black journalists in the industry, so being able to pick up some tips and tricks of the trade from thousands of influential people from across the country was worth the price of admission.

I even got to host my own panel at the convention, interviewing a few of my favorite podcasters and YouTube content creators, Halicue Hanna and Rod and Karen Morrow.

There were some other great perks to attending the convention, too, like seeing movie makers and shakers from the upcoming book-turned-movie, Children of Blood and Bone (coming out in theatres nationwide in January 2027).

Read More: 8 Celebs That Have Been Spotted in Yakima Valley

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2026 NABJ panel session hosted by CNN. Photo Courtesy of Reesha Cosby

Afterparties, Stephen A. Smith, and a Silent Disco

After learning a lot at the CNN Leadership and NBCU Academy workshops and other amazing learning sessions at the convention, it was time for some play! The afterparties at NABJ are legendary, and I was ecstatic to attend the Silent Disco, President's Reception hosted by Carnival Cruise Line, and the Scholarship Jam hosted by ESPN.

Speaking of ESPN, yes, I did hear about Stephen A. Smith getting one of the Thumbs Down Awards. That was the one dinner reception I didn't purchase a ticket too, and it seems I missed out on the big announcement. I was in the hallways during the event chatting with people and wandering around looking for celebrities, ha!

Check out my gallery below of some of the pics I took while at the convention and see if you can see which one I sent to my daughter with the message, "Look, it's Mommy's first Silent Disco!"