The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), also known as the Black Press of America, is convening in Norfolk June 26-30 at the Main Hotel for its annual summer meeting. This year’s theme is “Celebrating 191 Years of Black Press In America: Sustaining Engaging, and Mobilizing Black Communities.” Serving as Host for the convention is the area’s New Journal and Guide, which at 118 years of continuous publication, is one of the oldest newspapers of the association of over 200-member media companies.
The last time the national group met in Norfolk was in 1997. It meets twice annually at sites around the nation and Caribbean mainly where its member newspapers are located. Black-owned newspaper companies are located in states in five regions of the United States.
A few of the confirmed notable attendees for the Norfolk convention include Attorney Benjamin Crump, Principal, Ben Crump Law, and Sarah Glover, President, NABJ, who will dialogue about Black Press vs. Fake News. The Honorable Robert (Bobby) Scott (D-VA) will receive a Lifetime Legislative award and the Lifetime Legacy Award will be presented to the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson.
Farley Perkins, Vice President of Southern Volkswagen locally, will present on how to capture automobile advertising dollars both locally and nationally, and Humans.net will present directly to publishers about an enormous opportunity to receive expanded advertising dollars.
Other sessions to include a panel discussion on sickle cell disease in the Black community are planned as well as new and potential sponsors are on board to network with NNPA publishers. The 2018 conference ends with a luncheon cruise and an evening jazz concert.
