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Page 9 Page 10 tag “nabj35”.

National Association
National Association of
of Black
Black Journalists
Journalists Convention
Convention ºº www.nabjconvention.org º º Wednesday,
www.nabjconvention.org July31,
Saturday, July 28,2010
2010

Californians
Divided Over
Marijuana
Cash-strapped state
could benefit
By BRITTNEY FENNELL
AND NATELEGE WHALEY
nabjconvention.org
As California’s state budget goes up
in smoke, voters on both sides are split
on whether to make it legal to smoke
up (or roll up) marijuana to help bring
revenue to the state.
Prop 19, also known as the Regu-
late, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of
2010, will appear on California’s No-
vember ballot and would allow cities
and counties to adopt ordinances that
would authorize cultivating, transport-
ing and selling marijuana.
The idea is to tax the revenues to
help bring more money to the cash-
strapped state, which has around a $20
billion deficit for the 2010 fiscal year,
according to reports. Supporters of the
measure said it could bring in at least
$1 billion a year if passed.
But many Californians remain di-
vided on the bill. Some fear it will put
more drugs on the street while others
see it as a way to stymie crime, devel-
op a taxable industry and create jobs.
“This is a multimillion dollar market
where we don’t know where the mon-
ey goes,” said Priscilla Pyrk, 25, and
the owner of the Herbrary, a San Di-
ego dispensary. “By taxing it and regu-
lating it, the money could be used for
teachers and after-school programs.
“The current war on drugs has
Marijuana, continued on page 5

KENNETH HAWKINS/nabjconvention.org

Diversity at Union-Tribune in Question

By WESLEY LOWERY
nabjconvention.org
Staffing at the San Diego Union-Tri-
bune has been severely reduced recently
through layoffs and buyouts, which some
say has crippled newsroom diversity.
The Union-Tribune has lost half of its
newsroom over the past few years, staffers
said. The paper laid off 35 staffers in June,
the most recent of seven rounds of layoffs.
Recent layoffs hit a numerous blacks
Union-Tribune staffers say the lost jobs
have hurt newsroom diversity efforts.
“I think there is a ways to go in terms
of making it a more diverse newsroom,”
said Dana Littlefield, a staff writer with the
paper and who serves as vice president of
NABJ’s San Diego chapter. “Several people
who were laid off were minority journal-
ists. I don’t think there is any newspaper
that can afford those kinds of losses.”
The paper came under fire earlier this
summer when nationally syndicated His-
panic columnist Ruben Navarrette was
laid off.
In response to backlash following Na-
varrette’s layoff, Union-Tribune Editor Jeff
Light met with the National Hispanic Me-
dia Coalition on Wednesday to discuss the
creation of a “Latino advisory committee.”
Light acknowledged that the Union-Tri-
bune struggles with keeping diversity in
the newsroom, but said numbers are no
worse now than they were prior to the lay-
offs. Light did not provide numbers.
“I don’t think we have a terrifically di-
Diversity, continued on page 9
2 • THE MONITOR Saturday, July 31 2010 • www.nabjconvention.org

New Era Brings New Media

By NATELEGÉ WHALEY
Sophia Adem nabjconvention.org
Howard University
Journalists urged their
Stacie Bailey peers Thursday to em-
North Carolina A&T State University
brace new technology and
Briana Barner arm themselves with new
Bennett College skills to produce stories
Taylar Barrington that reach various digital
Florida A&M University platforms such as iPads
and smart phones.
Courtney Bessicks Media experts who spe-
Morgan State University
cialize in what was de-
Cyntra Brown scribed as “new era”
Elon University journalism talked to jour-
Eric Burse nalists about how news
University of Southern California organizations are work-
ing to create products that
Breana Copeland cater to consumers who
Moore College of Art and Design
own devices such as smart
Letrell Crittenden phones, iPads, Kindles BREANA COPELAND/nabjconvention.org
University of Illinois U-C and other products. Nicole Yivas of Norfolk, Va., attends the Visual Task Force’s multimedia session Thursday at the 2010 NABJ Convention in San Diego.
Bliss Davis “It’s no longer the day
Bowling Green State University when print is just print, They added that media ident at NBC News said charge for their applica- “It’s about pulling to-
radio is radio, and broad- companies have devel- viewers no longer look to tions. This will bring in gether our resources, be-
Brittney Fennell cast is broadcast,” said
Hampton University oped products for devices local evening news for in- more money for news or- ing creative and grabbing
Yasmin Namini, senior
such as Apple’s new iPad formation because they ganizations. at this new frontier,” Black
Tameka Flowers vice president of The New
La Salle University and Amazon’s Kindle as have found more engage- Journalists who attend- said.
York Times.
audiences have moved ment in digital platforms. ed said they plan to learn Sharif Durhams, a re-
Chelsea Fuller Namini, who sat on a
panel with two other me- away from traditional She also said more colleg- about the technology so porter from Milwaukee
West Virginia University
dia insiders, said as audi- products such as newspa- es were teaching students they don’t get thrown off who also attended, said
Adele Hampton ences move from tradi- pers, magazines and tele- about news on digital the new trend in the in- journalists must be willing
University of Maryland vision. platforms. dustry. to give audiences what
tional to digital media to
Kenneth Hawkins obtain information, jour- Application demonstra- “Viewers want to be at Autumn Black, a jour- they want, how they want
North Carolina A&T State University nalists must create for a tions were shown for NBC the center of the news ex- nalist from New York who it.
LaMar Holliday multiplatform experience. News, The New York perience. People want to attended the event, said “As journalists, it’s our
Eastern Illinois University The panelists said the Times and Condé Nast, be connected with their she learned journalists job to learn how people
devices make it more con- who have already jumped community,” Burns said. still have a lot to figure want their news and de-
Monique Johnson venient for readers and on the movement. Also discussed was that out when it comes to new liver it that way,” Dur-
The University of Western Ontario
viewers to retrieve news. Vicki Burns, vice pres- publications will soon media. hams said.
John Ketchum
Central Michigan University
Marshall Latimore KNOWLEDGE IS
Michael Steele cancels his appearance
Tennessee State University
Wesley Lowery
POWER
Ohio University “The color of online: where do we fit in?”
LaPorsha Lowry By WESLEY LOWERY utive director. Berry The workshop focused on helping jour-
North Carolina A&T State University nabjconvention.org added that Steele did nalists of color understand that they too
Corinne Lyons Republican National not inform organizers have a place in the emerging arena of
Wayne State University until about 11 a.m. Fri- online journalism. Melonyce McAfee, of
Committee Chairman
Bryant Maddrick Michael Steele backed day. Slate.com and David Wilson of The Grio.
Temple University out of his scheduled Steele, the first black com, were among the panelists. They of-
appearance at NABJ’s chairman of the Repub- fered the following:
Leontyne Mason lican Party, had agreed •Create your own projects and do not
Florida A & M University 35th annual convention
in San Diego because to have a conversation wait for the mainstream to extend an
Dexter Mullins of food poisoning. with NABJ Secretary invitation.
North Carolina A&T State University
“It’s unfortunate,” Roland Martin in a ses- •Never give up on the idea that you can
Brittany Noble said Drew Berry, sion titled “Life, Liber- create change in the newsroom, and be
Arkansas State University NABJ’s interim exec- ty and Legacy.” the change you want to see.
-Compiled by Dexter Mullins, nabjconvention.org
Brandon Radcliffe
West Virginia University
Natelegé Whaley
Howard University
T O D AY ’ S H I G H L I G H T S
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 5K/ Walk Run 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Workshop Session V
Dallas Wright
Northwestern University 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. NABJ Gospel Brunch 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Task Force Meetings
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Registration and Welcome Center 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Visual Task Force Photo Auction
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Cyber Cafe Lounge 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. NABJ Up Front

#NABJ10 Healthy NABJ Pavillion

Career Fair and Exhibition
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
10:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Salute to Excellence Gala
Philadelphia 2011 Kick-Off
Saturday, July 31, 2010 • www.nabjconvention.org
More UNITY May Fill Budget Holes
By DEXTER MULLINS
and WESLEY LOWERY
nabjconvention.org
Hampered by the economy,
NABJ and the three other minor-
ity journalists groups are consid-
ering joining forces more regular-
ly in order to survive.
Members of UNITY: Jour-
nalists of Color — which is a
partnership between the Na-
tional Association of Black Jour-
nalists, the National Association
of Hispanic Journalists, the Na-
tive American Journalists Asso-
ciation, and the Asian American
Journalists Association — are
mulling a plan to increase its
number of “joint conventions.”
Since its inception, UNITY has
held conventions in Atlanta, Se-
attle, Washington, D.C., and Chi-
cago. All four organizations have
seen year-end balances in the red
over the past four years; some
hope increasing the number of
joint conferences will aid the or-
ganizations financially. Under this
new structure, the alliance would
continue to meet every four years
for the UNITY convention, but the
proposed joint conferences would
occur every other year.
UNITY President Barbara Ci-
ara, said UNITY alliance partners
have had “informal discussions”
about the possibility of having
two organizations hold joint con-
ventions in the same city.
“To protect the cultural iden-
tity of each organization, it
would be the equivalent of hav-
ing two separate conventions in
the same city sharing some ex-
penses and one exhibit hall,” Ci-
ara said. This would also allow
Board Won’t Reveal Info on New Leader More Dues?
By DEXTER MULLINS
and WESLEY LOWERY
nabjconvention.org
The National Association
of Black Journalists is sched-
uled to name its next executive
director Aug. 13, passing the
torch to the person who will be
charged with guiding the orga-
nization from financial despair
to prosperity.
The board of directors re-
ported Tuesday that it extend-
Where’s the Money Go?
UNITY currently uses the
following formula to split
the money generated from
the joint convention:
20% Funds directly to
UNITY
Funds evenly split
40% among four partner
organizations
Funds split based
40% on registration
Source: Regional Director Charles Robinson
Cyntra Brown / nabjconvention.org
CYNTRA BROWN/NABJCONVENTION.ORG
the organizations to negotiate
joint hotel agreements and avoid
incurring fees for not filling pre-
determined hotel blocks. UNITY
conventions tend to make more
money for the organizations than
individual conventions.
NABJ Treasurer Greg Lee said
Tuesday that revenue from on-site
registration goes directly to UNI-
TY. Since most of NABJ’s members
have a tendency to register late or
on-site, NABJ loses revenue from
not being able to collect those reg-
istration fees. Lee also highlighted
other organizations’ willingness to
work with NABJ, since they have
the largest amount of members
and the greatest potential for fill-
ing room block commitments.
Joining forces to host a conven-
tion was first proposed in 2008.
UNITY founders Will Sutton and
Juan Gonzalez wrote an open
letter asking the organizations
to increase the number of joint
meetings. Sutton and Gonzalez
suggested holding joint confer-
ed an offer to its top candidate
last week while in Washing-
ton, D.C.
The board says it will not re-
lease information about the can-
didate or the offer until the of-
ficial announcement of who the
new executive director will be.
If the candidate accepts, he
or she will bring an end to
NABJ’s search to fill the posi-
tion that Karen Wynn-Freeman
resigned from in March.
THE MONITOR • 3
TAMEKA FLOWERS/NABJCONVENTION.ORG
More frequent joint conferences could positively affect the suffering finances of the four
member organizations of UNITY: Journalists of Color.
ences every two years. The idea contracts for future conventions, tie, a sports reporter at the Asbury
was rejected. making it difficult to coordinate Park Press and an NABJ member.
“The resistance to that idea hotel registration. Region II director Charles Rob-
is natural, as natural as the re- All four organizations have inson said he isn’t necessarily
sistance to UNITY in the first plans to attend the 2012 UNITY ready to jump into a new UNI-
place,” said Rafael Omeda, for- convention in Las Vegas. TY alliance right away. Robinson
mer president of UNITY and Some NABJ members believe wants NABJ to examine more
NAHJ. “We all have our indi- increasing the number of joint closely the model of how the
vidual associations, they all have conventions is necessary to keep funds are divided up.
very proud legacies.” the organization financially via- “Now every two years UNI-
Financial hardships have re- ble in the future. TY members want to have a
opened discussions of increas- “I don’t want NABJ to lose its UNITY event,” Robinson said.
ing the frequency of UNITY con- identity, but we’re at a point -- re- “I’m not exactly thrilled with
ventions; however, that could be alistically and financially -- that that. The bottom line is, how do
a high hurdle to clear. Some or- we need our conventions to be we make it work and what is
ganizations have already signed successful,” said Sherlon Chris- the roll of UNITY?”
After closing 2009 with
a deficit of $338,901,
Under Negotiation: Executive Director NABJ officials are
doing a lot of belt-
With a deadline extension, the search for a director
is currently ongoing. This chart shows NABJ’s process tightening as the organiza-
of finding the new executive director. tion moves forward. Some of-
ficials have discussed raising
Selection Announcement Preferred begin membership fees and beefing
Applications Search
Activity due extended of top of executive date of up the board with business-
candidates director new executive savvy individuals who are
director
well-connected and bring in
Deadline Completed Completed Completed Pending Pending bigger donations.
Read about what officials
Source: NABJ Official documents plan to do to address budget
Cyntra Brown / nabjconvention.org
TAMEKA FLOWERS/NABJCONVENTION.ORG
issues at nabjconvention.org.
 Can you name
the company?

This year, Across America

We partnered with the 2010 Census to increase awareness and participation.

We pledged $120,000 to furnish 20 teen recreation “RAC Rooms” for Boys and Girls Clubs.

We raised $249,500 for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America.

We will extend our hunger-relief efforts by developing a “Soup-to-Nuts” food collection campaign at
our 3,000 stores.

We awarded $60,000 in scholarships to our customers, their children and children of our coworkers.

We gave $200,000 in grants to 35 Junior Achievement affiliates for financial literacy programs.

We provided $25,000 in support of the Earthquake Relief Effort in Haiti.

We supported 10 military bases with $175,000 in merchandise donations to their Family and Morale,
Welfare and Recreation facilities.

And now in San Diego…

We are pleased to provide computers, furnishings and TVs in support of the NABJ convention.
Saturday, July 31, 2010 • www.nabjconvention.org The Monitor •
Marijuana advocacy
group fights for
medical users’ rights
By MONIQUE JOHNSON
nabjconvention.org
When Eugene Davidovich got
out of the Navy, marijuana was
the only thing that could calm
him down. His hands shook and
his body shivered frequently.
“I was suffering from some
serious conditions that prevented
me from functioning from day to
day. It pretty much took over my
life,” he said.
The 29-year-old San Diego
resident knew it had something
to do with the four years he spent
in the military. All Davidovich
and his doctor knew was that he
had symptoms of post-traumatic
stress disorder – and he wanted
it to stop.
He took anti-anxiety and de-
pression medication but it didn’t
help.
Frustrated, he tried marijua-
na as alternative medicine and
found that it worked.
Cash-strapped state divided on legalization
Marijuana, continued from page 1
failed. Prop 19 is a positive.”
Pyrk attended Oaksterdam
University, an Oakland, Calif.,
school that specializes in edu-
cating people on how to grow
marijuana.
Students also learn how to
sell cannabis to people with
medical ailments for which the
drug is used.
With only months before vot-
ers go to the polls, many orga-
nizations publicly support Prop
19.
The California chapter of
the NAACP has been one of the
most controversial supporters.
The organization has re-
ceived criticism from black lead-
ers and churches since announc-
ing its support in June.
“People get into the system
with a misdemeanor charge for
marijuana, and on their second
offense, they’re in the criminal-
justice system,” said Alice Huff-
man, president of the California
NAACP chapter.
Huffman, defends the or-
ganization’s backing and said
legalizing marijuana will keep
young African-Americans — the
“All those symptoms went
away ... and no side-effects,” Da-
vidovich said.
He rented a commercial space
and grew marijuana after he en-
countered trouble finding a dis-
pensary. He also sold marijuana
to medicinal users who suffered
from ailments like himself.
The moment that changed his
life came not too long afterward.
“I get a knock at the door at
7 a.m. as I’m getting dressed for
work ... I answered and there was
a team of narcotic detectives with
guns drawn.”
They raided his house as his
wife and toddler watched.
Although medicinal users of
marijuana under California state
law are allowed to possess, culti-
vate, and sell to other legal users,
Davidovich was charged with
four drug-related felonies.
He was acquitted by a jury but
he lost his job and his family.
Davidovich is one of about
most likely to get arrested--out
of the criminal-justice system.
“African-Americans and La-
tinos are arrested two to one,”
Huffman said.
“Currently, 56 percent of the
people in California want Prop
19 to pass, but that changes ev-
ery day with the polls.”
Huffman says that legalizing
marijuana will be just like alco-
hol, and if you’re underage, you
won’t be able to get it.
“With legalizing marijuana
we will be eliminating the un-
derground community,” Huff-
man said.
“It will keep the drug king-
pins from smuggling it into our
countries, and instead they’ll be
trying to sell it to the big facto-
ries.”
Huffman said that the Afri-
can-American community needs
to keep in mind that it is our
young men and women who are
being affected by marijuana.
“We [the NAACP] are not ad-
vocating recreational use, we’re
doing it so that it can be decrimi-
nalized and keep our kids out of
jail,” she said. “They’re the main
ones getting locked up.”
Eugene Davidovich, a legalized marijuana user who has been arrested for growing marijuana, stands outside the Wisdom
Organic building recently in San Diego to get a prescription.
115 medicinal users of marijuana,
who in the last six years encoun-
tered law enforcement due to
their medicine.
Despite the fact that these
individuals were in compliance
with the law, many have had
their marijuana seized by police,
been questioned, arrested and
Curbing crime
Even with the major backing
of the NAACP, and marijuana be-
ing a major industry in the state of
California, all are not in favor of
the passing of Prop 19.
Aimee Hendle, community
development coordinator of the
San Diego-based Community Al-
liances for Drug Free Youth, said
passing the bill will give the youth
of California more access to mari-
juana.
“It will only cause more prob-
lems and issues and we don’t need
more drugs out on the street for
the youth to get their hands on,”
Hendle said.
She also said the crime rates
have escalated with those already
allowed to sell marijuana.
On the other hand, Mike Meno,
a spokesman for the Marijuana
Policy Project in Washington, D.C.,
said marijuana being illegal has
kept law enforcement away from
solving bigger crimes such as mur-
ders and sexual assault crimes.
“Marijuana is a nonviolent of-
fense,” Meno said. “On an eco-
nomic level, if marijuana would
be legal, the state could make $1.4
billion in tax revenue.”
charged, according to Americans
for Safe Access (ASA).
The ASA is a marijuana advo-
cacy group that helps medicinal
users who have had trouble with
law enforcement.
“I think it’s horrible. If these
patients are truly legitimate...
they shouldn’t be arrested,” said
kenneth hawkins/nabjconvention.org
Adela Falk, president of Wisdom Or-
ganics in San Diego, recently explains
the services and support elements
that the group offers to patients.
Meno said he believes legaliz-
ing marijuana would eliminate the
criminal market such as drug car-
tels, because they are the only ones
getting rich.
5
kenneth hawkins/nabjconvention.org
Wendy Cogen, a medical assis-
tant at a family clinic in Ventura,
Calif.
However, the San Diego
County District Attorney’s office
said they won’t prosecute any
medicinal users of marijuana as
Advocates, on page 11
Regulating dispensaries
Contributing to the industry
of marijuana are the hundreds of
dispensaries and healing centers
authorized to provide people with
cannabis to treat different ailments.
Alex Kreit, a law professor at
Thomas Jefferson School of Law,
serves as chairperson of San Di-
ego’s Medical Marijuana Task
Force. Appointed by the city’s
council, Kreit said the force ad-
dresses zoning issues surrounding
the growing number of dispensa-
ries in the city.
“More and more dispensaries
are opening and there’s no land
use or zoning laws in place and
some haven’t gone through proper
background checks,” Kreit said.
“Basically, no real ordinances exist
to regulate them (dispensaries) re-
ceiving a permit to open.”
Kreit said San Diego officials
will likely allow recreational use
for its residents if the November
ballot initiative does not pass.
“Right now, city officials are
more focused on regulating the
sale of marijuana within dispensa-
ries,” Kreit said.
Monique Johnson also contributed to
this article.
6 • The Monitor Saturday, July 31, 2010 • www.nabjconvention.org
The Monitor • 7

Clockwise from left: Singer-songwriter

N’dambi performs during NABJ After
Dark in Redfield’s on Wednesday at the
Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego.
An NABJ attendee takes part in a Visual
Task Force Multimedia Session on
Thursday. NABJ members mingle at the
opening reception on the USS Midway
on Wednesday. Josephine Cooper, 93,
holds a picture of herself at 17 during
a protest against Arizona’s immigration
law in San Diego on Thursday. Hosea
Chanchez and Wendy Raquel Robinson,
actors on BET’s hit show The Game,
make an appearance at the opening
Breana Copeland/nabjconvention.org
reception on the USS Midway.

Eric Burse/ nabjconvention.org

Eric Burse/ nabjconvention.org

Eric Burse/nabjconvention.org

MEMORIES
Tameka Flowers/nabjconvention.org

Kenneth Hawkins/nabjconvention.org

Singers, stars mix in as NABJ members

attend workshops – and report news

Kenneth Hawkins/nabjconvention.org Tameka Flowers/nabjconvention.org

children
Nearly a half million children
live in foster care in the United States.

Many don’t need to be there.

In communities all across our nation, the commitment is growing
to ensure that every child has a safe, strong and permanent family.
Visit Casey at Booth 309
for resources and to
Federal policy supports these success stories. But the federal learn more.
system for funding child welfare does not. The time is now to
bring funding in line with our national goals.

Casey Family Programs has launched its new series of white papers
analyzing how America can keep its promise of hope for all children.

Read the papers now at www.casey.org

We cannot miss this opportunity to make a difference in the
lives of so many children and families.
Saturday, July 31, 2010 • www.nabjconvention.org The Monitor •
Experience the Philly Love
By BRITTANY FENNELL
nabjconvention.org
Philadelphia will be the
host city of the 2011 NABJ
Convention and Career Fair.
The last time Philadelphia
hosted the NABJ convention
was in 1995, and a convention
hasn’t been held in a
Northeast
city since.
The host
hotel and
convention
will be at
the Marriott
Hotel in
downtown Philadelphia,
which is also attached to
the convention center. The
convention itself will take
place in the convention
center and not in the hotel.
“It’s fabulous,” said Sarah
Glover, president of the
Philadelphia chapter. “Philly
folks are excited.”
Glover said Philly is a
great place and is easily
accessible by train, plane,
or car. It’s a hip city with a
broad mix of people, she said.
“It’s not lacking in culture,”
Glover stated. “It’s an
affordable city to travel to,
and in terms of food, it’s very
affordable.”
Johann Calhoun, the
Recent Layoffs Hit Minority Journalists
Diversity, from page 1
-verse newsroom here, and
we (haven’t) made any progress
in all of this upheaval,” he said.
“We’re still in the midst of re-
staffing a number of areas, but
the ethnic profile will come out
pretty much unchanged.”
Still, some current and
former staff members of the
Union-Tribune said the paper
has struggled to recruit, hire and
retain minorities throughout its
history.
“When I first arrived back
in 1999, there was a huge push
for diversity in the newsroom,”
said Jerry McCormick, the
president of NABJ’s San Diego
chapter. “Sadly, I don’t think
the U-T did as good of a job of
hiring and keeping minorities.
I remember the few times I
helped to recruit people, they
never got calls back or even
9
chapter ’s Vice President-
Print, said the chapter is
planning a reception on
Friday to introduce the city
and chapter.
Calhoun said the city is
hip and rich in black history.
“Philly is also a strong
news town with strong
suburban newspapers
in Bucks
County and
Montgomery
County,” said
Calhoun. “You
have options
with the
newspapers, but also a way
to stay (in Philadelphia).”
Glover expects for
attendance at next year ’s
convention in Philadelphia
to double or even triple.
About 1,500 people
attended this year ’s
convention, officials said.
“Many of our members are
from the Northeast, and
Philly is very drivable,” she
said. “We have sponsors
and organizations that are
ecstatic, and a significant
amount of corporate
clients. People at this
y e a r ’ s c o n v e n t i o n a re
already asking me when
they can book rooms.”
The 2011 convention will be Associated Press
held from Aug. 3-7. Philadelphia welcomes NABJ Convention and Career Fair with open arms in Summer of 2011.
Newsroom Diversity
Minority numbers are low at
newspapers across the
“I remember the few times I helped to attracting or retaining anyone,
so I don’t think we have a very
country. The workforce has
declined due to buyouts and
recruit people, they never got calls back or strong infrastructure in place,”
he said. “We have been hiring,
layoffs despite peak
even flown out for interviews.”
employment of 7,400
but our approach hasn’t been non-white journalists in 2007.
any more programmatic than,
-McCormick ‘let’s be sure we have some
diversity in our new hires.’ ”
Minority staff at papers
Karin Winner, who was
across the country 13.5%
editor from 1995 to 2009, could
not be reached for comment.
flown out for interviews.” and he didn’t even get a call
Littlefield said there is still
McCormick spent 10 years back,” McCormick said. “That
room for improvement, but
as a copy editor and freelance was very disheartening for me
thinks the Union-Tribune has
reporter for the paper. because here’s someone who is
started to round the corner when
In May 2009, McCormick clearly good but didn’t warrant 86.5% White

it comes to hiring minorities.
was one of 192 people laid off an interview.”
“The paper has recently
by the Union-Tribune. He now Light said there are no
hired several associate reporters
works as an associate producer formal guidelines when it
in recent months, and a few of
for the local NBC affiliate. comes to minority recruitment,
them have been minorities,” declined 12.6% in
“I think one of the most noting the volatile nature of jobs
said Littlefield. “I know there 2009 from 6,300 to
stunning examples was when in the Union-Tribune newsroom
are a few of the editors who still
an African-American candidate has pushed hiring to the back
see diversity as important and
had a degree from Harvard burner.
and had done freelancing for “I suspect it has been are looking for journalists of 5,500
color to fill those roles.”
various national magazines, years since anyone thought of
SOURCE: American Society of Newspaper Editors
NABJconvention.org
10 • The Monitor Saturday, July 31, 2010 • www.nabjconvention.org

Red Hatters Turn

Heads in San Diego
Damon Wayans held a book signing during the society’s international convention

Photographs by Eric Burse/nabjconvention.org. Damon Wayans photo by Breana Copeland /nabjconvention.org.

Clockwise from above: Anne Justice

and Charla Hannon, along with other
San Diego area Red Hatters gathered
on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, to ride the
Harbor Seal. Vendors came from all
over to see their specialty Red Hat
items. Damon Wayans signs his book
“Red Hat,” Friday, July 30, 2010 at
the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San
Diego. On Wednesday, July 28, 2010,
A variety of Red Hat apparel and
accessories were available at the Brims
By The Bay Convention. Top: Iconic
Red Hat favorite at Brims By The Bay
Convention.

By COURTNEY BESSICKS
nabjconvention.org
While in Tucson, Ariz., years
ago, Sue Ellen Cooper picked up
a red fedora hat at a thrift shop,
mainly because of its affordable
price. A couple years later, Jenny
Joseph’s poem “Warning,” about
an older woman dressed in all
purple and wearing a red hat,
inspired Cooper.
She gave a red hat and a copy
of the poem as a birthday gift to
her friend Linda Murphy. Murphy
was so in love with the idea of the
poem and the hat, that Cooper
repeated her gesture to other
friends.
The women came up with the
idea to go out for tea in purple
dresses and wear their flashy red
hats. They realized the whole
ensemble was so wrong, but they
saw the tea outing was a success.
These events evolved into the
Red Hat Society, which tells this
tale as part of its history.
Today, these women have
brought their red embellished hats,
purple boas, feathers and lace to
San Diego, attending the group’s
Brims by the Bay Convention at
the Manchester Grand Hyatt, the
same location of the 2010 NABJ
Convention and Career Fair.
The Red Hat Society is an
organization specifically for
women 50 or older. Some of the The group, which has more When Pink Hatters turn 50,
women are unknown, little known than 30,000 chapters in all 50 states they have a REDuation ceremony,
or linked to well-known people, of the United States, and more than where they receive their first red
such as actor and comedian 25 chapters in foreign countries, is hat.
Damon Wayans’ mother who’s a planning a variety of events while Cooper ’s experience 12
Red Hatter and author of the book in the city, including cruises and years ago has evolved into an
“Red Hat.” parties. But the society’s fun and international community, and she
Wayans will join the group carefree idea is not only limited to is now the Queen Mother. In 2004,
Friday for a signing of his book women 50 or older. Sue Ellen made Fullerton, Calif.’s
that is about a woman who Pink Hatters are for women Top 25 Most Influential People
was very bitter and unpleasant. 50 or younger. Their ensemble List. Those who make that list
After the loss of her husband, includes wearing lavender colored have been actively involved with
she is drowned in sadness clothes and pink hats. community service, improving
and depression. She is then re- “My granddaughter joined in education and making business
introduced to a life filled with high school and brought along efforts.
happiness and freedom, thanks two of her friends. She is now 22,” Anyone who is interested
to the women of the “Red Hat stated Carol Klink, who has been in information about the
Society.” His mother will also be in a part of the Red Hat Society for organization can visit its website at
attendance. seven years. www.redhatsociety.com.
Saturday, July 31, 2010 • www.nabjconvention.org The Monitor •
Conflicting conference events cause
stir at morning meeting
By Brittney Fennell
nabjconvention.org
A 7:30 a.m. tee off at Torrey
Pines Golf Course prevented three
board members from attending the
NABJ executive board’s business
meeting Friday.
Not being able to conduct busi-
ness frustrated Cheryl Smith, the
president of NABJ’s Dallas chapter,
so she made a motion to prevent
future board meetings from be-
ing held at the same time as other
NABJ events. The motion passed,
although it received some opposi-
tion.
Friday’s conflict was the NABJ
National Golf Tournament -- a fun-
draiser for NABJ Scholarships.
The tournament, held at the
popular San Diego golf course
known for hosting PGA events, kept
NABJ Secretary Roland Martin; Re-
gion II Director Charles Robinson;
and Region III Director Ken Knight
away from the board meeting.
Reached after the golf tourna-
ment, Martin said he thought it
was a “silly motion.” Martin says
that the commitment to Robinson
has been in place long before the
meeting was scheduled.
“The real question is why did
our planners schedule the business
meeting at that time?” Board mem-
bers thought it was a serious issue,
however.
“There is no reason in the
world, not even fundraising, that
this board meeting should conflict
with anything else,” Cindy George,
the Region V Director, said after the
motion was approved.
George, who was late to Fri-
day’s meeting because she was
speaking on a panel, said she
thinks scheduling conflicts have
been a big problem at this year’s
convention.
George said she remembers a
time when board meetings did not
conflict with other events. It should
be that way, she said, because it will
allow more NABJ members to at-
tend board meetings, giving them
“every opportunity in the world to
ask all board members questions.”
Janet Johnson, an NABJ mem-
ber who attended the meeting, said
she was opposed to the change and
thinks that if members want to at-
tend board meetings they should
have that option.
“I understand the spirit behind
(the motion), but I think this morn-
ing’s vote was emotional, and pos-
sibly short-sighted,” Johnson said.
“I don’t think you can legislate
participation. The country doesn’t
shut down on election day.”
Interim Executive Director
Drew Berry shared those senti-
ments.
“If people want to make the ses-
sion, they should make the com-
mitment to be there,” Berry said.
Martin said they have tried ev-
ery possible way of holding a busi-
ness meeting.
“I don’t know of a single thing
we haven’t done to spur interest,”
he said. “If folks choose not to at-
tend, they don’t attend. I’ve been
coming 19 out of 21 years and
this has been an issue all of these
years.”
Advocates, from page 5
long as they’re not breaking
any laws.
“We do not target anyone
just because they’re medical
marijuana cardholders,”
Deputy District Attorney
Steven Walter said. “But if
they’re hiding behind it to
somehow violate the law,
then that’s the kind of guy
we’re looking at.”
Davidovich asserts he
wasn’t hiding behind any
law.
“Our basic policy is if we
come across a situation or
an individual and they’re
either in possession, smok-
ing or under the influence
and they qualify as a pa-
tient, then no marijuana is
ceased,” said San Diego Po-
lice Capt. Cesar Solis.
If there are signs of ille-
gal activity, the police will
confiscate the marijuana
without arresting the pa-
tient, he said. Starting 2010,
the police department be-
gan tracking the amount of
incidents where police went
into homes or commercial
11
spaces where marijuana
was grown for medical use.
So far, there were 20 en-
counters, Solis said.
In nearly 50 percent of
those encounters, police
found legal “grow-ops,” but
no seizures or arrests took
place.
Solis said in the past
marijuana had been seized
from legal users for the sake
of investigation, but activ-
ists at an advocacy group
said the motives of the po-
lice go beyond that.
“They use these intimi-
dation tactics until people
are too afraid to grow for
themselves,” Davidovich
said.
Activists like Davidov-
ich said they’ll continue to
fight against that culture
until the sick who are de-
pendent on marijuana can
consume their medicine
freely without the fear of
being arrested.
“That’s not how citizens
of a free country should be
feeling...we’re on the right
side of morality,” Davidov-
ich said.

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Derica W. Rice
Executive Vice President,
Global Services and
Chief Financial Officer,
Eli Lilly and Company
Started at Eli Lilly and Company in 1990
Salutatorian of his high school class,
first in his family to attend college
Holds degrees from Kettering University
and Indiana University

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