By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
kmcneir@afro.com
Emmy Award-winning comedian, author and activist Loni Love delivered a perfect blend of humor and serious insights as the host for the 10th Annual Multicultural Media Correspondents Dinner (MMCD™) Gala Extravaganza, on Oct. 27, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
“Media diversity starts at the top, and it’s time more of us move from talent to ownership to tell our stories our way,” Love said.
The invitation-only event was attended by reporters, editors, policymakers and multicultural media legends whose careers continue to pave the way for the next generation of those committed to diversity within the media.
David Morgan, co-founder and president, Multicultural Media and Correspondents Association (MMCA), acknowledged those who have helped the organization advance from its initial goal of increasing awareness to its current goal of making an impact on both the nation and the world.
“The MMCD is a central part of our effort to grow and sustain our call to action to address structural barriers and create more opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) media ownership,” he said. “I am beyond grateful to the MMCA community and our supporters for fueling our success over the last 10 years. The best is yet to come.”
MMCD honorees who attended the event and shared remarks included: James Brown, host of The NFL Today; Amna Nawaz, co-managing editor and co-anchor of PBS News Hour; Cam Newton, NFL MVP and founder of Iconic Saga Productions; Rocsi Diaz, the Emmy award-winning television and radio host; Errin Haines, newly elected NABJ president and 19th News Editor-at-Large; and Juleyka Lantigua, founder of LWC Studios.
Brown received a standing ovation as he approached to accept his award. In his address to the audience, Brown thanked Morgan State University Dean of the School of Global Journalism and Communication, Jaqueline Jones, for her friendship over the decades and for her nomination for the recognition.
“I am not able to fully express how incredibly humbled I am to be the recipient of this Media Icon Award,” Brown said. “I certainly have not thought of myself as such, but I am aware that anyone who is on any kind of platform has the potential to be an influence of some kind. My hope is that I have and continue to model the effectiveness of the word ‘love.’”
Brown also recognized Morgan State University Professor Edward Robinson and the students of Morgan State University. Robinson, who also serves as AFRO Sports Editor, works closely with the next generation of Black journalists via his internship class.
Several members of the Morgan State University were in the room, including student journalists, who listened intently to the words and wisdom the honorees had to share.
Newton, who was presented with the New Media Award, said that even before retiring from professional football, he had begun to think about the future and how to best address current events in his own words and perspective.
“I have always believed that life is about being undeniably, unapologetically authentic – a commitment to being real which is exactly what I carried from the football field and straight into the world of content creation and media,” he said. “To receive this honor is humbling, because it confirms that my purpose–which is to impact, empower and entertain, is winning the day.”
“This is about using my platform not just to talk, but to own the narrative and ensure our stories are told with the truth and energy they deserve. This is more than a transition; it’s a dedication to the culture,” Newton continued. “I’m truly blessed to be in this class of honorees, and we’re just getting started.”
Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, commented on the significant role that the press continues to play in the world today.
“Events like this are important because, in many ways, they forecast how we can shape a better future for African Americans and others of color as we remain involved in and committed to our various roles as members of the media,” he said. “Now, more than ever before, the press – the ‘fourth estate’ – is critical to ensuring the health of our democracy and saving our nation.”
