Birmingham Association of Black Journalists
P.O. Box 185
Birmingham, Alabama 35201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ronda Robinson, 205-602-2123

Rod Carter, 205-558-7363


January 28, 2009

CNN’s Roland Martin Coming To Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL- You have seen him on CNN offering his insightful commentary during this historic presidential election. You have listened to him on the Tom Joyner morning show on your morning commutes. Now see him in person, right here in Birmingham. Join the Birmingham Association of Black Journalists for:

“What Does Change Mean? A Conversation with Roland Martin”
Thursday, February 19th at 7:00p.m. at The Birmingham Museum of Art.

BABJ will recognize Martin as its 2009 Newsmaker during the association’s signature scholarship event.

Martin is a CNN contributing analyst and was a key member of its political coverage team during the 2008 presidential election. He is also a nationally syndicated columnist and recently served as executive editor and general manager of the Chicago Defender, the nation's oldest black newspaper.

Last year, Ebony Magazine named Martin one of the 150 Most Influential African-Americans in the United States. His one-on-one interview with then Sen. Barack Obama garnered him the 2008 NAACP Image Award and The Daily Telegraph in the United Kingdom named Martin one of the top 50 political pundits.

During a discussion-style event, Martin will share his thoughts on change in America, providing insight on the impact the most recent presidential election has had on this country. He will also entertain questions from guests.

With generous support from the Birmingham Museum of Art, the program offers a VIP ticketed reception where guests will have an opportunity to view new exhibits, “African Textiles and Quilts from the American South” and “Kente in the Community.” Those attending will have an opportunity to meet Martin prior to the event. The reception begins at 5:00 p.m.

For ticket information, please call 205-824-8375 or visit www.babj.net

The Birmingham Association of Black Journalists is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the organization. The Newsmaker event is the group’s largest fundraiser, raising money to provide scholarships for college students pursuing careers in journalism.

BABJ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, the nation’s largest organization of journalists of color.

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