As a tradition for 27 years now, the Colorado Association of Black Journalists (CABJ), the local affiliate of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), held its annual media and scholarship banquet on Friday, August 8 in Denver. The event brought together members of the media and the community for what was a show of the young and emerging talent that the organization is preparing for the future.

While commending the nominees and award recipients for a job well done, association president, Gloria Neal reflected on what CABJ has accomplished over the years.
“We have fostered some terrific talent not just for the city, but also for the organization, “she said.

In looking forward to the future, and while paving the way for a new crop of leaders to steer the organization forward, Neal stated, ‘It is about training those to come. You should learn and pass it on to others.”

In addition to the Scribes in Excellence (SIE) Awards and Scholarship Presentation, this year CABJ recognized journalists, PR professionals, and community leaders as follows:

 Broadcast Journalist of the year-Justin Adams, KMGH(7 News) TV, Denver.
 Print Journalist of the year-Brittany Winkfield, Publisher Back2Basics Magazine.
 Public Relations Professional of the Year-Julius Vaughns-Aurora Public Schools.
 Kelvin McNeal Grace Under Fire Award-Gloria Neal, CBS 4 Denver
 Community Service Award-Carlos Landos, KUVO Radio; Steve Chaves.
 Bertha Lynn Lifetime Achievement Award-Justina Curlee aka Mama Kat (retired)
 Personal Development Grant for Emerging Journalist-Vanessa Nettingham, Sports Radio, 104.3 The Fan
 Reynalda Muse Educational Scholarship-Jamari Hysaw-Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.