"NABJ 2011"-The City of Brotherly Love

(Philadelphia, PA.) August 2nd--It's official, National Association of Black Journalist Convention 2011 is officially underway!  It's been really cool running into some of my former colleagues in the industry.  When I boarded the plane to Atlanta, there were several people sporting their shirts from previous NABJ conventions.  The coolest "blast from the past" was when I boarded the plane from Atlanta to Philly and I heard someone call my name.  Rod Carter, Morning Anchor for WFLA in Tampa and I worked at competing stations in Birmingham, Alabama many years ago.  If fact, he and I didn't realize it's been 10 years since we've since each other.  It's those kind of reunions I'm looking forward to this week.  I'm also looking forward to 75 workshops and seminars including "Blogging and Beyond".

CNN's Roland Martin During Essence Music Festival 

Of course, CNN's Roland Martin is already here and making everyone feel welcome as the unofficial "Ambassador" of the Convention. Plus, it will be cool to see Michael Baisden and George Willborn again.  Here's to a great convention and great reunions!

Keep it here for the latest with this year's convention, celebrity sightings and possibly any signs of Will Smith making it back home!!!  To The City of Brotherly Love!!!!

WFLA-TV's Rod Carter and Varion Walton

"ALL ACCESS" ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL-"GOSPEL CELEBRATION"

(New Orleans, LA.) July 3rd-- GOSPEL CELEBRATION HONORING DR. MARVIN SAPP.

Here are a few snap shots of some of the red carpet arrivals.  If you've never attended the Sunday Gospel  Celebration you truly are missing a hallelujah good time!  Here are a few shots with Honoree Pastor Marvin Sapp, CNN's Roland Martin  (I consider Roland to be "The Ambassador of The Essence Music Festival.  He's very accessible and makes certain everyone is having a good time.) Tasha Stoute of The Chamber Group is also a big part of the event each year.  My dear friend Gina Brown and I got an opportunity to not only meet Roland Martin and many others back stage, but as you saw in the previous post Gina even broke out in an impromptu concert with Shirley Murdock.   "HOW SWEET THE SOUND"!