The May meeting of the Nashville Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) was well attended and successful on various levels. Chapter President Jason K. Luntz and the local team devised a ‘Now What?’ series. The extreme importance of technology, especially within our cellular telephones, is constantly changing. The ‘Now What?’series covers a range of topics like ‘I’m graduating, now what?’ An upcoming ‘Now What?’ seminar topic will be: ‘I have this cell phone, now what?’ It will cover androids as opposed to Apple products, and the wide choice of Apps—which are invaluable resources for the work of a communications professional.

The non-profit 501(c)3 organization works in conjunction with the national board of directors to ensure that quality programs and support are provided to all of professional and student members. Social media tools will be made available to make media professionals aware of job opportunities, conferences, seminars, and special events.

The NABJ is open to all media professionals. There are members in public relations, public affairs, and media relations. NABJ members are in print, TV, online and in the literary world.

They are innovative journalists with an eye toward leveraging the Internet and its unique storytelling capabilities. Among the ranks there are social media practitioners, digital content producers, and multimedia experts.

The Nashville chapter has monthly meetings that are open to those in the area who wish to become members or would like more information on the organization in general.

The NABJ’s mission is to strengthen ties among African Americans working in the media and expanding and balancing the media’s coverage of the African American community and experience.

“Our chapter is excited about the plans for the remainder of 2016,” said Jason K. Luntz (Tennessee Tribune and The Luntz Report). “It is our goal to be a continued resource for the communications professionals in Middle Tennessee.”

Attendees at this month’s meeting included: Deborah A. Culp; Haley Mason, WSMV TV, Channel 4 anchor; Kenisha Rhone, media relations director for Women’s Sports at Belmont University; Tunisia Scott, Tennessee Minority Pages publisher/ CEO; John Smith, president/founder/CEO, John Smith Marketing; Erika Davis, freelance journalist; Alvin Singh, freelance journalist; Ashley White, Ingram Content Group; and Leland Statom, meteorologist and Talk of the Town host at WTVF Channel 5 Nashville.

The next meeting will be combined with a membership drive and the annual cookout.

For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/ groups/nashhvillenabj/ or nashvillenabj.com/.