Former President Trump's appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention created internal division, with some members expressing outrage and resignation over his invitation. The group is now in talks to hold a Q&A with Vice President Harris.
Former President Donald Trump's attendance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago has generated a storm of controversy and internal division within the organization. Longtime NABJ member Justice B. Hill, a former Ohio University journalism professor, expressed feelings of bewilderment and betrayal over the invitation extended to Trump.
"It's a mess," Hill told The Hollywood Reporter. "The whole thing came together in the past couple of days. And I hate things being not transparent. There's controversy among members — one of the co-chairs of the Chicago convention resigned. You don't surprise members this way."
Trump's NABJ Appearance Sparks Controversy, Divides Members
Hill's sentiments were echoed by other NABJ members on social media, who decried Trump's presence at the event. White House correspondent April Ryan tweeted, "Trump came into our home, a Black Press advocacy convention, and insulted us in our face. What is worse he was invited to do this by NABJ leadership."
NAACP President Derrick Johnson also weighed in, writing, "To walk into a room full of Black journalists and attack someone's 'Blackness' is another level of disrespect. To anyone who needs a reminder: we can't change the color of our skin, and we don't want to."
Trump's NABJ Appearance Sparks Controversy, Divides Members
Hill further questioned the timing of Trump's visit, speculating that it was an attempt to discredit Vice President Kamala Harris. "I understand he is a candidate for president, but Republicans have generally refused to attend our conventions or speak at them. And he has done that so, why now?" Hill said.
Another point of contention was the absence of Black journalists among the three individuals interviewing Trump. "The Black Press cannot be marginalized, especially when it comes to issues related to this. This is right down their wheelhouse," Hill said. "So, we can't have no place at the table, particularly with the organization that's about Blackness and the power of the press."
Trump's NABJ Appearance Sparks Controversy, Divides Members
Trump's appearance at the NABJ convention featured several contentious moments. When asked if he believed Harris was only on the ticket because she is a Black woman, he asserted that the presumptive Democratic nominee had chosen to "turn Black" a few years ago.
"She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage," Trump said. "I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black. And now she wants to be known as Black. So, I don't know, is she Indian or is she Black?"
Vice President Harris was notably absent from the NABJ event, with the organization citing scheduling conflicts. "We were advised by her campaign at the time that her schedule could not accommodate this request. The last update we were provided (earlier this week) was that Harris would not be available in person or virtually during our Convention," NABJ President Ken Lemon said in a statement.
The NABJ is reportedly in talks with Harris' team about virtual options in the future. Fox News' Michael Lee contributed to this report.
