The Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) on Friday announced the recipients of its 2025 Special Honors Awards, recognizing excellence in journalism, communications, and community service. The honorees will be celebrated at the 4th Annual Special Honors & Scholarship Gala on Saturday, November 8, under the theme “Gold Standard: 50 Years of Excellence in Black Journalism.”
This year’s ten honorees were selected from a highly competitive pool of nominees and collectively represent decades of leadership, innovation, and impact across the media industry.
The 2025 honorees are:
- WABJ Lifetime Achievement Award: Michel Martin — Host, Morning Edition, NPR
- WABJ Legacy Award: Eugene Daniels and Jonathan Capehart — Co-Hosts, “The Weekend,” MSNBC
- WABJ Journalist of the Year: Geoff Bennett — Co-Anchor, PBS NewsHour
- WABJ Young Journalist of Excellence Award: Jasper Smith — Reporter, The Chronicle of Higher Education
- WABJ Excellence in Communications Award: Natalie Wilson — Co-Founder, Black and Missing Foundation
- Dorothy Butler Gilliam Trailblazer Award: John Yearwood — Editorial Director, Diversity & Culture, POLITICO
- Dr. Sheila Brooks Community Impact Award: Jonelle Henry — Director, University of Florida CJCxDC Student Immersion Program
- President’s Award: Doxie McCoy — Public Information Officer, Office of the People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia
- President’s Award in honor of the Freedom of Expression: Ron Moten — CEO and Founder, Go-Go Museum and co-founder, Don’t Mute DC.
“For 50 years, WABJ has remained dedicated to uplifting Black journalists, educators, communicators, and students throughout the D.C. region,” said WABJ President Phil Lewis. “As one of NABJ’s founding chapters, this milestone year allows us to honor the outstanding contributions of our peers while investing in the next generation through scholarships and training. We’re proud to celebrate five decades of service, advocacy, and journalistic excellence — and to look ahead to the next 50.”
The 50th Anniversary Gala will also include the presentation of $5,000 in scholarships to exceptional local college students. Proceeds from the event will directly support WABJ’s Urban Journalism Workshop, scholarship fund, and year-round professional development programs.
Since 1986, WABJ’s Urban Journalism Workshop has provided D.C.-area high school students with hands-on training, newsroom experience, and mentorship from leading journalists.
Individual tickets, tables, and sponsorship packages are available for purchase.
Location:
Embassy of France in Washington, D.C
4101 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007
Event Schedule:
6:00 pm: Cocktail Reception
7:00 pm: Awards Presentation and Dinner
9:30 pm: After Party
Dress code:
Black tie
WABJ Members-Only Gala Ticket: $150.00 | $175.00 after Oct. 15
Guest/Non-WABJ Member Gala Ticket: $200.00 | $225.00 after Oct. 15
Table Purchase: $1,500.00 | $2,000 after Oct. 15
Sponsor a Student Membership & Gala Ticket: $75.00
Tickets include access to the opening cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres, an open bar sponsored by Grey Goose and a seated dinner. Join us in raising funds to support WABJ scholarships, professional development programming and our longstanding Urban Journalism Workshop for DC area high school students at our gala.
NOTE: Only ticketed members and guests will be allowed access. There will be no cash transactions at the door. All sales are final; no refunds. Ticket sales will remain open until the guest list is full.
