NABJ 2026 Convention Coming to Atlanta: A Historic Gathering for Black Journalism

This August, Atlanta will reclaim its place at the center of Black excellence as the city hosts the 2026 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention & Career Fair — the largest and most prestigious gathering of Black journalism professionals in the world. Scheduled for August 12-16 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, the convention promises to be one for the record books, with thousands of journalists, media professionals, students, and advocates converging in the city that shaped both the civil rights movement and American culture.

Why Atlanta?

The choice of Atlanta for #NABJ26 is deeply symbolic. The city is a historic hub for civil and human rights — the birthplace and home of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the King Center. It is home to more than 50 colleges and universities, including six HBCUs that have trained generations of Black journalists and communicators. Often called "the Hollywood of the South," Atlanta is a global center of film, television, and music that has exported Black creativity — from hip-hop to streaming entertainment — to the world.

This year's convention is the first NABJ Convention to take place in Atlanta since 2005. For NABJ President Errin Haines, an Atlanta native and former member of the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ), bringing the convention home carries a special weight. "It's not everyday that the President of NABJ gets to host the convention," Haines said at a July meeting of the AABJ at WSB-TV's Midtown headquarters.

The Theme: "Our Revolution: Truth, Power, and Black Journalism"

The 2026 NABJ convention theme — "Our Revolution: Truth, Power, and Black Journalism" — reflects the moment. At a time when press freedom is under increasing threat, when misinformation spreads faster than ever, and when the stakes of accurate, community-centered journalism have never been higher, Black journalists are being called to the front lines of one of democracy's most essential battles.

Convention-goers can expect hundreds of training sessions, workshops, and panels covering topics from health journalism to investigative reporting, from covering elections in a post-Voting Rights Act landscape to leveraging AI in the newsroom. The NABJ Career Fair — the largest career expo for Black journalists and media professionals in the country — will run August 12-14, with major news organizations, digital media companies, and journalism schools seeking to recruit the next generation of Black storytellers.

What's Happening in Atlanta

The convention will feature a rich slate of special events anchored in Atlanta's cultural and civic legacy. The Atlanta Association of Black Journalists is hosting the NABJ Opening Reception on Wednesday, August 12. On August 15, the AABJ and the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau will offer two signature tours: a Historic Atlanta Bus Tour tracing Atlanta's civil rights landmarks through a Black journalist's lens, and an Atlanta Culture and Entertainment Tour showcasing the cultural economy Black creators have built — from Tyler Perry Studios to the Trap Music Museum and Patchwerk Recording Studios. The convention concludes on Sunday, August 16 with the beloved Gospel Brunch.

Record-Breaking Attendance Expected

AABJ Chapter President Condace Pressley has predicted that the Atlanta convention will "break attendance records," citing the city's appeal and the growing urgency of the moment. The Atlanta chapter now counts between 190-200 members and is celebrating its own 50th anniversary in 2026. Convention t-shirts — designed in collaboration with the iconic Atlanta brand Atlanta Influences Everything — carry a message that says it all: "Black Journalists Influence Everything."

For Black Atlanteans who believe in the power of storytelling to change the world, #NABJ26 is a must-attend event. Get your tickets, support Black media, and join thousands of journalists showing up for truth.