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National Association of Black Journalists Chapter Hosts Speed Mentoring Activity

The Event Helps Members Share Career Advice, Experiences and Contacts

Columbia, Mo. (Sept. 25, 2015) — The National Association of Black Journalists Ale Chapter at the University of Missouri modified the idea of speed dating with a recent mentorship event for its members.

The hour-long activity helped members quickly get to know each other and establish a relationship with someone who can give advice on similar journalism emphasis area and career topics. The MU chapter was named national Chapter of the Year by the national organization in 2014. Also, the MU chapter was the recipient of the NAACP Organization of the Year award in 2013. Professors Earnest Perry and Cynthia Frisby serve as chapter advisers.

NABJ Speed Dating: Mentor/Mentee Edition
Junior Desiree Evans (left) and freshman Courtney Edwards chat about personal career goals during the National Association of Black Journalists’ speed mentoring event.

NABJ’s mentorship program has been a key aspect to the organization’s success, said Melody Myers, NABJ-MU mentorship chair.

“Mentorship is important because you have the opportunity to learn from others in your career field,” Myers, a broadcast journalism senior from Glenwood, Illinois, said. “I think it’s good because it kind of helps build lifelong bonds. You never know how that relationship with your mentor or mentee will affect what you do in the future.”

Mentors and mentees will be paired up later this fall semester.

NABJ-MU members thought the outcome of the speed mentoring was rewarding.

“I liked listening to what our members were expecting out of NABJ and what they were expecting out of me as a mentor,” said Breanne McCallop, a strategic communication junior from Dallas. “It was nice to see that they actually wanted my advice, because a couple years ago I needed a mentor. It’s nice to give back.”

The National Association of Black Journalists is a group of journalists and media professionals at the University of Missouri. Their main purpose focuses on striving for excellence by encouraging diversity, educating through mentorship and promoting unity in the field of journalism.

Updated: September 10, 2020

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