toExcellenceGala
National Association of Black Journalists Tulsa PO Box 1047
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101-1047
On behalf of the National Association of Black Journalists Tulsa Chapter (NABJ-Tulsa), I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every organization, company, volunteer, and individual who helped make our 2024 Salute to Excellence Awards Gala a resounding success. This year’s Gala, led by Chair Mary L. Williams, took our efforts to new heights. We were proud to honor key community leaders and celebrate trailblazers in the media industry, from local news anchor Naomi Keitt to veteran journalist Kelly Wright.
As President, I reflect on what has been a phenomenal year of growth for NABJ-Tulsa. This success would not have been possible without the dedication of our incredible team. One of the highlights of our year was hosting the NABJ Region III Conference, where students and media professionals gathered from across our 11-state region. The theme, Press and Prosperity: NABJ Meets Black Wall Street, resonated deeply as we celebrated our shared legacy and future.
In partnership with the TCC Connection, NABJ-Tulsa also launched its inaugural Dow Jones News Fund Summer High School Journalism Program. Over the course of two months, we worked with a diverse group of passionate high school students eager to explore journalism.
Service to the community has always been a core value of our organization. During Black History Month, we hosted a book drive at Fulton Street Books and Coffee. Thanks to your generous support, we were able to provide approximately 115 books to young readers from early childhood through high school. These books were donated to several worthy recipients, including The Little Free Libraries in Tulsa, Monroe Demonstration Academy, Reading Partners, McLain High School, and Greenwood Leadership Academy.
Once again, thank you to everyone who attended the Gala and to all who have supported NABJ-Tulsa throughout the year. We hope you will continue to support our organization as we look to expand our programs and initiatives as we head into our 30th anniversary in 2025.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year!
Warm Regards,
Autumn Bracey
Autumn Bracey
NABJ-Tulsa President
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National Association of Black Journalists Tulsa PO Box 1047
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101-1047
overwhelm the world.”
I thank God that our purpose for the 2024 Gala includes milestones that elevated us to a new plateau of group participation. For the first time in years, we enjoyed a full house to an overflowing attendance of community leaders and friends. Just to name a few comments, “It was like attending the Oscars!” “The event was very elegant and professional,” and for some, it was surprisingly nice.” One prominent community leader compared the program to an event by a professional group of well-known entertainers, and he said it was just as good.
Bon Appétit was the word for the night as the menu was exquisite and the food was absolutely delicious. State Senator Regina Goodwin presented our keynote speaker Kelly Wright with the honor of a citation along with his award as the inductee to our NABJ Oklahoma Black Journalists Hall of Fame. A citation also was awarded to our NABJ-Tulsa chapter. One of our founders, Yvonne Lewis made the occasion a night to remember as she accepted the Rising Star Award for her daughter, Hunter Harris.
Our entertainers, OmaleyB, Adrenna Sango, and Rebecca Marks-Jimerson (sp?) captured the audience and garnered applause.
Wright also captivated the audience as expected and he shared his remarkable story which enlivened our 2024 Theme: Unveiling hope in mass media: What is your story?
Wright spent quality time at a meet and greet organized especially for the NABJ-Tulsa group. He also appeared on the News On 6 at Noon show with our president, Autumn Bracey. He later interviewed chapter members telling the story of Black Wall Street and he also shared the story of John Hope Franklin on his international news program.
The 2024 Gala Committee used their talents in new and challenging ways. Their ingredients of creativity, talent and endurance imploded into a remarkable occasion that will be remembered for years to come. Although we met challenges in some areas, still we rise and with faith in God’s help, the Gala team passed the bar in so much more. We truly appreciate the community support, and the growth in attendance for the gala event.
By God’s Grace, we will continue to learn, to grow and keep forging for higher plateaus while taking Media to the heart of the community and yet keeping the community in our hearts.
Mary L. Williams
Mary L. Williams
NABJ Tulsa 2024 Gala chairperson
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AdrennaSango has many years as an experienced liturgical dancer. Social Work is her profession.
Rebecca Marks-Jimmerson is a community advocate with an extensive background in the Arts and Media. Her Chautauqua presentation of Ida B. Wells is exceptional.
OmaleyBis an American R&B/Soul/Pop musician with a background in gospel music from Tulsa, Okla. He's an accomplished musician playing multiple instruments and he sings as well.
Keynote Speaker
Kelly Wright
FROM TULSA TO CAPITOL HILL
Veteran News Anchor Kelly Wright Returns To Deliver Keynote Address at NABJ-Tulsa Gala
(Tulsa, Okla.) Kelly Wright is the Emmy Award-winning host and producer of “America’s Hope” at NTD/Epoch in New York. He is also a former Senior Capitol Hill Correspondent with NTD News in Washington.
Throughout his career, Kelly has reported on top stories around the world, snagging interviews with heads of state including Donald Trump and Barack Obama, First Lady Laura Bush, and leaders of foreign countries. He is enthusiastic about telling stories that inform, motivate, and inspire people.
Kelly previously anchored for “The World Tonight,” on the former Black News Channel (BNC). He also served as the host and executive producer of The Kelly Wright Show.” Kelly is a former KKUL Tulsa radio personality and he is an ORU alumnus. Kelly has recently taken the role of White House correspondent with CBN and he will continue to produce and anchor “America’s Hope,” on NTD/Epoch in New York.
Kelly Wright, an Emmy award-winning journalist and Keynote speaker will bring enlightenment and provoke thought as he tells his story.
NABJ-TulsaSalutetoExcellence Program
An Evening of Media with Music, Muse and Museum
Welcome
Mary L. Williams
Programs & Gala Chairperson
Occasion
Autumn Bracey
NABJ-Tulsa Chapter President
Greetings
Eva Coleman
NABJ Vice President of Print
Steve Crocker
NABJ Region III Director Invocation&Dinner
Music
OmaleyB
NABJ-TulsaYvonneLewisJournalismScholarship
Honoree
Brooklyn Harvey, Senior Tulsa Technology Center Presenters
Yvonne Lewis & Sadiqa LaNear
Honoree
Justine Richards, Senior Tulsa Technology Center Presenters
Autumn Bracey & Ashley Jones
TCCBookScholar
Semhar Asfaha, Tulsa Community College Presenter
Jerry Goodwin AwardsCeremony
CommunityServiceAwards
Honoree:
Philip Adobe, Crossover Preparatory School Presenters
Gary Lee & Autumn Bracey
Honoree:
Dr. Kent Farish, Crossover Medical Presenters
Bianca Harris & Gary Lee
Honoree:
Willetta Burks, Gary W. Burks Foundation Presenters
Mary L. Williams & Quraysh Ali Lansana
Honoree:
Tracie Chandler, Phoenix Development Presenters:
Tierra Smith & Ashley Jones
Honorees:
Tim & Nicole Smallwood, Tropical Smoothie Presenters:
Victor Grimes & Sadiqa LaNear
Honorees:
Bobby & Denise Woodard, Westview Medical Center Presenters
Jerry Goodwin & Mary L. Williams Honoree:
Drew Diamond, Sherwin Miller Museum Presenters
Mary L. Williams & Jerry Goodwin Honorees
Michelle Brown-Burdex & Frances Rakestraw, Greenwood Cultural Center Honorees
Dr. Joey & Tiffany Crutcher, Terence Crutcher Foundation Honoree
Damario Solomon-Simmons, Justice for Greenwood Honoree
Mia Fleming Music OmaleyB BroadcastPioneerAwards
Jeremiah Hale, KKUL
Kelly Wright, KKUL Presenters
Mary L. Williams & Miles Davis LaCour
NABJ-TulsaRisingStarAward
Hunter Harris Presenters
Jerry Goodwin & Carmen Pettie
ChautauquaPresentation
Rebecca Marks-Jimerson
NABJ-TulsaIdaB.WellsAward
Naomi Kiett, KJRH News Anchor
Presenters
Autumn Bracey & Jerry Goodwin
LiturgicalDanceTribute
Adrenna Sango
OutstandingNABJ-TulsaChapterMemberAward
Dr. Jerry Goodwin Presenters
Autumn Bracey & Mary L. Williams
OklahomaBlackJournalistsHallofFameInduction
Kelly Wright Presenters
Quraysh Ali Lansana & Mary L. Williams
LegislativeCitation
The Honorable Senator-Elect Regina Goodwin
KeynoteSpeaker
Kelly Wright
Acknowledgments
Mary L. Williams
ClosingRemarks
Autumn Bracey
NABJ-Tulsa Turns 30 in 2025!
New member captures some highlights
NABJ Tulsa Celebrates 30 Years of Advocacy, Excellence, and Black Storytelling in Oklahoma
BY THEGREENWOODBEAT THE GREENWOOD BEAT - WFPG BLOG THE VOICE OF GREENWOOD
This year marks a powerful milestone in Tulsa’s media and journalism community NABJ Tulsa, the Tulsa chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, is celebrating 30 years of commitment to uplifting Black voices, championing diversity in newsrooms, and shaping the narrative of our communities.
Founded in 1995, NABJ Tulsa has been a vital force in Oklahoma, cultivating Black media professionals, fostering mentorship opportunities, and advocating for fair and representative coverage of Black communities. From broadcast to print, digital to radio, NABJ Tulsa has stood at the forefront of media excellence while offering an unshakable support system for Black journalists in the region.
As the organization enters its 30th year, NABJ Tulsa is inviting Black journalists, communications professionals, content creators, PR specialists, and students to join and become part of a thriving network committed to professional growth and cultural integrity. Whether you’re a seasoned journalist, an independent blogger, or an aspiring media voice, your presence matters and NABJ Tulsa wants to amplify it.
Why Join NABJ Tulsa?
Connect with a powerful community of Black media professionals. Access professional development workshops and national opportunities.
Advocate for diversity and inclusion in newsrooms across Oklahoma.
Celebrate our shared heritage and future in media.
As a chapter of the national NABJ organization, NABJ Tulsa is also part of a broader legacy. Nationally, NABJ was founded in 1975 and remains the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation.
In celebration of their 30th anniversary, NABJ Tulsa will host a variety of community events and media engagements throughout the year. Be sure to follow the chapter on Facebook for updates and celebrations: NABJ Tulsa Facebook.
Let’s stand together. Let’s tell our stories. Let’s shape the future. Join NABJ Tulsa and be a part of history in the making.
For membership and more information, visit the National NABJ Website or reach out via their Facebook page.
The Greenwood Beat – WFPG is proud to uplift organizations like NABJ Tulsa that work to preserve, protect, and propel Black excellence in media. As the first Black, woman-owned radio station on historic Greenwood Avenue, we salute 30 years of impactful storytelling.
Westview Medical Center opened its doors in 1984. The initial concept for Westview was a vision of Dr. Lawrence Reed. He had the idea for a group of four physicians, a dentist and a pharmacist, to open a medical center in North Tulsa, a medically underserved community. The group's priority was, and remains today, to be a medical center providing for the healthcare needs of an underserved community.
Bobby Woodard, DPh, one of the six founding members and current owner, continues to help operate Westview Medical Center.
Over its 40 years Westview Medical Center has offered healthcare services in adult medicine, pediatrics, physical therapy, pharmacy, radiology, dentistry, and mental health and counseling services. Westview Medical Center has been a staple in North Tulsa for the past four decades and will continue to work and strive to be a leader in the healthcare community.
BRONZE SPONSORS
Terence Crutcher Foundation
Justice for Greenwood
The University of Tulsa
TABLE SPONSORS
Mia Fleming Links
The Oklahoma Eagle
Gary Wilson Burks Foundation
Metropolitan Baptist Church
Griffin Media
Yvonne Lewis
Marvin & Rose Washington-Jones
Tropical Smoothie
Tulsa Community College - Visual & Performing Arts Department
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
101 E. Archer, Sean Latham
Sodexo, University of Tulsa
Rumble Drum, Amanda Higbee
The NABJ-Tulsa Chapter
Tulsa Community College
SDF Event Planning
Tulsa Party of the Year
OmaleyB Entertainment
Adrenna Sango
Rebecca Marks-Jimerson
Holiday Inn Greenwood District
DONATIONS
Phil Armstrong
Hunter Harris
Kevin Matthews
OPVEON
