Overview

Mary Ann Shadd Cary Mentorship Program for Black Journalists brings together Black student journalists and mid-career journalists in Canada to attend the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention and Career Fair. Next year’s convention is NABJ’s 50th anniversary in Cleveland, Ohio, from August 6-10, 2025. This mentorship prorgram supports a dual-focus cohort that bridges fresh perspectives with seasoned experience. Students gain invaluable exposure to industry leaders, emerging practices, and diverse networks, while mid-career professionals serve as mentors, sharing their insights and advancing their own projects. Inspired by Shadd Cary’s pioneering legacy as North America’s first Black woman publisher, this program is a powerful investment in a vibrant future for Canadian journalism where every voice is represented and valued.

The Background

Mary Ann Shadd Cary Mentorship Program for Black Journalists focuses on a collaborative experience for both emerging and established Black journalists. Students benefit from mentorship and connections with industry leaders, setting them up to succeed in a challenging field. Mid-career journalists gain fresh perspectives from the student cohort while advancing their own professional networks and goals. Together, this dynamic group strengthens the presence of Black voices in journalism, fostering an inclusive media landscape that echoes Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s vision of representation and social justice. We invite donors to support a future of journalism that reflects the full diversity of our society.

The Rollout

Mentors will receive full financial support for travel, accommodation, and convention registration, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in this transformative experience. Mid-career mentors will also receive funding to attend and mentor students, as well as a reporting grant to support a journalism project inspired by the program’s goals. This structure allows student journalists to gain critical insights and real-world skills under the guidance of established professionals, while mid-career fellows gain dedicated time to expand their own expertise and projects, reinforcing their contributions to Canadian journalism.

The Impact

The impact of this mentorship program is profound and twofold. Students return with strengthened skills, confidence, and professional networks, which they share within Carleton’s journalism program, enhancing the academic experience for all. They emphasized how the NABJ experience gave them a unique sense of belonging and support—a contrast to often being one of the few Black journalists in their Canadian workplaces. For mid-career mentors, this opportunity offers a chance to advance their careers, refine their projects, and serve as mentors to the next generation. Both groups connect deeply with Black journalists from across North America, building bonds that bring invaluable perspectives back to Canada’s media landscape and create a stronger, more inclusive journalistic community.