AJC journalists to share expertise at NABJ 2026 Convention in Atlanta

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is proud to have journalists and leaders featured throughout the 2026 National Association of Black Journalists Convention & Career Fair, taking place Aug. 12-16 in Atlanta.

From investigative reporting and politics to sports journalism, leadership, higher education and documentary storytelling, AJC journalists will join industry leaders from across the country to share insights, discuss emerging challenges and explore the future of journalism.

Below is a list of NABJ 2026 sessions featuring AJC participants. Information is based on the official convention program.

Wednesday, Aug. 12

7:00-7:45 a.m.

Coffee and Conversations powered by Disney and ABC News Group

AJC participant: Leroy Chapman Jr.

10:30-11:30 a.m.

How Leaders Must Think to Thrive in an AI-Powered Future | Leadership Academy

AJC participant: Leroy Chapman Jr.

Noon-1:00 p.m.

The Campus Beat: Mining Higher Education for Data-Driven Stories

AJC participant: Ernie Suggs

1:15-2:15 p.m.

How to Build An Investigative Team (Or Get on One)

AJC participant: Brad Schrade

Thursday, Aug. 13

10:30-11:00 a.m.

Bibb Country: Unearthing My Family Secrets of Land, Legacy—and Lettuce

AJC participant: Ernie Suggs

12:30-1:30 p.m.

What’s Next for the Voting Rights Act

AJC participant: Tia Mitchell

1:15-2:15 p.m.

Covering ICE: A How-To Guide From Expert Immigration Beat Reporters

AJC participant: Lautaro Grinspan

2:00-3:00 p.m.

The Leadership Track: Making the Leap from Reporter to Editor

AJC participant: Janel Davis

Friday, Aug. 14

10:30-11:30 a.m. Collaboration Not Competition: Why It Makes Sense to Collaborate, Not Compete

AJC participant: Sharif Durhams

Noon-1:00 p.m.

Redefining the Power and Purpose of Sports Journalism

AJC participant: Rod Beard

1:30-2:30 p.m.

Can Partisan Politics in Redistricting Backfire?

AJC participant: Tia Mitchell

Saturday, Aug. 15

Noon-1:00 p.m.

From the Block to the Screen: The Power of Hyperlocal Documentaries

AJC participant: Brooke Leigh Howard

Noon-1:00 p.m.

Inside University Newsrooms: Getting Faster Access and Stronger Campus Stories