Noir Nation, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is standing on business as they prepare for their annual convention and confirming that they will NOT be extending an invitiation to President Donald Trump!

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NABJ President Ken Lemon spoke with Black Press USA, emphasizing the decision came after careful consideration—and not from obligation.

“At this point, there is not a reason to invite President Trump this year,” he said, noting that while journalists once vetted him as a candidate in 2024, this year requires a different focus—highlighting celebration over controversy.

The organization, which has historically invited both Democratic and Republican candidates to speak, says the decision was made due to concerns over safety, accountability, and Trump’s past rhetoric targeting journalists—especially Black members of the press.

With the association celebrating its 50th anniversary, Lemon made it known the event is about uplifting Black journalism, not political theater.

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NABJ board member Dion Rebouin, a candidate for the group’s presidency, backed the choice, stating, “It makes sense, the way this administration has operated and the way it has dealt with Black journalists and Black people overall”

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✊ NABJ Joins Other Black Groups in Rejecting Trump

Trump’s exclusion comes amid a broader trend within Black institutions:

The NAACP has made history by not inviting him to its 2025 convention, the first time in 116 years for a sitting president to be omitted.

The National Urban League has also withheld an invite, citing Trump’s policy stances and refusal to engage.

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Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields criticized NABJ’s decision, calling it “petty and unprofessional antics” and insinuating the move leaned too political. Fields defended Trump’s continued support among Black voters and labeled the association’s actions as “bias and Democrat talking points” .

Despite Trump capturing 15% of the Black vote in 2024—a rise from 8% in 2020—NABJ opted to prioritize its mission over optic

🚀 Why This Matters Now

As the media landscape strains under “infotainment” and partisanship, NABJ leaders are reclaiming space by focusing on its core mission: supporting Black journalists, centering journalism over politics, and steering clear of platforms that conflict with that mission.

Their stance reflects a growing sentiment among Black advocacy groups: celebrating progress doesn’t require lending platforms to political figures whose track records challenge the ideals of equity and representation.

Noir Nation, what do you think? Is this a brave stand—or did NABJ miss an opportunity for dialogue?