NABJ-Tulsa UJW Exchange

Despite the heat, about a dozen high school, college and middle school students attended a one-day workshop at the University of Tulsa’s Oliphant Hall on June 25 to explore journalism.

The National Association of Black Journalists-Tulsa hosted its annual Urban Journalism Workshop, featuring journalism educators and area media professionals.

Arkansas State University journalism educator Sandra L. Combs provided students with hands-on knowledge and the “how-to’s” of writing for various media.

KOTV reporter Ashli Sims gave students a behind-the-scenes look at what really goes into producing a news story.
KJMM-FM 105.3 assistant program director, Aaron Bernard talked about the “ins and outs” of radio programming and production.

University of Central Arkansas journalism lecturer Adriian Gardner delivered the luncheon address, “America’s Next Top Journalist,” challenging students to work toward that goal.

Students also got the perspective of a non-journalist when Brenda Cleveland talked about the circuitous path she took on her way to becoming co-owner of the Tulsa Institute of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. Her school also announced the launch of a new, interactive website, www.ticas.edu.

By late afternoon, the sun was high and the talk was over. Students were ready for action. They walked over to Dallas running back Felix Jones’ camp, which was also on campus for middle and high school students, talked to participants and interviewed the Dallas Cowboys star himself. Then they wrote stories about the information they had gathered.

Certificates, T-shirts and other goodies were given to participants for attending the workshops. Their stories will be housed at nabjtulsa.org. The UJW Exchange coordinators plan to hold the next workshop in late September or early October.

For more information, visit the NABJ-Tulsa website at www.nabj-tulsa.org or call us at 918-814-6319.