CABJ to Hire First Ever Paid Executive Director with Help from Foundation For Black Communities
For Immediate Release: June 5, 2024
CABJ to Hire First Ever Paid Executive Director with Help from Foundation For Black Communities
CABJ Awarded Highly Competitive $35,000 Black Ideas Grant (B.I.G.)
TORONTO - The Canadian Association of Black Journalists (CABJ) is delighted to announce it is the recipient of the Foundation for Black Communities Black Ideas Grant (B.I.G.). Amidst a competitive pool of 2000+ applicants totaling 200+ million dollars, the CABJ was selected. The funding will be used exclusively to hire a part-time executive director – the very first time in the organization’s more than 25-year history someone will be paid to undertake this role.
“This is truly a historic moment for the CABJ,” says Nadia Tchoumi, executive director. “The awarding of this grant reinforces our work and our commitment to Black journalists. We’re grateful to the Foundation for Black Communities’ Community Selection Circles (CSC) members who saw the value of our proposal and approved this grant.”
Since the organization was founded in 1996, the leadership team has always been comprised of volunteers. However, the work of anti-Black racism is exactly that: work. It has become clear this work cannot be done unpaid. This grant is a significant first step forward and confirms the need for this work to be adequately funded and resourced.
"We are thrilled the Canadian Association of Black Journalists (CABJ) are Black Ideas Grant, B.I.G. recipients,” says Leah Sanford, FFBC’s Director of Communications on behalf of FFBC. “CABJ is making meaningful change in the journalism ecosystem by increasing representation through education and inspiration. Their efforts to diversify newsrooms, elevate Black media professionals into management positions, and inspire the next generation of young Black journalists are truly transformative. We are proud to support such a vital organization that is dedicated to reshaping the landscape of Canadian journalism."
After serving as executive director for eight years, Nadia Tchoumi is stepping down to make way for a new leader. The CABJ Board of Directors would like to thank Ms. Tchoumi for her years of service. Nadia will remain part of the board’s advisory team, supporting the organization through this transition period.
“It has been an absolute joy to lead this trailblazing organization for as long as I have,” Tchoumi says. “Since coming on board, my life has changed dramatically – I’ve become a mother of two beautiful children. I’m stepping down to make time for my family and pursue new endeavours. I believe in the work of the CABJ. I will fully support this transition in leadership to the very best of my abilities.”
The search for a new leader is now underway. Potential candidates interested in applying can view the job description here.
Media inquiries:
Nadia Tchoumi, CABJ Executive Director - contact@cabj.news
About The Foundation for Black Communities: The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) was established to ensure every Black person can thrive and all Black communities have agency in defining their own future. Founded in 2020, FFBC is Canada’s first-ever philanthropic foundation dedicated to ensuring that Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused organizations have the sustained resources needed to make a meaningful impact.
About the Canadian Association of Black Journalists: Founded in 1996, the Canadian Association of Black Journalists' (CABJ) mission is to increase representation through education and inspiration. We believe Black journalists must work together to diversify newsrooms, increase the number of Black media professionals in management positions in Canada, and educate and inspire a new generation of young Black journalists.