King’s and Global News announce creation of new scholarship at CABJ's J-School Noire
The Canadian Association of Black Journalists is pleased to share news of a new scholarship focused specifically on African Canadian youth. The CABJ’s J-School Noire served as the backdrop for this announcement by Global News and King’s College. More details on the scholarship are included in the press release below. We’ve also included a link to the announcement, which was broadcast live on the CABJ’s Facebook page.
Press Release from King’s College:
Today, the University of King’s College and Global News Halifax are pleased to announce the creation of the Global News Journalism Award for an incoming Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) student at King’s. It’s intended to support diversity in journalism classrooms and eventually in newsrooms.
Funded through a gift from Global News, the Global News Journalism Award is a renewable entrance award valued at $2,675 each year, for four years. Over the four years that the selected recipient is taking the degree, its total value to the student will be $10,700.
Recognizing the need for diversity in newsrooms and amongst journalists, the Global News Award will be given to a King’s journalism student who is African Canadian. Preference will be given to an African Nova Scotian applicant.
“Global News is proud to support the future of journalism and the community through this award,” said Ward Smith, Senior Vice President of Global News. “At a time when truth and facts matter more than ever, it’s encouraging to see so many young curious minds steering their education toward a future career in journalism. Our commitment to these students remains a priority to us.”
The award was announced at noon today at an event organized by the Canadian Association of Black Journalists (CABJ) called J-School Noire. This one-day workshop is being offered at the Nova Scotia Community College’s (NSCC) Ivany Campus. It’s designed to introduce Black youth in grades seven to 12 to the journalism profession, with the ultimate aim of encouraging them to apply to journalism school and eventually pursue careers in the field. NSCC, King’s and Global Halifax are sponsoring J-School Noire.
Brian Daly, Atlantic Director for the CABJ and J-School Noire organizer, says now is the perfect time for young people to get involved in telling their own stories. “The world needs to hear the voices of Black youth in Canada, whether it be as sportscasters, filmmakers, or social media influencers,” said Daly. “Technology makes this easier than ever before. I want to see our young people create bold and exciting content that will drive the culture forward, as our people have done for many years.” The CABJ also support young journalists through coaching and mentorship.
“I’d like to thank Brian Daly and the Canadian Black Journalists Association for leading J-School Noire, to NSCC for hosting it, and to Global News for prioritizing diversification of journalism classrooms and newsrooms, and today, especially, for sponsoring the Global News Journalism Award,” said Doug Ruck, Chair of King’s Board of Governors, representing King’s at J-School Noire. “Learning how to research, conduct interviews, write and produce stories for print and broadcast mediums is about more than just acquiring skills. It’s about using these technical competencies to tell stories that matter—that matter to you, and that matter to your communities,” Ruck told the students and people gathered.
King’s Director, School of Journalism Tim Currie said he’s grateful for the support Global News has shown for journalism education at King’s through this award. “The Global Journalism News Award is going to provide a wonderful opportunity for one of our future students to join the journalism community. They’ll not only be financially supported but will hopefully gain confidence and motivation to cultivate their skills and understand the value of their voice.”
The Global News Journalism Award will be given to a student starting their honours journalism degree at King’s in 2020-2021.