NABJ convention is finally here in Tampa!

Members and friends of the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists:

The day we've been talking about for years is finally here. The National Association of Black Journalists convention is starting in Tampa today!

If you're registered for the event, I'll look forward to seeing you around the convention site. We could still use your help as a volunteer; stop by the chapter's information table near the registration booths or email volunteer coordinator Ken Knight at kknight@tampatrib.com.

But even if you're not coming, there's still lots of ways you can get involved.

Our Beach Jam Friday night at the Florida Aquarium remains the best way get a taste of the convention, hosted by Tom Joyner and featuring Kid Capri as DJ. Tickets are only $15 and you can buy them in advance here at our Web site, to make admission easy.

We'll be setting up at the Aquarium at 5 p.m., so if you'd like to help set up the party, feel free to join us then. And if you work for a news organization, feel free to tell Tampa Bay what we're doing. Proceeds from the jam benefit our Griot Drum scholarships; this year we're giving out $5,000 to students of color majoring in journalism.

And keep an eye on our Web site for information as the convention progresses.

Let's show NABJ a great time in Tampa!

Eric Deggans
TV/Media Critic, St. Petersburg Times
Chair, NABJ Media Monitoring Committee
President, Tampa Bay Assoc. of Black Journalists
(727) 893-8521; (727) 642-8907 (cell)
www.TBABJ.com
Tickets on sale now
For the Tampa Assoc. of Black Journalists Beach Jam Fund Raiser, Aug. 7 at the Florida Aquarium, starring "flyjock" Tom Joyner and superstar DJ Kid Capri.
For more info or to buy ticks: http://beachjam.eventbrite.com/