The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism said it strengthened its diversity marketing efforts by participating in the 2022 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) joint convention in Las Vegas last week.
Recognising the close bonds which both African Americans and Hispanic Americans share with the Caribbean, the department said the Cayman Islands participated for the first time in the conference for journalism education, career development, networking, and industry innovation.
Thousands of the America’s journalists, media executives, journalism educators, public relations professionals and students gathered for the event in Las Vegas, from 3 to 7 Aug.
“We are honoured to participate in this exceptional gathering of media professionals, who play such a critical role in sharing our stories and connecting our cultures,” said Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands in a press release.
She said the department transformed the NABJ Founders’ Reception into a lively celebration of Caymanian culture.
The Cayman Islands also hosted a panel discussion focused on building bridges between the British overseas territory and diverse communities.
Sandra Dawson Long Weaver, an NABJ founder and organiser of the Founders’ Reception, welcomed the Cayman Islands’ partnership this year, saying: “African Americans and Caribbean people have a shared history and many cultural similarities. We are family, and we are stronger together. I’m excited to see what ideas and initiatives come out of this convention, the possibilities are endless.”
The panel discussion featured Harris, NABJ Media Relations Chair Terry Allen; Kim Bardakian, director of media relations at the Kapor Center; journalist and journalism educator Eva Coleman; and one of the nation’s foremost communicators and media trainers, Zakiya Larry, global chief communications officer of Constellation.
Ken Lemon of ABC affiliate WSOC-TV in Charlotte, and Bevan Springer, President and CEO of Marketplace Excellence, moderated the session.
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