As the warm breeze of summer begins to cool, the team at We Are Black Journos (WABJ) is taking a well-deserved moment to pause, look back, and celebrate what has truly been a season for the books. From iconic newsrooms in Scotland and international creative stages in France, to community health runs and local cinema takeovers in London, this summer demonstrated the depth, breadth, and soaring momentum of our community.
Here is a look back at how WABJ brought people together, created space for Black talent, and expanded our reach across the UK and beyond over the past few months.
Kicking Off in the North: BBC Glasgow
We launched our summer activities by heading north to Scotland, bringing together local journalists, storytellers, and media creatives for an unforgettable day at BBC Glasgow. Attendees were treated to behind-the-scenes tours of state-of-the-art studios and, crucially, direct networking opportunities with senior BBC staff and decision-makers. Breaking down regional barriers and opening doors for Black media professionals outside of London remains a core priority for us, and the energy in Glasgow set the perfect tone for everything that followed.
Culture & Conversation: Sinners Screening at Genesis Cinema
Storytelling lives at the heart of what we do, which is why our collaboration with East London’s historic Genesis Cinema was such a highlight. We hosted a special screening of the award-winning film Sinners, bringing our community together for an evening of powerful cinema. The screening was followed by an enriching, thought-provoking panel discussion that explored the nuanced themes of the film and the broader landscape of Black cinema today. The room was packed, the conversations were rich, and the feedback was brilliant.
Investing in Our Members: Professional Headshots in the Sun
Making sure our members are equipped for their next career move is just as important as hosting grand events. Taking advantage of the gorgeous UK summer weather, we organized an outdoor professional headshot session tailored specifically for WABJ members. Good lighting, great vibes, and sharp new headshots meant our journalists left ready to refresh their portfolios, pitch with confidence, and step into their next professional chapters looking their best.
Movement for a Cause: The Reproductive Health Awareness Run
Our reach isn’t limited to newsrooms and screens; it extends into holistic well-being and community action. This summer, we launched a mini-health campaign, lacing up our running shoes to raise vital awareness for both women’s and men’s reproductive health. Combining physical fitness with open, taboo-breaking conversations, the run proved that the WABJ community is as dedicated to advocating for health and wellness as we are to media representation.
Going Global: WABJ Takes Cannes Lions
To wrap up our summer on a global scale, WABJ packed its bags and headed to the South of France for the world-renowned Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Representing Black UK journalists on an international stage, our presence at Cannes underscored a clear message: our stories, perspectives, and talents belong in global creative spaces. The festival offered unparalleled networking, global exposure, and invaluable inspiration that we are excited to feed back into our network.
Looking Ahead
From Glasgow to Cannes and everywhere in between, this summer proved that We Are Black Journos is growing stronger, broader, and more impactful with every passing season. We’ve connected talent with industry leaders, supported our members’ practical career needs, championed health, celebrated screenwriting, and made our mark internationally.
To every member, ally, partner, and creator who joined us at an event, ran alongside us, or supported us from afar – thank you.! This incredible summer was built by you, and we can’t wait to show you what we have lined up for the autumn.
