NABJ names Jemele Hill as its “Journalist of The Year”
The award recognizes The Undefeated's columnist for her "distinguished body of work"
In a year where Jemele Hill returned to her true loves – writing, reporting and commentary – with The Undefeated, she is being recognized as the National Association of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) “2018 Journalist of the Year.”
“I’m floored that I would be chosen as the ‘Journalist of the Year’,” Hill said. “NABJ has been my journalism family since I was 16 years old [at Mumford High School in Detroit]. This is an incredible achievement and I’m proud to follow in the footsteps of some of the finest journalists of color in the country.”
In recent months, Hill has conducted interviews with and penned profiles of newsmakers; authored insightful columns on sports and race; and challenged her alma mater, Michigan State University, to wear its shame from Dr. Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse of female athletes. This week, Hill also gave the commencement speech at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism graduation.
“Jemele is one of our most versatile journalists with a range and perspective that adds value to ESPN,” said Connor Schell, ESPN Executive Vice President, Content. “The national recognition for Jemele’s work by NABJ is a testament to her career as a critical thinker and gifted storyteller.”
Hill, chief correspondent and senior columnist for The Undefeated, will be honored at the NABJ Salute to Excellence Awards Gala in her hometown of Detroit when NABJ hosts its annual convention there during the first week of August. She is also the honorary co-chair of this year’s convention. The award recognizes a journalist of African descent “who has amassed a distinguished body of work with extraordinary depth, scope and significance to the people of the African Diaspora.”
“Jemele is an extraordinary journalist, a gifted writer and an insightful commentator, who excels on multiple platforms,” said Kevin Merida, ESPN Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief. “We are proud to have her at The Undefeated, and thrilled the NABJ has chosen her as its ‘Journalist of the Year’.”
