ESPN host and political commentator Stephen A. Smith announced plans to challenge the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) after receiving a “Thumbs Down” award. The award was given during the association’s gala in Atlanta, and cited his repeated criticism of prominent Black women.
Smith described the award as the start of a broader issue with NABJ. He expressed his intention to respond strongly, saying on X, “This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early. The @NABJ wants to call folks out, fine! You had your turn, now mine is coming. And make no mistake, I’m coming.”
He also signaled his plan to examine NABJ’s record, stating he has been silent about the organization for years. “Remember @NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something,” Smith warned.
The NABJ made its decision known at its annual convention’s Salute to Excellence Awards Gala. Washington Association of Black Journalists President Phil Lewis shared a video of the presentation. NABJ also presented the same award to others, including FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, DuJuan McCoy, and The Washington Post.
The award presentation criticized Smith for creating a pattern of negative commentary about prominent Black women in politics, sports, and media. The NABJ noted that such commentary harms narratives and undermines fair representation of Black women. It emphasized this contradicts NABJ’s commitment to accurate portrayals of Black communities.
NABJ provides this annual recognition to individuals or organizations responsible for insensitive or stereotypical commentary about the Black community.
NABJ President Errin Haines stated that recipients could address the criticism and alter their actions. The group insists on continued vigilance in such matters. “The door is open. The conversation is available, and the opportunity to change is real. But NABJ will not be silent. Not in this moment, and not on my watch,” Haines declared.
Curtis Houck from the Media Research Center criticized the award, seeing it as evidence of a disconnect between journalism groups and the public. “This charade is further proof these so-called journalist trade groups are an absolute scam,” Houck stated. “Stephen A. Smith was exactly right to eviscerate them. Smith is known as someone who can be a bloviator, but he also calls out all sides if he feels they did something wrong.”
Ameshia Cross, a Democratic strategist and attendee, also criticized the presentation: “I think NABJ wanted to trend again because that was messy for no damn reason,” Cross shared. “I left the awards dinner, which was otherwise a ceremony dedicated to great journalism across multiple regions and descended into petty…with thousands of unemployed Black folk in the field.”
CJ Womack, associate editor at Fox News, emphasized the role of journalism in shaping politics and culture. CJ has a background in Political Science and Journalism from Long Beach State University. Contact CJ with news tips via email or follow on Twitter.
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