Two Cleveland State University students nominated at The Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame Induction and Award Ceremony
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
The inaugural induction and ceremony honored myself and Hannah Gates with nominations.
Written by Tyisha Blade
"Being a Black woman and student in journalism comes with its own unique challenges, so this moment was incredibly affirming,” Gates said. “It encouraged me to keep striving for excellence."
The Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists (GCLEABJ) hosted an important milestone in its history: the inaugural Hall of Fame Induction and Award Ceremony on Feb. 22 at the Cleveland History Center. This event not only honored the accomplishments of distinguished Black journalists in Cleveland, but also underscored the pivotal role that the Black press and media professionals have played in shaping the narrative of Cleveland’s history and culture.
I was one of two students from Cleveland State University (CSU) nominated for awards at this prestigious event. To my amazement, I was honored as Print Journalist of the Year for my work on The East Clevelander Magazine. I have been dedicated to The East Clevelander Magazine for two years now, with March 17 marking its official anniversary. The moment my name was announced, I was in complete awe. I'm still taking it all in, and each day, I express my gratitude to GCLEABJ for this incredible honor.
Hannah Gates, editor in chief of one of CSU’s student publications, The Cauldron, was nominated for Student Journalist of the Year. Gates mentioned that upon learning that she was a finalist for the award, she was both excited and curious.
“I’ve been working in journalism for half a decade now, and I never imagined I’d be in the running for an award.” Gates said. “I never even thought to apply for one, because I’ve always had to go above and beyond my peers just to receive any recognition at all.”
She also mentioned that she had to continually remind herself that she was deserving of this honor.
“Being a Black woman and student in journalism comes with its own unique challenges, so this moment was incredibly affirming,” Gates said. “It encouraged me to keep striving for excellence.”
The Hall of Fame Induction and Award Ceremony featured a formal celebration of individuals with Peter Lawson Jones as master of ceremony. The event focused on both professional achievements, and dedication to uplifting and amplifying the voices of the Black community in Cleveland. I will admit to being in complete admiration of the seamless execution of the night. Gates shared these sentiments, adding that the experience was moving.
“I was taken aback by the beauty of the venue!” Gates said. “Growing up in the uptown area of Cleveland, I spent a lot of my formative years visiting museums and walking around Case Western Reserve’s campus. I hadn’t been to the Cleveland History Center in a long time, and being there reminded me just how much I love this city and the surrounding areas.”
At the heart of the ceremony were inductions of several Black journalists and media-related professionals into the GCLEABJ Hall of Fame. These honorees were selected based on their significant impact on the field of journalism, whether through their reporting, editing, broadcasting or advocacy for the Black community. The induction highlights the breadth of their contributions, from breaking barriers in newsrooms to shaping public discourse on critical issues facing Cleveland’s Black population. The event also recognized the vital role that journalists have played in holding power accountable, exposing social injustices and celebrating the achievements of the Black community.
When I pause to reflect, I am reminded of the countless journalists who persevere as leaders in the industry. My undergraduate studies at CSU come to mind, where I first delved into the impactful writings of pioneers such as Ida B. Wells, who fearlessly exposed the injustices faced by African Americans in the South. Drawing inspiration from their work, I find guidance and motivation in my own writing journey.
For Gates, she was in awe of being in a room of like-minded individuals who share a passion for journalism and represent a rich culture of diversity and storytelling.
“I even shed a few tears watching the stories of those who came before me,” Gates said. “Trailblazers who paved the way for me, and others like me, to continue making an impact in the field.”
The Hall of Fame Induction and Award Ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for diversity and inclusion within the media. It reinforced the importance of continuing the fight for equal representation and access to opportunities for Black journalists, especially in an industry that has historically been marked by barriers to entry and systemic inequities. As the GCLEABJ moves forward with this new tradition, it is a testament to the commitment of its members to build a more inclusive, informed and just media landscape for all.
Gates and I are both planning for graduation from CSU in spring 2026. Gates is majoring in political science and communications. She plans to pursue graduate school to earn a Master of Public Administration degree as well as a Juris Doctor degree. She also wants to continue journalism while also working in policy and government leadership in Cleveland.
“My goal is to help shape the future of this city and the world at large,” Gates said.
I am a second-year graduate student in the Northeast Ohio Master of Fine Arts program, with plans to pursue travel writing after graduation next year. My goal is to document and report on the places I visit and the experiences I encounter along the way.
As GCLEABJ celebrated the event, it was undoubtedly a defining moment for the organization and for the wider Cleveland community. It serves as a celebration of history, a recognition of excellence and a commitment to the future of Black journalism in Cleveland and beyond. For more information about the organization, you can visit gcleabj.org.
More images and a video of the event below:
