UK ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS (ABJ)

The University of Kentucky Association of Black Journalists is an affiliate of the National Association of Black Journalists. The UKABJ is comprised of students in the College of Communication and Information who are dedicated to diversifying and strengthening the media industry. Our goal is to help students of color gain the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive field and ultimately to obtain the career of their dreams. We accomplish this by hosting prominent guest speakers at our biweekly meetings. We visit local news outlets to meet with media professionals and to tour the facilities. Our chapter attends the annual NABJ convention and career fair to network with media professionals and other chapters around the country to enhance our skills. The UKABJ places special emphasis on building community and scholarship through planned events, fundraisers, interactive meetings, and the help of driven students and professionals. Membership is open to all students within the College of Communication and Information. For more information contact UKABJ faculty advisor Kakie Urch at kakie.urch@uky.edu

UK SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS (SPJ)

The Society of Professional Journalists promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry through the daily work of its nearly 7,500 members; it works to inspire and educate current and future journalists through professional development; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press through its advocacy efforts. UK’s student chapter was chartered in 1928. Please contact the SPJ faculty advisor, Al Cross at acros3@email.uky.edu

CREATOR CATS

Creator Cats is a new student organization founded spring semester of 2020. It invites students interested in video production, music, writing, and/or visual art to connect and collaborate with others who have similar passions. At the end of each semester, Creator Cats will hold a showcase for club members to exhibit both collaborative and solo projects they have completed over the course of the semester.

Contact: Faculty Advisor Professor Kyra Hunting at kyra.hunting@uky.edu