Mission Statement
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is an educational and charitable association dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanic students, professionals, and educators in the field of journalism.
Overview
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) provides a national voice and unified vision for all Hispanic journalists.
- To organize and provide support for Hispanic Journalists.
- To encourage and support the study and practices of journalism and communications by Hispanics.
- To foster and promote the fair treatment of Hispanics in the media.
- To further employment opportunities and career development for Hispanics in the news media.
- To foster greater understanding of the unique cultural identity, interests and concerns of Hispanic Journalists.
NAHJ has a national network of 23 Professional Chapters, and 28 Student Chapters including working journalists, journalism students, other media-related professionals and journalism educators in 17 states, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
What originally started with 120 members burgeoned to 600 by the second year. Today, there are more than 4,000+ members nationwide.
Our History
The beginnings of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) can be traced back to a 1982 convention in San Diego, California. Organized by the California Chicano News Media Association (CCNMA) and a few journalists from the rest of the country, the convention attracted 300 participants.
After the conference, CCNMA Â took a leading role in building the national group. The California association lent its executive director support and resources to the emerging NAHJ. After obtaining $50,000 in seed money from the Freedom Forum (then the Gannett Foundation), an organizing committee was formed. It included 15 men and women representing the Mexican-American, Cuban and Puerto Rican communities, the three largest Hispanic sub-groups in the United States.
Displaying extraordinary energy and resolve, the organizing committee held meetings in Miami, Denver, Chicago and New York, in order to promote the national group concept and work out the details of the organization. After two years of arduous work, the articles of incorporation for NAHJ were finally signed in February of 1984.
At first, NAHJ operated out of Los Angeles, but for three reasons, it became apparent that a different venue location was required. First, NAHJ needed to acquire a separate identity from CCNMA. Second, California Latinos were and are majority Mexican-American, and that did not accurately reflect the diversity of the Hispanic community. And finally, NAHJ had to participate with other industry groups in common areas of interest.
Today, there are more than 3,500 members nationwide and NAHJ is an organization with deep regional roots and a strong national presence.
An active network has been created linking Hispanic journalists regionally and across the country. Programs and activities developed by the association are widely recognized as unique and effective.
NAHJ is still growing, both in memberships and activities. NAHJ policies and projects are geared to foster the interest and the preparation of Hispanic students in Journalism.