our stories

Editor’s Note

One of the highlights of the inaugural Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre Fellowship was the participation of our three student fellows: Chris Harrison, a second year student in the Bachelor of Journalism at Toronto Metropolitan University; Danielle Reid, a 2024 Bachelor of Journalism graduate at Toronto Metropolitan University and Ijeoma Ukazu, a second year Master of Journalism student at Carleton University. 

Over the course of their time at NABJ, the student fellows spent time interviewing the mid-career fellows about their paths to journalism, their career trajectories and their experiences attending the convention. You’re about to read the result of these conversations: profiles of our Mary Ann Shadd Cary mid-career fellows written by our student fellows.

The NABJ convention is an enthralling, enriching and, at times, overwhelming experience. The student fellows also put together a tipsheet on how to make the most of the convention for first-timers, including what to wear and how to divide your time. 

The presence of our student fellows was an important part of the fellowship’s success and we’re grateful for their work capturing the experience of an enthralling time at NABJ. Here they are, in their own words. We hope you enjoy reading the stories and experiences they’ve captured in this publication.

Thank you and happy reading,

Nana aba Duncan, Vicky Mochama and Pacinthe Mattar
Directors, Canadian Delegation to the National Association of Black Journalists Convention

Fellowship Stories

Adriel Smiley
Written by Chris Harrison
Adriel Smiley is a radio show producer and host. He shares his career journey from internship, university and his experience as a working professional.
Read Now
Allya Davidson
Written by Danielle Reid
Allya Davidson is the first Black executive producer of CBC’s The Fifth Estate. She shares her experiences about her career and the NABJ conference.
Read Now
Danica Samuel
Written by Danilelle Reid
Danica Samuel is the founder, writer and producer of Vainqueur magazine, a digital platform for Canadian fashion. She shares the illuminating experience at the NABJ conference.
Read Now
Danielle Edwards
Written by Ijeoma Ukazu
Danielle Edwards is a journalist, web writer, online reporter, and news reader. She shares her insight about the NABJ conference and the knowledge she gained from her career.  
Read Now
Libaan Osman
Written by Chris Harrison
Libaan Osman works for the Toronto Star as a basketball reporter and digital producer. He talks about his career path, his experience at the NABJ conference, and advice for conference attendees.
Read Now
Nur Qorane
Written by Danielle Reid
Nur Qorane is a producer and audio technician at CBC News. He shares his inspiring experience at the NABJ conference and his experience as a professional journalist.
Read Now
Shari Okeke
Written by Ijeoma Ukazu
Shari Okeke is a distinguished journalist and educator with 25 years experience with the CBC. She shares her insights and experiences about her career and the NABJ conference.
Read Now

About the Authors

Ijeoma Ukazu

Ijeoma Ukazu is a second-year Master of Journalism student at Carleton University, where she focuses on storytelling that amplifies diverse voices. Her participation at the inaugural fellowship at the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre for Journalism and Belonging has helped her explore stories on issues of race, identity, and social justice, with a particular interest in the representation of Black communities in the media. Ijeoma is passionate about using journalism to foster inclusivity and promote systemic change in Canadian communities.

Danielle Reid

Danielle Reid is an editor, freelance writer and researcher based in the Greater Toronto Area. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism in 2024 and is passionate about covering stories related to women’s health and arts and culture. She is currently a research assistant on the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre for Journalism and Belonging’s project, Reporting on Black Communities in Canada.

Chris Harrison

Chris Harrison is a journalism student and freelance writer/editor based in Toronto. He covers professional basketball and hockey and has written about sports and pop culture at various outlets. Chris is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and a recipient of the FLOW 98.7 FM Black Scholar Award.