About the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Fellowship for Black Journalists

Group photo of thirteen people on the red carpet at the National Association of Black Journalists conference. Pictured are the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre's 2024 fellows alongside project lead Nana aba Duncan.

In April 2024, the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre for Journalism and Belonging invited Black journalists from across Canada to apply to be part of a delegation to the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention and Career Fair, held in Chicago from July 31 to August 4, 2024.

Inspired by the legacy of Mary Ann Shadd Cary—an accomplished writer, publisher, and speaker—the fellowship encouraged journalists to metaphorically and literally cross borders, reflecting Shadd Cary’s historic journeys between Canada and the United States. The program fostered connections between Canadian and U.S. journalists, creating opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and community-building.

Role & Impact

Group photo of Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre fellows seated at the front of a boat during a ride, with other passengers visible in the background.

In April 2024, the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre for Journalism and Belonging invited Black journalists from across Canada to be part of a delegation to the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention and Career Fair, held in Chicago from July 31 to August 4, 2024.

Inspired by the legacy of Mary Ann Shadd Cary—an accomplished writer, publisher, and speaker—the fellowship encouraged journalists to metaphorically and literally cross borders, reflecting Shadd Cary’s historic journeys between Canada and the United States.

The program fostered connections between Canadian and U.S. journalists, creating opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and community-building.

The Leadership Team

This initiative is being led by journalist Vicky Mochama, who will serve as senior editorial lead and delegation facilitator. Award-winning journalist Pacinthe Mattar will also serve as senior editorial lead and delegation facilitator in Chicago. The overall project is led by Shadd Cary Centre director and Carty Chair in Journalism, Inclusion and Diversity Studies at Carleton University, Nana aba Duncan.

Headshot of Nana aba Duncan, The Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre's Project Lead.
Nana aba Duncan
Project Lead
Headshot of Vicky Mochama, The Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre's Senior Editorial Lead.
Vicky Mochama
Senior Editorial Lead
 
Headshot of Pacinthe Mattar, The Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre's Senior Editorial Lead
Pacinthe Mattar
Senior Editorial Lead

Mary Ann Shadd Cary Fellowship for Black Journalist 2024

This video contains a recap National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention and Career Fair that occurred in Chicago, Illinois, from July 31 to August 4, 2024. The NABJ convention is an enthralling, enriching and, at times, overwhelming experience. Over the course of their time at the NABJ convention, the student fellows spent time interviewing the mid-career fellows about their paths to journalism, their career trajectories and their experiences attending the convention.

Testimonials

Here’s what people are saying about their experience:

“Thank you all for crafting such a wonderful experience. I learned so much and will always treasure the connections I made!”
“LOVED the experience, such a positive opportunity to meet fellow Black journalists and make lasting
connections.”
“The Mary Ann Shadd Cary Fellowship has provided me with invaluable insights and opportunities that have already started benefiting my career.”
“It was a great experience! I met new contacts and felt inspired throughout the convention.”
“Just enormous gratitude for the opportunity and the wonderful organization of the fellowship.”