Anti-Trump Jemele Hill just won '2018 Journalist of the Year'
ESPN personality Jemele Hill was awarded the “2018 Journalist of the Year” award by the National Association of Black Journalists.
Both the NABJ and Hill announced her award on Monday.
This is an incredible honor. NABJ changed my life, and to accept this award in my hometown at this year’s convention is humbling. To God be the glory. I love you NABJ family. https://t.co/gosEWpOKEo
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) May 21, 2018
“It would be a serious understatement to call this recognition from NABJ special. This organization has been a second family for me, both personally and professionally,” Hill said in the NABJ press release. “I am humbled to be honored by an organization whose values not only match my own journalistically but has tirelessly dedicated itself to developing and nurturing journalists like me.”
“This is the biggest accomplishment of my career,” she added.
“[Hill] uses her platform to address national, social and cultural issues, in addition to sports,” the NABJ said.
Other past recipients of the award have included Lester Holt of NBC, Nikole Hannah-Jones of The New York Times and former “Today” show host Bryant Gumbel.
“The annual award recognizes a black journalist who has amassed a distinguished body of work with extraordinary depth, scope and significance to the people of the African Diaspora,” the NABJ said in its announcement.
It’s a curious distinction for the NABJ to make, considering that Hill’s biggest cultural impact in recent memory stemmed from her verbal attacks on President Donald Trump. Her words drew widespread criticism and alienated many ESPN viewers.
Apparently, Hill calling Trump “the most ignorant, offensive president of my lifetime” on Twitter constitutes “extraordinary depth, scope and significance,” as does claiming that Trump’s presidency “is the direct result of white supremacy.”
It’s also a bit odd that the NABJ chose to reward Hill despite her being suspended from her workplace for violating social media policies.
While ESPN gave Hill a slap on the wrist for her Trump comments, the network outright suspended her for two weeks after she opined on Twitter that NFL fans should boycott Dallas Cowboys’ sponsors because team owner Jerry Jones had the audacity to prefer that his players stand for the national anthem.
The NABJ, for its part, seems wholeheartedly behind everything Hill stands for.
“Jemele Hill is a gem. She exhibits strength, grace, and doggedness,” NABJ President Sarah Glover said. “NABJ appreciates the courage and steadfastness Jemele has demonstrated as a journalist and commentator speaking truth to power.”
“Jemele is the epitome of what a black journalist should be,” said NABJ Vice President of Print Marlon A. Walker.
To say that Hill has been a divisive voice in the media would be putting it mildly. She has somehow pulled off the feat of simultaneously being one of the most beloved and most detested journalists in America.
Hill will receive her award officially on Aug. 4 at the NABJ convention in Detroit.
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