Friends and Colleagues;

The New York Association of Black Journalists is conducting it's first ever census.  We want the names, positions, and contact information for ALL journalists of color in the New York area, whether they are members of NYABJ or not.  I would like to be able to inform everyone about upcoming events as well as solicit their opinions about issues related to diversity.

Download this sample xls file you can fill in and mail back to me at gramsay@greatpitchmedia.com.  You can start with your own company and if you feel ambitious go through you PDA and fill in the rest.  The most important columns would be last and first names, position, work address and phone, and email addresses.   Please include everyone you can think of, not just reporters or managers.   Editors, Assistants, Librarians, Field Producers, Photographers, etc.  Everyone in the business is important to us.  The personal information we can track down on our own, if you feel uncomfortable giving us that.  Do not worry about duplication as our program will sort it out.

This information is vital for generating a sense a family and belonging that we do not have in this market.  People need to know they are not on islands by themselves.  It will also help us address concerns that journalists have about our organization and improve our role in serving them.

I realize this will take some time, but please make the time to do this important project for us, which will be a major step in creating a stronger sense of community among all of us.