As the Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) celebrates five decades, the organization is also highlighting changemakers in the District and media, including a longtime public relations professional and a museum founder.
Doxie McCoy, public information officer for the Office of the People’s Counsel, and Ronald Moten, who heads the Go-Go Museum and Café, are among the honorees at the fourth annual Special Honors and Scholarship Gala on Nov. 8 at the Embassy of France in Northwest D.C.
The event recognizes excellence in journalism, communications and community impact and these awardees will receive presidential honors from WABJ President Phil Lewis.
“I am extremely honored to be selected for the WABJ President’s Award,” McCoy, who will receive the President’s Award, told The Informer. “I have been blessed to have had successful careers in journalism and communications. And to be recognized by an organization that I value and proud to be a member of is extra special.”
Moten said his citation, the President’s Award in Honor of Freedom of Expression has a special meaning for him.
“It feels good to be recognized by an organization that fights for the First Amendment,” he said. “It is not easy and organizations like WABJ walk a fine line. Nevertheless, WABJ knows who the real people are in the city and in the country. The organization has been around for 50 years, and their voice means something.”
The other 2025 honorees are:
- WABJ Lifetime Achievement Award: Michel Martin, host of “Morning Edition,” National Public Radio
- WABJ Legacy Award: Eugene Daniels and Jonathan Capehart, co-hosts of “The Weekend,” MSNBC
- WABJ Journalist of the Year: Geoff Bennett co-anchor of “PBS News Hour”
- WABJ Young Journalist of Excellence Award: Jasper Smith, reporter for The Chronicle of Higher Education
- WABJ Excellence in Communications Award: Natalie Wilson, co-founder of Black and Missing Foundation
- Dorothy Butler Gilliam Trailblazer Award: John Yearwood, editorial director of diversity and culture with POLITICO
- Dr. Sheila Brooks Community Impact Award: Jonelle Henry, director of the University of Florida CJCxDC Student Immersion Program
Lewis said the purpose of the gala is to raise money for journalism students.
“As one of NABJ’s founding chapters, this milestone year allows us to honor the outstanding contributions of our peers while investing in the next generation through scholarships and training,” said the WABJ president. “We’re proud to celebrate five decades of service, advocacy, and journalistic excellence — and to look ahead to the next 50.”