The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) hosted a virtual reunion for members of the Baltimore Association of Black Media Workers (ABMW) Friday September 18, 2020. This zoom social happy hour brought together more than 20 former ABMW members to reminisce on the good times and foundation of Baltimore’s premier organization for Black journalists and media-related professionals. Jannette Witmyer and Terry Owens served as co-hosts to rally the group together for a night of fond memories and countless smiles.

The following Facebook post from Witmyer summarizes the evening perfectly.

Friday’s virtual ABMW Happy Hour Reunion on Zoom was a load of fun. Lots of locals… Plus, folks dropped in from St. Croix, L.A., Pittsburgh, Louisville, Jackson and beyond, and reconnected; reminisced; and made a few new connections, too.

As we caught up on careers and personal lives, we even got to meet the newest addition to one member’s family. When the 2000 ABMW Men in The Media Calendar came out, most of the calendar committee was online, and they were happy to share a few hilarious tales from the calendar photoshoots.

It was a happy hour, indeed. Folks had libations and everything.

Talks turned to technical challenges and social shenanigans at NABJ conventions-past, which led to conversations about food, most notably steamed Maryland Blue Crabs, crab cakes, and grilled oysters, NOLA style. One member even teased the group by showing off a couple of the steamed crabs that awaited her, once our meet-up was over.

Of course, during a conversation among journalists, there was talk of politics. Ours were punctuated by the jarring news of the truly unfortunate passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsberg, further magnifying the need for us to vote.

Based on the call’s energy, there are more virtual reunion-type happy hours to come. There may even be a meet-up in St. Croix.

A great big “Thank You!” to Nicki Mayo and Baltimore Association of Black Journalists!!!

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