"ReConnect, ReSurge, ReEmerge"

“Do you recall our first meeting at Delaware State in 2004? I talked up AP’s internship program and you TOLD me you were going to get one, watch. I warned you that AP news test was harder than prehistoric rocks so you’d better back up all that big talk. 

You did.

When you got the internship, you TOLD me AP would hire you before it was all over. I told you that you’d better back up all that big talk. 

You did. 

You also TOLD me that you were going to master your cops beat at the Bergen Record, become a multimedia wonder and land successfully at a major metropolitan daily. 

As always, I advised you to back up all that big talk. 

You have. 

You’ve looked a lot of adversity in the eye and crushed it under your foot. You say what you mean and you mean what you say. You are a determined soul who keeps his promises. This is why you should be NYABJ president. 

I honestly can’t tell NYABJ members what to do, but I can say if I were a member of your chapter, I’d definitely vote Michael Feeney for president. 

Onward and upward young one. 

-Sonya Ross, Race & Ethnicity Editor at The Associated Press

“I wholeheartedly endorse Michael J. Feeney for president of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.

I’ve known Michael since 2002, when he was a journalism student at Delaware State University. I worked with him during two journalism bootcamps that I taught, and he quickly took the lead on suggesting and reporting stories that had to be ready for publication in two days. It was clear that his passion for journalism and truth-telling was what compelled him to step up, and his leadership and enthusiasm played a huge role in the success of the bootcamps. 

Michael’s achievements as NABJ’s Emerging Journalist of the Year in 2010, to becoming to a reporter at one of the nation’s top metropolitan dailies not only tells me he still has the enthusiasm and the willingness to follow through on a mission now as he had back then, but it also gives me hope for the future of NABJ. And elections are supposed to be about the future.

I hope you will agree - and make Michael J. Feeney your next NYABJ President.”

-Tonyaa J. Weathersbee, Columnist, The Florida-Times Union, Jacksonville, Fla.; Columnist, BlackAmericaWeb.com

“I am delighted the join the chorus of enthusiastic endorsements for Michael J. Feeney’s candidacy for NYABJ President. From his Emerging Journalist honors, to his service as a deputy Regional Director, Feeney represents the next generation of NABJ leaders who will carry us forward. Members of the chapter in the nation’s #1 media market will be well served with Feeney as leader.”

-Former NABJ President Condace Pressley

“As a former NYABJ member, I look forward to Michael’s leadership as the chapter’s next president. Count me among his many fans and admirers. I continue to be impressed with his humility, his passion for reporting and storytelling and his desire to help aspiring journalists. I’m thrilled that this one-time Emerging Journalist of the Year has emerged to take the helm of one of NABJ’s most important chapters. I believe he will make a fine NABJ president some day.”

-Former NABJ President Herbert Lowe

“I am an excited and proud supporter of Michael J. Feeney, our NABJ 2010 Emerging Journalist of the year. Michael is truly the BEST person to serve as your NYABJ President. He is dedicated, committed and certainly passionate about NABJ. I’ve been truly blessed to watch and encourage Michael as a young journalist and leader at Delaware State University and I am happy to say that he is a fellow NABJ member and a friend.”

-NABJ Associate Representative Dawn Angelique Roberts

“The first time I saw Michael Feeney, I said to myself: ‘This kid is going places.’ He was a breath of fresh air in the Bergen Record’s newsroom then and he continues to be a light of inspiration today. Feeney has such an infectious spirit; you just can’t help but be near him. But more importantly, he’s focused, he’s driven and he’s intelligent. He has an incredible love and passion for our business and that is what NABJ needs more than ever. There is no doubt in my mind that he take NYABJ to the next level. Feeney was there for me on the biggest day of my career to date and I will continue to support him as he strives for greatness within NABJ.”

—- Kimberley A. Martin, Newsday Sports Reporter, NABJ’s 2011 Emerging Journalist of the Year

“It is with great pride that I have watched Michael Feeney’s journey in recent years from eager and promising student to a professional and emerging leader in the National Association of Black Journalists. Today, I am equally proud to see him stepping up to bring his vision to the New York Association of Black Journalists, and I believe he would serve the organization well as its next president. His passion for NABJ and his craft are exactly what our local chapters need to succeed and thrive. He is a role model to his fellow young journalists and a product of his predecessors, with a servant’s spirit and a reporter’s dogged commitment. I encourage you to support Michael for NYABJ president.”

-NABJ Vice President-Print Errin Haines, Associated Press Newswoman

Hello NYABJ Family,

I just wanted to thank everyone who came out to the Pre-NYABJ Election Mixer at The Park on Thursday night.

I enjoyed sharing my plans and ideas with all of you. And I’ll certainly take your suggestions as we move forward with NYABJ. It’s really encouraging to see all of the energy of so many black journalists in the New York area and I’m confident that together we can re-build the chapter and carry it to new heights.

Remember to VOTE on Monday (Dec. 5)  at 7 p.m. at 130 William St. in Manhattan on the 7th Floor. Only paid members are allowed to vote in the election.

If you can’t vote in-person on Monday, please mail in your ballot ASAP. Mail-in ballots MUST be received by Monday, Dec. 5 (not postmarked, received). To print out your ballot, go here: http://www.box.com/s/ppk8idn90okvzs819hfa

I also wanted to send a special thank you to former NYABJ President Errol Cockfield who showed his support by coming out to share some valuable advice.

Other supporters in attendance: Khristopher J. Brooks, Dexter Mullins, Nicole Hardesty, Melanie Sims, Sarrona Clardy, Nikisha Williams, Chantell Black, Madison J. (Joe) Gray, Josh Barker, Patrick Riley, Anthony Harper, Marlynn Snyder, Jennifer H. Cunningham, Christina Carrega, Deon Hampton, Corey Yow, Roy Paul, Farah Louis, Kortney Stringer, Shari Logan, Damien Alexander, Demetria Irwin, Nina Flowers, Eliza Powell and Jason Johnson.

And former Vice President Al Gore was in the building as well!! (seriously! see pic below)

All the best and thanks for the overwhelming support.

Your next NYABJ President,
Michael J. Feeney
“ReConnect, ReSurge, ReEmerge” 

with Patrick Riley

with Nicole Hardesty

with Josh Barker

with Christina Carrega

Michael J. Feeney will be at The Park tonight (12/1) to meet New York Association of Black Journalists members and discuss his plans for the organization.

He is looking forward to hearing suggestions from members and discussing ways to make NYABJ the premier chapter in NABJ.

The Park is located at 118 10th Ave. near W. 18th St. in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.  The mixer starts at 7 p.m. in the **main bar** area.

He is looking forward to seeing you there!!

“ReConnect, ReSurge, ReEmerge” 

“I’ve known Michael Feeney since we were both starting out in our professional careers. I’ve watched him grow personally and professionally over the years into an upstanding young man. He adds to the life of everyone around him, and he’s a major asset to NABJ. I have no doubt that NYABJ will be revitalized and will thrive under his leadership. He is a kind, encouraging, responsible and innovative young man that I’m proud to call my friend. Michael Feeney is without a doubt the best choice for the job of President of NYABJ.”

-Robin Allison Davis, Associate Producer, Dateline NBC

“I met Michael a few years ago at the UNITY Convention in Chicago and we have been good friends since. For him to be so young and have accomplished so much in his journalistic career thus far is quite admirable. He works hard to keep everyone informed and up-to-date on news and events with the NYABJ chapter as a member, so I know he will work twice as hard as President. He goes above and beyond for all that he comes in contact with because he not only wants success for himself, but also for his fellow NABJ family members as well. Join me on Monday, December 5, as I support Michael Feeney as the next NYABJ President.”

-NYABJ Member Chantell O. Black, U.S. Army Reserves public affairs specialist

“We’ve all seen Mike Feeney’s upward trajectory since his early days in NABJ. Now he’s stepped up to a position that will not only be challenging, but may well be one of the most watched in our organization.

I have every confidence Mike will take this by the horns and unite New York media professionals to bring NYABJ back to its former splendor. As a board candidate myself, I look forward to the possibility of recreating and rebranding our chapter with Mike.”

-NYABJ Member Madison J. (Joe) Gray, Homepage Producer/Writer, TIME.com

“New York is such a unique market because it offers a mix of seasoned industry veterans and young professionals and student who are just breaking into the field. Because of that mix, it’s vital that we have an NYABJ president with both the respect of the city’s industry veterans and the energy to connect with the younger generation of up-and-coming journalists.

Michael Feeney will be that president.

He has proven to be passionate about this organization, passionate about the NYABJ chapter and passionate about developing the next generation of black journalists.

As a student who interned in New York City this summer, Michael went out of his way to help me get adjusted to the Big Apple and to get me involved with the local chapter. As NYABJ chapter president, Michael will be empowered to reach out to and mentor an even greater number of students and young professionals.”

-NABJ Student Representative Wesley Lowery

“I’ve watched Michael J. Feeney grow from an NABJ baby into an emerging journalist. His enthusiasm, innovative thinking and commitment to help young journalists who are following in his footsteps is the fiber of what makes him a good leader for NYABJ. The organization needs fresh ideas as journalism morphs into a new era. Michael J. Feeney is just the person to lead the New York Chapter on this journey.”

-Emeri O’Brien, of MSN.com

“Soon NYABJ members will learn what I’ve known about Michael Feeney since his days as a student at Delaware State University - He’s a born leader. He inspired his classmates with his vision and commitment to purpose, just as he has now motivated so many New York area journalists to support his campaign for the presidency of NYABJ. As a founding member and former president of the National Association of Black Journalists I worry about NABJ’s ability to develop young leaders who can - and will - sustain the organizations’ founding principles. Mike Feeney is that kind of young leader. I hope the members of NYABJ will agree with me and make him the group’s next president.”

-NABJ Founder and former President DeWayne Wickham

“I’ve known Mike Feeney since he was an intern at The Associated Press. Over the years, I’ve watched him blossom into an excellent multimedia journalist, as well as an organizer, mentor and a leader.

It’s Mike’s leadership that the New York Association of Black Journalists needs right now to lead it into its next phase. Mike is the perfect person to make the chapter the dynamic, energetic and vital organization it needs to be at this time. Mike has the right skills to mobilize journalists within the chapter, and more importantly outside of it, to become more involved, to reconnect with one another, and to build the chapter into something greater.

I give my full support to Mike Feeney for President of NYABJ. I am excited to see where he and our new board will lead us.”

-NYABJ Member Nekesa Mumbi Moody, AP Music Editor

“I have known Michael Feeney long before Michael knew himself as a journalist and a leader. What a joy to watch him grow in the profession we love so dearly! As a founder, who was under 25 at NABJ’s birth, I am delighted to know that he wants to take the reigns of NYABJ and re-engage those who have become disengaged. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy for NYABJ presidency.”

-NABJ Founder Allison J. Davis

“There’s a changing of the guard and Feeney is leading the pack. I’m confident NYABJ will thrive under his leadership. He is highly successful and really, who is more connected in New York City!? A people magnet, Feeney will recruit and draw membership, adding to the strong talent it already has. I believe in Michael. Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it, we go nowhere. Feeney For President!”

-Former NABJ Tulsa chapter president Deon J. Hampton, of The Record

“I’m supporting Michael Feeney for NYABJ president because he has the ability to bridge the gap between generations of journalists to unite us towards a common goal of restoring this chapter to the prominence it once had. He’s driven, has clear vision, and knows how to get the job done. We’d be crazy to not elect him.”

-NYABJ Member Dexter Mullins, of NBCUniversal

“Michael Feeney goes above and beyond the call of duty. In college, he not only encouraged me but several other mass communications majors at Delaware State University to join NABJ. Over the years, Michael has made differences not only in his own life but surrounding family members and peers. His leadership skills and passion he has displayed will make him the President NYABJ needs.”

-NYABJ Member Larissa Mendoza

“I endorse Michael Feeney for NYABJ President because his integrity, demonstrated leadership, passion for journalism and commitment to the organization is exemplary. I’ve known Michael since we were in high school, and work with him now. In that time, he’s shown that he is a consistent, capable and competent leader both in and out of the newsroom. Michael’s vision of rebranding and revitalizing the organization will not only attract a diverse membership, but reaffirm NYABJ as one of the premier chapters in the national organization.”

- NYABJ Member Jennifer H. Cunningham, of The New York Daily News

“Michael J. Feeney is THE ONE to bring NYABJ back to its glory. He’s hard-working. He’s a visionary. He’s about giving back. And as he climbs, he continues to lift those up behind him. I have represented this region - including New York City - and over the years, have served on the NYABJ Board and worked on a number of NYABJ programs. Fellow NABJ BABY Michael J. Feeney has what it takes to lead the reConnection, reSurgence, and reEmergence of NYABJ! It is indeed a BRAND NEW DAY for NYABJ!”

-NYABJ Member Patrick Riley, Independent Personality/Producer/Writer

“Vote Michael J. Feeney for NYABJ President. I’ve known Michael since his student days at Delaware State. His curiosity and tenaciousness turned quickly into talent and passion for journalism and NABJ. He’s continued to excel at his craft as a print journalist morphing into a multimedia journalist. He is what NYABJ needs right now at the helm— passion, talent and drive for NABJ. Michael is capable of leading NYABJ today into the future, and restoring the chapter to its prominence within NABJ and Region I. Michael J. Feeney is your best choice for NYABJ president.”

- Sarah J. Glover, President of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ), of The Philadelphia Daily News

“It is with great honor that I fully support Michael J. Feeney for President of the New York chapter of NABJ. The passion and drive Mr. Feeney has for NABJ is what brought me to join the national and local chapter of this distinguished organization. To be honest, I never thought about joining NABJ because of the negative feedback I heard from others, but because of Mr. Feeney’s influence, I joined and attended my first convention in Philly this year. By far, it was one of the best decision I’ve made in my journalism career. With Mr. Feeney as NYABJ chapter President, I am positive that he will continue to bring journalist like myself to be apart of this organization and utilize our skills as a team to bring back the integrity this chapter deserves to have.”

-NYABJ Member Christina Carrega, of The New York Post

“Over the summer I was invited by Michael J. Feeney to attend a Pre-NABJ Conference mixer. For the first time since I graduated college four years ago, I had the opportunity to mix and mingle with journalism professionals who looked like me. Since that day Michael constantly encouraged me to get active and involved full-time. Michael has worked his way up the ranks through hard work, dedication and his unrelenting push for greatness. He is a forward thinker and he has the ability to take the NYABJ to the next level. I don’t believe there is anyone more capable of fulfilling this role than Michael Feeney. He has my full support!”

-NYABJ Member Candace Amos, of The New York Post / La:Dolce:Vita Fashion Fix

“Michael Feeney symbolizes NABJ’s future. I fully support Michael for president of the New York chapter because of his passion and unapologetic commitment to NABJ. We can count on him to restore this chapter and bring it back to higher heights.”

-NABJ President Gregory H. Lee Jr., of The Boston Globe

“Michael Feeney is the epitome of what the National Association of Black Journalists is all about. I am confident that the New York chapter is headed in the right direction under his leadership. Michael’s work in the profession speaks for itself and he is an asset to the organization. I support him as the next President of NYABJ.”

-NYABJ Member Josh Barker, of The Amsterdam News

Hey everyone,

The New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ) needs you!!!

Take a few moments and become a member of NYABJ today - just go to http://www.NYABJ.org and you’re in!!

It’s important to join TODAY to be eligible to vote for Michael J. Feeney for NYABJ President in the Dec. 5 NYABJ election.

The deadline to become a member and be eligible to vote is Tuesday, Nov. 22. (not Nov. 21).

Must be a paid FULL NYABJ member in order to vote.
(Your status as a NABJ member is irrelevant for this election.)

Thanks,

Michael J. Feeney

 

Greetings everyone,

It is with great pleasure that I, Michael J. Feeney, declare my candidacy to be your next New York Association of Black Journalists President.

There’s no question that this is a pivotal time in the history of the chapter, which once used to be a premiere chapter in NABJ.

If elected as your next NYABJ President, among some of my immediate goals are to restore the integrity of the chapter, reengage many of our members who have been inactive and provide programming that is beneficial to our members. I’ll also work heavily to recruit more new members from across all platforms with hopes of fostering an environment where we can help each other.

To put it simply, we need to “ReConnect, ReSurge and ReEmerge” the NYABJ and restore the prominence that it once had. I’m confident, if I’m elected president, that we can have an NYABJ that we can ALL be proud of.

I’ve been a member of NABJ for nearly ten years, and it’s an organization that has done so much for me. As a student at Delaware State University, I served as chapter president and was responsible for engaging dozens of students in the organization. I’ve attended every national convention since 2002 in Milwaukee, and I’ve made life-long friends and professional mentors through NABJ. I also serve as a mentor for other young journalists. In 2010, my biggest honor came when I was named the “Emerging Journalist of the Year.”

This organization has done so much for me, and now is the time to step up to the plate when NYABJ needs it the most.

This year I became an active member of NYABJ and in a short time I’ve brought a renewed interest in NYABJ by constantly bringing interested New York area journalists to the table. Our meetings have been primarily filled with energetic and eager young journalists, looking to help the mission of NYABJ. 

But be clear: I’m certainly prepared and more than willing to work with past NYABJ members and look forward to reconnecting them with our rich chapter.

This is the media capital of the world and the NYABJ should hold a strong presence on the issues that we face. If companies are not hiring black journalists, we need to find out why and change those practices. We can no longer sit around and be idle while our deserving and talented black journalists in New York suffer without jobs and opportunities.

As president, I’ll make sure this organization is a strong voice for our members. But I can’t do it alone.

I currently work as a reporter at the New York Daily News, and I serve as the Deputy Director for Region 1. I’m fully prepared to take on the responsibilities as the NYABJ President and I’m looking forwarding to serving you with pride, integrity and honesty.

Any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to reach me at MFeeney001@gmail.com.

Vote Michael J. Feeney on Monday, Dec. 5. “ReConnect, ReSurge, ReEmerge”

Best,
Michael J. Feeney