Former President Donald Trump attended the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention in Chicago where he engaged in open bullying, verbal assaults, racist tropes, misogyny, and outright lies. The decision to invite Trump was met with criticism due to his history of disrespect towards Black journalists. Trump participated in a 35-minute Q&A session where he was asked about his derogatory comments and aggressions towards Black journalists and politicians. He made racist remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris and denigrated the moderator. Many journalists in the room were left shocked and disgusted by his behavior. Despite the backlash, Trump’s presence at the convention was seen as an opportunity to reach out to Black voters. Journalists struggled with maintaining objectivity in the face of Trump’s racist rhetoric. The event left a sour taste for many attendees, prompting some to focus on the positive aspects of the convention, such as learning new skills, networking with peers, and celebrating journalism achievements. The encounter with Trump was not unexpected, given his track record, but it highlighted the challenges faced by journalists of color in covering a divisive and disrespectful figure like Trump. Despite the unpleasant experience, attendees at the convention chose to focus on growth, community, and resilience in the face of adversity.
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