FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 10, 2025 

PRESS CONTACT: Jai-Leen James  info@wabjdc.org

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Washington Association of Black Journalists announced that John Yearwood, editorial director for diversity and culture at POLITICO, is the 2025 recipient of the Dorothy Butler Gilliam Trailblazer Award. This award honors individuals who have broken barriers and paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in journalism.

Yearwood, a champion of newsroom diversity and press freedom, will be honored at the WABJ 4th Annual Special Honors & Scholarship Gala on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. Tickets for the gala can be purchased here.

Yearwood leads efforts to diversify POLITICO’s newsroom and heads its fellowship and journalism institute programs. He previously served as the Miami Herald’s world editor for nearly 13 years and as national/international editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Yearwood is a past two-term chair of the International Press Institute, the oldest press freedom organization in the world, and is a frequent guest speaker and moderator. His honors include Luminary of the Year and the Miami-Dade County Pillar Award.

“It means a tremendous amount, particularly since I’ve known and admired Dorothy Butler Gillam for more than three decades. I’m deeply honored to receive an award that bears her name.” said Yearwood.

“John’s leadership in diversifying newsrooms and his dedication to press freedom on a global scale exemplify the trailblazing spirit of Dorothy Butler Gilliam,” said WABJ President Phil Lewis. “His work creating pathways for the next generation ensures newsrooms better reflect the communities they serve.”

The awards gala supports WABJ scholarships, professional development programming, and the Urban Journalism Workshop, now in its 39th year.

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Founded in 1975, the Washington Association of Black Journalists is an organization of Black journalists, educators, public relations professionals and student journalists in the Washington, D.C., metro area. WABJ provides members with ongoing professional development opportunities and advocates for newsroom diversity, equity and inclusion. For more information, please visit www.wabjdc.org.