FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 10, 2025Ā
PRESS CONTACT: Jai-Leen JamesĀ info@wabjdc.org
Washington, D.C. ā Today, the Washington Association of Black Journalists announced that Jonelle Henry, director of the University of Florida CJCxDC Student Immersion Program, is the 2025 recipient of the Dr. Sheila Brooks Community Impact Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their community through journalism, communications, advocacy, and service.
Henry, an award-winning advocate with over 20 years of experience, 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.
Henry serves as inaugural Director of the CJCxDC program at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. She previously served as senior producer for C-SPAN for 20 years, producing coverage of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, President Obama’s election night, and historic presidential meetings. Henry is Founder and host of Districtly Speaking, which has facilitated over 50 town halls since 2011 on pressing social and political issues. She currently serves as director of programs for the White Dress Project and received the 2024 Mayor Muriel Bowser DC Hope Award.
“For decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of education, journalism, communication, and social justice advocacy,” said Henry. “I’ve used storytelling to create changeāensuring marginalized communities are seen, heard, and treated with dignity.”
“Jonelle Henry embodies the spirit of this award,” said WABJ President Phil Lewis. “Her dedication to service, advocacy, and storytelling makes her an inspiration to us all.”
The awards gala supports WABJ scholarships, professional development programming, and the Urban Journalism Workshop, now in its 39th year.
###
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.