FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 10, 2025Â
PRESS CONTACT: Jai-Leen James info@wabjdc.org
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Washington Association of Black Journalists announced that Ron Moten, CEO and founder of the Go-Go Museum, is the 2025 recipient of the WABJ President’s Award in Honor of Freedom of Expression. This award recognizes individuals who champion freedom of expression and cultural preservation in the Washington, D.C. area.
Moten, a cultural preservationist and community leader, 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.
As CEO and founder of the Go-Go Museum, Moten is dedicated to protecting and promoting Go-Go music, Washington DC’s indigenous music form. His tireless work ensures that Go-Go culture is celebrated, documented, and accessible to future generations. His commitment to freedom of expression and cultural preservation has made him a vital voice in keeping Go-Go music alive and thriving in the nation’s capital.
“WABJ is honored to recognize Ron Moten with the President’s Award in Honor of Freedom of Expression,” said WABJ President Phil Lewis. “His dedication to preserving Go-Go music—DC’s indigenous sound—and his advocacy for cultural expression embody the spirit of this award. Ron’s work ensures that future generations can experience and celebrate the music that defines Washington, D.C.”
The awards gala is a fundraiser to support WABJ scholarships, year-round professional development programming, and the organization’s long-running Urban Journalism Workshop for D.C. area high school students, which is 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.