Last Updated on May 23, 2025 by BVN
Staff
Each year, NABJ recognizes journalism that best covers the Black experience or addresses issues affecting the worldwide Black community. Black Voice News (BVN entered the contest for the first time this year, submitting work in four categories.
“As noted, this is the first time we’ve entered competition on a national level and we are extremely honored to be considered among the finalists in this year’s competition,” said Black Voice News executive editor Stephanie Williams. “I also wish to offer a special note of appreciation to members of the BVN editorial team for their continuing contributions to our commitment to deliver solutions oriented, data supported and justice seeking reporting to our community.”
Black Voice News was recognized as a finalist in three categories:
- Newspaper – Newsroom Staff of 50 & Below – Feature: Single Story in which the team submitted a feature story, Brain Injury Survivor Briana Rice: Living With an Invisible Disability, that examines what it is like to live with an invisible disability. This story was written by BVN health reporter Breanna Reeves with images captured by BVN photojournalist Aryana Noroozi. Noroozi also chronicled the day in the life of Rice in a photo essay.
- Newspaper – Newsroom Staff of 50 & Below – News: Single Story in which the team submitted an article about a new California Black Doula Directory launched by Los Angeles-based organization Frontline Doulas. This story was written by Reeves.
- Photojournalism – Photography: Multiple Images in which the team submitted a series of images from a photo story called Caring for Aging Adults, a visual story that captures the experiences of family members providing care for aging siblings and children. The photos were captured by Noroozi. This photo story was supported by the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism, and is part of “Healing California,” a yearlong reporting Ethnic Media Collaborative venture with print, online and broadcast outlets across California.
Winners will be announced during the Salute to Excellence Gala at the #NABJ25 Convention & Career Fair on Saturday, August 9 in Cleveland.
