Will Harris speak at NABJ convention? NABJ says they are in talks for post-virtual address

Vice President Kamala Harris is in talks to virtually address the National Association of Black Journalists following the organization’s annual convention in Chicago this week, a move that comes after the organization sparked backlash for scheduling a "conversation" with former President Donald Trump.

NABJ President Ken Lemon said in a statement Wednesday that the organization and Harris are “in talks about virtual options in the future and are still working to reach an agreement.” In an updated statement, NABJ said the organization is in contact with Harris' presidential campaign to schedule a Q&A session, either in person or virtually, at some point in September 2024.

Lemon said NABJ had been in talks with both the Democratic and Republican parties since January, when President Joe Biden was still running to be the Democratic nominee. Biden, however, dropped out of the 2024 presidential race on July 21. 

Harris is now on track to be the Democratic presidential nominee. NABJ had been in contact with Harris’ office prior to Biden dropping out earlier this month for an in-person panel, Lemon said.

“However, we were advised by her campaign that her schedule could not accommodate this request,” he said. “The last update we were provided was that Harris would not be available in person or virtually during our Convention.”

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, is set to speak at the convention on Wednesday afternoon. His appearance sparked widespread criticism from many members of the organization and people who are attending the convention.

NABJ has extended invitations to presidents and presidential candidates from both parties in the past. Former presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton have previously appeared at past NABJ conventions.

Trump was previously invited to speak at NABJ in 2016, which he declined. Then-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton made an appearance that year at the NABJ and National Association of Hispanic Journalists annual conference in Washington, D.C.

During the appearance at NABJ this year, ABC News senior congressional correspondent Rachel Scott, FOX News anchor Harris Faulkner and Semafor political reporter Kadia Goba will lead the discussion with Trump.

Trump’s appearance is in line with previous practices for the organization, Lemon said.

“I consulted with a group of our Founders and past NABJ Presidents Tuesday on-site in Chicago, and as a group," he said. "We affirmed that the invitation to former President Trump was in line with NABJ's usual practices since 1976."

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, criticized Harris for not speaking at the convention, claiming that Harris will only end up meeting with the association because he did.

Harris ''disrespectfully refused to attend the National Association of Black Journalists Conference, but I am on my way to meet with them now in Chicago,” Trump wrote. “Because of which, she’ll probably end up doing, she has no choice, but remember—it is only for that reason!”

Harris campaign Black Media Director Jasmine Harris in a statement slammed Trump’s history of criticizing members of the media, in particular Black reporters.

Trump has repeatedly labeled the media as “the enemy of the people,” and specifically insulted a number of Black reporters, including April Ryan, Abby Phillips and Yamiche Alcindor.

“Ahead of Donald Trump’s conversation at NABJ today – let’s remember exactly who this man is,” Harris, with the vice president’s campaign, said in a statement. “Not only does Donald Trump have a history of demeaning NABJ members and honorees who remain pillars of the Black press, he also has a history of attacking the media and working against the vital role the press play in our democracy.”

Harris said NABJ should fact check Trump as he will “lie about his record.”

“Black voters see Donald Trump’s lies and empty pandering for what they are – and they will hold him accountable at the polls this November,” she said in the statement.

Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg and Kinsey Crowley