Who We Are

Indianapolis is a vibrant and diverse city. It is home to nearly 900,000 people and is the third-largest city in the Midwest. African Americans make up 28 percent of the population, and the city is rich in culture, history and stories that deserve to be told by those who reflect the community.

Yet despite this diversity, local newsrooms have long struggled with the hiring, retention and advancement of Black journalists and media professionals. This persistent gap led a small but determined group of Black reporters, editors, producers, photojournalists and students to begin meeting informally in 1991. They came together to support one another, recognizing the need for a formal network in a city where Black media professionals were often isolated across different outlets.

Those early gatherings, often held at the Sunset Pub — a local Black-owned venue — laid the groundwork for what would become the Indianapolis Association of Black Journalists. Officially incorporated in 1991, Indy NABJ was created to foster community, advocate for greater newsroom diversity and ensure Black voices are represented in media across Indianapolis.

Today, Indy NABJ is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization committed to supporting Black journalists at every stage of their careers. Through professional development workshops, mentorship programs, advocacy efforts and scholarships, we equip current and future journalists with the tools they need to thrive. We work to build community among media professionals, hold institutions accountable and champion inclusive, accurate storytelling that reflects the lived experiences of Black Hoosiers.