June 4, 2020 - Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (MWCHC) and the Nashville chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) have announced further details surrounding the local installment of the Black Male Media Project, a national initiative designed to accurately reflect the contributions of black males in the media. The event will be hosted this Saturday, June 6, starting at 10:00 AM via Zoom and Facebook Live.

Nashville joins 21 other cities and their NABJ chapters to host localized conversations about the national issues surrounding racial inequalities and explore how news outlets shape and reflect the way black men are viewed. The local discussion will also detail how black men can preserve their physical and mental health during the COVID 19 pandemic.

The Nashville discussion has been organized by NABJ chapter president Grover Murrell (Assignment Manager, WZTV) and will be moderated by Jason Luntz (Founder, UrVoyce). All three featured panelists are employees of MWCHC and include Dr. Kevin Dennis (MD, PharmD), Gregory Shelton (Medical Applications Manager) and LeRoy Young (IT Manager).

"The Black Male Media project is more important than ever in these unprecedented times we are navigating," said Sandra Long Weaver, Chair of the Governing Board of Directors of MWCHC and founding member of the NABJ. "The images of black men who are at a higher risk of dying from covid-19 and protesting the murder of a black man at the hands of a white police officer are in the media every day. It's important that we put these conversations in the right context so all Americans can understand the impact in our communities."

"These conversations are more important now than they have ever been. Men talking to men about the issues, energy, concerns and even hope during COVID-19 will open doors for future rich discussions that will change the lives of our men and our families," said Katina Beard, CEO of MWCHC. "Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center is honored to be a partner in such a timely event."

The Black Male Media Project discussion is open to the public and will be held digitally via Zoom and Facebook Live. For more information, please visit the Facebook event page.

WHAT: The Black Male Media Project

WHEN: Saturday, June 6, 10:00 AM

WHERE: Zoom and Facebook Live (info here)

DETAILS: NABJ chapters nationwide will unite for a one-day service project tackling challenges facing black men in America from a media perspective.