“In the summer of 2004 Karen Stevenson approached me about the Bay Area Black Journalists Association holding a luncheon to honor Barbara Rodgers who was celebrating 25 years on the air at KPIX-TV in San Francisco.  BABJA had not done anything like this and I was nervous about how to pay for it all. Karen assured the rest of the board and me that the event would make money and raise BABJA's profile.

Our initial misgivings gave way to awe as Karen, almost singlehandedly, secured sponsors and made all the arrangements. The event was fabulous! Sponsors came away impressed with BABJA and assured us they would be back the next year. And they have been ever since. We also raised $6,000 for our scholarship fund.

BABJA is forever grateful to Karen for showing us that taking a risk is worth it as long as she's at the helm. The Young Journalists Scholarship Program is now BABJA's signature event, helping raise thousands of dollars each year for the scholarship program and allowing us to highlight Bay Area Black Journalists who may not otherwise be honored.”

Bob Butler
Reporter, Chauncey Bailey Project
President, Bay Area Black Journalists Association
Director, NABJ Region 6
Reporter, KCBS Radio

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