Former President Donald Trump sparked controversy at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago by questioning Vice President Kamala Harris's racial identity. His comments, which suggested that Harris only recently identified as Black, were met with immediate backlash from Harris's campaign and attendees, who defended her long-standing identity as a Black woman.
The NABJ's decision to invite Trump to participate in the convention has also faced criticism from prominent journalists, who argue that it normalizes his controversial presence in political discourse. Critics, including NABJ members, voiced concerns that Trump's invitation undermines the association's commitment to Black journalists and the community.
Despite the backlash, NABJ officials defended the invitation as a necessary part of their journalistic mission to engage with all presidential candidates. They emphasized the importance of fact-checking and holding candidates accountable during the election season.
