Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 7 October 1995 — Page 54

NNPA honors Indianapolis Recorder

The National Newspaper Publishers Association honored The Indianapolis Recorder with Merit Awards in six of the association's 21 categories, during its 55th annual convention held in Oklahoma City in June. This year, the Recorder placed second for Best Women's Section and second for Best Church Page. Both sections have been engineered by Managing Editor Connie Gaines Hayes. The paper's "Sports Plus," guided by Sports Editor Stephen Johnson, took Best Sports Section honors. The Journalism and Writing Seminars page, also known as "JAWS," earned Best Youth Section for the third straight year. Shonda McClain, who joined the staff of The Philadelphia Tribune in August, supervised the youth journalism program since the summer 1993. Business Editor Annette L. Anderson finished third in the national competition for Best Business Section. The Recorder also took third place for the second consecutive year in the Best Editorial Cartoon category, spearheaded by the efforts of free-lance cartoonist H. Lopez. In recent years, the Recorder has earned NNPA Merit Awards for Best Layout and Design, Best Use of Photographs, Best Community Service, Best Special Section and Best News Photographs categories. The awards, which have been bestowed by a panel of African-American journalists and journalism professors, have been presented each year at the NNPA convention. Dorothy Leaved, publisher of the Crusader newspapers of Gary, Ind. and Chicago, was elected NNPA president, succeeding Robert Bogle, publisher of the Philadelphia Tribune. This 1 OO-year-old newspaper has received other accolades this year: ■ Congratulatory award for 100 years of service to the Indianapolis community from WTLCFM's Guy Black and the Breakfast Club. ■ 1995 Governor's Arts Media Award. ■ State of Indiana Century Business Award for outstanding contributions to the economic growth and prosperity of Indiana. ■ appreciation awards from the Mental Health Association and Indianapolis Public Schools. ■ special recognition from Crispus Attucks Museum for support of its benefit Ole Timers Basketball game. The Society of Professional Journalists in September honored the Recorder with a historical marker for its outstanding accomplishments in the field of journalism. Recorder President Charles Blair and the staff were overwhelmed. "We are the first African-American publication to receive the award from the society," said Blair. "So, in our 100th year, we are especially proud

ot this achievement as well as the others we have received over the years." The NNPA is a 55-year-old Black press trade organization, representing the interests of Black newspaper publishers. Award sponsors included Pepsi Cola Co., Anheuser-Busch and Waste Management. The Indianapolis Recorder editorial staff: Connie Gaines Hayes, managing editor, is a 15-year journalism veteran, with years of experience in broadcast as well as print journalism. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Northern Alabama. Stephen Johnson, sports editor, is in his third year as sportswriter and front page contributor. He has a bachelor's degree in public relations from Ball State University. Annette L Anderson, business editor and criminal justice system reporter, is a 20-year journalism veteran who has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Indiana University. Steve Thomas, copy editor, arts & entertainment editor, sports contributor and Recorder sports commentator for WQFE-FM, is a 14-year journalism veteran. He holds a bachelor's degree in

year's NNPA Women's Section award redpientSr who received their awards from an NNPA official, include Robin Larkin, Ihe Michigan Chronicle (left), Connie Gaines Hayes, managing editor, ThelndionapoBs Recorder and John Sengstacke, the New Pittsburgh Courier (right). The awards were presented at the annual meeting of the National Newspaper Publishers Association in Oklahoma City in June. Recorder President Charles Blair, (right) accepts the Business Section award on behalf of Annette Anderson, Recorder business editor, whose section placed third this year. Other recipients indude Thomas Stockett, The Richmond Afro-American (left) and Bob Lang, Frost lllustroted (second, from right). interdisciplinary smuies (media studies and public policy) from the University of Maryland. The newest member of the Recorder editorial staff is Tysha Hardy, editor in chief of EN, the monthly entertainment publication. Hardy is also JAWS coordinator and front page contributor. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Bradley University. Contributors to the Recorder "Sports Plus" section include Steve Thomas, Jim Nelson and James Keough. Walt Thomas is the section's major sports photographer. The Indianapolis Recorder art department: John L Hurst, art director, is a graphic designer and illustrator with more than 10 yean of experience in the newspaper and magazine business. Jeffrey Sellen, assistant art director, is the resident "computer wizard* who keeps the Recorder on line and on the cutting edge of technology. Martin Rasheem X, creative director, is a fine artist and designer who adds creativity to the Recorder. Terran James is in charge of advertising, ad design and production.

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