When the CEO and another top contributor for Black Web Media could not attend the African American Online Summit at the White House yesterday, I jumped at the opportunity to represent the media conglomerate that publishes and is associated with other influential quality media outlets such as Politic365.com, Black Web 2.0 and the Professional Black Guide. I was joined with CNN contributor, Sirius/XM radio host, commentator and tech activist Mario Armstrong.
Black Web Media was joined by 22 other Black journalists and bloggers from nearly a dozen outlets.
During the summit, we got a surprise visit from the President of the United States who popped into our conference room unexpectedly. A collective gasp could be heard when President Barack Obama emerged from a side door toward the front of the room different from the room we entered into. The President went around the room shaking each of our hands.
He followed the greetings by giving a short address letting us know that his administration appreciated the value that each of our respective publications and sites we represent serve among our audiences. He jetted out and left us with Valerie Jarrett who later engaged the group with questions and dialog before having to tend to her duties afterwards herself.
The summit was landmark in various respects. First, it was the first time all the various top influential black media had an opportunity to sit around the table and get to know each other, in person. Second, it signaled that the Obama administration “gets it” the fact that there are thousands, if not, millions of Americans and Black constiuents in particular, that get their news and information from online outlets more so than from traditional media.
We had an opportunity to ask some hard hitting questions on a variety of issues and for the most part, were all happy about what looks to be the beginning of a fruitful working relationship.
Great event overall!
Jay Jay Ghatt is also editor at Techyaya.com, founder of the JayJayGhatt.com and JayJayGhatt.com where she teaches online creators how to navigate digital entrepreneurship and offers Do-It-For-You Blogging Service. She manages her lifestyle sites BellyitchBlog, Jenebaspeaks and JJBraids.com and is the founder of BlackWomenTech.com 200 Black Women in Tech On Twitter. Her biz podcast 10 Minute Podcast is available on iTunes and Player.fm. Follow her on Twitter at @Jenebaspeaks. Buy her templates over at her legal and business templates on Etsy shop!
