PHOTOS COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA, YOUTUBE AND BLACKTECH WEEK

MIAMI, Fla. – The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), on a mission to “Inspire Black Men,” has created the nationwide Black Male Media Project – an initiative designed to change the way black men are viewed in society and attract more to work in media.

To fulfill that mission locally, NABJ South Florida is hosting “Beyond the Mugshots: Shaping Positive Reflections of Black Males,” 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 at the Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Pl. in Miramar.

Special guests include NBA Champion Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat, rapper and activist Luther Campbell, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sister of Miami Gale Nelson, iHeart Radio personality and community activist Papa Keith, CEO of Move the Crowd Miami Paul Wilson, and Moguldom founder who created Moguldom.com, Bossip and Madame Noire Jamarlin Martin.

Local media anchors Calvin Hughes and Layron Livingston of WPLG, Darryl Forges, Johnny Archer and Jawan Strader of NBC6, and Donovan Campbell of WSVN will also be in attendance.

The public is invited to the free event. Participation from organizations that mentor young men is particularly encouraged; women and girls also are welcome.

Registration is required through Eventbrite.

“This event will be powerful on so many levels,” said NABJ South Florida President Russell Motley.

“We’re doing our part to demonstrate a more realistic view of black males that, surprisingly, many people may not see. For example, studies show that far more black men attend college now than are locked up in prison. The only way to interject this and other positive narratives is to educate the public and the media, and to keep these conversations going.”

In addition to NABJ South Florida, the event is being sponsored by the City of Miramar, Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT), Chef Kulture and the State of Black Food: Homecoming.

To learn more and get updates follow @nabjsouthflorida on Instagram.