Photo by Lentheus Chaney/The Atlanta Voice
CHICAGO – The National Association of Black Journalists annual convention is taking place in Chicago this week and thousands of journalists of all colors and creeds are in town for the occasion. However, they all might not be in the city of big shoulders to celebrate Black journalism. Former United States President Donald J. Trump was invited to take part in a moderated Q&A with three handpicked journalists, an all-female panel in fact, and accepted the invitation. The scheduled noon start had hundreds of convention-goers waiting on line to get into the grand ballroom of the Hilton Chicago from as early as 9 a.m.
Across the street from the hotel a protest against Trump’s visit to Chicago ahead of a scheduled rally in Atlanta at the Georgia State University Convocation Center on Saturday broke out. United States Vice President Kamala Harris held her first Atlanta presidential rally on Tuesday night at the same location.
Chants of “Say it loud and say it clear, Racist are not welcome here” and Racist, sexist, anti-gay, Donald Trump go away” could be heard from the various protestors. A young man waved a black flag that read “Jesus” on it as the chants and heckling took place.
There were also Trump supporters on the scene, though a very small amount. Connie Lee and Jeanette Scott were two of the Trump supporters camped out Michigan Avenue waiting to get a glimpse of the former president. The pair had attempted to get into the hotel for Trump’s appearance, but were disappointed to learn that the Q&A was just for NABJ members.
“We’re here to support President Trump,” Lee, dressed in a matching pink “Ultra MAGA” t-shirt and baseball cap. Asked about her thoughts on Harris becoming the Democratic nominee for president and facing off against Trump, Lee said the decision to move Harris into the drivers seat wasn’t done right.
“They basically installed her. The people need to be able to install our leaders,” she said.