Month: September 2025

Picturing you in ‘Picture This’

/ Bonnie Newman Davis

The Society of Professional Journalists Virginia Pro Chapter invites you to take part in an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of visual storytelling: Picture This. On Saturday, Oct. 25, from 5-8ish p.m., at IX Art Park in Charlottesville (rain date: Nov. 15), we’ll gather the public to experience what only photojournalists can reveal: that beyond breaking news and daily deadlines, we capture the joy, love, tenderness, and quiet moments that reflect the humanity of our communities.

We are seeking 10-15 images from Virginia photojournalists that interpret the theme ‘Virginia Is for Lovers.’ Your work will be part of a public showcase designed to remind our neighbors that journalists are not only witnesses to hardship but also caretakers of memory, connection, and belonging. Images will be projected outdoors as a way to engage the public and rebuild trust in journalism in a causal but connective environment.

This is a night to celebrate you and the craft of photojournalism, with colleagues, community, food, and Virginia spirit. We hope you’ll share your images and join us in person. The event is free and open to the public. SPJVA will be asking for donations at the event to support the larger mission of helping educate students and professionals working in all fields of journalism.

Submission details

The deadline to submit your portfolio is Oct. 10. All photos should be in JPEG format, 12” wide, 300 dpi (we’ll be building a 4K video projection). You can submit your portfolio by: 

Membership in SPJ is open to all media professionals who uphold the society’s Code of Ethics.

The Virginia Pro Chapter carries out SPJ’s mission on the state level. We hold events for journalists and the general public, honor people who have made outstanding contributions to Virginia journalism, provide financial support for college journalists and speak out in support of free speech, freedom of the press and the First Amendment. Our members include print, broadcast and online journalists across Virginia. 

Latest news from SPJVA

The  Maupintown Film Festival returns September 5-7, 2025

/ Bonnie Newman Davis

Courtesy of the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center

The 12th Annual Maupintown Film Festival, in partnership with Charlottesville’s historic Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, returns September 5-7, 2025, with a powerful lineup of films that celebrate the bold resistance and enduring beauty of Black history and culture.

The festival began in 2014, and focuses on showcasing stories from around the world of African American history and culture with feature films, shorts, documentaries, animated films, and discussions with filmmakers as well as experts and community members on topics that are of interest and/or concern of the day.

This year’s Maupintown Film Festival, themed Bold & Beautiful, showcases compelling films that highlight the Black community’s long tradition of resistance against injustice—fighting back against segregation, police brutality, and systemic inequality—while holding fast to an unshakable sense of pride and cultural identity. Over three days, audiences will experience inspiring stories, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with filmmakers and community leaders. Don’t miss this celebration of resilience, power, and the beauty of Black storytelling!

The festival has hosted guests including Actor/Filmmaker Tim Reid, Academy Award-winning Director Paul Wagner, Former Charlottesville City Mayor Nikuyah Walker, Emmy Award-winning Filmmakers Hannah Ayers and Lance Warren, Actress/Filmmaker Karyn Parsons, local area historians, community leaders, and more.

For a Full Festival Line-up, Check out the Maupintown Website Here.

Submit a film for consideration.

Get your tickets early and take advantage of the early bird discount.

1-Day Pass $15

2-Day Pass $20

Film Festival Opening Show /Last Show Times

Friday 9/5            Opening Reception Ticket﹣Free with ticket purchase

6:00 pm                         Cocktail reception

7:30 pm                          An Extraordinary Life (16-minute short film)

7:45 pm                          Q&A with Filmmaker and Actress Lisa Arrindell

Saturday 9/6       Show times: 8:00 am–6:00 pm

First Film Starts                8:00 am–8:45 am       Saturday Cartoons and conversation with the Director/Filmmaker, Warn Wilson

Last Event  Starts              5:00 pm                         Edward Ayers | Meeting the Moment—America @250 and Our Shared American Visions

Sunday 9/7           Show times: 12:00 pm–6:00 pm

First Film Starts                12:00 pm                         Count it up | The Prolyfyck Sole Systaz take on The Detroit Marathon

Last Event Starts               5:35 pm                           Finding Edna Lewis

National Black Book Festival coming to Houston

/ Bonnie Newman Davis

Authors, publishers and readers alike will have the chance to come together and celebrate their love of the written word during the 18th annual National Black Book Festival scheduled to take place from Oct. 23-25 in Houston.

Sponsored by Cushcity.com, an online site launched more than 25 years ago by Willie and Gwen Richardson to market and promote African American authors and literature, this year’s festival will bring more than 100 participating authors and publishers grouped into 23 different genres to Fallbrook Church – Brook Sports Facility at 12512 Walters Rd. in Northwest Houston.

General admission is free to the public and allows them to explore diverse offerings from exhibiting authors and a variety of seminars and workshops throughout the weekend. Bookworms will have plenty of choice with just some of the covered genres including everything  from sci-fi/fantasy, romance, thrillers, poetry and horror to history, faith, biography, memoirs and self-help books. 

Eriq La Salle
April Ryan
Rachel Howzell
Beverly Jenkins
Brandon Massey
KiKi Swinson
Brenda Jackson

There are a number of children’s book authors exhibiting throughout the weekend as well, with a special free Children’s Festival taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. This event is also free and open to the public. There will be books, games, prizes and activities and all children who attend it will receive a free book.

Saturday will also have several book discussions and signings by this year’s featured authors:

  • Actor, Director, Producer and Author Eriq La Salle
  • Author and White House Correspondent April Ryan
  • Best-Selling Author, Screenwriter and Film Producer Kiki Swinson
  • Best-Selling Mystery/Thriller Author Rachel Howzell Hall
  • Best-Selling Mystery/Thriller Author Brandon Massey
  • Best-Selling Romance Author Brenda Jackson
  • Best-Selling Historical Romance Author Beverly Jenkins

In addition to the free programming there are three ticketed events also taking place – a welcome reception to officially begin the festival on Thursday evening, and breakfasts happening on both Friday and Saturday that will allow opportunities to get acquainted and network.

For authors/vendors who may want to participate in this year’s festival as exhibitors, there are still a limited number of places available.

For information on schedules, registrations, ticketing and more visit https://www.nationalblackbookfestival.com/