Stephen A. Smith Slammed with NABJ's Thumbs Down Award

Stephen A. Smith, a prominent ESPN personality, has received the National Association of Black Journalists' (NABJ) Thumbs Down award for his disparaging commentary towards prominent Black women. The award was given during the NABJ's Salute to Excellence gala in Atlanta, Ga.

The NABJ accused Smith of a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media. This type of commentary reinforces harmful narratives and undermines the fair and respectful representation of Black women in public discourse.

Smith responded to the award by vowing to fire back at the NABJ. He stated that the organization had started something and that he would be coming for them after he says his peace. The NABJ defines the Thumbs Down award as presented to an individual or organization for especially insensitive, racist or stereotypical reporting, commentary, photography or cartooning about the Black community.

Other recipients of the Thumbs Down award included FCC chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, The Washington Post, and DuJuan McCoy, the owner and CEO of Circle City Broadcasting. The NABJ presents the Thumbs Down award to individuals or organizations whose actions have significantly undermined fair, accurate, and inclusive journalism about Black communities.

## Why it matters The Thumbs Down award is significant because it highlights the importance of responsible and inclusive journalism, particularly when it comes to the representation of Black communities. The NABJ's decision to give Smith the award suggests that his commentary has had a negative impact on the public discourse and has undermined the fair representation of Black women. This award serves as a reminder that journalists and public figures have a responsibility to promote accurate and respectful representation of all communities.

## What happens next It remains to be seen how Smith will follow through on his vow to fire back at the NABJ. The organization's decision to give him the Thumbs Down award is likely to spark further debate and discussion about the importance of responsible journalism and the representation of Black communities in the media.