{"id":3911,"date":"2025-08-08T19:17:06","date_gmt":"2025-08-09T00:17:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nabjmonitor.com\/2025\/?p=3911"},"modified":"2025-08-09T06:57:58","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T11:57:58","slug":"showing-up-and-showing-out-conventioneers-make-a-fashion-statement-while-networking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nabjmonitor.com\/2025\/showing-up-and-showing-out-conventioneers-make-a-fashion-statement-while-networking\/","title":{"rendered":"Showing up and showing out: conventioneers make a fashion statement while networking"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Armani Ross, NABJ Monitor<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attending yearly conferences aren\u2019t just about informational panels, job hunting and networking. First impressions are an important piece of the action, and fashion can take a candidate beyond the words of the conversation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the 50th National Association of Black Journalists Convention and Career Fair, attendees have shown up and showed out, showcasing their sharp, bright and unique outfits that take\u00a0 professionalism to another level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was taught very early on that first impression is everything,\u201d said Alexis Wainwright, wearing a red pantsuit with a white top. \u201cSo just coming correct, being prepared, staying ready. Get ready so you don\u2019t have to prepare.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After taking center stage as the theme of the 2025 Met Gala, Black Dandyism is showing up at NABJ as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sort of a representation of your people whether you like it or not,\u201d said Andrew Amouzou, wearing a tan and light blue plaid suit. \u201cSo I always carry that with pride, carry that with honor because I know how much of a responsibility that is. I also know that I can carry that with joy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n