By Freddrell Green <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The National Association of Black Journalists has honored a pioneering member who has been instrumental in helping hundreds of sports journalists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first chair of the Sports Task Force, Ron Thomas, received a Sam Lacy Sports Pioneer Award to honor his 18 years as founding director of the Morehouse College journalism program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thomas is the author of, \u201cThey Cleared the Lane: the NBA\u2019s Black Pioneers\u201d about the integration of pro basketball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sports Task Force immediate past chair Sherrod Blakely says there is much for which the task force and NABJ as a whole should be grateful for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key events like the Sports Task Force Jam and the Pioneer Awards were created following Thomas\u2019s tenure as chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201dHe was a trailblazer. I mean, he was the one that really set the tone for the rest of us in terms of taking the Sports Task Force from this group that was one of many to a group that today is viewed as one of one,\u201d Blakely said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Former Sports Task Force chair Mike Terry says Thomas could complement his trend-setting news career with his habit for humor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe’s sharp and incisive, and there’s also a slight goofy side to him that is just endearing. He also understands the nature of beat work, but he also understood that his job was to cover the team, not cover himself in glory,\u201d Terry said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thomas was the first NBA reporter for USA Today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The veteran sports journalist also has a new initiative to support journalism students at Morehouse called the Ron Thomas Field Reporting Fund. The fund will provide financial support to students who engage in experiential learning opportunities, such as attending the NABJ Convention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll of that is very complimentary to me, and it’s a way that if this really starts to work, it’s a way that I can continue to contribute to the program, but also do other things because I’ll have more spare time,\u201d Thomas said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n