I just had to share my experience about my Unity 2008 experience. Unity 2008 is a conference for all journalists of color - Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American. I fit right in since I am an Asian Hispanic Black Native American (if you don’t get my attempt at my joke, don’t worry about it.) It is also proof that I am where I am supposed to be in my life and writing career at this time.
Over 10,000 journalists are here in Chicago for the event. The workshops are great. Adding video and photos to stories, how to start a freelance journalism career, and telling the whole story when reporting minority issues are just some of the topics covered at the conference. And the parties! There is an opportunity to get yo’ groove on each night of the event! Many of the vendors are interviewing on-site; participants can get their resume critiqued for free. Authors had the opportunity to share and sign their books. One company actually gave books away for free. This is more than I thought it would be, and I am so glad that I was blessed enough to make it.
Marcie & Angie Stone
R&B sensation Angie Stone was signing autographs at Eli Lily since she’s their spokesperson for the F.A.C.E. Campaign. Check out this site for more information about F.A.C.E. http://www.face-diabetes.com/face/index.html
Nate Parker from the movie The Great Debaters (cute self) was there. I’m keeping that photo to myself. I’m kidding. I have to transfer it to the computer. 
Barack Obama will be in the house on Sunday, July 27th.
Ok, did I mention the opportunities to eat for free. Now, that’s the bomb! McDonald’s sponsored breakfast this morning, which was quite tasty. Not only did they feed us in the morning, they left us with gift cards which was used for lunch today.
One of my most favorite parts of the conference is the subtle war between journalists and bloggers. While journalists have been perfecting their crafts for years, bloggers are stepping on the scene at full speed and creating a new form of competition. Some journalists don’t fully understand the concept of blogging and really don’t know how to handle bloggers. I love it! What I love even more is that I don’t have formal journalism training and I’m learning about blogging which means I am coming into the field at a good time. I cannot be tainted by either side. The tug-of-war between the journalists and bloggers is quite amusing.
The bestest part of the whole event is having a friend to share it with. My girl, Tasha, and I have been bonding at the conference, meeting new people, and moving forward in faith. It’s also great to have someone to talk to when the lines are long and to hold my bags when going to the bathroom. Oh, and to be there when I need a 10 minute nap.:) I’m not made for late night parties any more.
Yep, Unity is the best place for me to be right now.
