National Association of Black Journalists Awards Stephen A. Smith 'Thumbs Down' for Disparaging Commentary
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has given ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith its annual 'Thumbs Down' award. This dishonor is typically reserved for institutions but was bestowed upon Smith for what the NABJ describes as a 'recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media.' The award was presented at the NABJ's Saturday night gala in Atlanta. Smith is only the fourth individual to receive this award. The NABJ cited his criticisms of figures such as Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, Cari Champion, Jemele Hill, and Jasmine Crockett. Joy Reid, an NABJ member, previously accused Smith of denigrating Black women for 'white people’s entertainment.' Smith, in response, accused the NABJ of a 'personal hit job,' stating that the organization did not contact him for a conversation before issuing the award. He also suggested that the award was politically motivated due to his criticisms of the Democratic Party. 
