National Association of Black Journalists Awards Stephen A. Smith 'Thumb's Down' for Commentary on Black Women
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has given ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith a 'Thumb's Down' award at its Atlanta convention. This award, which caused an uproar, was presented due to what the NABJ described as a 'recurring public pattern of disparaging public commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports and media.' Specific instances cited include Smith's criticism of Texas U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett for her 'verbiage and rhetoric for the streets,' his comments on former First Lady Michelle Obama's remarks regarding voting for President Trump, and his questioning of tennis star Serena Williams' Super Bowl cameo in relation to her ex-partner. The decision has led to deep divisions among NABJ members, with some supporting the award as appropriate accountability and others calling it an 'unforced error.' 
