September Q&A

Harris and NABJ working to schedule September Q&A

From CNN's Arlette Saenz, Betsy Klein and Kate Sullivan

Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign is working with the National Association of Black Journalists to schedule a question-and-answer event between the group and the Democratic presidential candidate in September, the NABJ announced Wednesday. The event could take place virtually or in-person. 

NABJ President Ken Lemon had previously said Harris’s “schedule could not accommodate” her speaking to the journalists virtually or in-person during their convention this week.

Jasmine Harris, Black media director for the Harris campaign, criticized former President Donald Trump ahead of his appearance at the convention, saying “Not only does Donald Trump have a history of demeaning NABJ members and honorees who remain pillars of the Black press, he also has a history of attacking the media and working against the vital role the press play in our democracy.”

The organization on Tuesday drew a torrent of criticism over its decision to invite Trump to sit for an interview at its annual convention in Chicago. The Wednesday afternoon Trump event — moderated by ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott, Fox News host Harris Faulkner, and Semafor politics reporter Kadia Goba — has roiled the NABJ, with some of its most prominent members publicly expressing dismay, CNN has reported.

While Harris is not expected to participate in this week’s events, the campaign notes other Democratic leaders will be in speaking at the gathering.

Senior officials with the Democratic National Convention are set to participate in a question and answer session with members of the NABJ Political Task Force on Thursday, convention officials said. 

The participants are expected to include DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, Democratic National Convention Chair Minyon Moore, Chicago 2024 Host Committee Executive Director Christy George, and Chicago 2024 Host Committee Senior Advisor Keiana Barret. Choose Chicago Chair Glenn Eden will moderate the discussion.

Trump has touted his upcoming appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for not attending herself.

CNN has reached out to the Trump campaign about the former president’s claim.