2025 Griot Drum Awards & Scholarship Ceremony
Schedule
Thu Nov 13 2025 at 06:00 pm to 10:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Le Méridien Tampa, The Courthouse | Tampa, FL
About this Event
The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists invites you to its annual Griot Drum Awards & Scholarship Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. In West Africa, a griot is a member of a group of traveling poets, musicians, or storytellers who maintain oral history.
We are honoring coverage of the Black community from journalists of all backgrounds. We’re also honoring Black storytellers who have made a mark on the Tampa Bay news market.
TBABJ will also award scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students of color who are currently pursuing a degree in journalism of communications-related discipline.
The event will be hosted by WTSP 10 Tampa Bay news anchor and investigative reporter Emerald Morrow, with keynote speaker Kevin Merida, contributing essayist for The Washington Post and former executive editor of the Los Angeles Times.
We will also be putting the spotlight on our 2025 honorees, featuring Fred Hearns, Gwendolyn Reese, Gwen Henderson, Sen. Arthenia L. Joyner, and Sen. Darryl Rouson.
There will be a cash bar at the event, as well as a silent auction. Join us as we celebrate an evening of excellence!
Where is it happening?
Le Méridien Tampa, The Courthouse, 601 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 81.88 to USD 92.55


















