SJMC & Black Alumni Council Social - Atlanta

USC’s Black Alumni Council and School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) invite you to a social hour on Friday, Aug. 14 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Flight Club in Atlanta.

Reconnect with fellow Gamecocks for an evening of networking and the Flight Club's interactive social darts experience (optional). Join us for brief remarks from SJMC Director Damion Waymer and distinguished USC alumni Leroy Chapman (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution), Chrystal Neely (International Association of Business Communicators) and Cleopatra Shabazz (ESPN).

SJMC and Black Alumni Council Social - Atlanta
Aug. 14
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Flight Club Atlanta
1055 Howell Ml Rd Ste 140, Atlanta, GA 30318

Space is limited and registration is required. Please register here by Thursday, August 6. We hope to see you there!

Editor-in-Chief, The Atlanta Journal Constitution

Chapman is a veteran journalist with nearly 30 years of experience and serves as editor-in-chief of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, becoming the first journalist of color appointed to the role in 2023. Previously the AJC’s managing editor, he led coverage across major newsroom departments and guided award-winning teams. He is a 2026 NABJ Convention Co-Chair.

, President of the Atlanta Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators

Chrystal is president of the Atlanta Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), where she leads board strategy and operations, supports member engagement, recruits volunteers and creates professional development opportunities. Her current role is Lead, U.S. Internal Communications at UCB and previous experience includes the American Diabetes Association, Morehouse School of Medicine, Acuity Brands and Target. She holds degrees from USC and Brenau University.

, Associate Producer for ESPN International and ESPN Deports Productions

Shabazz is a 2019 broadcast journalism alumna and recipient of the 2025 SJMC Outstanding Young Alumni Award. She began her career through the ESPN Next Program in 2020, and within two years, was promoted to her current role where she covers numerous Spanish live events including Monday Night Football, NBA on ESPN, Sunday Night Baseball and the U.S. Open. She also serves in a leadership role with ESPN PULSE, is a life member of the USC Alumni Association and participates in the college’s mentorship program.

Director of the USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications

As director of the SJMC, Waymer brings extensive experience in academic leadership, communication research, curriculum development and organizational management. A respected scholar whose work spans organizational rhetoric, public relations, crisis communication, corporate social responsibility, branding, and strategic communication, he previously served as senior associate dean at the University of Alabama. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Purdue University.