NNPA Fund to Host Prestigious Messenger Awards at 2025 National Convention in Savannah
The NNPA Fund is proud to announce the return of the Messenger Awards, the highest honors bestowed for journalistic excellence within the Black Press of America. This premier awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the luxurious JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District Hotel in Savannah, Georgia — as part of the 2025 NNPA Annual Convention.
The Messenger Awards shine a powerful spotlight on the impactful work of NNPA member publishers across the nation. These trailblazers use storytelling not just to report the news, but to uplift communities, inspire justice, and preserve the proud legacy of Black media. Named in homage to the historic Chicago Messenger newspaper, the awards serve as a reminder of the enduring role the Black Press plays in amplifying truth and advocating for equity.
Scholarships That Shape the Future
More than just an awards show, the Messenger Awards serve as a fundraising vehicle to support scholarships that empower the next generation of Black journalists and communicators. With the rising cost of higher education, the NNPA Fund is committed to ensuring that students—especially those attending HBCUs—have access to the resources they need to succeed. Every sponsorship dollar helps fuel this vital mission by investing in both excellence and opportunity.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Aligning With Impact
Becoming a Messenger Awards sponsor means more than recognition—it’s a statement of values. It’s a commitment to preserving legacy, promoting truth, and building a better future. Sponsors will enjoy premium visibility before a national audience of publishers, journalists, HBCU leaders, civic influencers, and media professionals.
$30,000 Title Sponsor
-
Recognition in all Messenger Awards promotions
-
One 30-second promotional video aired during live stream
-
One reserved table of 10
-
Company representative presents an award
-
Logo featured on NNPA Fund website for one year
-
Named sponsor of an award category
$20,000 Gold Sponsor
-
Company logo on Messenger Awards webpage (6 months)
-
Recognition in national press releases
-
Named sponsor of a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place award
$10,000 Silver Sponsor
-
Recognition as a category sponsor
-
Recognition in press releases
-
Two reserved seats
-
Company logo featured on event page
$5,000 Bronze Sponsor
-
Sponsor of one specific award category
-
Company acknowledged during live stream
Join Us in Empowering the Legacy
For 197 years, the Black Press has been a voice for the voiceless, a champion for change, and a preserver of our history. By sponsoring the Messenger Awards, your organization becomes part of that legacy—supporting excellence in journalism while investing in the future of the Black media industry.
To learn more or to become a sponsor, please contact us at executivedirector@nnpafund.org