Monday, 10.28.2024
6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
InterContinental Buckhead
3315 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Four distinguished journalists will be inducted in the Atlanta Press Club Hall of Fame on Monday, October 28 during a ceremony at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta. The Hall of Fame dinner is Atlanta media’s biggest night of the year and recognizes journalists who have made a significant impact on journalism in Georgia and around the country. We hope you will join us!
2024 Inductees
Valerie Boyd was the Charlayne Hunter-Gault professor of journalism at the University of Georgia, where she founded and directed the low-residency MFA Program in Narrative Nonfiction, opening doors for women and people of color and establishing a literary community that continues to flourish. The New York Times called her “an electrifying essayist and an energizing mentor.” A scholar of the Black archive, she was the author of the critically acclaimed biography “Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston,” winner of the Southern Book Award and the American Library Association’s Notable Book Award. In 2017, she received the Georgia Governor’s Award in the Arts and Humanities. Formerly arts editor at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, she wrote for the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Bon Appetite, ESSENCE, and the Oxford American, among many others. At the time of her passing, she was editor-at-large at the University of Georgia Press and senior consulting editor for The Bitter Southerner. She published two books posthumously, “Gathering Blossoms Under Fire: The Journals of Alice Walker” and “Bigger Than Bravery: Black Resilience and Reclamation in a Time of Pandemic.” Valerie passed away on February 12, 2022.
Clark Howard is a renowned consumer advocate and financial expert sharing practical advice to help people save more and spend less for more than 30 years. He started his career by founding a successful travel agency. He later transitioned to media, inspired by the desire to educate people on saving money and making informed financial decisions. In 1989, he started “The Clark Howard Show” on WGST Radio in Atlanta, offering practical advice on saving money, investing, and navigating consumer issues. His approachable, no-nonsense style quickly gained popularity, leading to national syndication of his radio show. In 1991, Clark became a consumer affairs TV reporter for WSB-TV and founded the Consumer Action Center in 1993. In addition to his broadcasting career, he is a prolific author and has written several best-selling books. His work extends through his website, Clark.com, and his national podcast, The Clark Howard Podcast, where he continues to educate and empower consumers. Beyond his reporting, he is an active philanthropist, focusing on community service and financial education initiatives. In 2015, Clark was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
Tony Light is Chief Photographer at WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia. With over four decades of experience, Tony is a vital part of the station’s news team, capturing compelling visuals that bring stories to life. Known for his keen eye and artistic approach, he has covered a wide range of events, from breaking news to major sporting events, earning multiple awards for his exceptional work. Tony’s dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with people through his lens has made him a respected figure in the Atlanta media community. Throughout his career, Tony has demonstrated a relentless pursuit of capturing truth and authenticity through his photography. His ability to convey complex stories through compelling images has left a lasting impact on the field of photojournalism, and his work continues to inspire both colleagues and viewers alike. Tony celebrated 40 years at WSB-TV in 2017, and in 2018, was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Science Silver Circle. Outside of work, he enjoys mentoring aspiring photographers and exploring the vibrant city he calls home.
Maria Saporta, founder and executive editor of the SaportaReport, is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist. SaportaReport, founded in 2009, provides a forum for local journalists, guest columnists, and local features. Maria also is co-founder of Atlanta Way 2.0, an initiative aimed at strengthening Atlanta’s civic fabric by inspiring movement leading to greater civic engagement from people of all walks of life. From 2008 to 2020, Maria wrote a weekly column and news stories for the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Prior to that, she spent 27 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Maria is a past president of the Atlanta Press Club, and she continues to serve in an emeritus role after 35 years of board service. She also co-chairs the Atlanta Press Club’s “Loudermilk-Young Debate Series” committee. Maria was inducted into the 2002 YWCA Academy of Women Achievers and in 2012 was inducted into the Georgia State University Business Hall of Fame. In 2013, she received the Atlanta Business League CEO Award for Vision of Excellence. Maria also was given the inaugural “Atlanta Hero” award by the Rotary Club of Atlanta in 2018 and in 2019 was inducted into Georgia Trend’s Hall of Fame.
When
Monday, October 28
Reception – 6 p.m.
Dinner and Ceremony- 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m
Where
InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta
3315 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Sponsorships
The Atlanta Press Club offers sponsorship opportunities and promotion for your company with this event. Please contact Paula Hovater at phovater@atlpressclub.org or 404-625-2882 for details and benefits.
R.S.V.P.
Individual tickets are $75 for members and $100 for nonmembers, or purchase tables of 10 with signage for $750 for members and $1,000 for nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased online. Please email info@atlpressclub.org table inquiries.
Business or cocktail attire preferred.