Grant to Foster Minorities’ Hopes of Entering Sports Journalism

The Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan international organization funded by a Gannett Foundation, announced Sunday that it has awarded a $75,000 grant to the Associated Press Sports Editors for use in fostering more minority participation in sports journalism.

The award, announced at a brunch by Freedom Forum Chairman Allen H. Neuharth, will be used to fund an institute, a work experience and internships this summer by a group of minority juniors or seniors to be selected by a panel from APSE and the Freedom Forum.

The group of about 15 students will receive instruction at Norfolk State University from selected Forum and APSE members.

APSE is the national organization of sports editors and their assistants.

The president of APSE, Sandra Bailey of the New York Times, initiated the project as a means for sports editors in this country, in Bailey’s words, “doing more than just talking about increasing diversity in our profession.”