From Anchor Desk to Leadership: Brandi Cummings on Hosting NABJ Region IV in Sacramento
by Chief Editor, Pleshette Robertson
Brandi Cummings is an award-winning journalist and weekday morning anchor at KCRA 3 News in Sacramento, where she has served since 2018. A proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor’s in Mass Media Arts and a Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications from Lasell College, Brandi balances her career with family life alongside her husband and two children. Now, as President of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Sacramento Chapter, she is helping lead a historic moment—bringing the NABJ Region IV Conference to Sacramento for the first time.
For Brandi, this moment is deeply personal and purpose-driven. She describes her journey with humility, grounded in faith and supported by family. “I truly believe I’m just a vessel being used to help others connect and create better lives,” she shared. Hosting this conference reflects her vision of creating a space where Black media professionals can connect, grow, and thrive. “If it shifts the trajectory of even one person’s life, then it’s all worth it.”
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), founded in 1975, has long been a powerful force advocating for Black journalists nationwide. With Sacramento now one of 50 chapters, the Region IV Conference—representing 13 western states—marks a milestone for the city. “This is the first time Sacramento has ever hosted a Regional Conference,” Brandi emphasized, noting the significance for local and regional media professionals alike.
Hosting the conference at Aggie Square adds another layer of excitement. Brandi described the venue as a perfect match—innovative, flexible, and reflective of California’s spirit. “It creates an environment where people can connect and fully engage—exactly what we envisioned.”
The conference agenda is intentionally designed to spark conversation and connection. From a Community Town Hall on media and public trust to keynote moments featuring leaders like Kevin Frazier, and powerful discussions on sustainability in Black media, Brandi highlights that this is more than an event—it’s an experience. “These are spaces to have real conversations and build meaningful relationships.”
That sense of connection is especially important for students and emerging professionals. Brandi encourages those unsure about attending to take the leap. “You don’t have to have it all figured out. This is where you come to figure it out,” she said. Representation, she noted, plays a critical role. “Being in a space where you can see yourself…that’s powerful.”
For local Black media outlets, bloggers, and independent journalists, her message is clear: show up. “It’s about visibility, access, and ownership of our narratives,” she explained. “When you’re in the room, you’re part of shaping what media looks like now and next.” She added that these spaces help break isolation and remind creatives that they are part of a larger, supportive community.
Reflecting on her own career, Brandi shared key lessons that continue to guide her work. “Consistency and authenticity matter more than perfection,” she said. She also emphasized the power of relationships and the responsibility that comes with representation. “Seeing someone who looks like you can inspire and change perceptions.”
As President of NABJ Sacramento, her vision extends beyond the conference itself. She hopes to leave a lasting impact on the local media landscape—one that strengthens diversity, mentorship, and collaboration. “I want a media ecosystem where Black voices are not only present but thriving.”
That commitment to community is also reflected in her recognition as an honoree of the Exceptional Women of Color (EWOC) Awards. Brandi spoke candidly about what that moment meant to her. “Being recognized by the community is both humbling and motivating. It reminds me that this work is about more than reporting—it’s about building trust and making a difference.” She added that such recognition fuels her commitment to mentoring others and continuing to elevate underrepresented voices.
In a time when representation matters more than ever, Brandi believes Black journalists play a vital role in shaping narratives with accuracy, cultural insight, and empathy. “We help ensure our communities are seen, heard, and understood,” she said. “That’s powerful.”
Beyond the conference, NABJ Sacramento continues to build community through events like Journalism Day, Black Media Table Talk, and partnerships with organizations like the Sacramento Kings. These efforts, Brandi noted, are about creating spaces where relationships grow and opportunities emerge.
For those still on the fence about attending, her advice is simple and direct: “Stop overthinking it and just show up. One connection could change your path.”
As Sacramento prepares to host NABJ Region IV, Brandi Cummings is leading with purpose, passion, and a clear vision—to create space, open doors, and ensure the next generation of Black media professionals not only enters the room, but thrives in it.
Here’s how people can register, get plugged into NABJ Sacramento, and stay connected long after the conference. You can sign up to attend the conference—taking place April 24–25, 2026, at 300 Aggie Square, University of California, Davis in Sacramento—through the official NABJ registration page. That’s where you’ll find full details on ticket rates, workshops, and more. Read the full conference program book here – https://online.fliphtml5.com/oqtma/ebog/#p=1
If you want to go deeper than just attending, consider joining the National Association of Black Journalists, Sacramento Chapter. We offer membership options for professionals, media-related folks, and students—with benefits like professional development workshops, mentor connections, networking events, and advocacy support for Black media professionals here in the region. https://nabjs.org/
