David L. Shabazz receives Outstanding Book Award during National Association of Black
Journalists Convention
FRANKFORT, Ky. — A Kentucky State University professor’s work to preserve an often-overlooked
chapter of sports and cultural history has earned national recognition from the National
Association of Black Journalists.
Dr. David L. Shabazz, associate professor of communication, received an Outstanding Book Award for Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions during the NABJ Convention in Atlanta.
The book documents Black professional wrestlers who captured major world championships in the United States and internationally. It places their achievements within the broader histories of sports, media, race, representation, and popular culture.
“These athletes were not simply entertainers,” Dr. Shabazz said. “They were pioneers who challenged racial barriers, represented their communities, and helped professional wrestling reach new audiences.”
Dr. Shabazz received the award Aug. 13 after participating in the NABJ Author’s Showcase. During the approximately 30-minute session, he discussed his research in an interview with David Squires, a longtime member of the NABJ Sports Task Force and professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
“I attended the Author’s Showcase looking forward to discussing the book and sharing the stories of these important champions,” Dr. Shabazz said. “I was genuinely surprised when I received the Outstanding Book Award. It made the experience even more meaningful.”
Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions examines athletes from different eras, wrestling organizations, and regions of the world. It also considers the importance of representation in an industry in which Black performers historically faced limited opportunities, racial stereotypes, and barriers to reaching its highest levels.
Dr. Shannon Brogan, chair of the School of Humanities, said Dr. Shabazz’s work exemplifies the public impact of faculty scholarship.
“Through his research and writing, Dr. Shabazz brings overlooked histories into public view,” Dr. Brogan said. “This recognition reflects both the significance of his scholarship and his commitment to telling stories that deserve a wider audience.”
An educator with more than two decades of experience, Dr. Shabazz teaches journalism, radio, podcasting, and photography. He was named the Kentucky Communication Association’s 2019 Educator of the Year and the College Media Association’s 2020 Broadcast Adviser of the Year. His newspaper columns and scriptwriting also have received recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Broadcast Education Association.
Across his teaching, research, and creative work, Dr. Shabazz frequently explores African American representation, sports communication, media, and popular culture. That focus made recognition from the nation’s leading organization for Black journalists especially meaningful.
“NABJ has always understood the importance of telling stories that might otherwise be ignored or forgotten,” Dr. Shabazz said. “For this organization to acknowledge a book devoted to preserving the history of Black professional wrestling champions is something I deeply appreciate.”
The National Association of Black Journalists supports Black journalists and advocates for greater representation throughout the media industry. Its annual convention brings together journalists, educators, students, authors, and media leaders for professional development, networking, and discussions about journalism and Black communities.
Dr. Shabazz hopes the recognition will introduce the book to new readers and encourage broader discussion of the athletes whose achievements helped transform professional wrestling.
“This award is not only about the book,” Dr. Shabazz said. “It is also an acknowledgment of the champions whose stories deserve to be remembered. Their accomplishments are an important part of sports history, media history, and Black history.”
Photo by Cedric Brooks