SABJ elected these fine journalists to two-year terms on Aug. 12, 2023. They are committed to building a community of support, partnership and excellence in journalism for journalists of color in Seattle.
Jerry Brewer
President
National Sports Columnist, Washington Post
Jerry is an award-winning national sports columnist at The Washington Post, based in Seattle. Before joining the Post in 2015, he was a columnist at The Seattle Times for nine years. He is respected for his thoughtful, nuanced opinions and his knack for writing about people and exploring the human condition.
Liz Brazile
Senior Vice President and Secretary
Deputy Online Managing Editor, KUOW Public Radio
Liz is a Seattle-based reporter and editor. In 2019, Liz joined the Seattle Association of Black Journalists in 2019 and previously served terms as Secretary and President. She is originally from Cincinnati, OH where she was an active member of the Greater Cincinnati Association of Black Journalists before moving to Seattle in 2018. During her time in the Pacific Northwest, Liz has worked for YES! Magazine, Crosscut, and most recently, KUOW Public Radio, Puget Sound’s largest NPR affiliate station.
Tyrah Majors
Vice President of Broadcast
Anchor/reporter, KOMO News
Tyrah is a journalist, content creator, Seattle University adjunct professor and author of children's book "Grammy and Me." Currently, she is an Anchor/Reporter for the weekday morning newscasts on KOMO -TV from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. She also produces and hosts a franchise, "Hometown Connections" and hosts entertainment segments on ‘Seattle Refined.’ Prior to joining the KOMO team she was a morning news reporter at CBS/FOX Bakersfield. Her love for the business immersed in jobs at NBC 4 Los Angeles, NBC 7 San Diego, FOX 5 San Diego, and a few entertainment news outlets. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California. She also created a talk show, "Major Moves with Tyrah Majors," highlighting millennial entrepreneurs.
Mike Davis
Vice President of Digital Content
Arts & Culture Reporter, KUOW Public Radio
Mike Davis is a reporter covering arts and culture at KUOW Public Radio. In the past, he's reported on news, politics, and sports for the South Seattle Emerald. Mike previously hosted a podcast where he discussed national politics and pop-culture. Mike was appointed to SABJ's board in August 2022.
Essex Porter
Treasurer
Retired political reporter, KIRO 7
In a distinguished 43-year journalism career, Essex became best known for his coverage of government and politics for KIRO TV. He began his broadcast career at KLMS Radio in Lincoln, Nebraska, then served as a television reporter at KETV in Omaha, and KATU in Portland, Ore., before joining KIRO.
Percy Allen
Vice President of Print
Sportswriter, The Seattle Times
Since moving to Seattle in 1993, Percy has been one of the most trusted voices in the Seattle sports scene. Allen, a former SABJ president from 1999 to 2001, is currently a Washington Huskies and Seattle Storm reporter for The Seattle Times.
Vonnai Phair
Mentorship and Scholarship Representative
Morning reporter, The Seattle Times
Vonnai Phair focuses on breaking news and trending topics in the Seattle area. The 2021 Washington State University graduate is a native of Auburn who has a passion for social media, audience engagement, news and enterprise reporting.
Kevin Henry
Event Coordinator
Independent Journalist/Media Consultant
Kevin has over 30 years of experience as a print and broadcast journalist. He has also worked as a blogger, marketing writer, and media consultant. Currently, he contributes stories to KBCS-FM, 91.3, and hosts his own podcast. You can find more of his work at kevinphenry.com.