National Press Club to Recognize Journalists: Vance, Milton, Parker, Rezaian At Awards Dinner Friday Night

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 44^th Annual National Press Club Awards Dinner on Friday night, July 28 will recognize many journalists who have won important contests and awards in their fields. But, the ceremony in the Club's historic ballroom will also honor five journalists for their extraordinary careers and lives.

JIM VANCE. The broadcasting legend from WRC-TV in Washington will receive The President's Award for his outstanding service to journalism and this community. Representatives of WRC (Channel 4) will accept the award for the late Mr. Vance.

CHARNICE MILTON. The parents of Charnice Milton, a journalist for the Hill Rag, who was shot and killed in May of 2015 while returning home from a reporting assignment, will attend the dinner as guests of the Press Club and will be recognized with applause. Francine Milton and Ken McClenton will be joined by Andrew Lightman of Capitol Community News who was Charnice's employer. Charnice's killer remains at large. A bookstore in Charnice's name was recently formed in Anacostia. 

ALISON PARKER. The parents of Alison Parker, the reporter for WDBJ-TV who was shot and killed in August 2015 (along with her cameraman Adam Ward) while reporting on television will attend the dinner as the guests of the Press Club. Andy and Barbara Parker are honorary members of the Press Club and have been doing significant advocacy and philanthropic work in Alison's memory.

JASON and YEGI REZAIAN. The Rezaian's were unjustly detained in Iran on July 22, 2014 and held in prison without charges and under harsh conditions. Both are journalists – Jason for the Washington Post and Yegi for The National, a UAE publication. Yegi was eventually released but Jason was held over for 544 days which included a show trial. During their time in prison and after the Rezaians have exhibited courage, grace and dignity. They have recently been on fellowships and Jason is working on a book scheduled for release in 2018.      

The program and dinner begins at 7 p.m. at the National Press Club, 529 14^th Street NW, Washington, DC 13^th floor. Working press should contact Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 to arrange coverage. 

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is The World's Leading Professional Organization for Journalists with 3,100 members worldwide. The Club, through the non-profit National Press Club Journalism Institute, is a tireless advocate for Press Freedom.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the Press Club

SOURCE National Press Club