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NABJ Names Five Recipients of Its 2026 ‘Thumbs Down’ Awards

Clay Cane
August 17, 2026

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(AURN News) — The National Association of Black Journalists used its Salute to Excellence Awards in Atlanta to give its “Thumbs Down” award to ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS, The Washington Post and media executive DuJuan McCoy, according to theGrio.

NABJ criticized Smith for what it called a recurring pattern of disparaging commentary about Black women, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, former first lady Michelle Obama and Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas.

NABJ cited McCoy over allegations concerning his treatment of Black journalists.

Smith pushed back on social media, writing that NABJ had “started something” and promising a response.

He said he has remained silent for years but now plans to speak out and argue over who deserves a “Thumbs Down” award.

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Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, writer, radio host, and political commentator. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in African-American Studies, his work on race, culture, and politics have appeared in national publications, including the Washington Post, CNN, and The Grio. Clay is a regular political commentator on MSNBC. Twitter: @claycane