- Brooks Embodies the spirit of the award's Namesake, Patricia L. Tobin -

(BLACK PR WIRE)--WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sheila Brooks, an Emmy-award winning journalist, entrepreneur, and dedicated advocate for minority and women’s issues and small businesses will receive the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), inaugural Patricia L. Tobin Media Professional Award, the Board of Directors announced at its spring meeting.

Brooks is founder, president and CEO of SRB Communications, LLC, a full-service media and communications agency and post-production facility in Washington, D.C. Her agency, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, offers programming for television and radio, broadcast-quality video production; event production; as well as creative, branding and strategy for advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns.

“I am humbled and blessed to receive this special award from my NABJ family. This award honors the remarkable achievements of an exceptional leader and entrepreneur and is a tribute to the legacy of a longtime friend and colleague who touched my life and so many others,” Brooks said. “Pat Tobin’s shining light will help me help others live their dreams and become entrepreneurs!”

NABJ member Pat Tobin of Los Angeles passed away in 2008. Tobin was president and CEO of Tobin and Associates, a prominent minority, woman-owned public relations firm. She was a dedicated activist for causes that impacted minorities, women and youth; and was co-founder of the National Black Public Relations Society.

“It gives us great joy to honor Sheila Brooks. She is one of NABJ’s hardest-working members, from lending her production expertise to hosting a golf tournament to raising money for the organization. Sheila goes above and beyond for NABJ,” said NABJ President Kathy Times.

“There is not a better fit for this award. Sheila Brooks embodies the namesake of this award, Pat Tobin, to a tee,” said Aprill O. Turner, NABJ associate member representative and founder of the award. “Sheila’s commitment to NABJ, her heart for service, and her willingness to help show others the ropes of how to be a successful entrepreneur, hits the mark on all cylinders for this inaugural award.”

Brooks will join other top honorees, at NABJ's 36th Annual Convention and Career Fair will take place Aug. 3-7, 2011 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. For additional information, please visit www.nabj.org.