The Capstone Association of Black Journalists (CABJ) attended a forum on Saturday, Sept.15, where Sen. Doug Jones spoke about current political and social issues affecting Alabama and the nation currently.

The CABJ is The University of Alabama chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. CABJ focuses on the advancement of minorities in communication fields such as news, broadcast, public relations and advertising. The CABJ offers internships, job opportunities and scholarships.

The forum was presented by the Birmingham chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists and gave students the opportunity to hear Jones speak about prominent issues involving civil rights and bills he is currently working on.

Brittany Evans, a senior majoring in journalism and vice president of CABJ, said the forum was beneficial in helping CABJ grow.

“I think Senator Jones brought up some great points about the future and some things that he’s working on,” Evans said. “I do think he has some great things that are going to be very beneficial for our state that he’s going to be presenting fairly soon, and I think it’s very important for us as students and as future professionals just to hear from him and see that he’s trying to back Alabama and do everything that got him elected for his constituents.”

Throughout the forum Jones spoke about the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018. If passed, the legislation would require the National Archives and Records Administration to collect and release a series of documents involving civil rights cold cases to the public.

Avery Hooks, a junior majoring in news media and interior design and president of CABJ, said he enjoyed hearing Jones speak about how to address civil rights issues.

“My favorite part of the forum was when Jones discussed action steps and focusing on the public being aware of things that might be going on now, and things we may not have taken care of in the past regarding any civil rights,” Hooks said.