Nissan and the Black Automotive Media Group Select 13 Jackson State University Students for Multimedia Automotive Apprenticeship

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A partnership has been created for students interested in exploring multimedia career opportunities within the automotive industry. Through the Black Automotive Media Group (BAMG), minority students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will participate in a 10-week, field-credit academic program that's comprised of virtual training and mentoring sessions also known as The Driving Force (TDF).

TDF evolved following a series of discussions between automakers and BAMG members in 2020. Those conversations began with an effort to improve the diversity and inclusion of African American journalists covering the industry and the opportune moment presented itself to help prepare the next generation of mobility media experts.

"Our collaboration with Jackson State University and Nissan America marks the 6th academic program with HBCUs that allows us to extend resources and experience to Black students," said BAMG founding member Kimatni D. Rawlins. "The Driving Force will continue to help shape career pathways for talented scholars while offering more perspective on automotive industry opportunities."

For the Spring, 2022 academic session, TDF welcomes 13 students from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. The TDF program would not be possible without the commitment and support from Nissan Americas.

"The Driving Force Program is a great opportunity to build interest and enthusiasm for the auto industry among the next generation of young professionals," said Ashli C. Bobo, director, Corporate Communications, Nissan North America. "We look forward to working with BAMG to educate Jackson State University students about the world of automotive journalism and communications."

TDF is led by respected media specialists Kimatni D. Rawlins of Automotive Rhythms Communications, Marcus Amick, and Greg Morrison from Bumper2Bumpertv, with additional support from an array of Black automotive journalists and publishers.

"The Department of Journalism and Media Studies is pleased to be a part of TDF with BAMG and Nissan America," said Dr. Elayne Hayes Anthony, Chairman of the JSU Department of Journalism and Media Studies. "Our students will gain pertinent skills that will open new doors in the automotive industry. We are honored that our students can engage in an industry that will continue to hone their skills in writing, interviewing, public relations, and social media. We appreciate the team at Nissan for supporting the partnership."

For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissanusa.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

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	Media Contacts
	Ashli Bobo Corporate Communications, Nissan U.S. ashli.bobo@nissan-usa.com
	Markita Scott Corporate Communications Markita.Scott@nissan-usa.com