2023 VTF Legacy Award

Congratulations to Velvet S. McNeil

Velvet S. McNeil has been privileged during her 25-year professional career to do work she is passionate about, including shooting photos, teaching young students, and showcasing her artwork in galleries. 

Velvet is an award-winning photojournalist who has photographed everything from the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City to community street fairs. She did much of her visual journalism as a staff photographer for The Detroit News, however, her work also has appeared in national publications.

Velvet was a leader on the board of the NABJ Visual Task Force for 12 years. She believes in creating opportunities for visual journalists to gain access to newsrooms around the country. Helping to develop the next generation of BIPOC visual communicators in today’s newsroom is a personal mission.

Remembering Marshall Latimore

Longtime NABJ VTF Member

Marshall Latimore, a Birmingham, Alabama native, was a longtime mentor for the NABJ Student Projects and a past VTF board member. He passed away suddenly in March 2021. He was serving as the Executive Editor and Chief Content Officer at The Atlanta Voice. The VTF Board is eternally grateful for Marshall’s friendship and support of the Task Force. We will honor Marshall’s achievements at Brunch & Bid.