Baraka (formerly known as LeRoi Jones) was a central figure at the three day conference held in Gary, Indiana, and his influence has been acknowledged by both delegates and the press. Advocating a theory of "Unity without Uniformity," Baraka sought to reconcile the differences between black s whose political affiliations ranged from the NAACP to nationalist groups. His decision to admit white reporters and television crews into the convention hall angered many nationalists and subsequent coverage of the convention as it appeared in white media has been severely criticized by those attending the conference. Baraka is interviewed by Black Journal producer, Tony Brown.
Black Journal began as a monthly series produced for, about, and - to a large extent - by black Americans, which used the magazine format to report on relevant issues to black Americans. "Black Journal" is a production of NET Division, Educational Broadcasting Corporation.