By Bobby Ross Jr.
OKLAHOMA CITY — I’ve been blessed to receive a number of awards from the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists over the last 30 years.
In 2021, I was surprised to win the first-place prize for best reporter.
This week, I earned eight awards in the 2023 contest, for content published last year:
• First place for outstanding profile: “Amid crises, rural roots anchor Southern Baptists’ president” for The Associated Press.
• First place for outstanding sports report: “A heavenly day at the ballpark” for The Christian Chronicle.
• Second place for outstanding spot news story: “In rural Oklahoma, a Ukrainian priest prays for his mother — and his homeland” for ReligionUnplugged.com.
• Second place for outstanding feature: “Breaking down barriers — new and old — to help tornado victims” for The Christian Chronicle.
• Third place for outstanding general news story: “After yet another mass shooting, Tulsa church prays, reflects: Is there a solution?” for for The Christian Chronicle.
Related: Bobby Ross Jr. honored with Religion News Association’s top award for news analysis
• Third place for outstanding profile: “She’s a mom, Sunday school teacher — and prominent religious freedom attorney” for The Christian Chronicle.
• Third place for outstanding online story: “The truth of Brown v. Board: Setting the record straight during Black History Month” for ReligionUnplugged.com.
• Honorable mention for outstanding profile: “In Texas, CEO leads Christian Care Centers through bankruptcy and sale” for The Christian Chronicle.
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 