Brenda Blackmon

Brenda Blackmon

The Veteran Journalist

Four-time Emmy Award winner Brenda Blackmon shattered glass ceilings when she stepped behind the anchor desk in Columbus, Georgia, becoming the city’s first Black news anchor. Her stellar rise from a small market to New York’s prestigious broadcasting scene speaks volumes about her talent and determination. The veteran journalist’s shelf sparkles with more than a dozen Associated Press Awards and two Edward R. Murrow Awards for Broadcast Excellence, yet her true impact reaches far beyond these accolades. Blackmon’s heart for community service shines through her creation of the Kelly Fund for Lupus and unwavering support for the March of Dimes. Her hometown proudly celebrates her as “One of the Century’s Most Influential” – a fitting tribute to someone who excels both in journalism and meaningful community engagement.

Trailblazing Career in Broadcast Journalism

WRBL-TV in Columbus, Georgia became Blackmon’s launching pad into broadcast journalism during the 1970s. Her talent and persistence earned her the groundbreaking role as the city’s first African-American anchor in 1973, following six years of dedicated reporting.

Nashville marked the next chapter in her remarkable journey. Here, her journalistic prowess grew stronger as she tackled challenging stories, including a memorable interview with the Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan. Management’s criticism of her appearance tested her resolve, yet Blackmon’s unwavering spirit pushed her forward.

1990 opened new doors as WWOR Channel 9 welcomed her to the bustling New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. Starting as a general assignment reporter, her exceptional skills soon placed her at the anchor desk. Her steadfast presence during critical moments shone brightest during the September 11, 2001 attacks, where she anchored for more than 12 consecutive hours.

WWOR witnessed Blackmon’s masterful anchoring through multiple network eras – the entire UPN period (1995-2006) and seven years of MyNetworkTV (2006-2013). Her excellence brought home three Emmy Awards for Best Single Newscast (1995, 1997, and 1998). The Associated Press repeatedly honored her work, presenting awards for Best Newscast and Best News Series.

While building her broadcasting legacy, Blackmon pursued academic excellence at Fairleigh Dickinson University, graduating magna cum laude. Her outstanding achievements prompted both Caldwell College and Fairleigh Dickinson University to award her honorary doctorates.

Emmy Recognition and Professional Excellence

Excellence sparkles through every facet of Brenda Blackmon’s broadcasting journey. Her trophy case gleams with four Emmy Awards for Best Single Newscast, while her remarkable talent earned her 15 Emmy nominations.

Professional accolades paint a vivid picture of her impact on broadcast journalism. Two Edward R. Murrow Awards for Broadcast Excellence stand proudly alongside more than a dozen Associated Press Awards. Her masterful coverage of elections and breaking news stories earned her special recognition for Best Election Coverage and Best Spot News Coverage.

2010 brought fresh honors as Montclair State University bestowed upon her the prestigious Allen B. DuMont Broadcaster of the Year Award. The Network Journal celebrated her influence by including her among the “25 Most Influential Black Women in Business”. Her dedication to public service earned her the distinguished Shirley Chisholm Award.

WWOR-TV witnessed Blackmon’s remarkable versatility firsthand. She wore many hats with grace – reporter, film editor, photographer, talk show host, and producer. Co-anchor Harry Martin captured her essence perfectly: “A lot of people are happy, but Brenda is joyful”. Both Fairleigh Dickinson University and Caldwell College honored her achievements with honorary doctorates, recognizing a career that continues to inspire.

Community Impact and Philanthropy

Personal experience sparked Blackmon’s most heartfelt mission. When her daughter Kelly received a lupus diagnosis, she channeled her maternal concern into action, founding The Kelly Fund for Lupus, Inc. in 2008. Her organization stands guard for minority communities, where women face two to three times higher risk of developing lupus.

Every dollar counts in Blackmon’s determined quest for answers. Her foundation channels 100% of donations to the Alliance for Lupus Research. Her book “A Mom’s Journey” shares raw, honest glimpses into life as a lupus parent, dedicating all proceeds to vital research efforts.

Future journalists find a mentor in Blackmon through her decade of dedicated guidance. MY9 television studios hosts her visionary journalism retreat program, created through partnerships with News Corporation, WWOR-TV, and WNYW-TV. Young broadcasters gain priceless wisdom from seasoned professionals in America’s premier media market.

Her generous spirit touches countless lives through various charitable endeavors. From hosting the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon to championing the March of Dimes, Blackmon’s impact resonates widely. University halls welcome her presence as she shares insights with eager communication arts students.

Brenda Blackmon Communications, Inc. embodies her life’s mission – creating positive change daily through community outreach and mentoring. These tireless efforts shine bright, earning her both the Shirley Chisholm Award in Public Service and Woman of the Year recognition from Queens Courier News.

Conclusion

Four Emmy Awards sparkle among countless achievements in Brenda Blackmon’s storied career, yet numbers alone cannot capture her true impact. Small-town Columbus, Georgia watched her rise to become a powerhouse in New York’s competitive media world. Personal challenges sparked her most meaningful contribution – The Kelly Fund for Lupus stands today as proof that passion plus purpose creates lasting change.

McDonald’s celebration of Blackmon in their Faces of Black History 2025 speaks volumes about her enduring influence. Young journalists find their path through her mentorship programs, while her story lives on through the 360Wise McDonald’s Salutes Faces of Black History Time capsule. Future generations will draw strength from her remarkable journey.

Excellence in journalism meets heartfelt community service in Blackmon’s world. Her story proves that genuine care for others multiplies success beyond measure. Young broadcasters see in her career a roadmap to their dreams – talent matched with determination, professional achievement paired with community impact. This powerful combination shapes not just careers but entire communities, creating ripples of positive change that continue to grow.

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QUICK FACTS

  • What are some of Brenda Blackmon’s major career achievements? Brenda Blackmon has won four Emmy Awards for Best Single Newscast, received two Edward R. Murrow Awards for Broadcast Excellence, and earned over a dozen Associated Press Awards. She was also named one of the “25 Most Influential Black Women in Business” by The Network Journal.

  • How did Brenda Blackmon break barriers in broadcast journalism? Blackmon became the first Black anchor in Columbus, Georgia in 1973, paving the way for diversity in broadcast journalism. She later advanced from the 130th market to New York’s top-tier market, establishing herself as a distinguished figure in the industry.

  • What philanthropic work is Brenda Blackmon known for? Blackmon founded The Kelly Fund for Lupus, Inc. in 2008 to support lupus research and increase awareness. She also established a journalism retreat program for aspiring broadcasters and has been involved with various causes, including the March of Dimes and the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

  • How has Brenda Blackmon contributed to mentoring future journalists? Blackmon has maintained a decade-long commitment to nurturing future journalists through a journalism retreat program she established in partnership with major media organizations. She also regularly speaks at universities, offering guidance to communication arts students.

  • What recognition has Brenda Blackmon received for her community service? Blackmon has been awarded the Shirley Chisholm Award for public service and was named Woman of the Year by the Queens Courier News. Her hometown also recognized her as “One of the Century’s Most Influential” for her contributions to journalism and community service.

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