Brenda Blackmon. (Photo courtesy of St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation).
ST. EUSTATIUS--One of the most recognizable and talented journalists in the United States’ number one television market New York Brenda Blackmon, will be the keynote speaker for the third Annual Women’s Day Gala at Mike van Putten Youth Centre on Thursday, March 8. Blackmon will address this year’s theme: “Press for Progress – Leave no woman behind.”
Blackmon joined the news team at WWOR-TV in 1990, and became a multi-Emmy Award-winning reporter and role model for her community.
Blackmon has won numerous awards for journalism, and has received community citations and notable honours.
“She has such a warm, engaging and effervescent personality, you can’t help but like her instantly,” the Urban/Black Entertainment Report says.
The Network Journal recognized her as one of the “25 Most Influential Black Women in Business”, redefining excellence.
Her hometown of Columbus, Georgia, honoured her as “One of the Century’s Most Influential.” She was influential indeed, making history as New York’s first African-American news anchor.
Blackmon has done it all: reporter, film editor, film photographer, talk show host for television and radio, show producer, writer and TV anchor-woman for decades.
Blackmon graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has received two honorary doctorates. She is now working on her Master of Business Administration.
Public Relations Officer of St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) Teena Lopes said the Women’s Day Gala is designed “to empower, motivate and inspire all women. It is not a keep-it-between-us type of an event. Attendees are granted the opportunity to debate openly and share their experiences with the invited guests. Sitting in the presence of so many brilliant minds, alone, is a gift. The past two events have been historical, mind-blowing, and at the same time very enlightening. I am looking forward to hearing from keynote speaker Brenda Blackmon. She is an expert in her field and for me wisdom is power.”
