In Memoriam: Pioneering journalist Trudy Haynes dies at 95

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Trudy Haynes, an Emmy Award-winning journalist who became the first Black TV weather reporter in the U.S. and the first Black TV reporter in Philadelphia, has died. She was 95.

Pioneer

Throughout her life, Haynes was many “firsts”, making history and breaking barriers.

She began her career as a model, becoming the first Black person to appear in an ad for Lucky Strike cigarettes.

Trudy Haynes journalism career

In the 1950s, Haynes started working in radio at WCHB in the Detroit area. She rose from receptionist to Women’s Editor, hosting a daily broadcast for women listeners. In 1963, Haynes transitioned to TV at Detroit’s WXYZ-TV, presenting the weather as the nation’s first Black weather reporter. Two years later, she accepted a position at Philadelphia’s KYW-TV, making her the city’s first Black TV journalist. She remained at KYW for more than 30 years, winning an Emmy Award for her work on “Eyewitness News.”

During her tenure, she notably interviewed Martin Luther King Jr., President Lyndon Johnson, and Muhammad Ali. Haynes remained active in communications after her 1999 retirement, including presenting the online series “Trudy Haynes Show.”

Haynes years of contribitions was widely celebrated with honors including induction into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 1999 and a lifetime achievement award from the National Coalition Of 100 Black Women.