We Need Joy Now More Than Ever

Cable news anchor, Joy Reid was instrumental in my career. We need her voice.

You may or may not know, but former MSNBC anchor, Joy Reid, was instrumental in my career. She made me a regular on her #AMJoy weekend show and placed me well on my way to conquer my bigger dreams— to become a published author.

That would not have happened had Joy not to given me a megaphone for my voice and platform for my thoughts with her then top-rated weekend cable news programming.

Joy “saw” me before I even knew what I wanted or could “look” like. Although my commentary work for CNN and PBS were featured on the networks regularly, it was on “AM Joy” that I found my voice and footing. And it wasn’t just me. Joy and her shows spotlighted and raised the voices of women of color. Her show showcased our voices. She is a mentor and icon for so many of us in an industry and country where mainstream voices tend be white.

And apparently that’s how MSNBC, and their new president, want to keep things: White. Along with news of Joy’s ouster, several other prominent anchors of color from the network, including Katie Phang, also had their shows cancelled.

You can watch some of my highlights from being on-air with Joy below, and you can bet we’ll be watching for Joy’s much needed next move.

Onwards, Joy! We love you. I love you. And thank you.