BrendaBlackmonMy9

Brenda Blackmon is the co-anchor of My9 WWOR-TV’s 10 p.m. newscast. She joined My9 in 1990 as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor.

Blackmon began her broadcasting career in her hometown of Columbus, Ga., where she became the first African American anchor in the city’s history. She has also been named by the city as “One of this Century’s Most Influential.”

She has won numerous awards and honors for her professional expertise and community service. Blackmon received her most recent Emmy Awards for Best Single Newscast in the New York area in 1995, 1997 and 1998. Her Associated Press Awards include: 1998 – Best Newscast; 1996 – Best Spot News Coverage “Train Crash Tragedy,” 1996 – Best Coverage of a Continuing Story “Blizzard of ’96;” 1995 – Best News Series “Dying To Look Back;” 1995 – Best Spot News “Snow Storm;” 1995 – Best Pope Coverage; Best Public Service “Aids A to Z;” Honorable Mention 1992 – Best New Series “Dangerous Women;” 1994 – Best Election Coverage; 1993 – Best Election Coverage; 1993 – Best Regularly Scheduled Newscast.

Blackmon’s community involvement, specifically as host of the Jerry Lewis Telethon for many years, resulted in numerous citation and merit awards for “exceptional support.” She is the recipient of special Recognition Awards from the March of Dimes and U.S. Navy. She has been honored with the “Rosa Parks Humanitarian Award;” Outstanding Young Women In America – 1985;” Volunteer citation for Service to Public Schools – 1980; Public Service Awards from Alpha Phi Alpha – 1987, Citizen of the Year Award – Zeta Phi Beta Society- 1984; International Women’s Year of Outstanding Service – 1977; Martin Luther King Jr. Award; The “Telling of Our Story” Award; Honored by the F.B.I.; Essex County Department of Health and Rehabilitation, U.S. Customs Service, National Association of Black Narcotic Agents; Cities of Newark, Knoxville, New York, Oak Ridge and Columbus. In March 2006, The Network Journal is honoring her as one of the “25 Most Influential Black Business Women in Business.”

Blackmon holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and honorary doctorates from FDU and Caldwell College.