Watching Vanderbilt football defeat an AP No. 1 ranked team for the first time in Vandy history brought back fond memories. I loved attending the University and being on the Vanderbilt dance team for all four years. We were on the field cheering and dancing throughout every single game from the moment the players first ran out of the tunnel …
This is the story of a man who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 27 years at the notorious Attica Prison. While behind bars, he built a relationship with his daughter, who was just a baby when he was incarcerated, and became a famous artist. Today marks six years since Valentino Dixon was freed. His story is so complex …
I am excited to be earning my master’s degree in journalism! Since this industry is rapidly changing and I am a television news anchor and reporter, I want to maintain up-to-the-minute skills. Media forms are merging. Many television news stations host podcasts and share written web articles to accompany on-air reports, while newspapers feature audio and video versions of their …
This report contains candid images a United Nations ambassador gave me from footage that she swiftly tossed in her handbag as she fled from invading troops seeking her life. An Indonesian army was attacking Timor-Leste, a small Southeast Asian country, while she was overseeing the Timorese’ vote on independence after over 400 years of captivity. On May 20, Timor-Leste celebrates 22 …
It has been nearly two years since the horrific, racially-driven mass shooting took the lives of loved ones at a Tops supermarket in Buffalo, New York. Residents continue to honor them and enrich their city. On that sad day, Lieutenant Aaron Salter Jr. gave his life to save the lives of others. Creating this story about the victims and how …
For this story, I followed the restoration of a century-old Buffalo building that has attracted travelers from around the world! Watching the work of these skilled preservationists felt like going on a treasure hunt, as they chipped away old drywall and discovered elaborate artifacts hidden underneath. Supplemental photos in my report came from The Buffalo History Museum, Jason Yots, Tom …
This is the first time I have animated an entire news report! For years, this Buffalo building, steeped in history, has been hidden underneath a plain façade. Few realized that it was a treasure designed by the first-know female architect and used to help lead the Black Arts Movement. In this report, I bring the building to life by combining …
“They were thirsting for somewhere to show what they did, other than in their kitchens to their neighbors.” This is a quote from an interview I conducted with the legendary musician, Ron Carter. He sat down with me to describe what it was like for Black artists in the 1970s, and the discrimination they faced due to their race. This …
Let’s go, Buffalo!!! I guess you all know who I will be cheering for this Sunday when the Bills take on the Chiefs! Here is a short retrospective highlighting some of my favorite memories of covering the Bills’ famously-loyal fans. On game day, they wake up as early as 2 a.m. to prepare their elaborate tailgating cuisines, put on their …
Freedom’s Path is the farewell film of two acclaimed actors whose lives were abruptly cut short during post-production. Opening nationwide on the big screen February 3rd for Black History Month, this movie pays tribute to the Tony-nominated Thomas Jefferson Byrd, and chameleon Carol Sutton, revered for her roles in films like Ray, Monster’s Ball and Steel Magnolias. Freedom’s Path writer/director, …
Shea’s Performing Arts Center is a Buffalo landmark sought out by people from around the world. Broadway touring productions typically choose Shea’s as the venue to launch their shows. Although the pandemic has put this New York treasure on intermission for almost a year, Shea’s is celebrating its 95th anniversary and looking forward to opening its doors again. Teamwork is …