“Max Robinson”
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Max Robinson was the first African American news anchor for a broadcast network in the history of American television.
Born on May 1, 1939, in Richmond, Virginia. Maxie Cleveland Robinson Jr., known as "Max Robinson”, left college in 1959 and entered broadcasting as a newsreader at a TV station in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was only allowed to be heard, not seen. His face remained hidden behind a screen with the station's logo. This experience was a clear racial discrimination by this “white only” station.
One day, Max made a bold move by instructing the team to take down the screen that covered his face so that he could be seen. He was fired the next day.
Robinson sought new opportunities and eventually moved to Washington, D.C. There, he shattered racial barriers by becoming the first African American anchor on a local news program aired by WTOP-TV Channel 9. His presence on the screen represented a significant step towards diversity in media.
Robinson's coverage of the race riots that erupted in 1968 following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr earned him six journalism awards, showing his commitment to giving a voice to marginalized communities.
During his time in Washington, D.C, Robinson's impact extended beyond his reporting. He produced a documentary about a predominantly black neighborhood, a project that earned him two Emmy Awards. In 1978, he ventured to Chicago to join ABC's World News as an anchor, further solidifying his position as a respected figure in the industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, Robinson didn't shy away from speaking out against the racism that persisted within the media industry. He recognized the importance of nurturing the next generation of journalists and served as a mentor to aspiring talents. His advocacy for change led him to co-found the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
His legacy lives on through the impact he made, the doors he opened, and the generations of journalists he inspired to strive for equality and authenticity in their reporting.
HELLA INSPIRED.
Born on May 1, 1939, in Richmond, Virginia. Maxie Cleveland Robinson Jr., known as "Max Robinson”, left college in 1959 and entered broadcasting as a newsreader at a TV station in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was only allowed to be heard, not seen. His face remained hidden behind a screen with the station's logo. This experience was a clear racial discrimination by this “white only” station.
One day, Max made a bold move by instructing the team to take down the screen that covered his face so that he could be seen. He was fired the next day.
Robinson sought new opportunities and eventually moved to Washington, D.C. There, he shattered racial barriers by becoming the first African American anchor on a local news program aired by WTOP-TV Channel 9. His presence on the screen represented a significant step towards diversity in media.
Robinson's coverage of the race riots that erupted in 1968 following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr earned him six journalism awards, showing his commitment to giving a voice to marginalized communities.
During his time in Washington, D.C, Robinson's impact extended beyond his reporting. He produced a documentary about a predominantly black neighborhood, a project that earned him two Emmy Awards. In 1978, he ventured to Chicago to join ABC's World News as an anchor, further solidifying his position as a respected figure in the industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, Robinson didn't shy away from speaking out against the racism that persisted within the media industry. He recognized the importance of nurturing the next generation of journalists and served as a mentor to aspiring talents. His advocacy for change led him to co-found the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
His legacy lives on through the impact he made, the doors he opened, and the generations of journalists he inspired to strive for equality and authenticity in their reporting.
HELLA INSPIRED.