Victor Blackwell | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1981-09-25)September 25, 1981 (age 44) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Education | Howard University (BA) |
| Occupation(s) | Television news anchor / reporter, journalist |
| Years active | 2003–present |
Victor Blackwell (born September 25, 1981) is an American television news anchor who currently co-hosts the weekend edition ofCNN This Morning and hostsFirst of All with Victor Blackwell onCNN.[1]
Blackwell was class president of his high school graduating class atMilford Mill Academy in 1999.[2] He earned a BA in Broadcast Journalism fromHoward University inWashington, D.C.[3] While in college, he worked atHoward University's public television stationWHUT-TV.
After college, Blackwell worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor atWHAG-TV inHagerstown, Maryland. He also worked as a reporter and weekend anchor atWTLV/WJXX inJacksonville, Florida. Blackwell was the first black main anchor atWPBF inWest Palm Beach, Florida.[4] Blackwell joinedCNN in 2012 as a correspondent, based at CNN's southeast bureau.[5] In 2013, Blackwell's exclusive reporting on the mysterious death ofGeorgia teenagerKendrick Johnson led to investigations by theOffice of Secretary of State of Georgia and theUS Attorney forGeorgia's Middle District.[6] In January 2014, Blackwell was promoted to co-host ofNew Day Saturday and Sunday withChristi Paul.[7]
On April 19, 2021, he began co-hosting a two-hour afternoon block ofCNN Newsroom withAlisyn Camerota.On March 25, 2023, Blackwell returned to weekend mornings to co-anchorCNN This Morning withAmara Walker. He announced that this was a permanent assignment.
In August 2023, CNN announced a major overhaul of its weekday/weekend programming, in making that announcement Blackwell was named host of a new weekend show calledFirst of All with Victor Blackwell. He will continue as host ofCNN This Morning.[8]
In 2009, Blackwell received a RegionalEmmy Awards for Outstanding Feature Reporting.[9] He was also nominated for a Regional Emmy in 2007,[10] 2008,[11] and 2011.[12] Blackwell also received a RegionalEdward R. Murrow Award for his reporting on theStop Snitchin' phenomenon and its impact on inner-city crime.[13] Blackwell received the Unity Award from theRadio Television Digital News Association in 2007 for his reporting on the high school graduation rate of black boys.[14]
Blackwell came out as gay on CNN on December 21, 2013, in an on-air conversation with co-anchorPamela Brown.[15][16]
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