Following Jovita Moore’s death, Black journalists call her “legandary”
Shaynah Ferreira met Atlanta information anchor Jovita Moore and instructed her she hoped to be as nice of an anchor as her someday. Moore answered, “I consider in you, go do it.”
The pair met at a 2019 Nationwide Affiliation of Black Journalists convention, an trade gathering Moore frequented. Her objective? “Build up Black younger journalists,” mentioned Ferreira, an anchor and reporter for Fox 29 Philadelphia.
Dave Jordan, an Emmy-nominated journalist turned public affairs government, agreed. “Younger journalists, mentoring them, going to NABJ conferences, that was her mushy spot,” mentioned Jordan, who met Moore on the 2008 NABJ convention. “She did not cease behind the anchor’s desk, she went to assist the group.”
Moore, who labored and anchored for Channel 2 Information in Atlanta since 1998, died Thursday, seven months after being identified with an aggressive type of mind most cancers. The longtime journalist was identified with glioblastoma earlier this 12 months and is survived by her mom and two youngsters.
Moore impacted not solely information and viewers in Atlanta, but in addition Black journalists throughout the nation who regarded as much as her as “an icon, class act and blueprint,” Ferreira mentioned.
Remembering Jovita Moore:Longtime Atlanta news anchor Jovita Moore dies after battle with brain cancer
“Jovita was unapologetically Black and owned every part she was. Simply by being her, she gave us Black journalists permission to be us. She walked in her excellence and confirmed us we are able to do the identical,” Ferreira mentioned.
She credit Moore with build up a whole technology of Black journalists who checked out her profession and “aspired to be like her.”
Jewel Wicker, a contract journalist, additionally noticed Moore converse at an in-person NABJ occasion and was in awe of how Moore’s authenticity shined even brighter in individual than behind the anchor desk. Earlier than committing to a profession in journalism, Wicker was impressed by Moore.
“I had the privilege of rising up in Atlanta and seeing Black anchors like Moore on my display screen. However she confirmed me the right way to be a journalist with kindness, grace and integrity,” Wicker mentioned. “She confirmed all of Atlanta the right way to earn success with kindness and authenticity. She was legendary.”
Moore’s legacy of being an awesome mom and journalist is felt throughout the nation, Wicker mentioned. “She was legendary.”
Jordan has referred to as Moore a good friend for over 12 years now and described her as a “gentle, trustworthy and caring individual.” Following Moore’s loss of life yesterday, Jordan mentioned he remained in a fog and state of shock as he processed the passing of a lady who helped form the careers and lives of so many journalists.
Moore additionally labored laborious for her youngsters and faith-based organizations she supported, he mentioned. It was in her nature to unfold positivity and professionalism, and to assist the place she might, Jordan mentioned.
“I need her remembered as the good good friend she was and because the nice mentor to Black journalists she was,” Jordan mentioned. “She had an open hand and an open coronary heart and this can be a large loss to the trade, to Atlanta and the nation.”
Comply with Gabriela Miranda on Twitter: @itsgabbymiranda