Adrianne Baughns-Wallace facts for kids

Adrianne Baughns-Wallace, born in 1944, is a well-known American television journalist. She made history as the first African-American TV anchor in New England. She is also a respected member of the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Education

Adrianne Baughns-Wallace grew up in The Bronx, New York City. She attended St. Colombo School and Washington Irving School. Later, she studied communications at the University at Albany, SUNY. Before becoming a journalist, she worked in different jobs. She worked for a phone company, a car agency, and an airline. She also served in the Air Force as a pharmacy specialist.

Career Highlights

Television Journalism

Adrianne Baughns-Wallace started her TV career in Albany, New York, in 1973. In 1974, she moved to WFSB in Hartford, Connecticut. At WFSB, she wrote and presented the morning News Sign. She also became a co-anchor for the noon Eyewitness News.

In October 1978, Adrianne became a co-anchor for WFSB's 6 p.m. Eyewitness News. This made her the first female anchor of an evening news show in Connecticut. She left WFSB in 1982 to start her own TV production company. She wanted more time for her family. She said she needed to decide "what my son needed and what I needed for our lives."

After leaving WFSB, Adrianne became an independent TV producer. She also hosted Essence, a TV show for Black women on WPIX in New York City. In 1983, she joined WTNH in New Haven, Connecticut. There, she helped create Newscope, a program that combined local stories with national news.

Helping the Community

In the late 1980s, Adrianne Baughns-Wallace became the director of Operation Fuel. This is a non-profit organization that helps people. Operation Fuel provides money to help families, older adults, and people with disabilities. This money helps them pay their utility bills, like electricity or heating. A newspaper article in 1996 said she had "found her mission and purpose in life" through this work.

Working for the State

In 2001, Adrianne worked for the Connecticut treasurer's office. Her job was to teach people in Connecticut about managing their money. She helped citizens learn about smart financial planning. A newspaper called her "part facilitator, part advocate and part cheerleader" for her role.

Personal Life

Adrianne Baughns-Wallace has a son. Her second husband was Lenzy Wallace, who passed away in 2021. He worked as a manager at The Hartford.

Achievements and Awards

In 2000, Adrianne Baughns-Wallace was honored by being added to the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame. This award celebrates women who have broken barriers in their jobs, especially in Connecticut. She was recognized for being the first African-American TV anchor in New England. She was also the first female TV anchor in Connecticut. She also received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Council of Negro Women.