Adrianne Baughns-Wallace facts for kids

Adrianne Baughns-Wallace (born in 1944) is a famous American journalist. She made history by becoming the first African-American television news 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 was born in The Bronx, New York. She grew up in New York City. She went to St. Colombo School and Washington Irving School. Later, she studied at the University at Albany, SUNY. There, she focused on communications, which is about how people share information.

Before becoming a journalist, Adrianne had many different jobs. She worked for a telephone company and an automobile agency. She also worked for an airline. She even served in the Air Force as a pharmacy specialist.

A Career in Television News

Starting in TV

Adrianne Baughns-Wallace began her television career in Albany, New York, in 1973. She quickly moved to WFSB in Hartford, Connecticut, in August 1974. At WFSB, she started by writing and presenting the morning news. She also became a co-anchor for the noon Eyewitness News show.

Making History as an Anchor

In October 1978, Adrianne became a co-anchor for WFSB's 6 p.m. Eyewitness News. This was a big moment! She became the first woman to anchor an evening newscast in Connecticut. She was also the first African-American TV anchor in all of New England.

Adrianne left WFSB in June 1982. She wanted to start her own TV production company. She said she needed to focus on what was best for her son and their lives.

After WFSB

After leaving WFSB, Adrianne continued her work in television. She became an independent TV producer. She also hosted Essence, a TV show for black women. This program was shown on WPIX in New York City.

In 1983, Adrianne joined WTNH in New Haven, Connecticut. She helped to launch a new show called Newscope. This program combined local stories with national news.

Helping the Community

Operation Fuel

In the late 1980s, Adrianne Baughns-Wallace took on a new role. She became the director of Operation Fuel (OF). This is a non-profit organization. Operation Fuel helps people who are struggling to pay their utility bills. They provide money to the poor, elderly, and disabled. Adrianne found this work very important. A newspaper article 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 be the director of financial education. She taught people in Connecticut about how to manage their money responsibly. She helped them learn about saving and planning for the future. A newspaper called her "part facilitator, part advocate and part cheerleader" for her work.

Personal Life

Adrianne Baughns-Wallace has a son. She was married to Lenzy Wallace, who worked at The Hartford. He passed away in 2021.

Awards and Recognition

In 2000, Adrianne Baughns-Wallace received a special honor. She was inducted into the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame. This award is given to women who have broken barriers and achieved great things in Connecticut. Her achievements included 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.