April Ryan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
April Ryan
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Ryan in 2019
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| Born |
April Danielle Ryan
September 5, 1967 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
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| Education | Morgan State University (BA) |
| Occupation | Correspondent |
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Notable credit(s)
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The Grio |
April Danielle Ryan, born on September 5, 1967, is an American journalist and author. She is well-known as a White House Correspondent for The Grio. Since 2023, she has also been a political contributor for MSNBC.
Before joining The Grio, April Ryan worked as a White House correspondent and bureau chief for American Urban Radio Networks from 1997 to 2020. She also appeared on CNN as a political analyst. In 2017, the National Association of Black Journalists honored her as "Journalist of the Year."
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April Ryan's Journalism Journey
April Ryan is a graduate of Morgan State University, where she earned a degree in broadcast journalism. She has also received honorary doctorates from Morgan State, Claflin University, and Goucher College. Before becoming a reporter, she started her media career as a jazz disc jockey.
Early Career in Radio
Before covering the White House, April Ryan worked at various radio stations. These included WEAA-FM at Morgan State University and WXYV-FM in Baltimore, Maryland. At WXYV-FM, she was the news director.
Reporting from the White House
April Ryan has been a member of the White House press corps for 27 years. She reported for American Urban Radio Networks from January 1997 until November 2020. She is also a member of the National Press Club. She is one of only three African Americans to have served on the board of the White House Correspondents' Association.
As a White House correspondent, April Ryan has covered five different presidents. She has interviewed many important figures, including Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, George W. Bush, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, and John Kerry.
Asking Tough Questions
After Donald Trump became president, April Ryan often asked him and his press secretary, Sean Spicer, important questions. For example, in 2017, she asked President Trump if he planned to meet with the Congressional Black Caucus. She also asked about Trump's connections with Russia.
As one of the few African Americans in the White House press corps, April Ryan often asks questions about issues important to minority communities. She believes it is important for all voices to be heard in the press room. She once said, "If you want to label me a black reporter, I take it with a badge of honor." She also explained that having diverse reporters helps bring up stories that might otherwise be missed.
April Ryan believes that the main goal of journalists is to provide accurate information to the public. She stated that it's about "freedom of the press" and "informing the masses."
Books and Other Work
April Ryan has written two books. Her first book, The Presidency in Black and White: My Up-Close View of Three Presidents and Race in America, was published in 2015. It was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Her second book, At Mama's Knee: Mothers and Race in Black and White, came out in 2016. Her writing has also appeared in Politico. She also has a blog called Fabric of America, which focuses on minority issues in the United States.
Awards and Special Honors
In May 2017, the National Association of Black Journalists recognized April Ryan as their "Journalist of the Year."
On July 11, 2019, she became an honorary member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
April Ryan's Family Life
April Ryan grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where she still lives. She has two daughters named Ryan and Grace. On October 14, 2023, April Ryan married James Ewing, a retired naval officer.
