Betty Bayé facts for kids

Betty Winston Bayé (born April 12, 1946) is an African-American journalist and writer. She was a columnist and part of the editorial team for The Courier-Journal newspaper in Louisville, Kentucky. Betty Bayé also hosted "The Betty Bayé Show" on TV. She is a former Vice President of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). She has also been honored in the NABJ Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Education

Betty Winston Bayé grew up in New York City with her two sisters. Her parents were George and Betty Winston. After high school, Betty didn't go straight to college. She worked as a clerical worker for a while. In the late 1960s, she followed her dream to become an actress. She studied at The National Black Theater in Harlem.

Later, Betty decided to go to college. In 1979, she earned her bachelor's degree. She studied communications at Hunter College. The next year, in 1980, she got her master's degree. This was in journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.

A Career in Journalism

Betty Bayé had many different jobs throughout her life. She started as a clerical worker before going to college. Her journalism career began in Mt. Vernon, New York. She worked for the Daily Argus newspaper from 1980 to 1984.

After that, she joined The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Kentucky. She was a reporter there from 1984 to 1986. She then became an assistant city editor from 1986 to 1988. From 1988 to 1990, she was an assistant neighbors editor.

Learning at Harvard

From 1990 to 1991, Betty took a break from the newspaper. She became a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University. This is a special program for journalists to study and learn more. After her time at Harvard, she returned to The Courier-Journal. She wrote for the newspaper for almost 30 years.

Besides her newspaper work, Betty also wrote for magazines. These included Essence Magazine and Main Man. She also hosted her own TV show, "The Betty Bayé Show", for six years. She also appeared on the "Travis Smiley Show". Betty also served as the vice president of the NABJ.

Books and Contributions

Betty Bayé has written two books. Her first book, "The Africans", was published in 1983. Her second book, "Blackbird", came out in 2000. She also contributed to other book collections. These include "Family Affairs: What It Means to be African American Today". She also contributed to "Tribe Became a Nation" and "Work Sister Work". She is also mentioned in the book "Passing for Black: The Life and Careers of Mae Stret Kidd".

Speaking Out for Fairness

For many years, Betty Bayé was the only African-American columnist on the editorial board of The Courier-Journal. In 2011, the newspaper's owner, Gannett Company, reduced its staff. Betty and many other workers lost their jobs.

This event highlighted a bigger issue in newsrooms. A study found that most newsroom leaders were white. Betty Bayé believed it was important for different voices to be heard. She said that if black columnists didn't share their thoughts, many important social issues might not be discussed.

After losing her job, Betty became an independent journalist. She also became a novelist, motivational speaker, and storyteller. She uses these ways to connect with other African Americans. She wants to help them see their importance, just like people of any other background. Her writings often help people understand new points of view.

Impact and Influence

Betty Bayé is known as a journalist, TV interviewer, author, and speaker. She worked for the Gannett Company for a long time. Her career in journalism lasted 32 years. She spent 27 of those years at The Courier-Journal. There, she was a journalist, columnist, and part of the editorial board.

She hosted her own TV show, "The Betty Bayé Show", for six years. She also leads the University of Louisville Black Family Conference. This shows her dedication to her community.

Writings

• Betty Bayé, "Let's Talk Black", in Thinking Black: Some of the Nation's Best Black Columnists Speak Their Mind, edited by Dewayne Wikham. Crown Publishing Group, 1997.
• Betty Bayé, Blackbird. Newport News, Va.: August Press, 2000.

Awards and Honors

• NABJ Hall of Fame 2013
• Simmons College of Kentucky, honorary doctorate of humanities

See also

• National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame