Betty Bayé facts for kids

Betty Winston Bayé, born on April 12, 1946, is an amazing African-American journalist and writer. She used to write columns and was part of the editorial team for The Courier-Journal newspaper in Louisville, Kentucky. Betty Bayé also hosted her own TV show called The Betty Bayé Show. She is a former Vice President of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and has been honored in their 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 did not go to college right away. She worked as a clerical worker. In the late 1960s, she followed her dream to become an actress. She studied at The National Black Theater in Harlem.

Pursuing Higher Education

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

Journalism Career

Betty Bayé had many different jobs throughout her life. She started as a clerical worker before going to college.

Early Reporting Days

Her first job as a reporter was in Mt. Vernon, New York. She worked for the Daily Argus from 1980 to 1984. After that, she became a reporter for The Courier-Journal from 1984 to 1986.

Working at The Courier-Journal

At The Courier-Journal, Betty joined the editorial board. She worked as an assistant city editor from 1986 to 1988. Then, she became an assistant neighbors editor from 1988 to 1990. From 1990 to 1991, she took a break from the newspaper. She became a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University. She returned to The Courier-Journal after her time at Harvard. She wrote for the Courier for almost 30 years.

Beyond Newspapers

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

Important Writings

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" and "Work Sister Work". She is also mentioned in the book "Passing for Black: The Life and Careers of Mae Stret Kidd".

Standing Up for Diverse Voices

For many years, The Courier-Journal newspaper had only one black columnist on its editorial board. That person was Betty Bayé. On June 21, 2011, the Gannett Company reduced its staff. Betty Bayé and many other editorial workers lost their jobs. The NABJ reported that very few black journalists were left at Gannett. A study by The American Society of News Editors showed that most newsroom supervisors were white.

Betty Bayé believed it was important to have black columnists. She said, "if it were not for black columnists who are thinking black, many of these [social] issues would not arise." After losing her job, Betty became an independent journalist. She also became a published author, motivational speaker, and storyteller. She uses these roles to help other African Americans understand their importance. Her writings often help people see different points of view.

Impact and Contributions

Betty Bayé is known as a journalist, TV interviewer, author, and lecturer. She worked for the Gannett Company for a long time. Her career in journalism lasted 32 years. She worked for The Courier-Journal for 27 years. During that time, she was a journalist, columnist, and part of the editorial board. She hosted her own show, "The Betty Bayé Show", for six years. She also leads the University of Louisville Black Family Conference.

Published Works

• 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 Recognition

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

See also

• National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame