J. C. Hayward facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
J. C. Hayward
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Hayward speaks at the National Institutes of Health’s African-American History Month observance in 2012
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| Born | October 23, 1945 East Orange, New Jersey
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| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Education | Howard University, Southeastern University |
| Occupation | Journalist |
| Years active | 43 years (1972–2015) |
| Employer | WUSA9 |
| Known for | First woman to anchor news cast, Charter school scandal |
| Awards | NABJ Hall of Fame Honoree, "Washingtonian of the Year", local Emmys, International Film Festival Finalist, Board of Governors Award |
J. C. Hayward, born Jacqueline Hayward Wilson on October 23, 1945, is a famous American news anchor. She worked for WUSA9 in Washington, D.C., for many years. She is well-known for being the first woman to anchor a news show in Washington, D.C. She was also the first African American woman to present the news there.
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Early Life and Education
Jacqueline Hayward Wilson, known as J. C. Hayward, was born in East Orange, New Jersey. She attended Howard University, where she earned degrees in English and Spanish. She also received two special honorary doctorate degrees. These came from both Howard University and Southeastern University.
In 1972, Hayward started her career at WUSA9 as a news anchor. She worked there for a long time, until she retired in 2015. In 2012, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Luckily, the tumor was removed quickly, and she was declared cancer-free soon after.
J. C. Hayward now lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for most of the year.
Career at WUSA9 News
J. C. Hayward began her work as a news anchor at WUSA9 in 1973. She made history by becoming the first female news anchor in Washington, D.C. People who worked with her admired her greatly. They said she knew when to be serious and when to have fun.
Hayward was very involved with the community. This helped build a strong connection between her, the station, and the people watching. Besides anchoring WUSA9 News Now at Noon, she also produced a show called JC and Friends. Hayward also served as the vice-president for media outreach at the station.
In 2013, Hayward was temporarily taken off the air. This happened because her name was mentioned in a case involving a charter school. She was put on leave while the situation was investigated. In 2015, after nearly 43 years at WUSA9, J. C. Hayward announced her retirement. This decision followed the public discussion about the allegations.
Important Journalism Work
J. C. Hayward had the chance to interview many important people during her career. She spoke with extraordinary individuals like Maya Angelou, Luciano Pavarotti, and First Lady Nancy Reagan. Hayward also reported on major events of her time.
For example, she covered the visit of South African President Nelson Mandela to the United States. She even had a special interview with him. Hayward was also a co-host for "Every Women," a daily talk show on Channel 9. During Black History Month, she created segments like "Nine Who Care" to honor community volunteers. She also highlighted local children in "Nine Amazing Kids."
Involvement with Options Charter School
J. C. Hayward was also known for her connection to Options Public Charter School. In 2013, her name was included in a lawsuit. It involved five people who were said to have created companies that worked with the school for profit. Hayward was a chairwoman for Options. She received $8,500 for attending board meetings. During these meetings, she signed contracts to provide money for Exceptional Education Services (EES).
In 2015, Hayward was cleared of the charges. She also paid back the $8,500 she had received to the school.
Community Impact
J. C. Hayward made a lasting difference in the news industry. When she started, female news anchors were not common. She helped open doors for other women in journalism.
She was active in many community groups and projects. For example, she was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Options Public Charter School. She also served on the boards of other organizations. These included Perry Center, Hospice Caring, and the Legal Defense Fund of NAACP. Hayward also supported the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. In 2012, she was the Gala Chair for Arena Stage.
After her own battle with breast cancer, Hayward encouraged more African-American women to get mammograms. She wanted to help others stay healthy.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, J. C. Hayward earned many awards for her work. In 1972, she received two local Emmy awards. These were for her documentary called Sahel: The Border of Hell. In 1976, she won another local Emmy for Best Newscaster.
In 1980, she received a Bronze Medal from the International Film Festival. This was for her documentary We Shall Return. After interviewing boxer Riddick Bowe, Hayward earned another local Emmy in 1994. In 1995, she received the Board of Governor's Award. She also got another local Emmy for "truly outstanding achievement."
In 2000, Hayward was honored by the Society of Professional Journalists. She was inducted into their Journalism Hall of Fame. In 2007, Hayward received her final local Emmy. This was in the category of Outstanding Community Affairs. Along with all her Emmys, Hayward was also named "Washingtonian of the Year." In 2011, J. C. Hayward was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame.
See also
