Tony Brown (journalist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Brown
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Brown in 1981
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William Anthony Brown
April 11, 1933 |
| Occupation | Journalist, College Dean - Hampton University, President/CEO - Tony Brown Productions, academian, comedian, businessman |
William Anthony Brown was born on April 11, 1933. He is a well-known American journalist, a college professor, and a businessman. Many people know him best as the host of the long-running TV show Tony Brown's Journal. This show shared important ideas and discussions for many years.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Tony Brown grew up in Charleston, West Virginia. His parents were Royal Brown and Catherine Davis Brown. As a child, he went to public schools. He was a very good student and also enjoyed sports, especially track. He also liked acting in school plays.
Growing up, Tony Brown saw how segregation and poverty affected people. Segregation meant that Black and white people were kept separate, which was unfair. These experiences made him want to work for change when he became an adult. They shaped his strong views on how the U.S. government should help all people.
College Years
Tony Brown served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. After his military service, he went to college. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology, from Wayne State University in 1959. Sociology is the study of how people live together in groups and societies.
He continued his studies at Wayne State University. In 1961, he received his Master of Arts (MA) degree. This degree was in Psychiatric Social Work. This field helps people with mental health challenges and their families.
Career Highlights
Tony Brown has had a long and interesting career. He has worked in journalism, education, and even filmmaking.
Early Journalism Work
In 1962, Tony Brown started working as a drama critic for a newspaper called the Detroit Courier. A drama critic watches plays and writes reviews about them.
Television Career
Tony Brown became a very important person in television. In 1971, he became the executive producer of a monthly TV show called Black Journal. Sometimes, he also hosted the show. An executive producer is in charge of making sure the show gets made.
Later, in 1977, Black Journal changed its name. It became Tony Brown's Journal. This show became very popular and ran for a long time. It was known for discussing important topics and issues affecting the Black community and America as a whole.
Contributions to Education
Tony Brown also made a big impact in education. In 1972, he helped start the School of Communication at Howard University. He became its first dean. A dean is a leader in a college or university.
He also taught at other universities. He was a faculty member at Central Washington University and Federal City College.
Later in his career, in 2004, he became the dean of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications at Hampton University. He held this important position until 2009.
Other Accomplishments
Tony Brown has also worked on other projects. In 1988, he wrote, produced, and directed a film called The White Girl. This movie told the story of an African American student facing difficult challenges.
In 1998, he wrote a book titled Empower The People: A 7-Step plan to Overthrow the Conspiracy that is Stealing Your Money and Freedom. This book shared his ideas on how people can take control of their lives and finances.
In 2002, Tony Brown was honored for his work in television. He was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Silver Circle. This award recognizes people who have made important contributions to television for at least 25 years.
Personal Life
In 1990, Tony Brown joined the Republican Party. This is one of the two main political parties in the United States.
See Also
- Black conservatism in the United States
