Victor Blackwell facts for kids

Victor Blackwell (born September 25, 1981) is an American television news anchor. He currently helps host the weekend show CNN This Morning and also hosts his own show, First of All with Victor Blackwell, on CNN.

Early Life and School

Victor Blackwell was born on September 25, 1981. He grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. When he was in high school at Milford Mill Academy, he was the president of his graduating class in 1999.

After high school, Victor went to Howard University in Washington, D.C. There, he studied Broadcast Journalism and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. While he was in college, he gained experience by working at WHUT-TV, which is Howard University's public television station.

His Career in News

After finishing college, Victor Blackwell started his career in television news. He worked as a reporter and sometimes filled in as an anchor at WHAG-TV in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Later, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he worked as a reporter and weekend anchor for WTLV/WJXX. Victor then became the first black main anchor at WPBF in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Joining CNN

In 2012, Victor Blackwell joined CNN as a correspondent. He was based at CNN's office in the southeastern United States.

In January 2014, Victor was promoted. He became a co-host for the weekend morning show New Day Saturday and Sunday with Christi Paul.

On April 19, 2021, he started co-hosting a two-hour afternoon show called CNN Newsroom with Alisyn Camerota.

Current Roles at CNN

On March 25, 2023, Victor Blackwell returned to weekend mornings. He began co-anchoring CNN This Morning with Amara Walker. He announced that this would be his permanent role.

In August 2023, CNN announced some big changes to its weekend shows. As part of these changes, Victor Blackwell was named the host of a new weekend show called First of All with Victor Blackwell. He continues to be a host on CNN This Morning as well.

Awards and Recognitions

Victor Blackwell has received several awards for his work in journalism.

In 2009, he won a Regional Emmy Award for his excellent feature reporting. He was also nominated for a Regional Emmy in 2007, 2008, and 2011.

He also received a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award. This award was for his reporting on how certain community issues affected crime in cities.

In 2007, Victor Blackwell received the Unity Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association. This award recognized his reporting on the high school graduation rates of black boys.