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Another first #CapitalEmmys

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I recently read Charlamagne Tha God’s book, which basically chronicled his growing pains (from troubled young man living in Moncks Corner, South Carolina to popular radio personality in the number one market and across the nation). The main takeaway was that many achievements are usually not accomplished overnight, although social media may create an illusion.

With that in mind, I spent a lot of time thinking about the words I shared on instagram last night. I know my journey is just starting and I’m no Charlamagne, but it was important for me to point out that I didn’t magically win 2 Emmy awards.

As I mentioned in last night’s post (featured below), I have lots of people to thank.

Being a journalist is tough and making the decision to pursue this career was even more difficult. I had to first get over the doubt and the naysayers. I also had to reassure my parents that I would be ok, despite the low starting salary and unusual hours. I’m so glad they trusted me.

To be honest, I felt crazy in the first few months of my career.

I was a multimedia journalist (MMJ), in a town much smaller than what I was accustomed to in New York and New Jersey and I felt lonely in my first one bedroom apartment. I was often times homesick.

Eventually my colleagues became my family (which is typically what happens everywhere I work).

At my next stop, in Louisville, I felt a little more comfortable but I still felt homesick. I was even farther from my family (10 hours). I’m sure it’s a feeling many journalists can relate to.

Despite the loneliness I felt, I don’t regret one bit of any of those moments. They made me stronger. I learned so much in Louisville that I probably couldn’t learn anywhere else. Not only was I a better reporter, but I also found a few amazing friends. I believe they were placed in my life for a reason.

Being back in D.C. is a dream come true. I can’t quite put it into words. For the first few months, I wanted someone to pinch me. It feels familiar. It feels like home. It’s the city where I learned how to be a journalist and the young woman I am today.

This post wasn’t about the Emmy awards, it was a message to someone who needed a little extra motivation to keep going.

“If the ship doesn’t make it, you will.” – Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley

 

This Emmy Award is a reminder that all my sacrifices were not in vain. It’s a reminder that my dreams are real. A reminder that I am good enough. A reminder that nothing good comes easy. A reminder that God makes a way out of no way. Who would’ve thought that 15 years later, this Jamaican immigrant would accomplish all that I have. I don’t celebrate my accomplishments often, but this one is one that I’ve dreamt of for a long time. I have so many people to thank for this moment, including my many mentors, the many organizations that believed in me when I wasn’t sure I had what it takes (Howard University, NABJ, T. Howard, Meredith Cronkite Fellowship, UNC-CBC Diversity Fellowship and my current and former bosses who believe(d) in me. Thanks for taking a risk. This year the real MVP was my bae @samantha.chatman, who told me not to give up on my passion. Trust me, I was close. I love you. I can never repay you. And, last but not least, my rocks…my family (my siblings, aunts and uncles and my parents). A big shout out to my parents who have always showered with me love, which kept me going. #CapitalEmmys ———————— This Emmy was for our @nmaahc coverage. We witnessed and documented history. Thank you for that opportunity.

A post shared by Anna-Lysa Gayle (@annalysagayle) on Jun 24, 2017 at 6:30pm PDT

 

 

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Recap: Hurricane Matthew Coverage 

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Thank you all for your well wishes, while I tracked Hurricane Matthew in Charleston, SC. 

After killing hundreds in Haiti, more than two dozen were killed when Hurricane Matthew whipped through Florida, Georgia, Virginia and the Carolinas. 

“Matthew battered Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia for days before weakening and veering out to sea on Sunday. The powerful storm was blamed for the death of 35 people..” – ABC

My prayers go out to all those impacted by the powerful storm. 

The reports above, aired on ABC7, NC8 and our sister station ABC News 4 in South Carolina.

An unforgettable moment #makinghistory

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ppj

September 24, 2016 is a day I will never forget.

 

It’s a day that brought tears to my eyes and one that has inspired me to continue living out my dreams.

I started to get emotional during the dedication ceremony for the National Museum of African History and Culture, when Patti Labelle sang Sam Cooke’s ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’.

The song perfectly captured the mood, and it helped us to reflect on our painful history.

When I heard the words, “It has been a long time coming”, I instantly thought about my ancestors. I thought about slavery, the men and women who could not vote, those who experienced segregation and those who fought against those injustices.

In that moment, the museum was on display in the crowd. There were those, participating in the dedication ceremony, who represented the struggle for equal rights (like Rep. John Lewis).

“I can hear the distant voice of ancestors whispering by the night fire: ‘Steal away, steal away home, ain’t got long to stay here.’ A big bold choir shouting, ‘I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on freedom.’ All of the voices roaming, for centuries, have finally found a home here in this great monument to our pain, our suffering, and our victory.” – Civil Rights Icon Rep. John Lewis

Click here to read his full speech.

President Barack Obama, the first African-American president, was the symbol of hope. I look forward to telling my children about the day I watched him celebrate the first National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“Yes, this museum tells the story of people who’ve felt the indignity, the small and large humiliations of a whites only sign or wept at the side of Emmett Till’s coffin or fell to their knees on shards of stained glass outside a church where four little girls died. But it also tells the story of the black and white youth sitting alongside each other, straight backed, so full of dignity on those lunch counter stools. The story of six-year-old Ruby Bridges — pigtails, fresh pressed dress — walking that gauntlet to get to school. Tuskegee Airmen soaring the skies, not just to beat a dictator, but to reaffirm the promise of our democracy and remind us that all of us are created equal.”- President Barack Obama

Click here to read his full speech.

 

 

I have not seen the entire museum, but I did have a chance to take a look at some of the exhibits. Here’s a recap:

 

 

 

 

 

7-year-old Boy Dressed as Klansman for Halloween

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What are your thoughts on this story?

Do you think the costume is controversial?

This story aired on WHSV’s news at 11 PM. Visit WHSV.com for more on this story. 

Please be respectful when leaving comments.

First appearance on mtvU

Professional Development, Story Development

There are few things that make me excited.

Hearing feedback from my peers, mentors and family members is certainly one of them.

Thank you to all who notified me that my first story aired on mtvU and provided words of encouragement.

I’m at the beginning stages of my career where everything is happening so sporadically. It makes me anxious for what’s to come.

My first story surrounded a sophomore print journalism major who is working as a Obama fellow.

I partnered with Eugenia Finizio who profiled a student at George Washington University that is working closely with the Romney Campaign, together we told a story about “two students doing more than just voting this election”.

Click here to watch the piece now on mtvU.com.

We are 3 days away from the elections. Considering all the hard work that  has gone into both campaigns, it is only right that you go out and vote. When voting, consider the party that you think most fits your needs, the person who will represent our country in the right light, the candidate who will make the changes you would like to see. I’m not telling you who to vote for, but please cast your vote. #VOTE2012

Apply for the T. Howard Foundation Today!

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T. Howard Foundation Class of 2012 Summer Intern Orientation

Photos by Anna-Lysa Gayle

The T. Howard Foundation is a non-profit organization that partners with major media companies to provide paid full-time summer internships in the multimedia and entertainment industry to minority students. The Foundation defines minority students as those who self identify as African-American/Black, Asian/Asian-American, Latino/Hispanic, Multi-Racial, Native American, Pacific Islander or South Asian. –T. Howard Foundation  

Interested in interning with the best companies in the multimedia and entertainment industry? Then I highly recommend that you apply to be a member of the T. Howard Foundation.

Why should you apply?

I joined the T. Howard Foundation, during the Summer of 2011 after landing an internship with one of its host companies. I thought it would be a great opportunity to explore career options within the multimedia industry. Turned out it was more than that.

The T. Howard Foundation doesn’t just throw students into an internship, it properly prepares them with the skills to advance. Once students are selected by a host company, they are then required to attend a three-day internship orientation which features notable speakers from different sectors within the multimedia and entertainment industry. It is the motivation that students need to steer them towards a job they are passionate about.

Through the foundation, I have interned with host companies such as Showtime Networks and the Cable News Network (CNN).

My host companies focused on giving interns an overview of the positions available to them. The foundation stresses that the main goal is to pair students with jobs in the industry. The foundation’s staff is sincere and always willing to assist students as needed.

Deadlines:

1st Deadline: October 31st

Final Deadline: December 1st

Click here to read more about the application process.

Featured above are a few photos that I took during the foundation’s summer 2012 internship orientation. Students were temporarily housed at Columbia University for three days. We enjoyed workshops inside the Yankee Stadium for two out of the three days. On the last day of orientation, seminars took place inside Viacom studios.

Interested?

Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions that you may have.

Apply Today!