In Memory of Gwen Ifill

The loss of political commentator, journalist, and role model Gwen Ifill this Monday was an unexpected tragedy that brought out strong emotions in me that I was completely unaware I possessed. Learning of her humbling legacy of the ‘70s all the way up to this final year of her life had an overwhelmingly emotional reception throughout my entire family.

Besides being the first African-American host on a political talk show with “Washington Week in Review” and decades of reporting from the front lines every night to millions of Americans, she managed to continue working despite her cancer diagnosis in this past year.

I watched her work nearly every night for the past two years and I never once noticed anything less than her typically amazing work. She not only was a co-anchor with Judy Woodruff on the “PBS Newshour” nightly, but she even went on special assignment and covered this historic election.

If you asked me before Ifill’s death who I admired the most in this world of journalists, I wouldn’t have hesitated to admit her to be to one of the most inspirational reporters of our time and the most trusted voice on television. I wish for many of our dedicated readers to just take a moment to recognize the unwaveringly brilliant work of a beloved reporter who died tragically young.