On this day one year ago, the world lost pioneering African American journalist Gwen Ifill. Now, her alma mater, Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts, is set to name a school in her honor.
After graduating from Simmons with a communications degree in 1977, Ifill went on to become a part of the first all-female co-anchor team in the history of network broadcasting, the first woman of color to moderate a presidential debate since 1992, and one of “America’s leading lights in journalism.”
Ifill’s alma mater announced the Gwen Ifill College of Media, Arts and Humanities on Tuesday, the first anniversary of her passing. Ifill’s cousin, Sherrilyn Ifill, who is the President & Director-Counsel of LDF (NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund), said of the news:
“A year ago today, we lost a legend in American journalism, the great Gwen Ifill,” Sherrilyn wrote on Twitter. “I can think of no more fitting honor for her work than today’s announcement from her alma mater.”
Pictured: Sherrilyn and Gwen Ifill
Last year, Ifill passed away of endometrial cancer. She was 61-years-old. Her incredible legacy remains an inspiration to us all.