By Edward Henderson
On Friday, April 28th, the San Diego Association of Black Journalists will host an intimate evening with HLN’s Michaela Pereira at the Red Card Café. Raffle prizes include tickets to the La Jolla Playhouse and a gift certificate to the Cohn Group Restaurants. Proceeds from the raffle go towards SDABJ’s scholarship fund which is awarded to deserving high school students interested in the field of journalism.
Pereira is the host of ‘MichaeLA’, HLN’s two hour daily news program from 8-10am PT and 11-1pm ET. The show highlights the important news stories nationwide while adding a unique perspective and dialogue from diverse voices. Attendees will enjoy a keynote from Pereira detailing her journey in journalism and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way.
“I believe there is power in sharing our stories with one another,” said Pereira. “It helps us not to feel so alone and isolated. Granted, everyone’s life path is different, but sharing the struggles along the way, the things you had to persevere through and the self-doubt can speak to people that are on their own path.”
The Canadian born journalist joined CNN in 2012 and was the co-host of “New Day” with Chris Cuomo and Alisyn Camerota. For nine years, Pereira was the co-host of “KTLA Morning News,” Los Angeles’ number one rated morning newscast. Her success garnered the opportunity with HLN to compete with other morning show news formats.
“I recognize I’m in privileged air having my own national show, but I feel a great deal of responsibility. When I first started out, there weren’t a lot of people who looked like me on the air. For people who are coming up, they see more of us on TV and in potions of authority. That gives me great hope. It’s up to us to light the way.”
Pereira further illuminates this responsibility through the work she does when the studio cameras turn off. She’s active in several community organizations working with at-risk youth and is a long standing member with the National Association of Black Journalists.
“We see so much more diversity in our newsrooms these days. That makes me so happy. I think it’s so important the work we do here to make sure journalists of color are telling our stories in newsrooms that aren’t just sitting on the outskirts looking in. All of those stories and perspectives have value.”
This Friday, Pereira hopes to convey an inspiring message to young journalists, encouraging them to stay internally focused in a world that pulls them in many different directions to find worth and success.
“Never lose the true essence of who you are. There is only one you in this world. That person makes you uniquely qualified when you go out and tell stories. Know why you’re doing what you’re doing. Some get attracted by the spotlight, perceived power, money or prestige. That stuff fades and doesn’t really matter. What is true is the quality of your reporting, the stories you get to tell and how it feels at the end of the day.”
Tickets for the event are $35 and can be purchased at Red Card Café Friday or online at sdabj.org.
