Delores Edwards, executive producer of GBH’s “Basic Black,” has guided the show to an award from the National Association of Black Journalists.
The longest-running program on public television focusing on the interests of people of color was honored in the “Top 15 Markets: Public Affairs: Interview/Discussion” category for the episode “Basic Black: Natural Hair Glory/The CROWN Act,” exploring legislation to protect against hair discrimination. “Basic Black” was created in 1968 as “Say Brother.”
Besides Edwards, the award went to guest host Kristen L. Pope, associate producer Kenrick Mercado, director Bill Francis and editor Jack Doyle. The announcement was made in early August at the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in Birmingham, Alabama.
“The exemplary journalism celebrated by the prestigious NABJ awards builds on GBH’s long-standing commitment to exploring the Black experience in America,” said Susan Goldberg, president and CEO of GBH.
“Basic Black” airs at 7:30 pm Fridays on Channel 2, Facebook and YouTube. The show’s season runs from October through June.
A native of New York City, Edwards has served as executive producer of “Basic Black” since 2016. She is a veteran of network television, having worked for CBS, ABC, OWN and BET. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Northeastern University and a master’s in journalism from Columbia University.
“I’m proud NABJ recognized ‘Basic Black’ with this award,” Edwards said. “This episode celebrates the beauty of natural hair, but also the importance of the CROWN Act, which safeguards the right of Black women, men, Indigenous and people of color to wear their hair however they choose.”
Also honored with a NABJ award was Callie Crossley, host of GBH’s radio talk show, “Under the Radar,” for her commentaries. Another veteran of network TV, Crossley was honored in the “Radio — Top 15 Markets: Commentary” category, an award she has won multiple times. Her commentaries are heard each Monday morning on 89.7 FM in Greater Boston and are available online at www.gbhnews.org.
With studios and a newsroom headquartered in Brighton, GBH, formerly known as WGBH, is the leading multiplatform creator for public media in America.
