A historic moment unfolded at the 56th National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as MSNBC President Rashida Jones was inducted into the esteemed sisterhood as an Honorary Member. The induction ceremony in Indianapolis celebrated Jones’ outstanding career in journalism and her groundbreaking role as the first African-American woman to head a major cable news network.
Rashida Jones began her journey in journalism while still a senior in college at Hampton University, serving as a morning show producer at WTKR in Norfolk, Virginia. Over the years, she honed her skills and moved up the ranks, becoming a director of live programming at The Weather Channel in 2009.
Her career continued to soar as she assumed various leadership roles in media organizations. Jones served as news director at WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina, before making her way to New York City as an executive producer for daytime shows at MSNBC. Her exemplary work earned her the position of managing editor at MSNBC and senior vice president of specials for NBC News and MSNBC, where she played a crucial role in leading news programming on both networks.
One of Jones’ notable contributions was expanding the town-hall concept to reach a wider audience, including a groundbreaking criminal justice special filmed at Sing Sing correctional facility. Her dedication to innovative and impactful programming set new standards in the industry.
During her tenure as senior vice president, Jones oversaw a significant shift in news coverage from election-focused reporting to comprehensive coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing her ability to adapt to critical global events.
On February 1, 2021, Rashida Jones achieved a historic milestone when she succeeded Phil Griffin as the president of MSNBC, becoming the first African-American woman to lead a major cable news network. Her appointment marked a pivotal moment in media representation and a testament to her exceptional leadership in the field.
The induction of Rashida Jones into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. adds another remarkable chapter to her journey, celebrating her accomplishments and commitment to making a difference in the world of journalism. As a trailblazer and a champion of diversity and inclusion, Jones exemplifies the values upheld by Delta Sigma Theta.
The 56th National Convention in Indianapolis served as a platform to honor and empower outstanding individuals like Rashida Jones, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to society and celebrating their groundbreaking achievements. As she joins the distinguished sisterhood, Jones’ presence will undoubtedly inspire future generations of leaders to break barriers and create positive change.
Alongside Jones, the roster of distinguished inductees for this year’s 2023 convention include Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson; former Chairman and CEO of BET Networks, Debra Lee; Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins; prominent television executive and producer, Channing Dunge; retired WNBA legend and Olympic gold medalist, Tamika Catchings; and esteemed businesswoman and technology entrepreneur, Phyllis Newhouse.
We at Watch The Yard would like to warmly welcome Rashida Jones to Black greekdom.
