Gwen Ifill, First Black Woman To Host Political TV Show, Gets Her Own Stamp

Known for her excellence in journalism, former PBS anchor Gwen Ifill will be honored posthumously with her very own stamp.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced that Ifill will get her own “Forever Stamp” as a part of their Black Heritage series, which will be released in 2020. The 43rd stamp shows Ifill in a 2008 photo taken by photographer Robert Severi.

Born in Queens, New York, Ifill grew up in a large family with dreams of being a journalist. Her African Methodist background and the fact that her father was a preacher equipped her to hold a fair and objective view that influenced her journalistic style.

Her values and long track record earned her the moderator seat at the 2004 and 2008 vice-presidential debates. Ifill served as a reporter for major outlets The Washington Post and the New York Times.

Ifill was co-managing editor and co-anchor of PBS’ NewsHour and managing editor for Washington Week. In 1999, she became the first black woman to host a political TV show that was nationally televised.

Ifill passed away from cancer on November 14, 2016. She was 61.



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Betty Bema is the creator of The MouthSoap and Pabulum Entertainment. She produces digital shows Thinking Out Loud and TV, Film & Foolishness, while also managing editorials for TheMouthSoap.com.