“The Breakthrough” by Gwen Ifill
Cover of The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama
"In The Breakthrough, veteran journalist Gwen Ifill surveys the American political landscape, shedding new light on the impact of Barack Obama's stunning presidential victory and introducing the emerging young African American politicians forging a bold new path to political power" (Bookshop).
Gwen Ifill (1955-2016) was an award-winning journalist and author who made history as one of the first Black Latina women to host a US public affairs program that was nationally televised. As a pioneer, Gwen Ifill paved a path for others as she courageously pursued reporting to “tell the stories that shed light and spur action.” She died due to cancer complications at the age of 61.
The daughter of immigrant parents from Barbados and Panama, “Gwen represented the most American of success stories” in the words of her cousin Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. As an African American of both Latina and Caribbean heritage, Gwen Ifill broke through many racial and gender barriers when she covered eight presidential campaigns, moderated two vice-presidential debates, and served 17 years on the PBS NewsHour and as moderator and managing editor of “Washington Week" (PBS).
The PBS article linked above pays tribute to her legacy by highlighting a moment of the 2004 Vice Presidential debate:
"I want to talk to you about AIDS — and not about AIDS in China or Africa — but AIDS right here in this country,” she said. “Black women between the ages of 25 and 44 are 13 times more likely to die of the disease than their counterparts. What should the government’s role be in helping to end the growth of this epidemic?”
After describing the epidemic as “a great tragedy” against which America had “made great progress,” Cheney admitted he wasn’t aware of the data about black women in America.
Gwen Ifill on PBS NewsHour at the Republican National Convention, August 2012
Gwen Ifill’s thoughtful questions and dedication to justice continue to inspire many. In 2020, the USPS honored Ifill by selecting her as the 43rd stamp in the Black Heritage series. In a recent Remezcla article, Gwen is celebrated as one of “8 Afro Latinos Who Made Important Contributions to US History." There are many more names, so books such as “The Afro-Latin@ Reader: History and Culture in the United States” by Miriam Jiménez Román and “An African American and Latinx History of the United States” by Paul Ortiz exist to raise awareness of the intersectional and shared experiences across and within cultures.
And her influence continues today, elevating and inspiring many other women of color journalists. In “Dear Gwen,” a collection of letters from journalists of color compiled by PBS, you can hear how Ifill’s work has inspired a new generation of Black and brown women (PBS). The series highlights incredible journalists, including Yamiche Alcindor at PBS, Hannah Allam of the Washington Post, Kat Chow, who most recently reported for NPR, Krissah Thompson of the Washington Post, as well as Nia-Malika Henderson, Tanzina Vega, Kenya Downs, Pamela Kirkland and Jasmine Wright. Their work, along with so many others, will transform this industry for good, and carry on Gwen Ifill’s legacy.
Reflection Questions
- What is the role of journalism in documenting our history?
- What news outlets do you follow? How many writers of color are highlighted? How many women of color?
- How has news coverage influenced your perspective on racial equity over the past year?
- Why is it important to have more diverse representation in news?
Learn More
- Follow Black-led news outlets, including Capital B News, Prism, and Scalawag Magazine.
- Donate to the Ida B. Wells Scholarship Fund at the Newmark J-School to support diversity in journalism.
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