Ethel Payne was one of Washington’s first prominent Black woman journalists. She was a pioneer who unapologetically questioned members of Congress and the White House about tough issues, including race relations, geopolitical struggles, and the Civil Rights Movement. Payne was no stranger to the horrors of war, reporting on the conflicts which unfolded throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. She worked for organizations such as the Chicago Defender, CBS, and Fisk University, always seeking to expose the truth and educate the public on contemporary issues. Throughout her lifetime she received numerous awards and she is remembered today for her candor and dedication.
