Pictured: Rashida Jones, President of MSNBC and parent of High Tech freshman Jonathan.
Throughout the month of February, HCST will be recognizing the work and legacy of prominent Black Americans from our community. For our first installment, we recognize the work of High Tech parent and Hudson County resident Rashida Jones, who was recently named President of MSNBC, making her the first woman of color in this position at a major news network.
Like many of us, Ms. Jones’ professional journey began in high school, when she began writing for her school newspaper and cultivating plans to pursue a career in journalism. After high school, she studied at Hampton University and was working for a local television station when the terrorist attacks of September 11th occurred. She spent months detailing the events and aftermath to her audience. From here, Ms. Jones moved on to The Weather Channel, reporting on numerous hurricanes, tornados and other powerful weather phenomena before becoming news director for a successful South Carolina newsroom. In 2013, Ms. Jones and her family moved to New York City where she took on the role of executive producer at NBC and the rest, as they say, is history.
Ms. Jones says, “I am so grateful for the stories I’ve told, the people I’ve met and the careers I’ve inspired, particularly since being named President of MSNBC––the first woman of color to helm a major news network.”
In a message to the students of HCST, she adds: “I am also grateful for the future––for the work you guys are doing early in your careers to sow the seeds of what this world will look like for the next generation. As we all celebrate Black History Month, take time to celebrate the accomplishments of those who came before us, those who are making history right before our eyes and for those of you, walking the halls of schools across Hudson County, who are destined to change this world.”
We hope the work and accomplishments of Rashida Jones serve as an inspiration for our students, and we are grateful to have her as a member of our community.
