We are crushing on Joy-Ann Reid

An outstanding journalist, political analyst, author, and cultural commentator.

We proudly celebrate the incomparable and brilliant Joy-Ann Reid—an outstanding journalist, political analyst, author, and cultural commentator who continues to shape conversations and challenge narratives through her fearless approach to journalism.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Denver, Colorado, Reid graduated from Harvard University in 1991 with a concentration in film. Her passion for media and communication propelled her into journalism, where she quickly stood out for her insightful political analysis and compelling storytelling.

Reid is also a 2003 Knight Center for Specialized Journalism fellow, a prestigious program that further sharpened her expertise.

Joy Reid’s journey through the media landscape is a testament to her talent, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements. Her career, marked by a series of historic milestones, reflects her unwavering commitment to journalism and storytelling. Let’s take a closer look at her remarkable path, following a clear chronological progression.

Reid’s career began to take shape in the early 2000s, when she made her mark in political communications. During the 2004 presidential campaign, she served as the Florida deputy communications director for the "America Coming Together" initiative, a role that showcased her ability to navigate the complexities of political messaging. Her passion for politics and communication continued to grow, and in 2008, she joined Barack Obama’s historic presidential campaign as a press aide in Florida, contributing to a movement that would redefine American politics.

Parallel to her work in politics, Reid was building a name for herself in journalism. She worked as an online news editor for NBC’s WTVJ in Miramar, Florida, and later became a talk radio host for Radio One. Her editorial prowess soon led her to theGrio.com, where she served as Managing Editor, focusing on stories that impacted African-American communities. During this time, she also contributed as a freelance columnist for the Miami Herald and maintained The Reid Report blog, offering sharp insights into politics, culture, and the intersections of race and power.

In February 2013, Reid took a significant step forward in her career when she began hosting The Reid Report, a daily MSNBC program known for its thoughtful analysis of national and international news. The show quickly gained a loyal following, thanks to Reid’s ability to break down complex issues with clarity and depth. She hosted the program until February 2014, solidifying her reputation as a trusted voice in journalism.

Reid’s influence continued to grow as she expanded her work into print and digital platforms. Her columns appeared in prominent outlets such as the Miami Herald, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, South Florida Times, and Salon.com, where she offered incisive commentary on the pressing issues of the day. She also authored several acclaimed books, including Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons, and the Racial Divide and The Man Who Sold America: Trump and the Unraveling of the American Story. Both works were praised for their fearless exploration of the racial and political divides shaping the nation.

In July 2020, Reid reached a historic milestone when MSNBC announced that she would host The ReidOut, a new Washington-based weeknight commentary show. Taking over the 7 p.m. Eastern time slot previously held by Chris Matthews’ Hardball, Reid became the first Black woman to anchor a prime-time news show on MSNBC—a groundbreaking achievement that cemented her place in media history. The ReidOut quickly became a platform for bold, insightful commentary, further establishing Reid as a leading voice in cable news.

Beyond her work in journalism, Reid has continued to expand her influence. She is currently producing The Fight Years, a documentary that explores Miami’s vibrant boxing scene during the 1950s and 1960s, shedding light on the intersection of sports, race, and culture during that era. This project is yet another example of her ability to uncover untold stories and bring them to life with depth and nuance.

Reid’s contributions have been widely recognized. She has received the Carol Jenkins Visible and Powerful Media Award and was honored with an honorary doctorate from Fisk University, acknowledging her profound impact on journalism and public discourse. These accolades are a testament to her dedication to excellence and her ability to inspire others through her work.

Joy Reid is more than a journalist—she is a force of nature. Whether on screen, in print, or behind the scenes, she consistently uplifts marginalized voices, challenges power structures, and speaks truth to power. Her brilliance, resilience, and commitment to authenticity have made her a beacon in the media landscape. She is a voice that cannot—and will not—be silenced.

We celebrate Joy Reid for her poise, authenticity, courage, and decisiveness. She is a trailblazer, a storyteller, and a visionary whose work continues to shape the way we understand the world. Her journey is a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and purpose, anything is possible.