'She was legendary': Black journalists speak on Jovita Moore's impact following her death

Shaynah Ferreira met Atlanta news anchor Jovita Moore and told her she hoped to be as great of an anchor as her one day. Moore answered, "I believe in you, go do it."

The pair met at a 2019 National Association of Black Journalists conference, an industry gathering Moore frequented. Her goal? "Building up Black young journalists," said Ferreira, an anchor and reporter for Fox 29 Philadelphia.

Dave Jordan, an Emmy-nominated journalist turned public affairs executive, agreed. "Young journalists, mentoring them, going to NABJ conferences, that was her soft spot," said Jordan, who met Moore at the 2008 NABJ conference. "She didn't stop behind the anchor's desk, she went to help the community."

Moore, who worked and anchored for Channel 2 News in Atlanta since 1998, died Thursday, seven months after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. The longtime journalist was diagnosed with glioblastoma earlier this year and is survived by her mother and two children.

Moore impacted not only news and viewers in Atlanta, but also Black journalists across the country who looked up to her as "an icon, class act and blueprint," Ferreira said.

Remembering Jovita Moore:Longtime Atlanta news anchor Jovita Moore dies after battle with brain cancer

"Jovita was unapologetically Black and owned everything she was. Just by being her, she gave us Black journalists permission to be us. She walked in her excellence and showed us we can do the same," Ferreira said.

She credits Moore with building up an entire generation of Black journalists who looked at her career and "aspired to be like her."

Jewel Wicker, a freelance journalist, also saw Moore speak at an in-person NABJ event and was in awe of how Moore's authenticity shined even brighter in person than behind the anchor desk. Before committing to a career in journalism, Wicker was inspired by Moore.

"I had the privilege of growing up in Atlanta and seeing Black anchors like Moore on my screen. But she showed me how to be a journalist with kindness, grace and integrity," Wicker said. "She showed all of Atlanta how to earn success with kindness and authenticity. She was legendary."

Moore's legacy of being a great mother and journalist is felt across the country, Wicker said. "She was legendary."

Jordan has called Moore a friend for over 12 years now and described her as a "light, honest and caring person." Following Moore's death yesterday, Jordan said he remained in a fog and state of shock as he processed the passing of a woman who helped shape the careers and lives of so many journalists. 

Moore also worked hard for her children and faith-based organizations she supported, he said. It was in her nature to spread positivity and professionalism, and to help where she could, Jordan said.

"I want her remembered as the great friend she was and as the great mentor to Black journalists she was," Jordan said. "She had an open hand and an open heart and this is a huge loss to the industry, to Atlanta and the country."

Follow Gabriela Miranda on Twitter: @itsgabbymiranda