WEBVTT X-TIMESTAMP-MAP=MPEGTS:90000,LOCAL:00:00:00.000 00:00:01.702 --> 00:00:05.472 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% - Hi, I'm Toni Williams, and this is Brooklyn Savvy. 00:00:06.573 --> 00:00:10.410 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:75% (rhythmic instrumental music) 00:00:20.621 --> 00:00:24.024 align:start line:10% position:33% size:70% Hi, I'm Toni Williams, and welcome to Brooklyn Savvy. 00:00:24.024 --> 00:00:28.262 align:start line:10% position:36% size:73% We are so pleased to have Lori Stokes on as our guest. 00:00:28.262 --> 00:00:31.632 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% Now, you were the news anchor for the morning 00:00:31.632 --> 00:00:33.033 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% and the afternoon news? - Right. 00:00:33.033 --> 00:00:34.534 align:middle line:79% position:48% size:18% - WABC? - Yes. 00:00:34.534 --> 00:00:36.436 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% - I think all of our viewers know that. (Lori laughs) 00:00:36.436 --> 00:00:38.305 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% And now you're gonna to be segueing 00:00:38.305 --> 00:00:40.607 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:75% into Good Day New York with-- 00:00:40.607 --> 00:00:42.676 align:start line:10% position:47% size:58% - That's right, I never thought, believe me, 00:00:42.676 --> 00:00:44.411 align:start line:10% position:44% size:78% after being-- - Yeah, how many years was it? 00:00:44.411 --> 00:00:47.781 align:start line:10% position:47% size:58% - At WABC for 17 years. - Oh, my word. 00:00:47.781 --> 00:00:51.718 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% - I was prepared just to sign up for another 00:00:51.718 --> 00:00:53.887 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% X amount of years and sort of go off into the sunset. 00:00:53.887 --> 00:00:55.188 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:81% - You were in your comfort zone. 00:00:55.188 --> 00:00:56.156 align:middle line:85% position:48% size:38% - Totally, yes. 00:00:56.156 --> 00:00:57.424 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:81% - You were in your comfort zone. 00:00:57.424 --> 00:01:00.494 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% - Never did I think at 55 I would shift gears-- 00:01:00.494 --> 00:01:01.728 align:middle line:79% position:42% size:53% - Does she look 55? (panelists laughing) 00:01:01.728 --> 00:01:04.531 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% - And start all over at a brand new place. 00:01:04.531 --> 00:01:07.501 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - When I used to hear your last name, Stokes, 00:01:07.501 --> 00:01:10.470 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% and it did remind me of someone 00:01:10.470 --> 00:01:12.506 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% when I was growing up, Carl Stokes. 00:01:12.506 --> 00:01:14.608 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% That was the name that came up first 00:01:14.608 --> 00:01:17.678 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% in terms of being the first African-American 00:01:17.678 --> 00:01:19.379 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:41% mayor of a major city, Cleveland. 00:01:19.379 --> 00:01:20.647 align:middle line:85% position:43% size:31% - Correct. 00:01:20.647 --> 00:01:21.949 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% - Now, your father was Louis Stokes, 00:01:21.949 --> 00:01:24.518 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% so you came from a very political family. 00:01:24.518 --> 00:01:27.621 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% Talk to us about this book, The Gentleman from Ohio. 00:01:27.621 --> 00:01:31.758 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:61% - So The Gentleman from Ohio was a lifelong wish 00:01:31.758 --> 00:01:35.929 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% of my dad to be able to pen his autobiography. 00:01:35.929 --> 00:01:40.200 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% My dad died in August of 2015, 00:01:42.703 --> 00:01:47.674 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% and he passed away two weeks after he knew 00:01:48.875 --> 00:01:50.077 align:middle line:79% position:38% size:48% that it was going to be published. 00:01:50.978 --> 00:01:52.512 align:middle line:85% position:41% size:28% - Oh, oh. 00:01:52.512 --> 00:01:54.314 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% - So it kind of was real, and I was his caregiver. 00:01:54.314 --> 00:01:55.615 align:middle line:85% position:47% size:16% - Oh! 00:01:55.615 --> 00:01:56.683 align:middle line:79% position:42% size:53% - For the last three months of his life. 00:01:58.218 --> 00:02:00.787 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% And he finished the autobiography about three weeks 00:02:00.787 --> 00:02:03.890 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% before he passed, and then Ohio State University Press 00:02:03.890 --> 00:02:05.892 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% called and said they would publish it. 00:02:07.227 --> 00:02:09.563 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% And he, for years, everyone kept saying, 00:02:09.563 --> 00:02:12.232 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% "Lou, you need to write your life story." 00:02:12.232 --> 00:02:14.835 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% But he was always so busy that he just never 00:02:14.835 --> 00:02:15.769 align:middle line:79% position:38% size:48% buckled down and got around to it. 00:02:15.769 --> 00:02:17.237 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% - Got around to it, right. 00:02:17.237 --> 00:02:20.140 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% - So I'd say the last maybe five years of his life, 00:02:20.140 --> 00:02:22.476 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% he started to say, "Okay, I'm gonna do this." 00:02:22.476 --> 00:02:24.511 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% And I like to consider his life-- 00:02:24.511 --> 00:02:26.046 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% - It's beautifully written. 00:02:26.046 --> 00:02:29.149 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% - It's an American, it's a beautiful American story. 00:02:30.283 --> 00:02:32.519 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% He was born into poverty in Cleveland, Ohio, 00:02:32.519 --> 00:02:33.820 align:middle line:85% position:42% size:53% in February of 1925. 00:02:36.590 --> 00:02:40.260 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% He was the older brother, Carl was his baby brother. 00:02:42.295 --> 00:02:44.231 align:middle line:85% position:36% size:73% Their mother was a domestic, 00:02:44.231 --> 00:02:46.800 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% but she liked to say that she was in-service. 00:02:46.800 --> 00:02:50.837 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% Their dad died when my dad was three. 00:02:50.837 --> 00:02:53.206 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% His father died of acute peritonitis. 00:02:53.206 --> 00:02:56.376 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% And he worked in a laundromat, he never knew his father. 00:02:57.577 --> 00:03:00.213 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% And so he was raised by his single mother, 00:03:00.213 --> 00:03:04.584 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% his widowed other, who would take several trolley cars 00:03:04.584 --> 00:03:05.986 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% to go to the west side of Cleveland. 00:03:05.986 --> 00:03:07.187 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% - This is one of those stories, though, what it, yes. 00:03:07.187 --> 00:03:08.622 align:start line:79% position:43% size:31% - Yes! - Yes, yes. 00:03:09.823 --> 00:03:11.491 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% - And you know, it was the Great Depression. 00:03:11.491 --> 00:03:14.628 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% He talks in there, it was funny, I have three siblings. 00:03:14.628 --> 00:03:16.263 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:41% I have a brother and two sisters, 00:03:16.263 --> 00:03:19.699 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% and although we were all very close to him 00:03:19.699 --> 00:03:22.903 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% in different relationships, we learned, 00:03:22.903 --> 00:03:25.806 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% each learned so much about him, and he talks about-- 00:03:25.806 --> 00:03:27.507 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% - That you didn't know? - That we didn't know! 00:03:27.507 --> 00:03:28.608 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - I can imagine, that's pretty great. 00:03:28.608 --> 00:03:30.477 align:middle line:85% position:36% size:73% - Yeah, that we didn't know! 00:03:30.477 --> 00:03:32.612 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% You know, and he talks about how he and Carl 00:03:32.612 --> 00:03:36.216 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% would take a little wagon and take the surplus items 00:03:36.216 --> 00:03:39.453 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% during the Depression, the beans and other food 00:03:39.453 --> 00:03:42.022 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% that you would get, and one would carry a stick 00:03:42.022 --> 00:03:44.157 align:middle line:79% position:42% size:53% while the other one would pull the wagon 00:03:44.157 --> 00:03:45.592 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:75% because everybody was hungry. 00:03:45.592 --> 00:03:46.860 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% - I remember reading that, yeah, just a prank. 00:03:46.860 --> 00:03:48.562 align:middle line:79% position:42% size:53% - You know, in case they had to beat off 00:03:48.562 --> 00:03:50.030 align:middle line:85% position:42% size:53% someone or whatever. 00:03:50.030 --> 00:03:54.701 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% But they never knew, of course, what their destiny would be, 00:03:56.770 --> 00:04:00.140 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:61% but their mother used to tell them all the time, 00:04:00.140 --> 00:04:02.976 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% "Get something in your head so you don't have to use 00:04:02.976 --> 00:04:05.645 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% "your hands like I have." - Right. 00:04:05.645 --> 00:04:07.714 align:middle line:79% position:42% size:53% - She considered her boys just being able 00:04:07.714 --> 00:04:09.749 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% to graduate from high school as being 00:04:09.749 --> 00:04:11.418 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% the pinnacle of what they could do. 00:04:11.418 --> 00:04:13.253 align:middle line:79% position:42% size:53% She had no idea that they would go off-- 00:04:13.253 --> 00:04:14.754 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% - [Toni] They would go to law school, right. 00:04:14.754 --> 00:04:17.524 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% - To college and to law school and become the politicians-- 00:04:17.524 --> 00:04:19.593 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% - The gentlemen from Ohio. - That they did, right. 00:04:19.593 --> 00:04:24.598 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% - So in terms of your career and how you were able to move, 00:04:25.799 --> 00:04:27.467 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% talk to us about some of the values that you 00:04:27.467 --> 00:04:30.837 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% were brought up with that attributed to your success. 00:04:30.837 --> 00:04:33.807 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% - Well, my father and my mother both told us 00:04:35.842 --> 00:04:38.245 align:middle line:79% position:42% size:53% that we could follow whatever career path 00:04:38.245 --> 00:04:40.647 align:middle line:79% position:38% size:48% we wanted as long as we were happy. 00:04:40.647 --> 00:04:43.617 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% They never tried to steer us in one direction or the other. 00:04:43.617 --> 00:04:44.951 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:81% And they used to always tell us, 00:04:44.951 --> 00:04:48.188 align:middle line:10% position:44% size:78% "Be the best that you can be," 00:04:48.188 --> 00:04:50.891 align:start line:10% position:44% size:56% that you have to work 10 times harder, 00:04:50.891 --> 00:04:52.759 align:middle line:10% position:47% size:58% as an African-American. 00:04:52.759 --> 00:04:54.694 align:start line:79% position:43% size:31% - Yes, yes. - And-- 00:04:54.694 --> 00:04:57.430 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% - Some people don't believe that we work 10 times harder. 00:04:57.430 --> 00:05:01.168 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - Well, that's true, too. (panelists laugh) 00:05:02.335 --> 00:05:05.872 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - Yeah, right, but it's true, but it's true. 00:05:05.872 --> 00:05:07.407 align:start line:79% position:38% size:48% - But it is true. - It is true! 00:05:07.407 --> 00:05:09.609 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% Just to own that space, to own your space, you know? 00:05:09.609 --> 00:05:10.443 align:start line:79% position:38% size:48% Yes, I agree with you completely. 00:05:10.443 --> 00:05:11.945 align:middle line:85% position:46% size:35% - Absolutely. 00:05:11.945 --> 00:05:14.948 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% - And the other angle, an African-American woman. 00:05:14.948 --> 00:05:16.616 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% - And you have your challenges with that as well. 00:05:16.616 --> 00:05:18.118 align:middle line:85% position:46% size:35% - Yes, right. 00:05:18.118 --> 00:05:20.253 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% - You know, depending upon what career path you go. 00:05:20.253 --> 00:05:22.556 align:middle line:85% position:36% size:73% And I took a roundabout way. 00:05:22.556 --> 00:05:27.561 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% I went to Ohio State, I went there under an independent 00:05:28.762 --> 00:05:30.397 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% study program which meant if you wanted 00:05:30.397 --> 00:05:31.631 align:middle line:85% position:31% size:68% to go to class you could. 00:05:31.631 --> 00:05:33.133 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - Oh, I remember independent studies. 00:05:33.133 --> 00:05:35.101 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% - If you didn't want to-- - Those were dangerous. 00:05:35.101 --> 00:05:36.036 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:61% Those were unstructured. 00:05:36.036 --> 00:05:37.270 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% - It was very dangerous for me. 00:05:37.270 --> 00:05:38.438 align:start line:79% position:38% size:48% - You had to be really motivated. 00:05:38.438 --> 00:05:40.273 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% Those were for unstructured, yeah. 00:05:40.273 --> 00:05:41.975 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:41% - I was too busy with the Kappas. 00:05:41.975 --> 00:05:44.477 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% So anyway, at some point-- - Fun stuff. 00:05:44.477 --> 00:05:45.946 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:81% - My father said to me, he said, 00:05:45.946 --> 00:05:47.547 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% "I am not goin' waste my money, you better come back here." 00:05:47.547 --> 00:05:48.882 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% - You're not gonna be a sweetheart, right. 00:05:48.882 --> 00:05:50.617 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% - So he brought me back to D.C. 00:05:50.617 --> 00:05:52.819 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% I worked on Capitol Hill for a year and a half, 00:05:52.819 --> 00:05:54.621 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% and then I realized I wanted to go back to school, 00:05:54.621 --> 00:05:56.823 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% so I went to Howard University at that point 00:05:58.225 --> 00:06:00.527 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% and changed my major from English to broadcast journalism, 00:06:00.527 --> 00:06:02.329 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% and then everything just started to roll. 00:06:02.329 --> 00:06:04.297 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - Now, your father was the founder 00:06:04.297 --> 00:06:06.132 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% of the Congressional Black Caucus, one of the founders? 00:06:06.132 --> 00:06:07.500 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% - He was one of the founders, there were nine members. 00:06:07.500 --> 00:06:08.735 align:middle line:10% position:50% size:81% - What was that experience like? 00:06:08.735 --> 00:06:12.372 align:middle line:10% position:47% size:58% Because that, to me, is very, very meaningful. 00:06:12.372 --> 00:06:13.873 align:middle line:10% position:50% size:21% - Right. 00:06:13.873 --> 00:06:14.808 align:start line:10% position:33% size:70% - You know, the conferences that they have very year. 00:06:14.808 --> 00:06:16.042 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% I mean, it's so important. 00:06:16.042 --> 00:06:17.844 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% - Well, when he went in, he was elected in '68, 00:06:17.844 --> 00:06:21.114 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% when he went in in '69, there were nine congressional, 00:06:21.114 --> 00:06:23.083 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% black congressional members at that time, 00:06:23.083 --> 00:06:27.053 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% and that's Shirley Chisholm and Charlie Rangel, 00:06:27.053 --> 00:06:31.891 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% Bill Clay, several others, of course, 00:06:33.326 --> 00:06:35.362 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% and Nixon was the president at that time. 00:06:35.362 --> 00:06:40.267 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% And they felt as if their voices were not being heard, 00:06:40.267 --> 00:06:42.168 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% and the needs of their constituents 00:06:42.168 --> 00:06:44.104 align:middle line:85% position:31% size:68% were not being addressed. 00:06:44.104 --> 00:06:48.642 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% And so they had asked Nixon for a meeting with him. 00:06:48.642 --> 00:06:51.077 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% When they formed, they realized that by forming 00:06:51.077 --> 00:06:53.613 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% the Congressional Black Caucus that they could 00:06:54.881 --> 00:06:57.384 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% tackle the social needs, the economic needs, 00:06:57.384 --> 00:07:01.588 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% the housing needs, the educational needs of minorities, 00:07:01.588 --> 00:07:03.990 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% and they could basically have a manifesto 00:07:03.990 --> 00:07:07.894 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% of what the different needs were of the people that they 00:07:07.894 --> 00:07:10.597 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% had been sent to the United States Congress to serve. 00:07:12.098 --> 00:07:14.534 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% And so when the asked Nixon for a meeting, 00:07:14.534 --> 00:07:17.037 align:start line:79% position:50% size:41% he told them no. - Uh-oh. 00:07:17.037 --> 00:07:21.107 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% - That, you know, you really are not worth my time. 00:07:21.107 --> 00:07:24.311 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% And so what happened was, eventually when Nixon 00:07:24.311 --> 00:07:26.446 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% was giving the State of the Union Address, 00:07:26.446 --> 00:07:30.450 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% the decided to boycott it, and they felt as if you 00:07:32.385 --> 00:07:35.422 align:start line:10% position:50% size:61% will not listen to our needs, then we ought not 00:07:35.422 --> 00:07:38.925 align:start line:10% position:40% size:50% take the time to go down to the floor 00:07:38.925 --> 00:07:41.695 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% of the House of Representatives and give you the respect 00:07:41.695 --> 00:07:44.831 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% of listening to you address the nation. 00:07:44.831 --> 00:07:48.535 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% And so it just became a matter of then Richard Nixon 00:07:48.535 --> 00:07:53.440 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% understanding how this group of individuals 00:07:55.008 --> 00:07:58.478 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% did have a substance and power, 00:08:00.347 --> 00:08:02.148 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% and the were they messengers of the people. 00:08:02.148 --> 00:08:05.652 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% And so he did address them, have them to the White House, 00:08:05.652 --> 00:08:08.621 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% and they sat down, they talked about the needs 00:08:08.621 --> 00:08:11.291 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% of their constituents, and of course, as time went on, 00:08:11.291 --> 00:08:16.229 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% they became more and more powerful addressing the needs. 00:08:16.229 --> 00:08:18.331 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - Now, I'm listening to you speak, 00:08:18.331 --> 00:08:21.835 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% and it sounds as though your career in media 00:08:21.835 --> 00:08:24.070 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% is very closely aligned to politics 00:08:24.070 --> 00:08:28.274 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% when it comes to being able to advocate and have a voice. 00:08:28.274 --> 00:08:29.776 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% How do you use your voice? 00:08:29.776 --> 00:08:32.178 align:middle line:79% position:42% size:53% I mean, you've been in news, so is that, 00:08:33.580 --> 00:08:36.449 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% I mean, how would one use one's voice when it comes to news? 00:08:36.449 --> 00:08:38.618 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% Or can you use your voice that way? 00:08:38.618 --> 00:08:39.953 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:50% - I think you can. 00:08:39.953 --> 00:08:44.958 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:61% It depends what role you play at different times. 00:08:46.159 --> 00:08:48.962 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% When I first started, my first job was WCIA 00:08:48.962 --> 00:08:53.900 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:61% in Champaign/Urbana, and I went there not knowing 00:08:56.002 --> 00:09:00.173 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% really what to expect, and I never got the sexy stories, 00:09:00.173 --> 00:09:02.375 align:start line:79% position:38% size:48% the lead stories. - Yeah, right! 00:09:02.375 --> 00:09:06.479 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% - You know, I felt as if, as an African-American woman, 00:09:06.479 --> 00:09:09.015 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% that they kinda wanted to keep me in my spot. 00:09:09.015 --> 00:09:12.085 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% And that's not to say that, my news director was a man 00:09:12.085 --> 00:09:15.955 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:61% named Dave Shaw, he was a doll, he was fabulous. 00:09:15.955 --> 00:09:19.526 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% But I didn't feel as if I was able to get the stories 00:09:19.526 --> 00:09:23.897 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% on the air that I wanted to, so I decided I wanted 00:09:23.897 --> 00:09:27.033 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% to become a medical reporter, which I knew nothing about. 00:09:27.033 --> 00:09:30.003 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% But what I did know is if I called all the hospitals, 00:09:30.003 --> 00:09:33.873 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% their PR people wanted the public to know 00:09:33.873 --> 00:09:38.878 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% what technology they were doing and medical advancements. 00:09:40.013 --> 00:09:41.247 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% So I just started calling and, you know, 00:09:41.247 --> 00:09:43.416 align:middle line:79% position:38% size:48% hi, this is Lori Stokes with WCIA, 00:09:43.416 --> 00:09:45.385 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% love to know what you all are doing there. 00:09:45.385 --> 00:09:49.722 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% And that was a great vehicle for me 00:09:49.722 --> 00:09:52.826 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% because it allowed me not only to travel, 00:09:52.826 --> 00:09:56.529 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% and that was when MRIs and PET scans and CAT scans-- 00:09:56.529 --> 00:09:58.398 align:start line:10% position:47% size:58% - Everything was new. - Were just coming out. 00:09:58.398 --> 00:10:03.269 align:start line:10% position:50% size:61% And I had to travel to Chicago and to St. Louis 00:10:03.269 --> 00:10:06.539 align:start line:10% position:31% size:68% to do stories, and I ended up breaking a story 00:10:06.539 --> 00:10:10.910 align:middle line:10% position:47% size:58% on tuberculosis on the University of Illinois, 00:10:10.910 --> 00:10:12.779 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% but it was only because I had already kind of 00:10:12.779 --> 00:10:14.314 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% positioned myself-- - You were ready for it. 00:10:14.314 --> 00:10:16.316 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% - To be a medical reporter. 00:10:16.316 --> 00:10:21.321 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% So in that example, I was not only able to break a story, 00:10:23.056 --> 00:10:25.458 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% but it also elevated me-- - Right. 00:10:25.458 --> 00:10:27.193 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - To be a little bit more in the spot. 00:10:27.193 --> 00:10:29.162 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% - Elevated, real important. - It is! 00:10:30.597 --> 00:10:31.698 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% - Real important to find that opportunity for visibility. 00:10:31.698 --> 00:10:32.632 align:start line:79% position:38% size:48% - Right, exactly. - Right. 00:10:32.632 --> 00:10:33.933 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:81% - And I had a two-year contract, 00:10:33.933 --> 00:10:37.003 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% but between that and a couple other stories, 00:10:37.003 --> 00:10:39.072 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% I was able to get out and go to Charlotte. 00:10:40.473 --> 00:10:44.511 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% And Charlotte, I would say, for me, was fantastic. 00:10:44.511 --> 00:10:48.381 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% It was the beginning of me becoming a crime reporter. 00:10:48.381 --> 00:10:49.682 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:41% - Hah, hah, hah! 00:10:49.682 --> 00:10:51.618 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - And you know, back in those days-- 00:10:51.618 --> 00:10:53.152 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% - See, when I look at an anchor, you know, 00:10:53.152 --> 00:10:55.722 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% you just formulate a background of what anchors do. 00:10:55.722 --> 00:10:56.656 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% Right, right. (everybody laughing) 00:10:56.656 --> 00:10:57.924 align:middle line:85% position:47% size:58% - Well, I take great-- 00:10:57.924 --> 00:10:59.459 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% - It seems like you're a narrator of the news, 00:10:59.459 --> 00:11:00.593 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% but there's so much more that got you there, right. 00:11:00.593 --> 00:11:02.262 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% - No, I take great pride in being a reporter 00:11:03.596 --> 00:11:05.698 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% because there's a lot of power in that. 00:11:05.698 --> 00:11:06.999 align:middle line:85% position:46% size:35% - Absolutely. 00:11:06.999 --> 00:11:08.868 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - And there's a lot of skill in it. 00:11:08.868 --> 00:11:12.438 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% And I've always felt as an anchor, 00:11:12.438 --> 00:11:16.209 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% a reporter can not say to you that you're just 00:11:16.209 --> 00:11:18.678 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% an anchor if you have been a reporter. 00:11:18.678 --> 00:11:20.847 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - Right, right, right. - You've gained-- 00:11:20.847 --> 00:11:22.615 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - Your chops, you've got your chops. 00:11:22.615 --> 00:11:25.318 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - You've gained your chops, and you've also 00:11:25.318 --> 00:11:27.453 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% established yourself in that way. 00:11:29.822 --> 00:11:31.958 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% And it wasn't until when I left Charlotte, 00:11:31.958 --> 00:11:36.696 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% I worked at WBFF in Baltimore, which was a Fox station. 00:11:36.696 --> 00:11:39.232 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% It was a startup, 'cause I grew up in Maryland 00:11:39.232 --> 00:11:42.502 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% watching Fox45, and all they ran were movies all day. 00:11:42.502 --> 00:11:43.736 align:middle line:85% position:42% size:53% (everybody laughing) 00:11:43.736 --> 00:11:45.271 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% But when Sinclair Broadcasting bought it 00:11:45.271 --> 00:11:47.640 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% and they decided to venture into news, 00:11:47.640 --> 00:11:49.375 align:middle line:85% position:36% size:73% I was one of their founders. 00:11:50.743 --> 00:11:53.146 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% And I had done a lot of work with the homeless, 00:11:53.146 --> 00:11:56.583 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% just volunteering, but I thought to myself, 00:11:56.583 --> 00:11:59.285 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% what if I could step in their shoes? 00:11:59.285 --> 00:12:02.288 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% And I was still new and fresh enough in Baltimore 00:12:02.288 --> 00:12:04.457 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% where no one knew who I was. - Right. 00:12:04.457 --> 00:12:07.093 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - And my husband was back in Charlotte, 00:12:08.528 --> 00:12:12.765 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% so decided one day I was going to assume a fictitious name 00:12:12.765 --> 00:12:14.968 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:75% and become a homeless person. 00:12:14.968 --> 00:12:17.103 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - Wow, right, right, right, exactly. 00:12:17.103 --> 00:12:21.674 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - I was wired, I had a knife-proof vest on. 00:12:21.674 --> 00:12:22.842 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:41% - [Phyllis] Wow. 00:12:22.842 --> 00:12:25.278 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% - I spoke with a former cop about what 00:12:25.278 --> 00:12:28.581 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% my mannerisms should be, and so for three days, 00:12:28.581 --> 00:12:30.850 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% I went undercover as a homeless person. 00:12:30.850 --> 00:12:34.153 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% And I ended up, I felt, that when you ask 00:12:34.153 --> 00:12:39.158 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% about the power of a journalist, being able to influence 00:12:40.159 --> 00:12:41.694 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% or educate-- - Yes, influence, right. 00:12:41.694 --> 00:12:45.131 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% - For me, that was one, that was something that I will be 00:12:45.131 --> 00:12:48.735 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% forever proud of, the work that I did 00:12:48.735 --> 00:12:50.737 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% as a homeless person during that time. 00:12:50.737 --> 00:12:52.205 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - Didn't you win an award for that? 00:12:52.205 --> 00:12:53.473 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - Yeah, I think so. - I did. 00:12:53.473 --> 00:12:54.941 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% For that one, I won an Associated Press award. 00:12:54.941 --> 00:12:56.142 align:start line:79% position:43% size:31% - Awesome. - Yes. 00:12:56.142 --> 00:12:59.512 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% - What makes, who determines what is news? 00:12:59.512 --> 00:13:02.849 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% I mean, what is the role of, say, the news director 00:13:02.849 --> 00:13:06.019 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% or the producer, meaning, how the story is told. 00:13:06.019 --> 00:13:10.023 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% Once it hits the news, sometimes things can change. 00:13:10.023 --> 00:13:11.257 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% - Well I think-- - I've had people say to me 00:13:11.257 --> 00:13:12.492 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% "You can't believe everything you read 00:13:12.492 --> 00:13:14.761 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% "or everything you see," you know? 00:13:14.761 --> 00:13:19.265 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% - I think they're two separate questions and answers. 00:13:19.265 --> 00:13:21.234 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% I've worked for so many news directors, 00:13:21.234 --> 00:13:24.270 align:start line:10% position:31% size:68% and all of 'em are different, and all of 'em 00:13:24.270 --> 00:13:26.339 align:middle line:10% position:42% size:53% lead their newsrooms in a different way. 00:13:27.540 --> 00:13:29.409 align:start line:10% position:40% size:50% You know, I think ultimately the role 00:13:29.409 --> 00:13:32.512 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% of a news director is to have a vision, 00:13:34.313 --> 00:13:38.051 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% to be able to have great managerial skills, 00:13:38.051 --> 00:13:43.056 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% great leadership skills, be a confidante at times, 00:13:44.424 --> 00:13:46.626 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% bring someone off a ledge, you know. 00:13:46.626 --> 00:13:48.428 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% (panelists laughing) - Yeah, right. 00:13:49.595 --> 00:13:51.397 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - Clearly be able to deal with budgets, 00:13:53.032 --> 00:13:58.004 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% and to have a morale that is in unison 00:14:00.106 --> 00:14:04.377 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:61% and where you all are on the same page, you know. 00:14:04.377 --> 00:14:06.979 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% And it doesn't mean that your ideology has to be the same 00:14:06.979 --> 00:14:09.716 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% in how you approach each news story 00:14:09.716 --> 00:14:12.151 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% because that's the beauty of a newsroom, 00:14:12.151 --> 00:14:14.387 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% that we all come from a different background, 00:14:14.387 --> 00:14:16.055 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:75% we bring something different. 00:14:16.055 --> 00:14:18.658 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% But at the end of the day, you want integrity. 00:14:18.658 --> 00:14:19.792 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:21% - Right. - Right. 00:14:19.792 --> 00:14:21.728 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% - You want truthfulness. - Right. 00:14:21.728 --> 00:14:25.498 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% - You want ownership, you want attribution. 00:14:25.498 --> 00:14:28.000 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% You want to be able to realize 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:30.503 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% that there are people behind the stories. 00:14:30.503 --> 00:14:35.508 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% You know, one fire is, you can't just say 00:14:36.509 --> 00:14:38.010 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% all fires are alike. - Right. 00:14:38.010 --> 00:14:39.212 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% - They're different people, you know what I mean? 00:14:39.212 --> 00:14:40.680 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - Everything is different, yes, yes. 00:14:40.680 --> 00:14:42.148 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% - A shooting is different. 00:14:42.148 --> 00:14:42.815 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% - Even with the hurricane's that we've experienced. 00:14:42.815 --> 00:14:44.183 align:middle line:85% position:48% size:38% - A hurricane. 00:14:44.183 --> 00:14:45.384 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% - Every single one completely different, right. 00:14:45.384 --> 00:14:46.886 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% - You know, we've seen these tragedies. 00:14:46.886 --> 00:14:48.888 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% When I think of 9/11, when I think of even the blackout 00:14:48.888 --> 00:14:53.392 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% that we had 10 years ago. - Right, right. 00:14:53.392 --> 00:14:55.928 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - With the hurricanes, I lived through Hugo 00:14:55.928 --> 00:14:57.563 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% when I was in Charlotte. - Right. 00:14:57.563 --> 00:14:59.565 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:61% - We didn't think it was coming that far inland. 00:14:59.565 --> 00:15:01.868 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% You know, you see these stories come out 00:15:01.868 --> 00:15:05.772 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% of these natural disasters where neighbor helping neighbor, 00:15:05.772 --> 00:15:10.777 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% and these are the stories where you look at pieces, 00:15:11.644 --> 00:15:13.146 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% a photo that's found somewhere 00:15:14.313 --> 00:15:15.581 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% or someone who's been disconnected. 00:15:15.581 --> 00:15:18.317 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% We look at Puerto Rico right now where no one 00:15:18.317 --> 00:15:20.853 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% can get in contact with their loved ones. 00:15:20.853 --> 00:15:24.056 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% And so I think that a news director's role 00:15:24.056 --> 00:15:26.526 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% is to make sure that their reporters 00:15:26.526 --> 00:15:29.495 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:61% find those stories that really matter, you know? 00:15:29.495 --> 00:15:30.663 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - And source those stories, right? 00:15:30.663 --> 00:15:32.064 align:middle line:85% position:43% size:31% - Exactly. 00:15:32.064 --> 00:15:33.499 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% - When we talk about sourcing a story, you know, 00:15:33.499 --> 00:15:35.268 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% 'cause there's this whole, everybody's talking 00:15:35.268 --> 00:15:37.670 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:81% about fake news today, you know? 00:15:37.670 --> 00:15:41.107 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% And so when reporters talk about sourcing 00:15:41.107 --> 00:15:46.112 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% and how important that is, as somebody who consumes news, 00:15:47.547 --> 00:15:49.081 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% how does one know what is fake and what is, yeah. 00:15:49.081 --> 00:15:49.982 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% - You wanna believe that what you're hearing is the truth. 00:15:49.982 --> 00:15:51.417 align:start line:79% position:48% size:38% - Right, right. - Exactly. 00:15:51.417 --> 00:15:52.985 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - I-- - But you can't always. 00:15:52.985 --> 00:15:56.756 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% - Well, you know, this concept of fake news, 00:15:56.756 --> 00:15:58.991 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% I don't really know what that is (Toni laughs) 00:15:58.991 --> 00:16:01.527 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% because my entire life, I have always told the truth. 00:16:03.529 --> 00:16:06.232 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% And I pride myself on being a journalist. 00:16:08.201 --> 00:16:12.205 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% And so this concept that has come into our vernacular, 00:16:13.306 --> 00:16:14.674 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% I don't really know what it is. 00:16:14.674 --> 00:16:16.042 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - And it just started, it just came. 00:16:16.042 --> 00:16:17.877 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% - Because it's not what, it is not who I am. 00:16:17.877 --> 00:16:20.313 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% - You know, it must be so infuriating. 00:16:20.313 --> 00:16:22.048 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% You go out, and you do all this work, 00:16:22.048 --> 00:16:24.116 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% and you make sure that you put all your values in it, 00:16:24.116 --> 00:16:28.154 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% and you present it and have a certain segment 00:16:29.288 --> 00:16:31.657 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% of the population decide that it's fake news. 00:16:31.657 --> 00:16:34.493 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% I think that is an indictment of all journalists 00:16:34.493 --> 00:16:39.498 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% who are working today because it's very flippant. 00:16:40.633 --> 00:16:41.834 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - Well, I also think there's, it is. 00:16:41.834 --> 00:16:43.569 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% (panelists laughing) - It undermines. 00:16:43.569 --> 00:16:45.037 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:75% - I like that, flippant news. 00:16:45.037 --> 00:16:48.674 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - I think there's just been a deterioration 00:16:50.576 --> 00:16:53.045 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:56% of what is pure news. 00:16:53.045 --> 00:16:57.183 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% You know, I think that anytime you have pop culture 00:16:57.183 --> 00:17:00.953 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% and the Kardashians and the blending 00:17:00.953 --> 00:17:02.755 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% of entertainment and news-- 00:17:02.755 --> 00:17:03.856 align:start line:79% position:43% size:31% - Reality. - Right. 00:17:03.856 --> 00:17:06.192 align:middle line:79% position:48% size:38% - It's diluted. - It really is. 00:17:06.192 --> 00:17:11.197 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% - And so you don't always recognize what is. 00:17:12.398 --> 00:17:13.633 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% And when you have so many, you know, 00:17:13.633 --> 00:17:16.636 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% I was one of the founders of MSNBC, 00:17:16.636 --> 00:17:18.971 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% in fact I was the first African-American to speak on MS. 00:17:18.971 --> 00:17:21.507 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% - Well, then, that's a very, very important channel. 00:17:21.507 --> 00:17:22.808 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - Yeah. - That's fabulous. 00:17:22.808 --> 00:17:24.076 align:middle line:85% position:36% size:73% - After Jodi Applegate said, 00:17:24.076 --> 00:17:26.545 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% "Good morning, and welcome to MSNBC, 00:17:26.545 --> 00:17:28.881 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% "let's get the latest headlines from Lori Stokes." 00:17:28.881 --> 00:17:32.151 align:start line:79% position:38% size:48% - Oh, fabulous! - So I was, yeah. 00:17:32.151 --> 00:17:33.519 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:50% - [Toni] Excellent. 00:17:33.519 --> 00:17:35.988 align:start line:79% position:38% size:48% - So I just think that, you know, 00:17:37.089 --> 00:17:40.226 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:75% we do a disservice to viewers 00:17:42.595 --> 00:17:47.400 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% by not helping everyone to understand 00:17:47.400 --> 00:17:49.201 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% what a real journalist is. 00:17:49.201 --> 00:17:50.436 align:start line:79% position:43% size:31% - Exactly. - Yes. 00:17:50.436 --> 00:17:52.371 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% - And I don't think you can poke holes 00:17:54.073 --> 00:17:57.310 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:50% in what, you know, 00:17:57.310 --> 00:17:59.345 align:start line:79% position:48% size:38% in what we do. - Yeah. 00:17:59.345 --> 00:18:02.481 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% - I don't know too many people, I have to say, 00:18:02.481 --> 00:18:05.818 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% that wake up as journalists in the morning 00:18:05.818 --> 00:18:09.922 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% and say, "Today, I'm going to report fake news." 00:18:09.922 --> 00:18:11.424 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - Fake news. (panelists laughing) 00:18:11.424 --> 00:18:15.661 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% Lori, could you tell us how, from the time you started, 00:18:15.661 --> 00:18:18.464 align:middle line:10% position:47% size:58% how has the culture in the newsroom changed? 00:18:18.464 --> 00:18:22.768 align:start line:10% position:33% size:70% I mean, how has it evolved or how has it changed 00:18:22.768 --> 00:18:24.103 align:middle line:85% position:47% size:58% from when you started? 00:18:25.404 --> 00:18:27.606 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% - You know, I think there are those of us 00:18:27.606 --> 00:18:29.275 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% who are holdovers who (laughs) 00:18:29.275 --> 00:18:31.677 align:middle line:79% position:42% size:53% still try to keep it like it always was. 00:18:31.677 --> 00:18:34.246 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% You know, the dynamics have changed. 00:18:34.246 --> 00:18:37.116 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% We have social media that's become such a-- 00:18:37.116 --> 00:18:38.351 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% - [Nomiki] Very fast paced. 00:18:38.351 --> 00:18:42.121 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% - It really is very strong now, you know, 00:18:42.121 --> 00:18:43.556 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% you have to keep up. - Right. 00:18:43.556 --> 00:18:46.459 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% - And the younger generation that's coming up, 00:18:46.459 --> 00:18:48.294 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% you know, it's second nature to them. 00:18:48.294 --> 00:18:49.862 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - They get all their news on Twitter. 00:18:49.862 --> 00:18:52.264 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% - Yeah, and that's the thing, you know, we don't have-- 00:18:52.264 --> 00:18:53.899 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% - Well, it's like a clipping report in its own way. 00:18:53.899 --> 00:18:55.434 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% - Television isn't what it once was. 00:18:55.434 --> 00:18:57.370 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% We don't have the viewership that we once did. 00:18:57.370 --> 00:18:59.939 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% You know, people pick up their smartphone. 00:18:59.939 --> 00:19:01.107 align:start line:79% position:38% size:48% - That's so true, that's so true, 00:19:01.107 --> 00:19:02.541 align:start line:79% position:38% size:48% - That's how they get their news. 00:19:02.541 --> 00:19:05.311 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% - And everything's also shorter and faster on TV as well. 00:19:05.311 --> 00:19:07.713 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - Well, our patience is that of a gnat. 00:19:07.713 --> 00:19:08.547 align:start line:79% position:50% size:21% - Right. - Yes. 00:19:09.915 --> 00:19:13.052 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% - So you know, it's like, gimme what I need in 20 seconds, 00:19:13.052 --> 00:19:14.754 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% and I'm out the door. - Yeah. 00:19:14.754 --> 00:19:19.058 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% - I had one news director at WABC who used to say 00:19:19.058 --> 00:19:21.527 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% all the time, he was like, "Don't waste my time. 00:19:21.527 --> 00:19:23.696 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% "Viewers don't want you to waste their time." 00:19:23.696 --> 00:19:26.766 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% Which is, when we did that concept of every seven minutes-- 00:19:26.766 --> 00:19:28.000 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:21% - Right. - Right. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:29.435 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - Weather, traffic, you know, all of that. 00:19:29.435 --> 00:19:30.703 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% - Oh, yeah, that, I kinda liked that, though. 00:19:30.703 --> 00:19:31.971 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% 'Cause I knew when to tune in. - Right, yeah! 00:19:31.971 --> 00:19:33.305 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% Right, in the morning, that's what you want! 00:19:33.305 --> 00:19:34.140 align:middle line:79% position:42% size:53% - Should I take that train this morning? 00:19:34.140 --> 00:19:35.541 align:middle line:85% position:43% size:31% - Exactly! 00:19:35.541 --> 00:19:36.475 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% - I didn't have a problem with that one bit. 00:19:36.475 --> 00:19:37.943 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:75% - That's right, that's right! 00:19:37.943 --> 00:19:40.212 align:start line:10% position:31% size:68% - So what advice would you have for young people 00:19:40.212 --> 00:19:44.250 align:start line:10% position:44% size:78% coming into the business, specifically young black women 00:19:45.284 --> 00:19:47.453 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% How do they become Lori Stokes? 00:19:48.554 --> 00:19:52.058 align:start line:10% position:40% size:50% - (laughs) Um, gee. - Yeah, right? 00:19:53.492 --> 00:19:55.594 align:start line:10% position:36% size:73% You know what, I'm always optimistic about everything. 00:19:55.594 --> 00:19:57.063 align:middle line:10% position:44% size:78% - [Toni] Thank you, absolutely. 00:19:57.063 --> 00:19:59.799 align:start line:10% position:44% size:78% - I mean, I really am, and I have gone through some moments, 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:02.234 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% believe me, I've gone through some moments. 00:20:02.234 --> 00:20:03.069 align:middle line:85% position:48% size:18% - Yes. 00:20:05.104 --> 00:20:07.573 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - But you know, I think it comes down 00:20:07.573 --> 00:20:09.442 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% to believing in yourself. - Absolutely. 00:20:09.442 --> 00:20:12.812 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - As hard as that is, and it is hard. 00:20:12.812 --> 00:20:14.880 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% It's really hard sometimes. 00:20:16.582 --> 00:20:19.718 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% - But you know, the spiritual, are you a spiritual person? 00:20:19.718 --> 00:20:21.187 align:start line:79% position:48% size:38% Do you have a-- - I am, I am. 00:20:21.187 --> 00:20:22.588 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% - Yeah, and I find that's something that, right. 00:20:22.588 --> 00:20:24.423 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - And that's not to say a religious person, 00:20:24.423 --> 00:20:26.158 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% there's a difference. - Right, absolutely. 00:20:26.158 --> 00:20:27.193 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% That's why I said spiritual. (laughs) 00:20:27.193 --> 00:20:29.929 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:41% - Yes, yes, yes. 00:20:29.929 --> 00:20:32.531 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% You know, I think that you have to just, 00:20:32.531 --> 00:20:36.302 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% if you just wanna look on the surface of being a journalist, 00:20:36.302 --> 00:20:38.070 align:start line:79% position:43% size:31% be curious. - Yes. 00:20:38.070 --> 00:20:42.708 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% - Be a good writer, stand your ground, 00:20:42.708 --> 00:20:46.412 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% be compassionate, be flexible. 00:20:46.412 --> 00:20:49.281 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% - Talk a little bit about that stand-your-ground piece. 00:20:49.281 --> 00:20:51.884 align:middle line:85% position:31% size:68% What does that look like? 00:20:51.884 --> 00:20:54.920 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% Because I'm thinking that journalists 00:20:54.920 --> 00:20:56.789 align:middle line:79% position:38% size:48% are always a part of social change. 00:20:56.789 --> 00:20:59.992 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% I think of Ida B. Wells and reporting on lynching. 00:20:59.992 --> 00:21:03.362 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% You know, you have such power as a journalist 00:21:03.362 --> 00:21:06.232 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% to change the way people think 00:21:06.232 --> 00:21:09.902 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% and perceive each other and feel about each other. 00:21:09.902 --> 00:21:11.504 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:81% Talk about standing your ground. 00:21:11.504 --> 00:21:12.972 align:middle line:85% position:47% size:58% - Well, it's a power-- 00:21:12.972 --> 00:21:14.707 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% - Because that can be such a touch place, for so many people 00:21:14.707 --> 00:21:17.476 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% will falter when it comes to standing ground 00:21:17.476 --> 00:21:19.745 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% or choosing the battles that one stands 00:21:19.745 --> 00:21:21.881 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:75% their ground on, so to speak. 00:21:21.881 --> 00:21:23.349 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% - Well, I think it's a power you never wanna 00:21:23.349 --> 00:21:28.320 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% take advantage of, and I think that, at least for me, 00:21:29.188 --> 00:21:30.923 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% but I come from a family-- 00:21:30.923 --> 00:21:32.925 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% - [Toni] Of stand-your-ground people. (laughs) 00:21:32.925 --> 00:21:37.930 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% - Stand your ground, make a difference, give back, be nice. 00:21:39.098 --> 00:21:40.633 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - [Toni] Be nice, yes, it's very important. 00:21:40.633 --> 00:21:44.036 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% - Be authentic, you know, my father always told me 00:21:44.036 --> 00:21:47.673 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% and my siblings that no matter what you achieve in life, 00:21:47.673 --> 00:21:50.643 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% don't be a big deal, don't think you're a big deal. 00:21:50.643 --> 00:21:52.278 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - And you do a great job of that. 00:21:52.278 --> 00:21:54.346 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% - And so I guess, you know, 00:21:54.346 --> 00:21:59.285 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% but I do feel as if, I don't back down. 00:22:00.019 --> 00:22:01.453 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:61% I have gone up against-- 00:22:01.453 --> 00:22:03.022 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% - But you look like such a sweetheart, see? (laughing) 00:22:03.022 --> 00:22:06.458 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% - She's a sweetheart, but she doesn't back down! 00:22:06.458 --> 00:22:09.562 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% - You have such a sweet face, but I know that there's 00:22:09.562 --> 00:22:12.531 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% a toughness that's there, if that's the right word. 00:22:12.531 --> 00:22:13.732 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% A strength, let's say strength. 00:22:13.732 --> 00:22:15.267 align:start line:79% position:38% size:48% - A strength. - Strong, driven. 00:22:15.267 --> 00:22:16.902 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% - Because oftentimes people, when you're a strong woman, 00:22:16.902 --> 00:22:18.103 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% they wanna put tough in there. 00:22:18.103 --> 00:22:20.439 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% It doesn't have to be tough, but strong. 00:22:20.439 --> 00:22:22.308 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% - Yeah, no, you know what? 00:22:22.308 --> 00:22:25.177 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% Listen, I was raised with always tell the truth, 00:22:25.177 --> 00:22:28.113 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% and when I, I mean, seriously-- 00:22:28.113 --> 00:22:30.049 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:75% - [Toni] Always, always, yes. 00:22:30.049 --> 00:22:31.450 align:middle line:79% position:40% size:50% - And so even if it got me in trouble. 00:22:31.450 --> 00:22:32.918 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:21% - Right. - Right. 00:22:32.918 --> 00:22:36.555 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% - And so I am just very strong about my convictions, 00:22:36.555 --> 00:22:40.125 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% and I just don't allow people to walk over me. 00:22:40.125 --> 00:22:41.227 align:middle line:85% position:47% size:58% - [Toni] Good for you. 00:22:42.661 --> 00:22:45.898 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% - So you know, I always feel like I have truth on my side, 00:22:45.898 --> 00:22:48.667 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% and as long as I have that, I have the strength 00:22:48.667 --> 00:22:53.639 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% to do anything in the world I want because no one can ever 00:22:56.108 --> 00:22:58.210 align:start line:10% position:40% size:50% poke holes into what you're doing, 00:22:58.210 --> 00:23:02.114 align:middle line:10% position:44% size:56% what you're saying if you are doing right. 00:23:02.114 --> 00:23:03.349 align:middle line:10% position:50% size:21% - Right. - Right. 00:23:03.349 --> 00:23:05.451 align:middle line:10% position:40% size:50% - And you know, my father used to say, 00:23:06.619 --> 00:23:08.721 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% "You can't go wrong if you're doing right." 00:23:08.721 --> 00:23:09.655 align:middle line:85% position:46% size:35% - Absolutely. 00:23:09.655 --> 00:23:11.123 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:81% - And that's how I live my life. 00:23:11.123 --> 00:23:13.292 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% - And that's also how you, when you're on the screen, Lori, 00:23:13.292 --> 00:23:15.527 align:start line:10% position:40% size:50% command how your audience sees you, 00:23:15.527 --> 00:23:18.831 align:start line:10% position:42% size:53% as right, as strong, as compassionate. 00:23:18.831 --> 00:23:20.699 align:middle line:10% position:38% size:48% And I say that as one of your fans. 00:23:20.699 --> 00:23:21.900 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:81% - Thank you, thank you. (laughs) 00:23:21.900 --> 00:23:24.370 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - From ABC to now Fox. - Thank you. 00:23:24.370 --> 00:23:26.372 align:middle line:85% position:31% size:68% - That does come through. 00:23:26.372 --> 00:23:29.441 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% But at the same time, you know, you take it all in, 00:23:29.441 --> 00:23:32.177 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% and you're a human being, and you're very approachable. 00:23:32.177 --> 00:23:33.646 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - [Toni] I was gonna say approachable. 00:23:33.646 --> 00:23:36.615 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% - You're very approachable. - Yes, yes, so much so. 00:23:36.615 --> 00:23:37.850 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% You know, one thing we didn't talk-- 00:23:37.850 --> 00:23:39.051 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - You represent a lot of great things. 00:23:39.051 --> 00:23:40.286 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - So much about were the challenges 00:23:40.286 --> 00:23:43.055 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% for African-American females in journalism. 00:23:43.055 --> 00:23:46.625 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% Is there anything unique to us in that sense? 00:23:46.625 --> 00:23:47.893 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% Well, everything's unique to us, hello, 00:23:47.893 --> 00:23:49.361 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% everything's unique to us. 00:23:49.361 --> 00:23:50.729 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% - Well, certainly, you know, when I was in Charlotte, 00:23:50.729 --> 00:23:51.864 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% I had issues to deal with. - Right, right. 00:23:51.864 --> 00:23:53.132 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% And how'd you navigate through that? 00:23:53.132 --> 00:23:54.099 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - I had a general manager who told me 00:23:54.099 --> 00:23:55.634 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:81% I should stick with my own kind. 00:23:55.634 --> 00:23:58.737 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% - Oh, okay, yeah, okay, so you've been involved, right, 00:23:58.737 --> 00:24:00.005 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% right, okay. - And then there are those. 00:24:00.005 --> 00:24:01.173 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - So what I did, my husband is white. 00:24:01.173 --> 00:24:02.441 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - Oh, yes, right. - So I got married, 00:24:02.441 --> 00:24:04.109 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% and he told me I should stick with my own kind. 00:24:04.109 --> 00:24:06.478 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% But I was a young kid, I was 26 years old. 00:24:08.013 --> 00:24:09.381 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% And in the beginning of my career, 00:24:09.381 --> 00:24:10.916 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:41% I knew that that wasn't something 00:24:10.916 --> 00:24:13.185 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% that you were supposed to say to another individual. 00:24:13.185 --> 00:24:15.120 align:middle line:85% position:48% size:38% - Right, right. 00:24:15.120 --> 00:24:16.655 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:81% - But yeah, you confront things, 00:24:16.655 --> 00:24:20.559 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% but at the same time, this is what fighting is about. 00:24:20.559 --> 00:24:21.994 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% This is what he Civil Rights Movement was about. 00:24:21.994 --> 00:24:26.932 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% This is what life is about, and it doesn't end. 00:24:27.766 --> 00:24:29.234 align:start line:79% position:46% size:35% - Right. - Absolutely. 00:24:29.234 --> 00:24:30.769 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% - So what would your father say about the climate right now? 00:24:30.769 --> 00:24:32.938 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% - Well, you know, my father served 30 years in Congress, 00:24:32.938 --> 00:24:35.274 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% and he went through the Republican Revolution 00:24:35.274 --> 00:24:40.279 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% with Newt Gingrich, and he served with eight presidents. 00:24:42.648 --> 00:24:44.383 align:middle line:85% position:31% size:68% He, you know, saw it all. 00:24:46.218 --> 00:24:49.488 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% When he retired, it was just because after 30 years 00:24:49.488 --> 00:24:53.559 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% at the political machine with, his younger baby brother 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:57.663 align:start line:79% position:36% size:73% had passed away from cancer, and Capitol Hill wasn't 00:24:57.663 --> 00:25:01.233 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% what it once was to him. - Right. 00:25:01.233 --> 00:25:05.537 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - This climate I'm sure would embarrass him. 00:25:05.537 --> 00:25:07.773 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - [Toni] Yeah, it's disheartening. 00:25:07.773 --> 00:25:08.974 align:middle line:85% position:42% size:53% - He used to think-- 00:25:08.974 --> 00:25:10.209 align:start line:79% position:47% size:58% - [Toni] Because of the work that was done, 00:25:10.209 --> 00:25:11.243 align:start line:10% position:38% size:48% you would think that it was done. 00:25:11.243 --> 00:25:13.245 align:middle line:10% position:44% size:78% - Well, he just liked civility. 00:25:13.245 --> 00:25:14.913 align:start line:10% position:46% size:35% - Right. - Yeah, yeah. 00:25:14.913 --> 00:25:17.716 align:start line:10% position:31% size:68% - You know, he was known, when the book is called 00:25:17.716 --> 00:25:21.653 align:start line:10% position:47% size:58% The Gentleman from Ohio, there's a reason. 00:25:21.653 --> 00:25:25.624 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% Because here was a legislator who got along 00:25:25.624 --> 00:25:29.561 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% with both sides of the aisle, whether it was Carl Albert 00:25:29.561 --> 00:25:31.597 align:middle line:79% position:47% size:58% who was the Speaker of the House or Jim Wright 00:25:31.597 --> 00:25:34.166 align:start line:79% position:38% size:48% or Tip O'Neill, whomever it was-- 00:25:34.166 --> 00:25:36.402 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% - All those iconic names, all those iconic names, yeah. 00:25:36.402 --> 00:25:37.936 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% - He was appointed chairmanships because he could work 00:25:37.936 --> 00:25:41.039 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% with both Republicans and Democrats. 00:25:41.039 --> 00:25:43.475 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% When Lou Stokes was on Capitol Hill, 00:25:43.475 --> 00:25:47.880 align:middle line:79% position:44% size:56% that was his strength of you may not agree 00:25:47.880 --> 00:25:50.115 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% with the other side on something, 00:25:50.115 --> 00:25:53.752 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% but you respected what they brought to the table. 00:25:53.752 --> 00:25:55.888 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% - Well, you know, that's are really great place 00:25:55.888 --> 00:25:57.222 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% for us to have to wrap-- - Darn it! 00:25:57.222 --> 00:25:59.725 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% - But this was fantastic, you're lovely. 00:25:59.725 --> 00:26:01.059 align:start line:79% position:40% size:50% - Thank you, you're lovely, ladies! 00:26:01.059 --> 00:26:03.762 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% - I am so happy you joined us. - This was wonderful. 00:26:03.762 --> 00:26:05.864 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:61% - And that you said yes. 00:26:05.864 --> 00:26:10.235 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% Brooklyn, she's so approachable! (panelists laughing) 00:26:10.235 --> 00:26:12.404 align:start line:79% position:44% size:56% - We need to tell 'em now to watch Fox 5. 00:26:12.404 --> 00:26:14.373 align:start line:79% position:42% size:53% - Yes, yes, yes. - Good Day New York. 00:26:14.373 --> 00:26:17.176 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% And I have to say, I mean, I've only, I've now been 00:26:17.176 --> 00:26:22.080 align:start line:79% position:31% size:68% on their air eight days, but it's a great company. 00:26:22.080 --> 00:26:24.817 align:start line:79% position:40% size:75% And again, you know, every little step is a good change. 00:26:24.817 --> 00:26:26.485 align:middle line:85% position:44% size:78% - Every little step, excellent. 00:26:26.485 --> 00:26:28.954 align:start line:79% position:33% size:70% The Gentleman from Ohio. - The Gentleman from Ohio. 00:26:28.954 --> 00:26:31.023 align:start line:79% position:50% size:61% (laughs) And it's in paperback now on Amazon. 00:26:31.023 --> 00:26:32.057 align:middle line:85% position:38% size:48% - Ooh, wonderful! 00:26:32.057 --> 00:26:32.991 align:start line:79% position:43% size:31% - Yes. - Awesome. 00:26:32.991 --> 00:26:34.259 align:middle line:85% position:33% size:70% - Well, thank you so much. 00:26:34.259 --> 00:26:37.996 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:61% And we will see you next time on Brooklyn Savvy. 00:26:37.996 --> 00:26:41.834 align:middle line:85% position:40% size:75% (rhythmic instrumental music)