DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Over the last forty years, the nature of television news has constantly evolved, from the technology used on-air to the faces we see on our screens daily.
However, historical moments can slip by during those changes.
"I never saw it as being the first black women to hold that position. I enjoyed what I did, and I thought I was good at what I did," said Dana Waddell, the first African American anchor at WAND.
It was 1982 when WAND made the decision to move Dana Waddell to a role not often held by people of color.
"I was hired as the assignment editor. I really liked being behind the scenes, so I really didn't want to do it. So, they had to keep coming at me to entice me a little bit more to do it," said Waddell.
After some convincing, Waddell became the first African American anchor at WAND in Decatur. Her appearances on-air quickly became a cherished routine for her friends and family and a historic shift for the community.
"Back then, we didn't have flat screen TVs. We had floor model TVs. So, I would be glued to the TV and like, 'oh, what does Aunt Dana have on,'" said Camille King, niece of Dana Waddell.
Originally from Brownsville, Tennessee, Waddell and her family packed everything and moved north as part of the Great Migration.
It was at Stephen Decatur High School where her love for journalism grew.
"We had a journalism class and that the bug bit me and I was into it," said Waddell.
After attending Millikin University, the University of Illinois, and graduating from St. Mary of the Woods College in Indiana, Waddell pursued her dream in journalism.
Now, more than 40 years after first appearing at the desk, her family is recognizing the history she has made and the paths she has paved. History made not only at WAND, but in the news industry as well.
"You know, from the 80s to the 90s they know, but our generation now doesn't know, they have no clue. She's always like our Oprah Winfrey of the family. You know she's always been into reading and education. Education was always number one. She got me into reading," explained King.
Although Waddell didn't recognize it back then, she now acknowledges her footprint in local history and in the news industry.
"I then realized the true impact that I had had not only on my family, but on other people. Because until then, I think I really kind of took it for granted," shared Waddell.
"You know, she'd made me happy to be a Black American woman, because there's so many people, you know, they're still trying to survive and want to do the things that they love to do. Because of the color of our skin. You can really do things now more or less, because our ancestors, you know, people before it who paved the way," said King.
Dana hopes young journalists can feel inspired by her story and break glass ceilings of their own. She even gave WAND's Sierra Rucker some words of encouragements to keep in mind throughout her journey in the industry.
"Just hang in there and whatever it is you need to do and want to do. Keep always keep that in mind. Because it's interesting. You never know what's around the corner. That is so true. So, shine on," shared Waddell.
Waddell now lives in Indiana and helps her husband who is an author.
