Monica Pearson

Monica Kaufman Pearson is a journalist recognized for her contributions to television news in the American South. She became the first minority and first woman to anchor the daily evening news in Atlanta, working for 37 years at WSB-TV. Before her tenure in Atlanta, Pearson worked in public relations for Brown Forman Distiller, served as an anchor and reporter for WHAS-TV in Louisville, and reported for Louisville Times. She also attended a summer program for minorities at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Pearson debuted on the six o'clock Action News, becoming a prominent figure in Atlanta television journalism. She has interviewed U.S. presidents and covered significant historical events. During her time at WSB-TV, Pearson received more than 33 Southern Regional and local Emmy Awards for reporting, anchoring, and her work on the interview show "Closeups." She held her anchor position at WSB-TV longer than any other television personality in Atlanta and longer than most women in the country. Upon her retirement, she was honored on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives by the bipartisan delegation of the State of Georgia for her service to the citizens of Georgia.

Pearson's honors include induction into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame, University of Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame, Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Atlanta Press Club Hall of Fame, Georgia Music Hall of Fame, Georgia Trend's Most Influential Hall of Fame, and the Trumpet Foundation International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. She has received honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters from Clark Atlanta University, Oglethorpe University, and American Bible University, as well as a Doctor of Public Service from Young Harris College.

Beyond her journalism career, Pearson has been active in civic leadership and humanitarian work. She was the first African American to serve as chairperson of the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. She served on the Board of Jurors for the George Foster Peabody Awards at the University of Georgia. The Atlanta Dream of the WNBA presented Pearson with the Pat Summitt Inspiring Woman Award. She is a breast cancer and liver cancer survivor and has spoken publicly about her health journey.

Pearson continues to contribute to Atlanta media as the host and producer of "Monica Pearson One on One," a monthly interview program for Gray Media Group airing on Peachtree TV/WPCH-TV. She is also a host of the Emmy-nominated Georgia Public Broadcasting show, "A Seat at the Table." Pearson remains active as an emcee and speaker, sharing her experiences in journalism, media, and community engagement.