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Proclamation congratulating Lynne Hayes-Freeland for her extensive and impressive career with KDKA, and congratulating her for becoming the first African-American woman to host a full-time radio show in KDKA history.
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WHEREAS, as an aspiring broadcast journalist student at Duquesne University trying to make her way in a flourishing industry, especially in Allegheny County and surrounding regions, Lynne Hayes-Freeland worked nights at the Roy Fox show, where she was ultimately fired leading to her being hired two weeks later by KDKA-TV; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland stayed with KDKA-TV until December 2018 when she became the first Black woman in KDKA Radio’s 100-year history to become a full-time talk show host. This radio show is a true testament of Mrs. Hayes-Freeland’s work ethic and an important step for African American women wanting to work in radio; and
WHEREAS, in January 2019, Mrs. Hayes--Freeland began hosting a noon-3pm show daily; and
WHEREAS, after three years in that role, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland is preparing to step down from her daily show; however, she will stay active with KDKA in various other capacities. She will continue to participate in KDKA Radio once a week for a one-hour discussion with host Marty Griffin; a weekly column on kdkaradio.com; becoming a bigger part of KDKA’s social media presence; and continuing her monthly hosting duties on “Minority Health Matters,” a program KDKA does in cooperation with Gateway Medical Society, a Pittsburgh-based organization dedicated to combating racial disparities in health care; and
WHEREAS, over the years, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland has created and produced numerous programs such as, “Weekend Magazine”, “Vibrations”, now known as the “Lynne Hayes-Freeland Show.” Through her show, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland breaks barriers and addresses issues that the African American community face, while forcing her audience to realize that those issues are not isolated and affect the broader community; and
WHEREAS, while at KDKA, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland has interviewed South African president Nelson Mandela, civil rights leader Rosa Parks and television legend Oprah Winfrey; and
WHEREAS, over the years, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland has received numerous honors and accolades that are a true testament of her unwavering commitment as an African American woman dedicated to pursing her dreams in an often-biased society; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland has dedicated her personal and professional life to building a community where there are no social, racial or economic barriers; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Council Member Olivia Bennett, do hereby recognize and congratulate Lynne Hayes-Freeland for her extensive and impressive career with KDKA, and I congratulate her for becoming the first African-American woman to host a full-time radio show in KDKA history. Also, we thank her for her unwavering commitment to establishing a society where neighbors across America have no social, racial or economic barriers.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 26th day of October 2021.