Today we’d like to introduce you to Cherri Gregg.
Hi Cherri, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I began my career with a desire to become a broadcast journalist. The seed was planted when I was just 12 years old–but twists and turns and life landed me in law school. I ended up graduating and getting a job as an Intellectual Property attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia. A few years in, I relocated to Philadelphia. Thanks so a wonderful support system, I decided to take a leap and go for the original dream. I enrolled in the Masters in Journalism program at Temple University. A few months later, I landed a freelance TV gig. A few months after that I got a job in radio at KYW Newsradio. My first day on air was 1/11/11. Our station relocated and embedded in the CBS Philly Newsroom, and I soon began working on TV as well. I started doing live reports on Sunday morning on CBS3. For more than five years, I reported on TV and radio, developing a social justice, civil rights, and human interest beat that won awards. In 2017, I created a radio show and podcast called, Flashpoint. It quickly won awards and was syndicated, airing on seven stations in the region. Then, after 10 years at KYW Newsradio, in 2021, I decided to leap to public media. A year ago, I started as the afternoon drive anchor/host for WHYY-FM, the Philadelphia NPR member station. I also launched a new series at WHYY, The Good Souls Project, which highlights individuals who serve as role models for compassion, generosity, and service. I started teaching Journalism Law at my M.J. alma mater, Temple University. I am also in the process of helping to launch a non-profit– more on that to come. Bottom line– I am just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road is never smooth. It has been a struggle. I started my journalism journey in my early 30s- with many people telling me I was too old to do what I was doing. I also had to give up a high-paying law firm job to work as a freelance reporter. Then- my first job was only a couple days a week. So, I went from making six figures to less than $30K a year. But I persisted… And it all worked out. I knew I was gifted- I knew what I wanted, and I prayed, worked hard, and got lucky. I also had a great support system, and I am grateful for that. There were other struggles– like the hours and the quest to find balance. Also- anxiety. But I kept working at it, adopting a meditation practice and workout regiment that keeps me feeling pretty good.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am most known for my grassroots reporting on civil rights issues, criminal justice, and human-interest stories. I am a media diversity advocate– and I know people see me as someone who is fair, believes in helping the underserved, and is about community. I am unapologetically Black and a DC girl for life, but I love all people advocating for civil rights- I also am all about big hair and big earrings. I am consistent in what I do and how I treat people. My personal constitution focuses on integrity, using my power to help people, and living life with passion.
What do you think about happiness?
Family and friends. I love to laugh- and my family and close friends are people with whom I can be my true self. My work also makes me happy. I get to educate folks and bring stories to light that may not otherwise be told. I am very blessed…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whyy.org/person/cherri-gregg/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherrigregg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CherriGreggMedia/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cherrigregg
- Other: https://linktr.ee/cherrigregg
