CBS Weekend News Anchor Jericka Duncan Talks Being a Mom, Mentor, and Building Her Career During Visit to South Florida
Jericka Duncan’s Visit to South Florida: A Blend of Career, Mentorship, and Motherhood
This past weekend, Jericka Duncan, the esteemed CBS Weekend News anchor and National Correspondent, made a memorable visit to South Florida to participate in the National Association of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) annual scholarship awards ceremony. As the keynote speaker, Duncan not only inspired the audience with her compelling career journey but also opened up about the challenges and rewards of being a mother and mentor while building a successful career in journalism.
The event was a significant occasion for the South Florida chapter of NABJ, which awarded nearly $20,000 in scholarships to promising students pursuing journalism. Duncan’s presence underscored the importance of nurturing the next generation of storytellers, especially those from underrepresented communities.
What Drives Jericka Duncan’s Career and Passion for Journalism
Jericka Duncan’s career spans over a decade at CBS News, where she has reported on some of the nation’s most high-profile and complex stories. Her dedication to understanding the human experience behind the headlines is a hallmark of her reporting style. “I’m a big person that seeks to understand,” Duncan shared during her visit. “I want to understand why someone thinks the way they do and what motivates people to keep going after disaster, after tragedy — and I’m able to do all of that on Weekend News.”
Throughout her career, Duncan has covered major investigations and social issues, including the allegations against R. Kelly and Harvey Weinstein, among others. Her fearless approach to journalism has earned her multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards and a prestigious spot in the Buffalo Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame. As a national correspondent, she consistently asks tough questions and provides context that helps the public grasp complicated issues.
Life Beyond the Camera: Jericka Duncan’s Role as a Connector and Mentor
While in South Florida, Duncan’s role shifted from correspondent to connector. Away from the camera, she emphasized the importance of rest, laughter, and meaningful relationships. “The Jericka outside of news is someone that appreciates rest. I love to laugh and have a good time… I’m always thinking of other projects. I’m always thinking of ideas,” she said candidly during a lunch meeting.
Her visit was also a chance to enjoy some downtime with her daughter, Journey, experiencing the sunshine, beaches, and outdoor activities that South Florida offers. “It’s beautiful! You forget how quick and easy the trip is from New York to Florida — the beach, the water, the sunshine… this is my daughter’s first time here. It’s been lovely,” Duncan remarked.
Duncan’s mentorship extends beyond formal settings. Her engagement with young journalists at the scholarship event reflected her commitment to guiding and supporting emerging talent, especially those who face unique challenges in the industry.
Balancing Motherhood and a Demanding Career: Jericka Duncan’s “Why”
One of the most heartfelt moments during Duncan’s visit was when she spoke about balancing her demanding career with motherhood. She credited her faith and her daughter as the driving forces behind her resilience and motivation. “This little girl right here… she’s my why,” Duncan said, holding back emotion.
Journey Duncan-Clark, Jericka’s daughter, described her mother as a supportive and understanding parent, particularly regarding mental health. “She’s really understanding, which I like… I’m allowed to have mental health days, and if I needed to talk to someone, she wouldn’t say ‘suck it up,’” Journey shared.
Despite her mother’s high-profile career, Journey remains grounded and sees Jericka simply as “mom.” She noted, “People expect me to be like ‘Oh, wow, your mom’s on TV — it’s so cool,’ but frankly it doesn’t really faze me.” To Journey, Jericka is just someone who loves the color blue, enjoys running, and prefers the sun over snow.
For Duncan, the balance between career and family is a continuous journey. “Right now, I’m riding the wave. I’m enjoying that I still have a good job and one that I really enjoy,” she reflected.
Conclusion: Embracing Balance, Mentorship, and Representation in Journalism
Jericka Duncan’s visit to South Florida was more than a keynote address; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of representation, mentorship, and balance in both journalism and life. Her story resonates with aspiring journalists, working parents, and anyone striving to build a meaningful career while staying true to their personal values.
If you’re inspired by Jericka Duncan’s journey and want to learn more about how to balance career ambitions with family life or explore mentorship opportunities in journalism, stay connected with local NABJ chapters and media organizations. Embrace the power of storytelling and mentorship to shape the future of journalism.
Take the first step today—whether you’re a student, a professional, or a parent—by seeking out mentorship, sharing your story, and supporting the next generation of journalists.
