Renowned Journalist Belva Davis Honored at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral
Belva Davis, the pioneering journalist who made history as the first Black female television reporter on the West Coast, was celebrated at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral. Davis passed away on September 24 at the age of 92 after a prolonged illness. The public memorial held at the cathedral was a tribute to her remarkable life and career.
Belva Davis: A Life of Achievement
Born in Monroe, Louisiana, Davis moved to the San Francisco Bay Area at the age of 8. She graduated from Berkeley High School in 1951. With financial constraints preventing her from attending college, she began her career as a typist on Treasure Island. Davis’s passion for journalism grew as she contributed to Black women’s organizations, which led her to freelance opportunities with publications such as Jet magazine and the Sun-Reporter newspaper.
Groundbreaking Career Milestones
- Joined The Bay Area Independent as a full-time reporter.
- Marked her television debut at KPIX, the CBS affiliate in San Francisco.
- Spent 18 years at KRON, the former NBC affiliate.
- Hosted “This Week in Northern California” at KQED for many years until her retirement in 2012.
Davis dedicated her career to showcasing the realities of her community. In her memoir, she expressed her goal: “to fill in that missing perspective.”
Interviews and Recognition
Throughout her career, Davis conducted interviews with numerous influential personalities, including:
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Fidel Castro
- Frank Sinatra
- James Baldwin
- Muhammad Ali
Her journalistic contributions earned her many accolades, including:
- Eight Emmy Awards
- The International Women’s Media Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award
- Induction into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame
- Recognition in the Radio Hall of Fame
- Inclusion in the California Hall of Fame
Davis received honorary doctorate degrees from several institutions, including Academy of Art University and Golden Gate University.
Legacy
Her legacy continues to inspire future generations. “Today’s black journalists walk in Belva’s footsteps,” remarked Bill Whitaker, a reporter for “60 Minutes.” Davis is survived by her husband Bill Moore, their children, grandchildren, and an extended family. Her contributions to journalism and her community remain a profound influence.
