AARP's Merri Dee to Be Inducted Into Journalism Hall of Fame

AARP's Merri Dee to Be Inducted Into Journalism Hall of Fame

National Association of Black Journalists Recognizes Merri Dee's Trailblazing Career, Charitable Efforts

CHICAGO, Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --For decades, Merri Dee was one of the most recognizable faces on television for millions of Chicagoans and Americans, not only as a newscaster but also as a strong advocate for children and victims' rights. When Merri Dee retired in 2008 from the small screen, her career and accomplishments were far from over. She joined AARP as State President in Illinois, and today in Washington, D.C., she is being inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists' Hall of Fame during a gala ceremony at the Newseum in our nation's capital.

Ms. Dee is being honored for her trailblazing, 40-year career in Chicago broadcasting where she became one of the first African-American women to anchor the news, and for her advocacy work on behalf of children and crime victims.

"AARP is proud to have Merri Dee serving as our State President. Her leadership and contributions are invaluable assets as AARP continues its social change mission," said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director. "Whether it's advocating in Springfield for better and fairer laws, or helping to organize communities across the state around social justice issues, Merri continues to inspire Illinoisans of all ages to be agents for social change."

Merri Dee is being inducted into the NABJ Hall of Fame along with the late and legendary "60 Minutes" host Ed Bradley, The Washington Post's Eugene Robinson, Ray Taliaferro, Walt Swanston, and JC Hayward.

Ms. Dee joined AARP Illinois' volunteer Executive Council in 2008, and was appointed State President in 2009.

"We are thrilled to join Merri Dee as she is inducted into the NABJ Hall of Fame and we congratulate her for this much deserved honor that recognizes her successful and ongoing story. We look forward to her continued and enthusiastic involvement in the AARP story," Gallo added.

AARP Illinois - Telling Our Story on Facebook (facebook.com/aarpil), and Twitter (@aarpil)

SOURCE AARP Illinois

AARP Illinois

CONTACT: Gerardo Cardenas +1-312-458-3609, or Heather Heppner +1-312-458-3623, both of AARP Illinois

Web Site: http://www.aarp.org

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