Lorenzo “Lo” Jelks.Photo: George Pimentel/Shutterstock
“Once (WSB) took that opportunity of going with someone green like me, someone who had never been inside a television station, I think perhaps that helped with the other stations,” he told the newspaper.
When he was hired, he said station managers told him he was given the job in part because the station needed a Black reporter, but that he would not strictly be covering stories related to the Black community, according to theAtlanta Journal-Constitution.
For the first year, he was not actually seen on air, the outlet reported. Instead, viewers saw the words “Lorenzo Jelks reporting” over a black screen.
“I didn’t complain about it because I didn’t have any control over it,” he told the newspaper.
Throughout his career at the station, where he stayed until 1976, Jelks notably interviewed former PresidentJimmy Carterduring his 1970 gubernatorial run, which he won, perAJC.He also interviewed Ku Klux Klan leaders before a rally.
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After leaving the station, although Jelks had offers to become an anchor or join NBC News, he turned his sights back to radio, according to the newspaper.
After news of his death was confirmed, Gov. Brian Kemp shared a tribute on social media.
“As someone who made history for our state, he paved the way for other African Americans in media during a pivotal time,” Kemp wrote on Saturday. “As we pray for his loved ones, we’re also remembering his valued contributions.”
In 2022, Jelks' career and achievements were celebrated when he was inducted into the Atlanta Press Club Hall of Fame.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced, his family told the station.
source: people.com
