Ethel Payne was an influential African American journalist known as the "First Lady of the Black Press." Born in 1911 in Chicago, Payne started her career as a columnist for the Chicago Defender, one of the most prominent Black newspapers in the U.S. She later became the first African American woman commentator on a national network when she was hired by CBS in 1972.

Payne was known for her fearless reporting on civil rights issues and her coverage of important events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the desegregation of schools, and the Civil Rights Movement. She also covered international events, becoming one of the first African American women to focus on foreign affairs.

Through her reporting, Payne brought attention to the struggles of Black Americans and advocated for equality and justice. She used her platform to shed light on the experiences of African Americans and challenge the status quo both domestically and globally.

Ethel Payne's legacy as a pioneering journalist and advocate for social justice has had a lasting impact on the field of journalism and the fight for civil rights.