Danita Harris Biography: Emmy Award-Winning News Anchor and Journalist and Minister Leading the S.H.I.N.E. Initiative
Danita Harris is an Emmy Award-winning American broadcast journalist known for her work as a news anchor and reporter.
She currently works for WEWS News Channel 5 in Cleveland, Ohio, where she has been a part of the news team since 1998. Danita anchors the “Good Morning Cleveland” show and reports the news at noon.
Community Involvement
Danita is deeply involved in community service and has founded her non-profit organization, S.H.I.N.E. (Strength, Hope, Identity, New beginnings, Empowerment).
S.H.I.N.E. aims to empower women and students through various programs and initiatives. Danita’s commitment to mentorship and empowerment extends to her involvement in WEWS’s shadow program for high school students, where she helps guide the next generation of journalists.
Early Life and Education:
Danita Harris was born in 1979 in Chester, Pennsylvania. She grew up in a loving family with her parents, Mattie and Theron Harris.
Her mother, Mattie, is a CEO and businesswoman in Cleveland, Ohio. Danita attended local schools in Chester for her middle and high school education.
After high school, Danita pursued her passion for journalism by enrolling at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Communications.
Danita’s upbringing was filled with encouragement and support from her family. She is the only child in her family, which made her parents’ focus on her education and personal development even more pronounced. Her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed.
Career:
Danita Harris has built a distinguished career in journalism spanning over 35 years. She began as a producer at Black Entertainment Television (BET) and transitioned to on-air roles at WEWS Channel 5 in Cleveland in 1998.
Over the years, she co-anchored “Good Morning Cleveland” and later worked at WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., before returning to Cleveland in 2000.
Her most recent role is as the morning anchor for WKYC’s “GO!” show, where she co-hosts with Dave Chudowsky and Matt Wintz
Danita is a nine-time Emmy Award winner and received the Edward R. Murrow Award in 2021 for her podcast, Voices for Change.
Her accolades include induction into the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame and recognition as Journalist of the Year by the Public Children’s Services Association of Ohio.
Early Career
Danita began her journalism career at the Black Entertainment Television Network (BET). Working at BET provided her with valuable experience in broadcast journalism and helped her build a foundation in the industry.
WJLA-TV
Danita’s next significant career step was at WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C. During her time there, she served as a correspondent, covering a wide range of stories and developing her reporting skills. This role allowed her to gain exposure to national news and further refine her journalistic abilities.
WEWS News Channel 5
In 1998, Danita joined WEWS News Channel 5 in Cleveland, Ohio. She initially co-anchored the “Good Morning Cleveland” show, where her engaging and relatable style quickly made her a favorite among viewers. Over the years, Danita has held various roles at WEWS, including anchoring the evening news and reporting on significant events.
Recent Years
In 2020, Danita returned to anchoring the “Good Morning Cleveland” show and News5 at noon to spend more time with her son.
Her dedication to her family and community continues to be a driving force in her career. Danita’s ability to balance her professional and personal life is a testament to her resilience and commitment to both her work and her loved ones.
Notable Stories
Danita Harris has reported on numerous significant stories throughout her career at WEWS News Channel 5. Some of her most notable stories include:
- HIV and Its Impact on African-American Women in Northeast Ohio: Danita reported extensively on the impact of HIV on African-American women in the region, bringing attention to the health crisis and advocating for better healthcare and support services.
- 9/11 Anniversary Coverage: Danita reported live from New York City on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, providing viewers with in-depth coverage and reflections on the tragic event.
- Local Political Coverage: Throughout her career, Danita has covered numerous local political events and elections, providing viewers with insightful analysis and comprehensive reporting on the political landscape in Northeast Ohio.
- Community Issues: Danita has been a strong advocate for addressing community issues, including education, healthcare, and social justice. Her reporting often highlights the challenges faced by local communities and the efforts being made to address them.
- Natural Disasters: Danita has reported on various natural disasters, including severe weather events and their impact on the local community. Her coverage helps keep viewers informed and prepared for such events.
Awards and Recognitions
Danita Harris has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her illustrious career in journalism. Here are some of the highlights:
Emmy Awards
Danita has won nine Emmy Awards for her outstanding work in broadcast journalism. These awards include:
- Best Morning Newscast
- Best Daytime Newscast
- Best Evening Newscast
Edward R. Murrow Award
In 2021, Danita earned an Edward R. Murrow Award for her podcast “Voices for Change”. This prestigious award recognizes excellence in electronic journalism and is a testament to her impactful storytelling.
Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame
Danita was inducted into the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2010. This honor reflects her significant contributions to the field of journalism and her influence as a broadcaster in Ohio.
Chuck Heaton Award
Danita received the Chuck Heaton Award from the Cleveland Press Club. This award is named after the legendary Cleveland Browns sportswriter Chuck Heaton and is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to journalism in Cleveland.
Woman of Vision Award
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women honored Danita with the Woman of Vision award. This award recognizes outstanding women who have made a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Other Recognitions
Danita has been recognized by various organizations for her dedication to journalism and community service. She has been honored by the Black Women in Sisterhood for Action group and the National Council of Negro Women.
Harris’s numerous awards and recognitions highlight her exceptional career and her commitment to delivering impactful news stories and serving her community.
Danita Harris Church
Danita Harris is not only a respected journalist but also a dedicated minister. Her spiritual faith is the foundation of her initiative, “It’s Your Time to S.H.I.N.E.”
This organization, founded in 2016, aims to help others find their divine light within. Danita’s church involvement is deeply intertwined with her mission to encourage and empower individuals through ministry.
Church Involvement
Danita serves as an ordained reverend and uses her platform to deliver spiritual messages and provide guidance to her congregation.
She often emcees community events, speaks to students, and delivers spiritual messages, bringing a genuine energy and warmth to everything she does.
S.H.I.N.E. Initiative
The S.H.I.N.E. initiative is a significant part of Danita’s church involvement. It provides a sisterly and brotherly safe haven, as well as outreach to individuals and community groups in need. The initiative includes programs like the
S.H.I.N.E. Girlz Mentoring Program, which serves 4th through 8th-grade girls within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and the S.H.I.N.E. Men of Integrity, which focuses on bringing men together for fellowship and supporting local charities.
Podcast: Voices for Change
Danita also hosts a podcast called “Voices for Change,” where she discusses various topics and issues affecting the world.
The podcast episodes highlight the diversity of thought, authentic expression, and enlightening perspectives on important matters.
Community Impact
Danita’s church involvement and her role as a minister have had a profound impact on her community.
Her dedication to mentorship, empowerment, and spiritual guidance has helped countless individuals discover their purpose and live life to the fullest.
Danita Harris’s Financial Status:
Net Worth: Danita Harris’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $8 million. This estimate takes into account her earnings from her extensive career in journalism, as well as any other investments she may have.
Salary: Danita Harris earns an annual salary of approximately $100,000 to $350,000. This salary reflects her experience and the responsibilities she holds as a news anchor and journalist at WEWS News Channel 5.
Sources of Income
- Broadcast Journalism: Danita’s primary source of income is her career as a broadcast journalist. Her roles at various news organizations, including WEWS News Channel 5 and WJLA-TV, have contributed significantly to her earnings.
- Emmy Awards and Recognitions: Danita’s numerous awards and recognitions, such as Emmy Awards and the Edward R. Murrow Award, have likely contributed to her financial success and net worth.
- Public Speaking and Appearances: As a respected journalist, Danita may also earn income from public speaking engagements, media appearances, and other related activities.
Personal Life:
- Age: Danita Harris was born in 1979, making her around 45 years old as of 2024.
- Zodiac Sign: Unfortunately, I couldn’t find information about her zodiac sign.
- Ethnicity: Danita is of African-American ethnicity.
- Nationality: She is American.
- Relationship Status: Danita Harris is married.
Husband:
Danita Harris is married to Brad Pratt, a former minister from Springfield, Ohio. They met in May 2005 and got engaged on December 17, 2005.
They tied the knot on June 10, 2006, in a grand ceremony attended by approximately 600 guests. Brad relocated to Cleveland to be with Danita, and they have built a loving and supportive relationship over the years.
Danita and Brad have two children. Kanecia is Brad’s daughter from a previous marriage, and Danita has embraced her as her own.
Chase is their son, and together, they make a close-knit family. The family also has two pet dogs, Bastille and Bastille
Physical Attributes:
Danita Harris stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall. She carries herself with charisma and poise, both on and off the screen. Additionally, Danita has brown hair and brown eyes. Her warm and engaging presence on screen is often noted by viewers.
Is Danita Harris retiring
Yes, Danita Harris announced her retirement from WEWS News Channel 5 after nearly 25 years with the station.
She shared that she believes “to everything there is a season,” and after 24 years at WEWS, she felt it was time to move on. Her final broadcast was on December 21, 2023.
Danita expressed gratitude for the friendships, great memories, and excellent journalism she experienced during her time at WEWS. She plans to continue her community work and ministry through her S.H.I.N.E. initiative and other endeavors.
Social Media Presence:
Danita is active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where she engages with her audience, shares updates about her community initiatives, and promotes her faith-based work.