NORFOLK, VA. — Dr. Grady James doesn't look like he's lived an entire century. His stride is steady, and his memory is sharp. His wisdom, however, clearly reflects the 100-year milestone he reaches on January 26, 2026.
"When you're in a position to make a suggestion, make sure you're prepared to make that happen if you get that opportunity," Dr. James said.
I had the incredible honor of sitting down Dr. James, a living legend who made history right here at our station in the 1970s. He became the first African American to host a weekly show on broadcast television in our region when he launched "Norfolk State Highlights" on our air in 1971.
"Yes, a lot of changes since I've been here," Dr. James said with a laugh as we toured the station together recently.
Back in the 1960s, Dr. James was a professor in Norfolk State University's Mass Communications and Journalism Department. By 1968, he also worked for WTAR's radio station, where he produced award-winning documentaries. It wasn't long before he made the leap to WTAR TV.
"I got the idea that I'd like to do a program that would involve students and information about the university and activities, alumni and people like that. So we decided to call it Norfolk State Highlights," Dr. James said.
Norfolk State Highlights hit the air in 1971, airing Sunday nights at 11:30. He hosted and produced the award-winning show for eight years.
When I asked him what it meant to break ground as both a professor and journalist, his response was heartfelt.
"I think it fulfilled the dream that I had because I always wanted to go into broadcasting and teach at the same time in an African American school. And so Norfolk State and WTKR gave me an opportunity to fulfill my dreams," Dr. James said.
Those dreams paved the way for African American journalists who would come behind him at what is now WTKR, including Kurt Williams, who has been anchoring here for nearly 40 years.
"Well, I think that was a great honor and an opportunity for me to do that and lay the groundwork for people to come," Dr. James said.
Forever the professor, Dr. James still imparts wisdom to journalists at the beginning of their careers as he reflects on his own history-making accomplishments.
"I'm just happy that Channel 3 gave me an opportunity to fulfill one of my dreams, and I hope that others will do the same thing," Dr. James said.
Dr. James retired from Norfolk State University in 2000, but he hasn't stopped helping students achieve their dreams. Just a few years ago, he earned the Distinguished Virginian Award from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters.
From all of us here at WTKR and the NSU Spartans, happy 100th birthday Dr. Grady James.
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