LORI STOKES BIOGRAPHY Lori Stokes has reported on almost every major story of the last decade and a half. As anchor of Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News at Noon, she has been an unflinching guide, yet calming force reporting on events that affect our changing world. Through it all, millions of views have counted on Stokes for her steady voice, adept analysis and a keen sense of humor. In 2000, Stokes came to WABC from MSNBC/NBC where she reported for Nightly News Weekend and anchored the NBC Sunrise and the Weekend Today Show. Stokes is acknowledged in African American Firsts as the first African American to broadcast on MSNBC in 1996. She also hosted Newschat, a call-in talk show that showcased the dynamic rapport she has with her viewers. Prior to MSNBC/NBC Lori worked for ABC affiliate WJLA-TV in Washington, DC where she served as evening anchor at six and 11 o’clock from 1992- 1996. She also launched WJLA’s Good Morning Washington. Stokes has received numerous awards for her reporting on social issues, in particular stories affecting women and children. As a general assignment reporter from 1991-1992 for WBFF-TV in Baltimore, she received an Emmy Award for her in-depth coverage of children caught in the crossfire of local violence. Stokes’ undercover journalistic work as a homeless person on the streets of Baltimore earned her an Associated Press Award. Stokes received a 2006 Emmy nomination for a police chase on which she reported live in 2005. WABC’s Lori Stokes broke the story and reported live from the tragic shooting in Newtown, CT- something to this day has left an indelible mark within her heart for the families and the community. With a keen eye on politics, Stokes was tapped to anchor WABC's coverage of the 2013 Presidential Inauguration of President Barak Obama, 2012 National Democratic Convention and 2004 National Republic Convention. She reported from the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009. In addition, Stokes has twice anchored the flagship station's coverage of the Super Bowl parade, in 2008 and 2012, as the NY Giants celebrated their win by winding down the stretch known as the "Canyon of Heroes," a New York City landmark and home to the most famous celebrations paying tribute to the nation's heroes. Stokes is also responsible for breaking the news stories of the prominent deaths of Gianni Versace and Elizabeth Taylor. Stokes has received many honors throughout her career including a total of 9 Emmys- NY, Including Best Morning and Best Daytime News Reports: 2012,Best Daytime Newscast Eyewitness News at Noon: May 4, 2010 Times Square Bomb Arrest; Best Morning Newscast Eyewitness News This Morning: January 27, 2011 January Snow Show; Best Daytimes Newscast Eyewitness News at Noon: May 2, 2011 Death of Osama bin Laden; and Best Entertainment Program or Special: June, 25, 2011 The Road to Zarkana: Cirque Du Soleil in New York. Stokes also received the George P. Foster Peabody Award for her September 11, 2001 coverage of the World Trade Center attack. Stokes has been named a “Woman of Influence” by Commerce magazine, placing her among the ranks of best-selling author Mary Higgins-Clark and racecar driver Danica Patrick. Stokes received the 2003 Congressional Black Caucus Celebration of Leadership Award for her civic service and her status as a role model and McDonalds Corporation recently recognized Stokes as one of the "Black Broadcast Legends" who have impacted the black community through her achievements and positive examples. The New York City Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence recently recognized her for her body of work and her extensive community outreach. Stokes is one of the millions of people who live with potentially deadly food allergies and is passionately involved with the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI). Lori Stokes was recently honored at FAI’s Twelfth Annual New York Spring Luncheon and presented with an award for Media Trailblazer by the National Coalition 100 Black Women. Stokes serves as a member of the board of trustees at Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood New Jersey and St. Joseph’s Regional Medical in Paterson, New Jersey. Stokes was born in Cleveland, Ohio but grew up in suburban Washington, D.C. She is daughter of former United States Congressman Louis Stokes and the niece of Carl Stokes, who made history as the first African American mayor of a major city, Cleveland and was also the first African American news anchor in New York City. Stokes was crowned Miss Azalea in 1983, representing the NATO Alliance. She was the first African American to ever hold the title. Stokes is an alumna of Howard University and Ohio State University. .