Melba Tolliver, the first African American woman to anchor network news on WABC-TV, Eyewitness News, and News 12 Long Island in 1967, is now an author. She recently introduced her autobiography, “The Accidental Anchorwoman” (July 2024, Rebel Bookseller, Book & Puppet Co.) at a series of book signing events at the Word Up Community Bookstore (2113 Amsterdam Avenue, NYC), and Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too (Columbus Avenue & W. 110th Street, NYC).
Tolliver, 85, was joyful as she described her life and experiences on the job. For 30 years on TV, she told other people’s stories. In 1973, when the New York Times dubbed her a “superstar reporter,” a publisher asked for her memoir. Now she’s telling her own story.
Tolliver’s book recounts major historical facts and events, including her presence at the March on Washington with Martin Luther King, Jr.
At her mother’s insistence, Tollier became a registered nurse/RN and worked at Bellevue Hospital before taking a position as a secretary at WABC-TV during a major network strike. When WABC-TV executives pulled her away from her typewriter and asked her to fill in to read the nightly news, she was shocked, to say the least, and nervous. “It’s important to be at the right place at the right time,” she recalled thinking. For this first, accidental anchor spot, Tolliver smiled as instructed. She was exceptional, and she enjoyed it.
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And of course, people talked: “Did you see the Black woman reading the news?” The rest is history.
The Word Up book-signing event was very enjoyable, with lots of laughter—a beautiful, successful afternoon for the author. Among those in attendance in the Word Up Bookstore audience was Tolliver’s close childhood friend, Reverend Marcia Callende, who smiled when Tolliver revealed that she plays the flute.
In “Accidental Anchorwoman,” Tolliver writes about her childhood, growing up with her sister, experiencing a difficult marriage, and living through the fight for racial equality for Black people in America. Her insistence on wearing her hair in a natural Afro when covering the White House wedding of Tricia Nixon earned retaliation from WABC bosses. “I have a voice,” she penned; she discovered her voice while being a news reporter.
“Accidental Anchorwoman” is an enlightening read, especially in the current times. Tolliver has packed her book with telling details, and she fills in the backstory of a life that has deeply influenced modern journalism. Reporting with wit and humor from her ninth decade, she has provocative things to say about civil rights, the women’s movement, identity, and journalistic objectivity.
“Accidental Anchorwoman” is an absolute must-read! Young people can draw inspiration from Tolliver when battling mainstream society over issues such as personal image, gender, and race. Podcasters and journalists can learn from Tolliver to defy gatekeepers while celebrating local heroes.
For more info, visit www.melbatolliver.com.