Coming Full Circle: From Jim Crow to Journalism

by Wanda Lloyd, Tina McElroy Ansa (Foreword)

Coming Full From Jim Crow to Journalism is the memoir of an African American woman who grew up privileged and educated in the segregated culture of the American South before and during the twentieth-century civil rights movement. Despite laws that restricted her housing, education, voting rights, and virtually every other aspect of life, Wanda Smalls Lloyd grew up to become one of the nation's highest-ranking newspaper journalists, and among the first African American women to be the top editor of a major newspaper.

Coming Full Circle is a self-reflective exploration of the author's life journey―from growing up in coastal Savannah, Georgia, to editing roles at seven daily newspapers, and finally back to Savannah to make a difference in her childhood community. Her path was shaped not only by the segregated social, community, and educational systems, but also by religious and home training, a strong cultural foundation, and early leadership opportunities.

That Southern upbringing produced an adult woman who realized her professional dream of working for daily newspapers and rose to become an editor at the Washington Post and a senior editor at USA Today before returning South as the executive editor of the Montgomery Advertiser . Along the way, she was an advocate and an example for how diversity helped newsrooms become reflections of accuracy for their audience. Lloyd's memoir opens a window on the intersection of race, gender, and culture in professional journalism. How she excelled in a profession where high-ranking African American women were rare is a reminder for older readers and an inspiring story for a younger generation.

296 pages, Hardcover

Published February 4, 2020

Reviews

[Jane Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a memoir of a woman growing up in the south and her professional journey in newspapers. I loved reading about newspapers and how important they were to a community. I miss that energy and vitality. Ms. Lloyd does look at the purpose of media today and the continued need for education in journalism. On top of that she clearly articulates the obstacles of race in her education and profession. My heart broke when she described how every black child had to quickly learn to re 'colored' so they wouldn't use the wrong water fountain or bathroom.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir expands the narrative of the African American experience in this country. The author's stories - of growing up during Jim Crow, of a loving non-traditional family, of finding her voice and place in a white, male dominated environment, and of holding herself to a high standard personally, academically, and professionally - are a celebration of a purposeful life. There is much that will resonate and inspire.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting chronicle of a black woman growing up with Jim Crow and advancing to the height of the journalism world. But like so many memoirs, it takes a pretty dull chronological approach. There are some helpful lessons on the value of diversity and the importance of mentoring those who come behind, but it feels like it misses an opportunity to do more.

[Kei Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a young African American female reporter, this memoir was real and relatable. Wanda directs the reader through the true reality of the news world during the Jim Crow era and gives a lens view of what it takes to make it to the “top”. Good motivation for young women who are currently trying to navigate life in those exact same shoes.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very readable memoir by a woman who made a career in newspapers and and did a great deal to improve diversity in the media.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic memoir for anyone interested in journalism, race, gender, and the story of a remarkable woman.

[Monique AJ Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a communication major I enjoyed reading about a woman pioneer who weathered the storms of racism and sexism with grace.