iturn0image0turn0image1turn0image2turn0image7Joy-Ann M. Lomena-Reid, born on December 8, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York, has established herself as a prominent figure in American journalism and political commentary. As the host of MSNBC’s “The ReidOut,” she has become a significant voice in political discourse.
Early Life and Education
Reid’s upbringing was shaped by a diverse cultural background. Her father, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and her mother, a Guyanese-born college professor and nutritionist, met while pursuing graduate studies at the University of Iowa. Following her parents’ separation, Reid spent her early years in Denver, Colorado. At 17, after her mother’s passing from breast cancer, she relocated to Flatbush, Brooklyn, to live with an aunt. Reid pursued higher education at Harvard University, initially focusing on pre-med before transitioning to a concentration in film studies, and earned her degree in 1991.
Career Beginnings
In 1997, Reid embarked on her journalism career by leaving a business consulting role in New York to join WSVN Channel 7’s morning show in South Florida. By 2003, she had shifted her focus to political activism, working with the group America Coming Together to oppose the Iraq War and President George W. Bush’s policies. Reid later returned to media as a talk radio host and contributed to Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.
Advancement in Media
Reid’s versatility in media is evident through her various roles. She co-hosted “Wake Up South Florida,” a morning radio talk show, and served as managing editor of The Grio from 2011 to 2014. Additionally, she was a political columnist for the Miami Herald and maintained “The Reid Report,” a political blog. Her television career progressed with the hosting of “The Reid Report” on MSNBC from February 2014 to February 2015. Although the show was later canceled, Reid continued her association with MSNBC as a national correspondent and, in May 2016, began hosting “AM Joy,” a weekend morning talk show.
The ReidOut and Historical Milestones
In July 2020, MSNBC announced Reid as the host of “The ReidOut,” a Washington-based evening commentary show. This appointment marked a significant milestone, making her the first Black woman to anchor a primetime cable news program.
Authorship and Thought Leadership
Beyond broadcasting, Reid has made contributions to literature and academia. She authored “Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons, and the Racial Divide” in 2015, “The Man Who Sold America: Trump and the Unraveling of the American Story” in 2019, and “Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America” in 2024. Reid also imparts her knowledge as an instructor, teaching a Syracuse University class in Manhattan that explores race, gender, and media.
Personal Life
Reid has been married to Jason Reid, a documentary film editor, since 1997, and together they have three children. The family resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout her career, Reid has received numerous accolades. In 2016, she was honored with the Women’s Media Center’s Carol Jenkins Visible and Powerful Media Award. The New York Times has described her as a “heroine” of the anti-Trump resistance, highlighting her influence and prominence in political commentary.
Joy-Ann Reid’s journey from a young woman navigating personal loss to a trailblazer in journalism exemplifies resilience and dedication. Her insightful analysis and commitment to truth continue to inform and inspire audiences nationwide.
