A chat with Deidra Dukes

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Credit: Deidra Dukes

Born in San Diego and raised in Oceanside, California, FOX 5 news anchor Deidra Dukes moved to Atlanta in 18 years ago.

“I moved to Atlanta in 1998 for a reporter position and fell in love with the city I now call home,” said Dukes.

Dukes graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Information and Communication studies at California State University (Chico campus).

The FOX 5 Social Media team spoke with Deidra about the importance of Black History Month.

FOX 5: How long have you been in broadcast media?

DD: I have worked as a journalist for about 25 years.  My first on-air job was as a part-time reporter for the CBS affiliate in Chico, California.  I also worked as a reporter/anchor at television stations in Redding and Fresno, California before heading north for a reporter job in Pittsburgh. 

FOX 5: What is the significance of Black History Month to you, as you work in a city that sits at the heart of the civil right movement?

DD: Growing up in California, I read everything I could get my hands on about leaders of the civil rights movement and other notable African-Americans who helped break down racial barriers, paving the way for future generations.  Since moving to Atlanta, I have had the opportunity to interview many of those men and women I read about as a child, and so many countless others who won’t be found in any history books but were on the frontlines in the right for racial equality. 

FOX 5: How does Black History (Month) play or have played a role in inspiring you to reach your goals?

DD: Throughout history, African-Americans have overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to attain significant achievements.  Knowing the tremendous sacrifices made, some even risking their own lives for the greater good despite great adversity, is truly inspiring

FOX 5: Who is your inspiration and why?

DD: I have only to look to my own family members, my grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles for inspiration.  They’ve instilled in my brother, cousins and I strong Christian values, the importance of education and a strong work ethic. Thanks to their love, encouragement and unwavering support our family has in a few generations time realized many professional and personal milestones.

Deidra has involved herself in a number of community programs, working closely with groups like Junior League of Atlanta, the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists, and as an adviser to the American Red Cross Minority Recruitment Program.  Deidra was recently honored with the Jubilee Diamond Award that recognizes a woman with great influence in the field of media, entertainment or the arts.

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