In August 2021, I joined Queen City News as a Main Evening News Anchor. I co-anchor the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscast on weekdays.
I am a graduate of Clemson University, where I pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I am an active member of the Omega Tau Omega chapter in Fort Mill, S.C.
News Awards & Recognition:
•2022 TV News Anchor of the Year, RTDNAC Finalist
•2021 Best TV Anchor EMMY Nomination, NATAS Southeast
•2021 TV Personality of the Year, Award of Merit, SC Broadcasters Association
•2021 TV News Anchor of the Year & TV Anchor Team of the Year, RTDNAC Finalist
I started my news career as an intern at WLNS-TV in Lansing, Michigan. I also worked as a freelance reporter for WKBD-TV in Detroit while juggling a full-time pharmaceutical sales career and earning my MBA from Wayne State University.
After living in Michigan, I relocated back to my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. While in Atlanta, I was a General Assignment Reporter for the NBC Affiliate, WXIA-TV, and a Freelance Reporter for FOX 5. I have reported “Live” for CNN, MSNBC, and The Weather Channel. I received a Regional Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Achievement, Best Newscast while at 11 Alive, WXIA.
After my time in Atlanta, I joined NBC 7 – KNSD and the CW affiliate KSWB-TV in San Diego, California as the Weekend Anchor. In the January 2007 Platinum Awards Issue of 944 Magazine, I was voted San Diego’s Favorite Female Newscaster.
I then moved back to South Carolina. However, instead of Tiger territory, I was in Gamecock Nation in Columbia, SC. I served as the Primary Anchor from 2008-2018 at ABC Columbia. I have covered huge stories in the Midlands that made national news such as the 2015 floods, the Confederate Flag coming down at the State House, and the Charleston Church Shootings.
I received a Regional Emmy Nomination for Continuing Coverage covering the 2008 deadly plane crash involving Travis Barker, Blink-182 drummer, which killed four people.
I was honored in 2016 to win an EMMA for Excellence in My Market in the category of “Anchor-News” from the Southeastern National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. I also received an honorable mention for anchoring weather SC flood coverage in 2016.
Before saying goodbye in 2018 to our television audience, Columbia City Council voted March 8, Alicia Barnes Day in the City of Columbia. Mayor Steve Benjamin presented the proclamation on LIVE television.
After taking a year off to raise our newborn daughter, we had another baby. Our son was born a year later.
In May of 2019 I joined the NBC affiliate in Columbia, SC, WIS NEWS 10. I served as a Primary Evening Anchor for 2 years before coming to Charlotte. While at WIS, I was nominated for 2 Regional Emmys. In 2020, I was given an honorable mention from the Free Times, Best of Columbia, for Best Anchorperson.
In 2021 and 2020, I was featured on the cover of Lake Murray Lifestyle Magazine. In 2012, 2014, 2016 & 2019 I was featured on the cover of Columbia Living Magazine. I was also featured in the June 2012 issue of Columbia Metropolitan Magazine. I was named one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” in Atlanta’s Jezebel Magazine in 2003.
My proudest moment was serving as a Torchbearer, carrying the Olympic flame through my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
COMMUNITY:
It’s a privilege to serve my community! In 2022, celebrating Women’s History Month, I had the honor of moderating “The Future is in Their Hands” hosted by Neiman Marcus Charlotte.
I have a true passion for the arts and for building a better community to help our younger generation become future leaders. My husband and I are members of The Crown Society at The Mint Museum.
I have spoken at numerous charity events over the years! I formerly served on the Board of Trustees at the Columbia Museum of Art. I also served on the Foundation Board, at the Lexington Medical Center. In 2019, I served as a convention moderator for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2012, I served as a judge for the Miss South Carolina Pageant. In 2005, I was presented the Outstanding Georgia Citizen’s Award by the Secretary of State for being a Goodwill Ambassador.
In 2004, I served as the Commencement Speaker for St. Pius X Catholic High School graduating class. My alma mater.
Thanks for reading a little about me, and thanks for watching Queen City News at 5 p.m. | 6 p.m. | 10 p.m. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
