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Lessons from Local Leaders:

Dr. Barbara Reynolds

For more than 50 years, Dr. Barbara Reynolds has been a force in journalism, activism, ministry, and education. At 83 years old, she is still writing, still speaking truth to power, and still urging the next generation to carry the torch of justice. Her journey—from being told she couldn’t to proving she could—is as much about resilience as it is about faith.

Breaking Barriers in Journalism

As a young Black woman at Ohio State University, Barbara dreamed of being a journalist. She was told, bluntly, that Black women couldn’t be journalists. She also wanted to join the marching band, but women weren’t allowed.

So she chose journalism—the “shoe that fit,” as she puts it—because it made her feel whole and healthy.

But entering the profession wasn’t easy. After graduating, she sent out résumés all across Ohio. Editors were impressed with her qualifications—until they met her in person. “We’re sorry,” they’d say. “We didn’t know you were colored.”

Still, she pressed forward.

She worked her way into Cleveland newsrooms, eventually becoming a homicide lead reporter. She didn’t enjoy covering violence, but it was a stepping stone that led her to roles at Ebony Magazine, the Cleveland Press, the Chicago Tribune, and ultimately, USA Today, where she was one of the startup editors when the now-iconic paper was just a few small rooms.

At USA Today, she interviewed figures like Henry Kissinger, Bill Clinton, and Billy Graham—the latter of whom arrived humbly in a Volkswagen with no entourage, an encounter that left a lasting impression on her.

A Lifelong Connection to the Civil Rights Movement

Barbara’s career wasn’t just about reporting; it was about shaping history. She was deeply connected to the Civil Rights Movement, marching with Martin Luther King Jr. and later developing a 30-year relationship with Coretta Scott King.

She recalls one of Coretta’s most defining moments. After her home was bombed during the Montgomery Bus Boycott while she had a baby inside, Dr. King’s father urged her to leave for safety. But Coretta refused.

“I’m not just married to Martin. I’m married to the movement.”

Barbara eventually authored “My Life, My Love, My Legacy”, a memoir of Coretta Scott King. She also wrote extensively about other civil rights leaders, including Jesse Jackson.

Even now, decades later, Barbara warns that the struggles of the past are resurfacing.

“I fought this fight. I was chased by the Klan in Tennessee helping Dr. King register voters. And I see the same climate forming now. I wake up every day seeing hate announced in the news. It hurts me because I know history.”

Speaking Truth to Power—Even When It’s Unpopular

Barbara’s career has been defined by her refusal to stay silent.

She’s written seven books, including No, I Won’t Shut Up and The Rise and Fall of the Techno-Messiah, a prophetic warning about how technology and AI could dehumanize society.

A decade ago, she says, she felt called by God to write about the dangers of technology replacing authentic human connection. She foresaw the rise of AI before it became mainstream.

“Technology is replacing humans, and it’s devastating. Machines have no empathy. Young people are even turning to AI for therapy—and in some cases, bots have led them toward suicide. This is why I have to keep talking.”

Barbara is deeply concerned about children growing up trusting technology more than their parents, and she urges families to stay vigilant.

“We’re sleeping through a revolution. Technology can do great things, but it also has many perils. We must pay attention before we lose our humanity.”

Mentoring the Next Generation

As an educator and mentor, Barbara emphasizes truth and integrity in journalism.

“Truth crushed to the earth will rise again. That’s what Dr. King used to say. Your job as a journalist is not to be a talking head. You must find the truth and tell it—even when it’s unpopular.”

She reminds young reporters that they may not be welcomed, that they may need to bring their own chair to the table like Shirley Chisholm once said. But they must remain courageous and uncompromising in their principles.

Faith as the Foundation

When asked what has sustained her through decades of challenges, Barbara credits her faith.

“I’m still empowered by the Holy Spirit. Everything I do, I give to God. As long as I have breath, I will keep speaking truth to power.”

Even now, she travels, speaks, and shares her wisdom with audiences who are eager to learn from her extraordinary journey.

Her Legacy Lives On

Barbara Reynolds’ story is one of perseverance in the face of rejection, courage in the midst of danger, and unwavering faith when the odds were stacked against her.

She’s lived through the Civil Rights era, mentored countless young journalists, and warned the world about the consequences of ignoring history and blindly trusting technology.

And even at 83, she isn’t done.

“As long as there’s opportunity, I want to be a servant of God. I want to keep telling people to pay attention. Things are really bad when the good people are silent—and I refuse to be silent.”

You can explore Barbara’s books, including My Life, My Love, My Legacy (Coretta Scott King) and The Rise and Fall of the Techno-Messiah, through her website DrBarbaraReynolds.com or email her at Reynew77@gmail.com for speaking engagements.

Reach Dr. Barbara Reynolds Below

Website: https://drbarbarareynolds.com/

Listen on the Podcast: Podcast Episode

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