Janet Langhart Cohen (Finding Aid)

Janet Langhart Cohen

1941 -

Favorite Color: Black (when wearing it), Green (around her), Pink (flowers), the rainbow

Favorite Food: Bread

Favorite Time of Year: Winter

Favorite Vacation Spot: Home

Interview Length: 115 minutes

Interview Date(s): March 18, 2005

Interview Location(s): Chevy Chase Maryland, Chevy Chase, Maryland

Abstract

Janet Langhart Cohen shares stories of her parents background , her NAtive American heritage and her childhood in Central Indiana. Cohen recalls such diverse events as attending a Klan rally to her father's brief return after WWII. Former newscaster, Janet Langhart Cohen, details her segregated childhood in Indianapolis. She describes her efforts at self-improvement, and how she was thwarted by a racist charm school owner. Cohen also recalls the profound effect Emmett Till's murder had upon her and the black community. Former newscaster Janet Langhart Cohen describes her meteoric rise in broadcast journalism. Starting as an Ebony Fashion Fair model in the early 1960s, Cohen also had opportunies to mingle with Dr. King and Mahalia Jackson. After landing on WBBM-TV as a weather girl, Cohen occasionally substituted for Lee Phillips on her show. That soon led to Cohen scoring her own show in Indianapolis, and she soon commuted between Chicago and Indianapolis for both gigs. Her success led her to jump ship for a more prominent position in Boston. But while there, Cohen was shocked to see the hostility from her black colleagues and the overt racism from whites. Former newscaster, Janet Langhart Cohen, details her three marriages, the causes for thier breakups and how she and her 3rd husband have stayed together. Cohen also discusses her broadcast career, and a run-in with Arnold Schwarzengger while on a film junket in France. She also discusses issues facing people of color serving in the military and the snubbing she still receives from members of Congress.

34 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)