Diann Burns (Finding Aid)

Diann Burns

1956 -

Favorite Color: Yellow and Orange

Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese

Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii

Interview Length: 100 minutes

Interview Date(s): May 23, 2001

Interview Location(s): The HistoryMakers, 1900 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois, The HistoryMakers, 1900 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Diann Burns recalls her mother's origins and details her family's migration from southern Georgia to Ohio. She then talks about her father's family history, his migration from Mississippi to Ohio, and the family's religious roots. She then talks about her three siblings. Burns later recalls her earliest memories as a child, including the feelings she felt upon learning of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She then describes the tight-knit community where she grew up in Ohio. Burns then details what it was like growing up as the daughter of a minister and the limits it placed on her social life. Burns describes her personality, and details the conflict it caused going against her father's authoritarian ways. Lastly, she talks about college, her first full-time job and the unexpected death of her sister. Diann Burns talks about her childhood personality and her early desire to learn to read. She then recalls her first childhood play and her aspirations to be in the theater. She then details her audition and first acting roles as a member of the Karamu House troupe. Diann Burns recalls her father's desire for her to attend college in the South, and her decision to go against her father's wishes. She then talks about her transfer from Cleveland State University to Columbia University in New York to study journalism and to escape the memory of her sister's death. Burns recalls her experiences at Columbia and her first television assignment working behind the scenes for WPIX-TV in Manhattan. She then talks about the work environment, racial bias and the financial stresses at the TV station that influenced her decision to return to Ohio. Diann Burns then talks about her more positive work experiences she encountered at WCMH-TV in Columbus, Ohio, and finally talks about the black women she feels are her role Diann Burns talks about how she went about getting her audition tape seen by the General Manager at WCMH-TV in Columbus, Ohio. She then talks about how she was groomed for the position of television news anchor and recalls how she got called to interview in Chicago. Burns then discusses the casual work environment at the Columbus television station. Diann Burns shares her advice to blacks trying to enter the television broadcasting industry and then discusses how she succeeded at WLS-TV in Chicago. She then details the series of events that led to her earning the prime news anchor spots at WLS-TV. Burns talks about her experiences at WLS-TV and reflects on the culture of racism and sexism she encountered when her salary was revealed in the press. She then gives her personal philosophy on the necessity of a good education in order to succeed in life. Lastly, Burns details her research skills in relation to her personal life and how she succeeded in getting married after establishing her career. Diann Burns talks about how she views her career and how her parents feel about her success. Burns then talks about what her legacy might be and shares a story about how she became a mentor to a girl wanting to become a television journalist. Lastly, Diann Burns describes photos of her family, friends and work colleagues.

53 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)