Lynn Norment

I think it's my background and how I grew up with my father and being tough. We couldn't run to him and say, Dad, I can't handle this, I'm gonna quit - no. You go out there, and you do it. I'm thinking about how when we were in school, schools were just being integrated, and we had to go out there and deal with it, deal with everybody, and be strong and be tough. That was a lesson that took me all the way through, because there were days at Ebony that weren't all wonderful. There were periods, months, when they were tough. But I had to just work my way through it, be strong, and just keep doing my work. I didn't get up and get into the office gossip and whatever. I just focused on doing my job and doing it well. That stood for who I was. There were people who would ask, can Lynn Normant interview me, even before I met them. So you have to persevere and stay away from the pettiness and just do the best that you can do.

When asked about the people who had made the biggest impact in Lynn's life she highlighted her late father Alex Norm. Her mother passed away when she was 10 years old come and her father was left to raise five girls. She had many aunts who tried to take her and her siblings from her father, but her father wasn't having any of that thank God. He raised all of them, with an emphasis in education and their right to succeed. They knew growing up that they were going to go to college, it was understood that education would be at the forefront of their purpose. He ensured that they all attained the best possible education, and would be able to take care of themselves and gain that independence and strength as women in the world. He was extremely proud of Lynde's role at Ebony, having grown up with Ebony being in their home as well as working with a newspaper which he had delivered every day. They would read the newspaper to their father over coffee in the morning, and going on to work for that paper was an immense source of pride for Len. Her father was an exceptional influencer life, and she is ever grateful for the love and support he provided over the years and the inspiration he continues to be to this day.

Aside from her father, john H Johnson, the publisher of Ebony was a great inspiration having received his education and becoming a wealthy man over the years doing what he loved in providing the guidance and opportunities to those around him. There was also Larone Bennett who was a close friend of Mr Johnson, and the editor of Ebony who wrote numerous books and a great person in general. He was an incredible mentor to Lynn comment she is the thankful for the impact they made in her life, and the incredible mentorships and encouragement she received from them both over the years. She hopes to be able to inspire our readers, and provide that same level of encouragement to the next generation seeking to join the media world and have an impact in their own communities.

When I started in media and on throughout, it was a different time. I feel like it's tougher now. But media is not something that we as women cannot succeed in and make our accomplishments. You just have to be steadfast about what it is that you want to accomplish. You have to do a good job. You have to read and stay up on what's happening in your field, in the media, but also the world. I feel like a lot of people just don't read enough. Basically, you have to read, and whichever part of the media you go into, you need to be able to write. In fact, I feel that whatever profession or career you go into, you need to polish your writing, because that will only get you ahead. It's how you present yourself, how you do your biography or your resume. You have to be able to write.

The media landscape today presents significant challenges, including increased competition and shifting platforms, but it also offers opportunities for committed, well-prepared women to make meaningful contributions and pave the way for others in the industry.

I value education, perseverance, and contributing to my community, especially in support of Black America, while maintaining professional integrity and a deep appreciation for life’s natural blessings. I love exercising my mind through word games like Scrabble and other competitive challenges that keep me sharp. Traveling is a passion of mine—I’ve been fortunate to explore Africa, Brazil, Europe, and the Caribbean, where I especially enjoy sinking my feet in the sand, relaxing, and experiencing different cultures. These experiences bring me inspiration and peace and continue to shape both my personal and professional life.