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Meet Tamara Banks

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Banks.

For Emmy Award-winning journalist, Tamara Banks, the statement, “One Person Can Make a Difference,” is more than just words.

Tamara is a freelance journalist, talk show host, and documentary filmmaker, focusing on social justice and dedicated to creating transformative social change through excellence in journalism.

Her areas of expertise include: social justice and political issues, nationally and internationally, particularly in South Sudan and Darfur, and other parts of the globe where there is little or no news coverage about crimes against humanity and genocide. Her documentary short film, “The Long Journey Home,” was accepted into the 2009 Hollywood Film Festival, “HollyShorts.”

Her work has been featured on numerous news networks including PBS, CNN, ABC News, HDNet’s World Report, BBC, NPR, Al Jazeera America, Al Jazeera, WB 2 News, FOX News, as well on as a number of radio stations and newspapers over the past 20 plus years.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
While my mom, a single parent, made sure our house was filled with love there were many times when food was scarce. But she always taught my brother, sister and me to believe in ourselves and know that we can do anything as long as we work hard and do our best to make the world a better place.

She instilled in me, us, that it’s important to find out what my passion is (everyone is passionate about something), do the work and research it takes to learn more about it and then go do it! And do it the best I can. When I got frustrated or discouraged, she’d say, “If it were easy then everyone would be doing it.” (Whatever it is.)

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a freelance journalist, primary TV news, but I also work in radio and produce documentary films. In addition, I produce videos for clients whom I’m aligned with regarding social justice issues.  I’m so honored to have reported on and produced a number of stories and events that have garnered recognition by the journalism profession and my peers. However, while I’m honored to win Emmy’s, even getting nominated is an honor, I’m not a correspondent and producer to win awards. This is my calling. My passion. Nikki Giavonni says this about her passion to write poetry, “Writing is what I do to justify the air I breathe.” Storytelling through excellence in journalism is what I do to justify my place on this earth. 

To answer your question about what I’m most proud of, it’s difficult to point out just one story. But I can say that I love going to South Sudan, Sudan, and the Nuba Mountains to not just report on crimes against humanity but more importantly report on the people who are making a difference. I’ve learned that people who have the least tend to be the people that will give you the most. This was also true in Iraq. I met people who were struggling to survive during the war and would take time to tell me their stories about their lives, their families, the dreams of a better future.  

Recently, in Haiti I worked on a story about an American doctor and a Haitian American nurse who gave up the comforts of the U.S. to provide health care to Haitians who would otherwise not have the means or access to quality medical treatment.

People like that are showing up in the world in a way that is, well, brilliant! Which brings me to my BE BRILLIANT initiative.

1.2 billion people around the world live without electricity. 173 million live in urban areas. As a way to give back to the world as well as get viewers to engage and connect with the people and places I tell stories about I encourage people to help me light up the world. BE BRILLIANT is a call to action. You don’t have to go to South Sudan, Haiti, Uganda, Latin America or anywhere. You, your family and friends can connect with families across the globe by taking one meaningful step: purchase portable, solar-powered lamps for them. https://www.tamarambanks.com/be-brilliant

I’m truly blessed to have this career. 

To further share stories about people and places, I’m also a keynote speaker and emcee for numerous events.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom was my biggest cheerleader. Without her believing in me I know I’d not be where I am today. Also, my brother and sister are always supportive, although they worry that I go to too many dangerous places far too often. And my girlfriends, my BFF’s have been my lifeline over the years.

My boyfriend is also one of my greatest supporters. First and foremost, God has blessed me tremendously. I’ve only accomplished so much and reported and continue to report in conflict zones and come back home to tell the stories because of the grace of God.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Tamara Banks, Bernard Grant, Daniel Majok Gai

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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