I got my first real experience in news writing for my high school newspaper, The Tiger Tales. My involvement in radio and television started in college. I went to Howard University in Washington, D.C. and still say choosing Howard was one of my best decisions to date. My professors were encouraging and helped me secure great internships with various networks and local television stations. During my junior year, I was honored with the White House Correspondents' Association Scholarship. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama presented me with the award. It was the highlight of my undergrad career- and possibly life, haha!
After graduation, I moved from Washington, D.C. to the eastern shore of Maryland to work for WMDT-TV. CULTURE SHOCK! I was reporting on chicken farms, crabbing, and NASCAR. It was a great experience and I did everything. I was a reporter, anchor, producer, photographer- and one day even served as a floor director because someone didn't show up.
I spent just under two years in Maryland before moving to Louisville, KY to work for WAVE-TV. I now have a love for the Kentucky Derby, hot chicken, and so many great people in the Bluegrass state.
I reported and anchored in Louisville for two years before moving to the Bay Area! I moved here for love and have fallen in love with this place as well. I'm a foodie and everything here is amazing, but I have one complaint....where is the southern food?! I'm from Atlanta, and this Georgia Peach is always looking for some good BBQ.
I'm so happy to be telling your stories on ABC7 Mornings and helping you get out the door from the Traffic Center. If you have a story idea please don't hesitate to send it my way to Jobina.N.Fortson@abc.com.
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Jobina's Stories
USF, Howard host golf tournament rooted in access and inclusion
The TPC Harding Park golf course witnessed history earlier this week as the second annual USF-Howard Intercollegiate got underway. The golf tournament is shaking up a game built on tradition.
Hot tips to help you get the most out of your Beyoncé Renaissance World Tour experience
Beyoncé is heading to Levi's Stadium and her tour is truly one of one. It's the only one. It's UNIQUE! This is what you need to know before you experience the Renaissance World Tour.
Celebrating Pride: Transgender and nonbinary athlete pushes for equity
For the most part, two things have remained constant in Cal Calamia's life: his love for running and his name.
Meena Harris encourages girls to be 'ambitious,' 'bossy' and 'confident' in inspiring new book
The author and entrepreneur is often known for being related to one of the most recognizable women in the world, but Harris is forging her own path rooted in purpose and service.
Meet the East Bay Dragons, the oldest Black motorcycle club in the West
The East Bay Dragons have been proudly riding along for more than six decades and will roll right into the next decade as strong as ever.
90-year-old San Franciscan Dorothy Lathan keeps Black history in the city
Over the years, Dorothy Lathan has gotten to know Senator Diane Feinstein, and meet visionaries like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. She's contributed to the city in so many ways, so ABC7 sat down with her for a chat to hear her story.
A look back at Dr. Huey P. Newton's life, legacy, and love through the eyes of his widow Fredrika
Dr. Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, would have turned 81 this year. His life story has been shared by many, but no one knows it quite like his widow, Fredrika Newton.
Bay Area education nonprofit wants every student to have a Black male teacher
If you close your eyes and envision a teacher or even a teacher that you had growing up, do you visualize a Black man? Statistically speaking, your answer is likely no. Here's what a nonprofit is doing to change that for students:
Check out Oakland's Blk Girls Green House and other Black-owned businesses this month
Two friends created their West Oakland-based plant and home goods shop in 2020 during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement. Since then, the duo has been an example of living-Black history.
Celebrate Black History Month in Oakland with these events
Visit Oakland is sponsoring a number of events throughout the month of February to celebrate Black History Month in the Town! Here's a look at what to expect.