Two Detroit news media legends join forces to share their story about the value of mentorship (for both the mentor and mentee) and representation. Roop Raj is evening anchor at Fox 2. He joined the station in 2009 as weekend morning coanchor. The Troy, Mi native also anchored the news in Lansing, Flint and New Orleans. Raj was anchoring the news when Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana back in 2005. The broadcast journalist has reported on nearly every shift at Fox 2 before landing the evening spot. He was recently voted as one of Detroit's best news anchors.
After four decades in broadcasting and more than 32 years in Detroit, Huel Perkins retired from Fox 2 News, last March. During his career, he traveled the country with Nelson Mandela, followed Pope John Paul on his visit across America, and interviewed Civil Rights icons Rosa Parks and Andrew Young. But, it was the creation of a local talk show called “Let It Rip!” that allowed him to use his legal and journalistic training to bring eloquent, opinionated people together to discuss the issues of the day. It became one of the metro region’s most popular programs.
Along the way, Huel has won three Emmy awards from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. He's also been honored with a U.S. Congressional Proclamation for his integrity and service to the public. More than 60 organizations have recognized him for his lifelong commitment.
Yet, he says his biggest reward comes from the lives he’s changed and the career doors he’s opened for the next generation of journalists. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx