Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry

Host and Managing Editor

Melissa Harris-Perry is Host and Managing Editor of The Takeaway.

Melissa is an award winning journalist, author, professor, former television host, and political commentator with a focus on African-American politics and intersectional justice. She is the founder and president of the Anna Julia Cooper Center, an independent organization advancing justice through intersectional scholarship and action. 

From 2012-2016, she hosted the television show “Melissa Harris-Perry” on weekend mornings on MSNBC and was awarded the Hillman Prize for broadcast journalism. She also served as editor-at-large for Elle.com and for ZORA, a Medium publication created by and for women of color. She continues to serve as contributing editor for The Nation, and she sits on the boards of The Markup, The Century Foundation, and The Next 100.

Melissa is the Maya Angelou Presidential Chair at Wake Forest University in the Department of Politics and International Affairs, the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and the Program in Environment and Sustainability. Harris-Perry previously served on the faculty of the University of Chicago, Princeton University, and Tulane University. She received her B.A. degree in English from Wake Forest University and her Ph.D. degree in political science. She has also received a number of honorary degrees from many universities including Winston-Salem State University, Eckerd College, New York University, and Ithaca College.

Shows:

Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry appears in the following:

One Final Farewell

Friday, June 02, 2023

After 15 years, The Takeaway's last broadcast aired today.

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Producer Appreciation Weeks: David Escobar

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

David has two radio jobs right now. Besides interning on The Takeaway, he works as a news reporter and host at WFUV which is the NPR member station at Fordham University.

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Showing Some Appreciation to David Gebel

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

David Gebel is an executive assistant for WNYC Studios who's been working with the business side of The Takeaway for years.

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Producer Appreciation Weeks: Zachary Bynum

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Our digital producer and "senior correspondent on all things Gen-Z" sits down with host Melissa Harris-Perry for some producer appreciation.

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Producer Appreciation Weeks: Mary Steffenhagen

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Mary Steffenhagen is a producer who wields a mighty pen and keen set of ears in pursuit of impactful audio journalism.

Producer Appreciation Weeks: Ryan Wilde

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Ryan Wilde has been a producer with The Takeaway since 2022. He shares some of his favorite stories that he's worked on.

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Producer Appreciation Weeks: Katerina Barton

Monday, May 22, 2023

Katerina Barton is the franchise player of The Takeaway and she has been a producer on the show since 2021. 

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Showing Appreciation to Our Line Producer Jacklyn Martin

Friday, May 19, 2023

"Jackie is our Wu Tang loving, says-it like it is, member of the Control Room team." She edits The Takeaway's scripts and recordings, and she does so with unparalleled speed and quality.

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Movie Therapy: Prescriptions for Embracing Change

Friday, May 19, 2023

On our last Movie Therapy segment, we get movie prescriptions from Kristen Meinzer and Rafer Guzman about embracing change and fresh starts.

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Showing Appreciation to Our Senior Broadcast Engineer Vince Fairchild

Friday, May 19, 2023

Vince Fairchild has been "slinging microphones and turning knobs with the show since April 2008."

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Showing Some Appreciation: Inside the Control Room with Director Jay Cowit

Friday, May 19, 2023

Take a look into The Takeaway's control room staff. Director and Sound Designer Jay Cowit has a gift for sonic storytelling. He makes our show sound good, even on the not-so good days.

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Replay: Visiting the Prison at Angola

Thursday, May 18, 2023

A new documentary project takes viewers inside Louisiana's oldest prison, and inside the minds and experiences of the men incarcerated there for life.

Showing Appreciation to Our Powerhouse Producer Shanta Covington

Thursday, May 18, 2023

"Shanta has a profound commitment to diversifying the media landscape and to ensuring that stories are told from the point of view of those with firsthand experiences."

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L.A. Strippers Win the Fight for a Union

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

The Star Garden Topless Dive Bar dancers just won their fight to form the only union for exotic dancers in the country. What's next?

Black History and Afrofuture with Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter's designs have shaped iconic Black stories for decades.

Rainn Wilson Talks About His New Book and Spirituality

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

We talk to Emmy-nominated actor, producer, podcaster, and author, Rainn Wilson about spirituality, compassion, and his new book “Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution.”

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Replay: Afro-Latino Representation in Children's Books

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

We hear from three authors on how they are working to increase Afro-Latino representation in children's books.

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The WGA Strike Enters Week Three

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

The Writers Guild of America strike has already shut down many big productions. We hear from a WGA member and a labor reporter on the strike.

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Buffalo, One Year Later

Monday, May 15, 2023

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown reflects on the tragedy. Plus, Jelani Cobb offers some historical context for race-based violence.

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Replay: Supermarket Shooting Shines Light on Buffalo’s Legacy of Food Inequity

Monday, May 15, 2023

We hear how the city’s legacy of institutionalized racism and segregation has given rise to food access and inequities in Buffalo's East Side.

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