Lynn Norment Biography
Lynn Norment is an African American journalist known for her 30 years of writing and editing Ebony Magazine in Chicago, Illinois, United States. She was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame in 2009.
Lynn Norment Early life
Norment was born the third child out of nine. Her mother Ester worked as a licensed practitioner nurse. Additionally, her father Alex Norment owned a local repair shop, which was named Norment’s Radio and TV. While in elementary school, Norment attended an all-black, segregated school known as Bolivar Industrial Elementary.
She then went to vocational school where she became a member of the school newspaper and Beta Club. In 1969, Tennessee offered African Americans in Bolivar to transfer to the mostly white Bolivar High school. She was amongst a few African Americans who helped integrate the school; she then graduated in 1970.
Lynn Norment is an alumnus from Memphis State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. In college, Norment was an intern for The Commercial Appeal a newspaper in Memphis, Tennessee.
Lynn Norment Career
Later, Norment traveled north to Chicago and worked as a freelance writer for Ebony Magazine. Norment has worked with a number of celebrities, athletes and public figures including Denzel Washington, Barack Obama, Whitney Houston, Steve Harvey, Will Smith, and Micheal Jordan. She became the managing editor of Ebony.
Norment has also held different leadership roles for the National Association of Black Journalists, including being the chairperson for the Convention in Chicago held in 1977.
She is a board member of Habilitative Inc. She operates programs for residents that are in need on the West side of Chicago. Norment has taught college courses at Columbia College Chicago, and mentors young journalist. Norment currently has launched a company that offers media relations and editorial services to individuals as well as agencies and corporations.
Lynn Norment is most recognized for her 30 years spent of writing for Ebony Magazine. Norment has written a wide range of stories of dissimilar subjects such as religion, business, relationships, social issues, and lifestyle.
Lynn Norment Awards
- NABJ Hall of Fame (2009)
- Memphis State University Department honored Norment as Outstanding Journalism Alumna (1991)
A scholarship, Lynn Norment Scholarship Fund, was founded in her name by the NABJ Chicago chapter.