News Anchor
Monday through Friday
6am - 12pm

TaQuoya Kennedy grew up in the Deep South of Birmingham, Alabama. At the age of 17 she joined the armed forces.  Kennedy is a veteran of the United States Air Force (USAF). She served the country for 8 years (2 inactive) working in public affairs, then later in counterintelligence and federal investigations. She’s been active all around the world in the United Kingdom, Qatar, Jordan, Greenland, Texas, New Jersey, and Washington D.C.  Through hard work, dedication, and fortitude, she earned several distinguished medals and awards including: The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Excellence Award (2005), USAF Outstanding Leadership Award (2005), Air Force Leadership School Distinguished Graduate Award (2005), a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (2003), an Air Force Achievement Medal (2002), and a National Defense Service Medal (2001).

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Kennedy re-located to Chicago, Illinois to earn her Master’s Degree in Public Affairs and Journalism. Her first shot in the world of radio was as a live reporter for WCRX during the 2006 general elections. She followed the campaign for President of the Cook County Board. She would later cover the presidential campaign of Barack Obama.  Kennedy has worked as an intern with Chicago Public Radio writing newscasts and editing audio for their anchors and reporters. While there, she was awarded The Abbott Sengstacke Legacy Scholarship for Journalism by the Chicago Defender and the The Richard Steele Radio Scholarship by Chicago Public Radio’s Richard Steele. She joined WVON as a fill-in News Anchor and Urban Business Roundtable Contributor in November 2008.  Her specialty lies in politics, criminal justice issues, and military affairs. She has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Journalism.

Kennedy says she is most passionate about educating people and empowering communities through daily news. “We must be aware of what is going on in government, and also what’s going on just up the block,” said Kennedy. “The news is to serve the people. That’s what I'm passionate about--telling our stories, educating and empowering our communities. If you can listen to my newscasts and be more informed; if you can turn off your radio knowing a little bit more than you did when you turned it on—my purpose is fulfilled. And that’s a joyous life.”

Kennedy joined the WVON family full-time, as morning news anchor, in July 2009.