Personal Information Tables
Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Leon Harris |
| Date of Birth | April 20, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Akron, Ohio |
| Education | – Buchtel High School (1979) |
| – Ohio University (Communications, cum laude, 1983) | |
| – Honorary Doctorate (Ohio University, 1999) | |
| Current Role | News Anchor at NBC4 Washington (WRC-TV) |
| Notable Awards | Multiple Emmy Awards, National Cable ACE Awards |
Family Information
| Relation | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Leon Harris Sr. |
| Mother | Lorrene Harris |
| Spouse | Dawn Lomax Harris (Nurse) |
| Children | Darren (Bucknell graduate), Lauren (Temple graduate) |
| Siblings | Marcus, Jerry, James (Akron), Kimberly (Houston) |
Timeline of Major Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1961 | Born in Akron, Ohio |
| 1979 | Graduated from Buchtel High School |
| 1983 | Graduated cum laude from Ohio University |
| 1983 | Started at CNN as entry-level video journalist |
| 1991 | Became full-time anchor at CNN |
| 1999 | Received honorary doctorate from Ohio University |
| 2003 | Joined WJLA-TV Washington D.C. |
| 2006 | Won Emmy for Best Anchor |
| 2013 | Survived necrotizing pancreatitis |
| 2016 | Left WJLA-TV |
| 2017 | Joined NBC4 Washington |
| 2022 | DUI incident and brief suspension |
| 2024 | Stepped away from anchor desk due to health issues |
Early Life and Education
Childhood and Youth
- Born and raised in Akron, Ohio
- Attended Buchtel High School
- Excelled academically, earning National Merit Scholarship
- Developed early interest in communications
College Years
- Attended Ohio University on scholarship
- Met future wife Dawn Lomax
- Graduated cum laude in Communications
- Built foundation for broadcasting career
Career Evolution
CNN Years (1983-2003)
- Started as unpaid intern
- Progressed to video journalist
- Became assistant director of satellite department
- Covered major events:
- Persian Gulf War
- Presidential summits
- International diplomatic events
- Achieved anchor position in 1991
- Co-anchored CNN Live Today with Daryn Kagan
WJLA-TV Period (2003-2016)
- Anchored 5 PM and 11 PM newscasts
- Won multiple local Emmy Awards
- Developed strong community connections
- Built reputation in D.C. market
- Contract not renewed in 2016
NBC4 Washington (2017-Present)
- Co-anchors News 4 at 4 with Eun Yang
- Reports for News 4 at 11
- Continues award-winning journalism
- Focus on community stories
- Recent health-related step back from anchor desk
Professional Achievements
Awards and Recognition
- Multiple Emmy Awards
- Two National Cable ACE Awards for Best Anchor
- Recognition for coverage of:
- Oklahoma City bombing
- September 11th attacks
- 2000 presidential election
- Hurricane Katrina
- El Salvador immigration reporting
Notable Coverage
- L.A. riots (first major on-air reporting)
- O.J. Simpson trial
- Presidential elections
- Natural disasters
- International news events
Personal Challenges
Health Issues
- Survived two brushes with death from necrotizing pancreatitis (2013)
- Recent health concerns leading to step back from anchoring (2024)
Legal Challenges
- 2013 DUI incident and probation
- 2022 DUI incident and brief suspension
Community Involvement
Youth Initiatives
- Established scholarships at Ohio University
- Focus on supporting young people
- Award-winning series on youth achievement
- Mentorship programs
Public Speaking
- Regular speaking engagements
- University lectures
- Community events
- Professional conferences
Legacy and Impact
Broadcasting Innovation
- Pioneered satellite news coverage
- Adapted to changing media landscape
- Maintained journalistic integrity
- Influenced next generation of journalists
Community Leadership
- Strong advocate for youth education
- Local news focus
- Community engagement
- Public service commitment