Everyone in South Carolina may know Alicia Barnes as the TV News Anchor for NBC, WIS-NEWS 10 in Columbia, SC, but Alicia’s history and ties to the community go far deeper than covering the news.
A native of Marietta, Georgia, Alicia graduated from St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta. She always felt the pressure to try hard and achieve more as a minority.
“Most folks don't know I went to Catholic School from grade school through high school. I even had nuns as teachers. I was one of two Black females in my graduating class. I have always felt the pressure to be the best because I stuck out and wanted to be an example of Black excellence,” she said.
“Growing up, I was usually the only Black person in the room because I took college preparatory classes. Seeing Oprah on television made me so proud. I also grew up seeing Monica Kaufman Pearson, an accomplished journalist on television in Atlanta. She became one of my role models and inspiration.”
With Pearson as her role model, it’s no surprise that Alicia herself chose a path in journalism. She got a job at a competing station in Atlanta, but she and her inspiration crossed paths many times.
“We were both named ‘Atlanta's 50 most beautiful people’ the same year. It was such a high honor to be recognized along-side someone I respect so much,” she said.
That drive and dedication that Alicia is so known for is no surprise to those she attended high school with. Many of her classmates already saw her as a person who worked harder than anyone else.
“I have known Alicia since we were little girls in Sunday school and became friends immediately. We have been through everything together and have a bond that is truly unbreakable,” said childhood friend Caren Cloud.
“I have spent years marveling at Alicia's ability to make her life seem effortless while working harder than anyone else I know. She always finds a way to rise from the ashes and take what she has learned from life's lessons into her next journey.”
Building A Career
Alicia graduated from Clemson University with a BS degree and has an MBA from Wayne State University. Alicia has worked in two top 10 news markets, Detroit and Atlanta, as a reporter and has covered some of Georgia’s worst natural disasters. She has reported “Live” for CNN, MSNBC, and The Weather Channel while at 11 Alive News.
After her time in Atlanta, Alicia joined NBC 7 - KNSD and the CW affiliate KSWB-TV in San Diego, California as the Weekend Anchor. In the January 2007 Platinum Awards Issue of 944 Magazine, Alicia was voted San Diego’s Favorite Female Newscaster.
Prior to joining the WIS News Team, Alicia served as the primary Anchor from 2008-2018 at ABC Columbia. She’s covered huge stories in the Midlands that made national news such as the 2015 floods, the Confederate flag coming down at the State House, and the Charleston church shootings.
Alicia was honored in 2016 to win an EMMA for Excellence in the category of “Anchor-News” from the Southeastern National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Alicia also received an honorable mention for anchoring SC weather flood coverage in 2016.
“I knew Alicia from high school in Atlanta and I’m not surprised on where she is today because growing up she had all the attributes of a great journalist,” said Cathy Hollis Underwood. “She was a truly loyal and honest friend that brought an exciting passion to everything she did. She had an electric magnetism that drew people into her and she could always tell a great story."
Before leaving Atlanta in 2005, Alicia was presented an Outstanding Georgia Citizen’s Award by the Secretary of State for being a Goodwill Ambassador.
Alicia's proudest moment was serving as a Torchbearer, carrying the Olympic flame through her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. That year, Alicia was also honored by her high school Alma Mater, and given the St. Pius X Catholic High School Distinguished Alumni Award. Alicia served as the commencement speaker for the 2004 graduating class.
“It's my honor, privilege, and responsibility to serve my community. I serve on the Board of Trustees at The Columbia Museum of Art,” she said. “The confidence of the community is something I hold at the highest level. I also see myself in this role to help be an ambassador, specifically helping other African Americans grow their interest in art. Giving younger people a glimpse of an art world they may not have experienced because they didn't see someone who looked like them is an incredible feeling. “
A SOBERING YEAR
Being an African American leader in her community, 2020 was an especially challenging time for Alicia, as well as for the nation. In addition to the pandemic, she also witnessed the racial and civil upheavals of the year.
“During 2020 we experienced intense uncertainty, pain, and grief. Navigating such a tumultuous year helped me to release myself from external validation and focus on my faith. It was incredibly difficult to know loved ones and friends who were battling COVID-19,’ she said.
She also experienced how exhausting and inspiring it was to witness racial upheaval.
“It was excruciating to witness racial and civil injustices brought to light almost daily. I was consistently reminded of the resilience and self-assurance required to be a Black woman,” Alicia said. “Not a day goes by that I don't celebrate and love being the Black woman God created me to be!”
Today, Alicia continues to serve her community through her reporting and her community service. Alicia serves on the Lexington Medical Center Foundation Board, where she has a passion for helping the underinsured and underserved.
Even with two toddlers and her husband Jacob John, she remains an inspiration not just for the African American community, but for all of South Carolina.