Thursday, May 22, 2025
Emmy Award-winning journalist Cheryl Wills shared her family’s powerful history with students at Ogden Elementary School, inspiring them to explore their own ancestral stories.
Wills has been a member of Spectrum News NY1 since its launch in 1992. She is the first African American woman to anchor a prime-time nightly newscast for the network, serving as the weeknight anchor of “Live at Ten.” Wills spoke at the school on March 31.
Her curiosity about her family’s history began after her father, Clarence Wills, died in a motorcycle accident when she was a teenager.
After conducting her own research and hiring a genealogist to confirm the results, she discovered she is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Civil War veteran Sandy Wills, who fought in Lincoln’s army after escaping slavery.
Wills encourages all students, regardless of their background, to explore their family’s roots to better understand their personal histories and legacies.
“I was just determined to bring honor to his name,” Wills said. “He was a great American who escaped slavery and loved this country so much that he fought in Lincoln’s army. I think America is the greatest country on Earth, and it’s great because of our ancestors who defended freedom. There are so many of us who have wonderful stories in our family tree; we just don’t know about it.”
The presentation was aimed at fourth- and fifth-grade students, who have learned or are currently learning about the Civil War in their classrooms.
An acclaimed author of multiple books highlighting her family’s transition from slavery to freedom in the United States, Wills shared excerpts from her book “The Emancipation of Grandpa Sandy Wills” with the students.
She also shared a clip from a movie she’s currently working on, offering students a glimpse into her multifaceted career.
Casey Santana, Ogden student council president, said that Wills gave her advice about public speaking, and that she was inspired by both the advice and the presentation.
“She told me to be independent and strong, and stuff like that,” Santana said. “Because being a journalist and public speaking can be hard for some people, but like when you do it, it shows bravery, just like Mrs. Cheryl Wills does.”
Wills also spoke about Sandy Wills’ grave, which she had restored to honor him with full military status, a recognition it initially lacked.
Ogden Elementary School Principal Nicola Lynch said that every student in attendance had questions for Wills, during and after the presentation, and were fascinated by her history and dedication to bringing honor to her family’s name.
Lynch added that it was great to have someone who is successful in so many different areas visit with the students.
“She showed our students that success is measured in many ways,” Lynch said. “Here’s somebody who is at the top of her field professionally, yet remains deeply committed to education and preserving history that could have been forgotten. She is truly an inspiration, especially as we close out women’s history month. I thought she was a powerful model for our young students.”
