Ponchitta Pierce - Movies, Photos & Biography

Quick Copy Link

Share on Social Media

Popular

Professional

More Options

Photos Videos Awards

Ponchitta Pierce was born in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Alfred Leonard and Nora (Vincent) Pierce. Her father was a plasterer and contractor and her mother was a school teacher. Both of her parents were native Louisianians. Most of her early childhood was spent in New Orleans, where she was educated through elementary school. She moved with her family to Los Angeles, where she lived in the solidly middle class neighborhoods of Jefferson Park and Mid-City. She graduated from the all-female Bishop Conaty Memorial High School (now Bishop Conaty - Our Lady of Loretto High School). While at Conaty, Pierce developed a passion for books and writing. She subsequently attended the University of Southern California (USC), where she wrote for the school paper, the Daily Trojan. She spent one summer at Cambridge University in England, before graduating from USC with a B.A. degree cum laude in Journalism. Shortly after graduation, she landed a position at Ebony Magazine, where she quickly rose to the position of New York Editor and New York Bureau Chief for Ebony's parent company, Johnson Publications.

While in New York, Ms. Pierce worked as a reporter for the pioneering magazine program, "Black Journal" at WNET, the local public television affiliate. She's also worked as a special correspondent for CBS News. A highlight of her broadcast career was a producer and host of "Today in New York," for WNBC.

Pierce continues to work in print, having written for a variety of publications including McCall's, Parade, Newsweek, and Ladies Home Journal. She's also contributed to several non-fiction books, specializing in oral histories and eyewitness accounts of important moments in U.S. history. This includes several interviews that she conducted which appear in "My Soul Looks Back in Wonder: Voices of the Civil Rights Experience (AARP/Sterling Publishing), a book which chronicles the contributions of key figures in the Civil Rights Movement. Ms. Pierce's most recent book is "Keep Going No Matter What: The Reginald F. Lewis Legacy: 20 Years Later," which features interviews by prominent business leaders who were inspired by Lewis and his business achievements.

Long committed to community service, Ms. Pierce is a member of several organizations striving to have a positive impact on the world. She serves on the board of directors of WNET; the Inner-City Scholarship Fund of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York; Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged (Help USA); the Foreign Policy Association; and the Cuban Artists Fund. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the University of Southern California Center on Public Diplomacy at the Annenberg School.

Filmography

Actor

Today in New York TV Series1981Self - Host

Black Journal TV Series1968Self - Reporter

Other Crew

Great Decisions TV Series1986

Featured Celebrity Photos

See All

Demi Rose Mawby Enjoys Vacation Highlights in Ibiza

Katy Perry Enjoys a Greek Cruise Following European Getaway in Mykonos

Ora Duplass Shines at Variety Power of Young Hollywood Event in Beverly Hills

Caylee Cowan Spotted Grocery Shopping in Los Angeles

Kendall Jenner Spotted Out and About in Los Angeles

Hayes Warner Shines at The Shards Launch Skate Party in Los Angeles

Meg Donnelly Shines at Variety Power of Young Hollywood 2026 in Beverly Hills

Emily Feld Showcases Unique Style in Bikini and Ballet Shoes for WithEvre Event

Inde Navarrette Shines at Variety Power of Young Hollywood 2026 in Los Angeles

Lizzy Greene Shines at Variety Power of Young Hollywood Event in Beverly Hills

Tricia Helfer Attends Los Angeles Premiere of "Anna Pigeon

Rebecca Black Shines at Variety Power of Young Hollywood Event in Beverly Hills 2026

Madison Beer Shines at Variety Power of Young Hollywood Event in Beverly Hills

Charli D'Amelio at Variety Power of Young Hollywood Event in Beverly Hills, August 2026

Tate McRae Shines at Variety Power of Young Hollywood Event in Beverly Hills

Olivia Dunne Filming Scenes for "Baywatch" at Venice Beach

Hayes Warner Shines at Save Venice Un Ballo in Maschera 2026 Celestial Serenissima in New York

Monica Barbaro's Appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Julia Fox Shines at One Night Only Premiere at SVA Theater New York

Lilia Buckingham Shines at One Night Only Premiere in New York

Rhea Seehorn and Karolina Wydra Attend THR x Apple TV Leading The Narrative Women Event in LA

Chloe Campbell Models Green Bikini for Anjuum Swimwear Summer 2026 Collection

Shania Twain Headlines Exclusive One-Night SiriusXM Launch Event in New York

Emily Ratajkowski Shines at Abercrombie & Fitch Fall Denim Launch in New York

Veronika Slowikowska Shines at One Night Only Premiere in New York

Sophia La Corte Shines at One Night Only Premiere in New York

Eva Longoria Enjoys a Relaxing Beach Day in Marbella on August 3, 2026

Gillian Nation Attends The Devil's Mouth Premiere in Los Angeles

Dakota Fanning Filming Scenes for "Ella Morgan" in New York City

Monica Barbaro Shines at "One Night Only" New York Premiere