Judayah Murray

Hi! My name is Judayah Murray, and I’m an Emmy-nominated TV host with a digital-first mindset from the Empire State.

With my bachelor’s degree in media, journalism, and film communications from Howard University and my master’s in journalism from Columbia University, I believe I have built a solid foundation where I can hone my skills as a storyteller.

My journey as the original creator, host, and producer of News 12 Network’s “On A Positive Note” allowed me to share uplifting stories and connect with communities around the New York Tristate for years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, producing the show challenged me to find unique ways to bring my audience together during a time that the world couldn’t be more isolated.

My favorite story during that time was an interview with Bansi Lakhani, the CEO and Creative Spark of Healing Hands — a medical scrubs company that puts heartwarming messages in the clothes so that healthcare workers, our “healing angels,” will always know someone out there cares about them. Bansi’s rawness, especially as he explained how he almost died from the same condition that almost took my father when I was a child, moved me to tears. The package was a day-turn, but his story will stay with me for life.

Before working at News 12, I began creating content online under the alias “BlackGirlsYouTubeToo.” I saw a gap in the market where there weren’t any active creators at Howard University giving insight to the next generation about what life was like at a historically Black university. My YouTube channel encouraged high school students to pursue higher education with a focus on HBCUs by giving advice and vlogging about real life experiences. In my first three years, I was able to build a loyal subscriber base of over 14,000 with well over 1,000,000 channel-wide views and over 75,000 hours watched. Through sponsorships, I worked with brands like Warner Bros, Skechers, RealHer Makeup, TheElephantPants, and more.

While getting the chance to create what I wanted to, get paid for it, and nerd out on new ways to design graphics and animate them was enough for me, I realized the bigger impact I could have when incoming freshmen at Howard University began writing me in on their college applications as how they learned about the school. I knew then that my purpose in life was to help bring people closer to realizing their own. I guess people like listening to me.

With a personality that radiates positivity, I’ve been told I effortlessly light up the big screen. I think it’s my dynamic presence and natural charisma that make me a captivating storyteller, leaving audiences feeling inspired and engaged. Who would’ve thought the shy Black girl from Upstate New York — the goofy YouTuber obsessed with The Real HU — would one day be the face of positivity in television’s number one market?

My skill set doesn’t end in front of the camera. I have a decade’s worth of experience working in mixed media. I produced and hosted the radio show “Battle of The Sexes” for WHBC-96.3 HD-3 and interviewed guests man-on-the-street style for WHUR’s Pillow Talk with Angela. I worked professionally as a portrait and event photographer. I’m trained in graphic design, video editing, copyediting, simple animation, UI design, digital content creation, social media marketing and start-up streaming operations. I also have half a decade of experience copyediting for general assignment and writing for breaking news.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I find solace in the simple things. You can often find me nestled in bed, immersed in the pages of a captivating book, or visiting with my niece and nephews. While I believe my love for learning and personal growth is what fuels my drive to succeed, it may actually be their belief that I’m the “rich auntie” who should provide them with Robux at their every becking call. If you know, you know.

At the end of the day, I want to make a lasting impact on this world. I want to empower young Black girls to surpass societal limitations and embrace their full potential. I want the world to know positive stories exist, and there are wonderful people out in the community looking for ways to make it better every single day. I want the underdogs to know they belong on top.

My name is Judayah Murray, and all of my news is good news.

SEE ALSO: VoyageATL sits down with Judayah Murray

Want to connect? Find me on social media @JudayahMurray across all platforms.
Want to work together? Send me an email at murrayjudayah@gmail.com.