Sherrilyn Ifill and Gwen Ifill were two prominent figures in the fields of law and journalism, respectively. They shared not only a surname, but also a family bond. But how exactly were they related? And what did they have in common besides their professional achievements? Here is the truth behind the family ties of Sherrilyn Ifill and Gwen Ifill.
Cousins with a Common Heritage
Sherrilyn Ifill and Gwen Ifill were first cousins. Their fathers, Lester and O. Urcille Ifill Sr., were brothers who immigrated to the United States from Barbados. Both of them became African Methodist Episcopal ministers and instilled in their children a strong sense of faith, education, excellence, and civic engagement
Sherrilyn and Gwen grew up spending Thanksgiving together every year, alternating between their homes in different states. Sherrilyn was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, while Gwen moved around a lot as her father was assigned to different churches. Sherrilyn said that Gwen knew and understood America in ways that she did not, and that she was able to make instant connections with people wherever she went
Leaders in Their Fields
Sherrilyn Ifill and Gwen Ifill both pursued careers that reflected their passion for justice, truth, and democracy. Sherrilyn became a lawyer and a law professor, specializing in civil rights and voting rights. She is the president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s oldest civil rights law organization. She is also the author of On the Courthouse Lawn: Confronting the Legacy of Lynching in the 21st Century, a book that examines the impact of racial violence on contemporary society. She is a nationally recognized expert on issues such as affirmative action, policing, judicial nominees, and the Supreme Court
Gwen became a journalist and a political commentator, working for The Washington Post, The New York Times, NBC, and PBS. She was the co-anchor of PBS NewsHour and the managing editor of Washington Week, two of the most respected news programs in the country. She was also the first Black woman to moderate a vice-presidential debate in 2004 and 2008, as well as a presidential primary debate in 2016. She was known for her integrity, professionalism, and civility in her reporting and interviewing. She wrote a best-selling book called The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama, which explored the rise of Black political leaders in America
A Legacy of Inspiration
Sherrilyn Ifill and Gwen Ifill both left a lasting legacy of inspiration for many people who admired their work and their values. Sadly, Gwen passed away in 2016 at the age of 61 from complications of cancer. Sherrilyn delivered a moving eulogy at her funeral, calling her “the shining star” in their family and “the North Star” for many others who looked up to her. She said that Gwen’s real legacy lies in “the values she displayed every day in her work-dedication to the truth, to civil discourse, to professionalism, and to human dignity-values our angry and divided nation needs today more than ever.”
Sherrilyn continues to carry on Gwen’s legacy by fighting for civil rights and social justice in her role at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. She also honors her cousin by supporting initiatives that promote diversity and excellence in journalism, such as the Gwen Ifill College of Media, Arts, and Humanities at Simmons University and the Gwen Ifill Next Generation Award at PBS NewsHour. She said that Gwen taught her “how to be fearless” and “how to be generous.”
Sherrilyn Ifill and Gwen Ifill were more than just cousins; they were friends, colleagues, role models, and trailblazers. They shared a common heritage, a common vision, and a common name that will always be remembered with respect and admiration.
