The Grace and Grit of Ananda Lewis

However, there was an articulate, stunning, charismatic, and ambitious journalist who inspired my career in media, and her name was Ananda Lewis. When I saw this gorgeous young woman on BET, I was mesmerized by her delivery on television as she spoke with guests and asked the difficult questions that some journalists try to avoid to maintain peace. While she was on the show for two years, her voice was warm yet fierce, and she didn't hesitate to create a space for guests to be vulnerable when necessary. Lewis became a voice for the youth generation when they had concerns about the pressing issues affecting their community.

Lewis's gifts and skills helped her rise to prominence as a media analyst, and she attracted producers from MTV and became a VJ for the network. She informed MTV that she wasn't just another pretty face on television; Lewis added sophistication and class when she hosted shows, such as TRL (Total Request Live), True Life: I Am Driving While Black, 12 Angry Viewers, and her show, The Ananda Lewis Show. When she hosted or co-hosted shows, Lewis was not afraid to delve into the depths of her interviewees, and we, as black and brown people, took notice of her poise and centeredness in her purpose.

In the 2000s, Lewis continued to host specials and reality shows, but her television career began to slow down. Undeterred, she embarked on an unexpected journey that captured the attention of many: she became a carpenter. For Lewis, carpentry began as a simple passion for building, repairing, restructuring, and creating with her hands, which transformed into a powerful mission of self-sufficiency, creativity, and resilience. In interviews and on social media, she revealed that learning carpentry granted her a profound sense of control, especially as a single mother and homeowner navigating her path. Her message of self-sufficiency is not just empowering; it's a call to action that resonates with many, inspiring them to take control of their own lives. Lewis shared captivating videos and tutorials showcasing her talent in everything from tiling to expertly wielding power tools, challenging the notion that women can't thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her inspiring message resonates powerfully: you don't need anyone's permission to create and build your dreams.

Off-camera, Lewis continued to live with purpose and intention. She was a steadfast advocate for education, wellness, self-care, and women's health. In 2020, she also publicly shared her battle with stage 3 breast cancer in a deeply moving video, urging other women—especially Black women—to get regular mammograms and screenings. Unfortunately, Lewis lost her battle to breast cancer on June 11, 2025, which was lonesome for many, including media analysts, such as myself. Lewis didn't just leave a mark on our screens—she built a legacy with her voice, hands, courage, and unwavering heart.

She exemplified the incredible power of being versatile, balancing her roles as a media host, devoted mother, passionate health advocate, and skilled carpenter. Lewis's diverse talents and interests came together to challenge societal norms. She integrated her passions, inspiring others to embrace their gifts, which makes her life's mark a purpose-driven one. As one journalist to another, Lewis's story reminded me that you don't need to be the loudest voice in the room; you must be authentic. In every word she spoke and every nail she drove, Lewis taught us that power lives in purpose and that we all have the tools to shape our own story.