History of Jemele Hill in Timeline

Jemele Juanita Hill is a prominent American sports journalist known for her influential career in sports media. Hill's journalism journey began with roles at the Raleigh News & Observer, Detroit Free Press, and Orlando Sentinel, showcasing her versatility and dedication. In 2006, she joined ESPN, where she made significant contributions in various capacities. Hill took over from Jalen Rose as the host of ESPN2's Numbers Never Lie in 2013, which was later rebranded as His & Hers, co-hosted with Michael Smith. The duo's chemistry and insightful commentary led them to co-host the 6 p.m. edition of ESPN's SportsCenter, known as SC6, from 2017 to 2018. Hill's work has been characterized by her insightful analysis and ability to engage with diverse sports topics, making her a respected figure in sports journalism.

December 21, 1975: Jemele Hill's Birth

Jemele Hill was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 21, 1975.

1980: Moves to Houston

Jemele Hill and her mother moved to Houston in 1980.

1993: Graduates High School

Jemele Hill graduated from Mumford High School in 1993.

1997: Graduates from Michigan State University

Jemele Hill graduated from Michigan State University in 1997.

1999: Starts at Detroit Free Press

Jemele Hill began working at the Detroit Free Press in 1999.

2004: Covers 2004 Summer Olympics and NBA Playoffs

In 2004, Jemele Hill covered the Summer Olympics and the NBA playoffs while at the Detroit Free Press.

2005: Joins Orlando Sentinel

Jemele Hill joined the Orlando Sentinel in 2005.

November 2006: Becomes ESPN.com National Columnist

Jemele Hill began as national columnist on ESPN.com in November 2006

2006: Jemele Hill Joins ESPN

In 2006, Jemele Hill joined ESPN, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in her sports journalism career.

2006: Leaves Orlando Sentinel

Jemele Hill departed from the Orlando Sentinel in 2006.

2007: Winning the Inaugural McKenzie Cup

In 2007, Jemele Hill won the inaugural McKenzie Cup at the annual Poynter Media Summit. The award was in honor of sports editor Van McKenzie and highlighted her contributions to sports journalism in 2007.

2008: Criticism of ESPN's Handling of Hitler References

ESPN faced criticism in 2008 for its inconsistent handling of Hitler references made by employees, including Jemele Hill and Lou Holtz.

2008: Suspension for Hitler Reference

In 2008, Jemele Hill was suspended for referencing Adolf Hitler in an article about the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons.

2011: Launches "His & Hers" Podcast

Jemele Hill and Michael Smith launched the "His & Hers" podcast in 2011.

2012: Works as Sideline Reporter

During the 2012 college football season, Jemele Hill worked as a sideline reporter.

2013: Jemele Hill Co-hosts "Numbers Never Lie"

In 2013, Jemele Hill took over hosting duties for ESPN2's "Numbers Never Lie," later rebranded as "His & Hers."

2013: Joins "Numbers Never Lie"

Jemele Hill joined Michael Smith on ESPN2's "Numbers Never Lie" in 2013, which was later renamed "His & Hers."

January 2017: End of "His & Hers"

The show "His & Hers" concluded in January 2017.

February 6, 2017: Becomes "SportsCenter" Anchor

Jemele Hill and Michael Smith became evening anchors for ESPN's "SportsCenter" on February 6, 2017.

September 11, 2017: Tweets Criticizing President Trump

On September 11, 2017, Jemele Hill posted a series of tweets criticizing President Donald Trump, leading to a public debate and a statement from ESPN.

October 9, 2017: Suspension from ESPN

Jemele Hill was suspended by ESPN for two weeks on October 9, 2017, for a second violation of their social media guidelines.

2017: Controversy Over Tweets about President Trump

In 2017, Jemele Hill sparked controversy with tweets criticizing President Donald Trump, leading to a suspension.

2017: Emmy Win for Outstanding News Special

In 2017, Jemele Hill won an Emmy for Outstanding News Special for the ABC News Special 'The President and The People'. This award recognized her excellence in journalism and broadcasting in 2017.

2017: Jemele Hill Co-hosts "SC6"

Jemele Hill began co-hosting "SC6," the 6 p.m. edition of ESPN's SportsCenter, in 2017.

2017: Emmy Award Win

Jemele Hill won an Emmy Award for Outstanding News Special in 2017 for "The President and The People."

January 25, 2018: Move to The Undefeated Announced

On January 25, 2018, ESPN announced Jemele Hill's transition from "SC6" to The Undefeated.

October 1, 2018: Joins The Atlantic

Jemele Hill joined The Atlantic as a staff writer on October 1, 2018.

2018: Departure from "SC6"

In 2018, Jemele Hill departed from her role as co-host of "SC6."

2018: Named Journalist of the Year by NABJ

In 2018, Jemele Hill was named journalist of the year by the National Association of Black Journalists. This accolade was in recognition of her distinguished body of work with significant impact on the African Diaspora in 2018.

2018: Joins The Undefeated

Jemele Hill joined ESPN's The Undefeated website in 2018.

April 15, 2019: Launches "Jemele Hill is Unbothered" Podcast

On April 15, 2019, Jemele Hill launched her podcast, "Jemele Hill is Unbothered."

2019: Named One of Worth's 21 Most Powerful Women in Sports

In 2019, Jemele Hill was recognized as one of Worth's 21 Most Powerful Women in the Business of Sports. This recognition highlighted her influence and power in the sports industry in 2019.

July 2020: Expresses Regret for Hitler Reference

In July 2020, Jemele Hill publicly expressed deep regret for her 2008 Hitler reference.

August 2020: Co-Hosting 'Cari & Jemele (Won't) Stick to Sports'

In August 2020, Jemele Hill began co-hosting the show 'Cari & Jemele (Won't) Stick to Sports' with Cari Champion on the Vice on TV network. This marked a new chapter in her career as a television host in August 2020.

2020: Launch of Podcast 'Way Down in the Hole'

In 2020, Jemele Hill launched a twice-weekly podcast named 'Way Down in the Hole' with Van Lathan on The Ringer. The podcast recaps each episode of HBO's 'The Wire', reflecting Hill's engagement with popular culture in 2020.

February 2021: End of "Cari & Jemele (Won't) Stick to Sports"

Jemele Hill's run as co-host of "Cari & Jemele (Won't) Stick to Sports" concluded in February 2021.

2021: Appearance in 'National Champions' Film

In 2021, Jemele Hill appeared as herself in the sports drama film 'National Champions'. This film appearance added to her diverse career portfolio in 2021.

February 2022: Casting in 'Everything's Gonna Be All White'

In February 2022, Jemele Hill was cast in the documentary series 'Everything's Gonna Be All White', which aired on Showtime. This role highlighted her involvement in important cultural conversations in February 2022.

2022: Keynote at Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Dinner

In 2022, Jemele Hill headlined the Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Dinner at Illinois State University, marking her influence in cultural and educational discussions in 2022.