OFFBEAT: Local broadcaster Garrard McClendon garners Chicago Emmy win

Congratulations to newscaster Garrard McClendon for the Chicago Emmy he won Sunday at the 53rd Annual Chicago/Midwest Emmy Ceremony hosted by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. This year's event was at Alhambra Palace, the downtown Moroccan-themed venue and dining space at 1240 W. Randolph.

It was in January when Northwest Indiana native McClendon launched his new show "Off 63rd," debuting live on Chicago's PBS affiliate WYCC TV-20.

The 30-minute show, focusing on public affairs and featuring guests from the worlds of politics, pop culture, current affairs and education, aired Thursdays, but recently, has been on production hiatus.

McClendon, a resident of Chicago's South Side, also recently earned a Ph.D. in education from Loyola University.

His Emmy win over the weekend was in the category for "Outstanding Achievement for Interview/Discussion Programming -- Program /Special/Series" awarded to a producer/host/reporter.

He won for his program "The Challenge of Raising African American Boys" airing on WYCC, hosted by McClendon with producer Allison Hunter.

McClendon, who is also a professor, writer and diversity trainer, has hosted other programs in the past, including working for CLTV in Chicago. He spent two years discussing the headlines of each day on CLTV's "Garrard McClendon Live," before ending the show in September 2010.

He has also worked in radio at WVON 1690 AM and WJOB radio in Hammond, along with commentator work for WTTW-Channel 11.

Hammond-born-and-raised, he also lived in Merrillville with his wife, Quanica, and their children.

A 1988 graduate of Wabash College with a bachelor of arts in English, he received his master's degree in English from Valparaiso University in 1995.

The first time I met McClendon was in 1999, while he was promoting his book projects aimed at increasing awareness about the need for positive influences for African-Americans.

Working with his brother and fellow author Theodore, I remember they described their books as "no holds barred, with debate usually beginning with the book titles, even before anyone opens a page of the publications."

"How to Find a Good Black Man" by Theodore and "The African-American Guide to Better English" by Garrard were first published as independent projects in 1995 and eventually enjoyed repeated printings.

Their parents, Ruby and Milton McClendon of Hammond, were murdered in 2009 and two teens were arrested and charged with the crimes before pleading guilty in October 2010.

Late last year, Garrard and brothers Theodore and Duane announced the establishment of The Milton and Ruby McClendon Education Fund to provide educational materials to schools in Hammond.

Earlier this year, Garrard told The Times his mission for education and awareness is stronger than ever before, following his family tragedy.

"I think one should be more aware of their surroundings, of their community, and (have) the ability to forgive," he said.

"I think that's bigger than anything else, to let it go. Many people go through these situations, but there comes a time where you just have to say, 'You know what? This is a bad situation and we need to bring light to this.' At the same time, we need to forgive so that we could learn to help other people.'"

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or (219) 852-4327.