Becky Livas
Becky Livas, née Perry, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Norfolk, Virginia, where she continues to spend her adult life. Attending local Hampton Roads area schools, including Jacox Elementary, Bowling Park Elementary School, Jacox Junior High, and Booker T. Washington High School, Ms. Livas has experienced segregated schools throughout her time as a student. Following high school, she attended Cedar Crest College and then transferred to Hampton Institute to finish her undergraduate degree. She then married and gave birth to three children before returning to work. Once she returned to work, she was hired at WTAR, becoming the first African-American woman reporter in the Hampton Roads region. She has continued down many career paths including singer, TV reporter, radio personality, teacher, insurance agent, and “band wife” with the Kirk Stuart Trio. After her retirement, she continues to sing cabaret in Hampton Roads and has taken up community work, sitting on the board of multiple community organizations and projects.
-Interview and biographical information recorded in 2021.