Merri Dee has been successful in her efforts to support well-deserving causes and assist non-profit organizations achieve their financial goals. She has shared the stage with well-known entertainers such as Ramsey Lewis, Lou Rawls, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Oprah Winfrey, Nancy Wilson, Frank Sinatra, and many others.
Having hosted countless parades, telethons, and television specials, Merri Dee is considered an acclaimed interviewer and television host. Her incredible journey from abused child to broadcasting icon to social catalyst has proven the philosophy she holds dear: “If it is to be, it is up to me.” Merri Dee’s positive spirit helped her not only overcome but thrive. The Illinois law became the model for similar legislation in every state in the United States. This life-changing experience led her to be the force behind the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of the first Victim’s Bill of Rights.
The inspiring story of Merri Dee’s miraculous recovery and remarkable courage was featured on “60 Minutes,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Donahue” and in Essence magazine. Several years ago, she shared this story in a personal memoir, “LIFE LESSONS ON FAITH, FORGIVENESS & GRACE”. In 1971, she made national headlines after being kidnapped, shot and left to die. She endured horrific abuse as a child and struggled for years as a single mother.
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Merri Dee’s professional successes became even more noteworthy in light of her personal circumstances. She became a trusted advisor to national, regional and local corporate executives and community leaders. One of the few African American women in media at the time, Merri Dee was becoming one of the most successful. After many years in various on-air positions, she moved into management and became the station’s Director of Community Relations and Manager of its Children’s Charities. In 1972 Merri Dee was hired as an anchor for Chicago’s WGN-TV. By 1970 Dee hosted her own talk show, The Merri Dee Show, on WSNS Channel 44. In 1967 she made the leap to television quickly with WCIU Chicago as host of a Saturday primetime entertainment show. She was one of the first female DJs on WSDM radio and opened her four-hour radio show at WBEE as “ Merri Dee the Honeybee.” During the next year, Dee developed a substantial following in Chicago radio, becoming a local celebrity. Having been recognized as the first African American spokesperson representing the Chicago Auto Shows, her broadcasting career began in 1966 when she landed her first sponsored radio position with WBEE in Harvey, Illinois. She has raised millions of dollars for children’s charities, spearheaded victims’ rights legislation, and helped increase adoption rates across the nation.
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