Belva Davis dead: Beloved TV presenter dies as heartbroken tributes pour in

Trailblazing TV news journalist Belva Davis has died at the age of 92. The US broadcasting legend passed away on September 24, and no cause of death has been revealed. From the beginning of her career, she broke down barriers and opened doors joining the industry at a time when it was dominated by white men. She began in print journalism in 1957 before breaking into Bay Area radio. She moved to television in the mid-1960s and, in 1966, became the first Black woman hired as a TV journalist on the West Coast of America when she joined KPIX-TV. She enjoyed six decades in broadcasting before she retired in 2012.

Throughout her illustrious career she won eight Emmy Awards from the San Francisco/Northern California chapter and received lifetime honors from the National Association of Black Journalists and American Women in Radio and Television.Tributes flooded in for the star as news of her deathe broke with devasatated fans paying tribute on Facebook.

"She exuded trustworthiness and confidence in her reporting. She reported real news, not trivial pointless tales like how today's newscasts have devolved into. Her caliber of intelligent journalism is missed as well as she will be, too. Rest in peace, Ms. Davis,"one wrote.

"So sad to know this, such a gracious lady. A role model and trail blazer. Rest in Paradise Mrs. Davis. A life well lived!" a secnd added. A third chimed in: "Thank you, Belva Davis, for sharing your strength and integrity. Blessings."

"I remember her. I remember when she talked about her house that was destroyed in the Oakland Hills fire in 1990 (?). She was a wonderful newscaster. May she rest in peace," a fourth penned.

"If I stand tall it's because I stood on the shoulders of the strong." Black broadcasters owe a debt of gratitude to a generation that fought the good fight. Belva had stories that could curl your hair. Some of what we are experiencing now but 10 times worst. Class act, grace, strength, courage, integrity, intelligence and kindness. Belva. R.I.P." a fifth wrote.

Meanwhile a sixth shared: "Belva Davis rewarded the airwaves with her measured grace and beautifully modulated presence. I have not lived in the Bay Area for thirty five years, but she is one of my most precise memories. She was radiant. Rest in peace, Belva."

In 2011 she gave an insight into her journey to the top of her profession when she penend her memoir, Never in My Wildest Dreams: A Black Woman's Life in Journalism.

It traced her path from Jim Crow-era Louisiana and West Oakland housing projects to the coveted news anchor chair and national recognition.

She is survived by her husband, William "Bill" Moore; two children, Darolyn Davis and Steven Davis; and her granddaughter, Sterling Davis.