Janus Adams Biography
Janus Adams is an American Emmy Winning journalist, historian, author, television show host publisher and producer. She is best known as the host of The Janus Adams Show on WJFF-FM.
Janus Adams Career
Adams pursued her undergraduate studies at Stanford University, focusing on Communications. Following her graduation, she immersed herself in a career in journalism, contributing to various newspapers and magazines. Later, she earned a Master’s degree from Mills College in Pan-African Culture, marking a significant milestone as the nation’s inaugural graduate degree in Black Studies. With her doctoral chair held by the esteemed author and composer Shirley Graham Du Bois, widow of Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, the “Father of Pan-Africanism” and co-founder of the NAACP. This academic achievement underscored her commitment to advancing her knowledge and expertise in the field of African American culture and history. She made history as NPR’s inaugural National Arts Correspondent and presently serves as the host of The Janus Adams Show on WJFF-FM, a public radio station. Known for her insightful commentary, she is a regular presence on television and a sought-after public speaker.
She is a prominent figure in media, having made numerous on-air appearances on major networks such as ABC, BET, CBS, CNN, Fox News, NBC’s The Today Show, and NPR’s All Things Considered. Her extensive body of work, comprising over 500 articles, essays, and columns, has been featured in notable publications like Essence, Ms. Magazine, The New York Times, Newsday, USA Today, and The Washington Post. For sixteen years, her syndicated column graced the pages of Hearst Newspapers, while her commentary reached audiences through CBS and NPR, as well as being published in the Huffington Post. As an accomplished author, she penned “Glory Days: 365 Inspired Moments in African American History,” a book that achieved significant reach, with licensing by McDonald’s and over 3 million readers. Demonstrating her commitment to issue-oriented programming, particularly focused on African American and women’s issues. Additionally, she has hosted her own radio and television talk shows for more than a decade.
Notably, her series, “Milestones in African-American Business History,” aired on public radio’s Marketplace. Her dedication to highlighting women’s achievements led to her becoming NPR’s first National Arts Correspondent. Here, she inaugurated the New York News Bureau with her 19-hour International Women’s Day marathon broadcasts. She is not only an accomplished media figure but also a trailblazing entrepreneur. She founded BackPax, a children’s publishing company, and Harambee, the first national book club for African American literature, fundamentally altering the landscape for both authors and audiences in the publishing industry. Renowned for her dynamic speaking and compelling storytelling, she is celebrated for her distinctive perspectives on current events, skillfully weaving them through the prism of history. Her deep engagement with history and culture traces back to her childhood.
At the age of 8, she emerged as a pioneer in northern school desegregation, being one of the four children chosen to challenge New York’s de facto segregation in public schools following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. Additionally, Adams, a classically-trained pianist, graduated from New York’s High School of Performing Arts. Recognized for her significant contributions, she has received Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from Shaw University and the State University of New York, solidifying her impact on education and culture. As a distinguished Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow,she has received honorary doctorates from SUNY New Paltz. Acknowledging her expertise and accomplishments, the Ford Foundation entrusted her with the responsibility of training and mentoring scholars to produce content for nonacademic platforms.
Embarking on a seven-year journey across the United States, she played a pivotal role in fostering scholarly contributions beyond traditional academic circles. Currently, through The Writers Retreat in the Catskills, she generously imparts her wealth of experience, effective strategies, and coaching skills to support fellow writers in their endeavors.
Janus Adams Salary
Adams earns an annual salary of about $47,000-$120,000.
Janus Adams Net Worth
Adams has an estimated net worth of about $1 Million – $7 Million which she has earned through her career as a host.
Janus Adams Age
Adams was born on January 11, 1947, in Winchester, United States. She is 77 years old as of 2024, and she celebrates her birthday on the 11th of January every year.
Janus Adams Height and Weight
Adams stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches tall, and she weighs 125 lbs (75kgs).
Janus Adams Family
Adams likes to keep her personal life private hence she has neither disclosed the names of her parents nor those of her siblings. However, this information will be updated when available.
Janus Adams Husband and Children
Adams is a married woman however, information about her husband has not been disclosed. Together the couple has been blessed with twins. She resides in New York together with her family.
Janus Adams Books
Adams, an award-winning journalist, historian, producer, and publisher, stands as the accomplished author of eleven books and the innovative creator of the groundbreaking BackPax children’s book-and-audio series. Renowned for her expertise in African American and women’s history, she excels in contextualizing contemporary events within a historical framework. Her syndicated column, published under her own byline, further extends her influence in offering insightful perspectives on various subjects. She is a multifaceted author, demonstrating her versatility across a range of topics through various books.
Among her notable works are “A Mystical Journey Into Cajun Country” (BackPax, 1986), “Journey to the Moon — and Beyond” (BackPax, 1988), “Traveling Mark Twain’s America” (BackPax, 1988), “Escape to Freedom: Underground Railroad” (BackPax, 1988), “Routes ‘n Roots: An Explorer’s Guide to America” (BackPax, 1988), “Glory Days” (Harper Perennial, 1996), “Freedom Days: 365 inspired moments in civil rights history” (Wiley, 1998), and “Way to Go! The BackPax Parents’ Guide to Empowering Adventurous Young Minds” (BackPax, 2014). These works collectively showcase her expansive literary contributions, covering diverse subjects and reflecting her ability to engage with a broad audience.
Social Media Platform
Adams is very active on her Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages. She has 350+ followers on Twitter, 9.2k followers in Instagram and 3.2k followers on Facebook.