Ayana Hamilton
Ayana Hamilton a-YAH-nuh HAM-il-ten (she/her)
News Reporter, Los Angeles

Ayana Hamilton expects to graduate in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in film. Hamilton, assigned to Cronkite News Los Angeles this semester, has interned at KJZZ, The Arizona Republic and Hollywood Insider.

Latest from Ayana Hamilton

Los Angeles homeless shelters are opening their doors to residents’ pets

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles homeless shelters recently discovered that they can get more people off the streets by allowing their pets on the property.

Krystal Eubanks shared her story at the My Dog is My Home co-sheltering conference. Her dog Keeper is in training to be a service dog (Photo by Ayana Hamilton/Cronkite News)

Standing 4 Black Girls keeps memories alive for missing and murdered Black women

LOS ANGELES – Women’s Leadership project Standing 4 Black Girls wants to increase awareness of the issue and bring justice to the missing and murdered Black girls across the nation.

Event-goers marched around Leimert Park chanting, “We’re standing for Black girls!” (Photo by Ayana Hamilton/Cronkite News)

LA’s Black firefighters museum marks its 25th anniversary, but the equality fight goes on

LOS ANGELES – The African American Firefighters Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary by honoring retired Black firefighters while discussing the ongoing fight for equality.

A band plays outside in front of a banner for the African American Firefighter Museum's 25th anniversary.

Storytellers say LA River can become tool against climate change

LOS ANGELES – In Los Angeles' Frogtown, eco-minded activists gathered around at the local brewery to hear storytellers share their personal connection to the Los Angeles River, a once thriving and unifying water source for the people and wildlife was lined with concrete and fenced in 1938.

The LA River story slam was held at the Frogtown Brewery. Guests were encouraged to shop, eat and drink. In the back were a frog-themed taco food truck and an “artist's alley.” It included art from Margaret Gallagher, Kris Mukai, Nova Community Arts and Emily Wallerstein. (Photo by Ayana Hamilton/Cronkite News)

Top dog? Phoenix pooch paw-ticipates in Corgi Winter Nationals

ARCADIA, Calif. – The rambunctious stubby-legged dogs put their paws to work at the Corgi Winter Nationals in Southern California. A hundred corgis raced for the opportunity to become the top dog at this annual race.

It's a race to the finish line for the Corgi Winter Nationals held Feb. 19 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. (Photo by Ayana Hamilton/Cronkite News)

‘Soundies’ showcase Black history on film, racism and all

LOS ANGELES — For Black History Month, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures highlighted its exhibit "Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971." It features rarely-seen film excerpts restored by the Academy Film Archive.

Museum guests point and admire the photos of iconic Black stars like Sidney Poitier and Hattie McDaniel. It was part of an exhibit on early Black films at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in a photo taken Feb. 4, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Photo By Ayana Hamilton/Cronkite News)

Blind skateboarder is a ‘sports junkie’ who inspires others

LOS ANGELES - Learning how to ride a skateboard takes dedication and confidence, sighted or not. You can’t be afraid to fall and crash. Blind skateboarder Coco Atama isn’t afraid of falling and certainly staying true to self.

Coco Atama, who is blind, uses his cane to alert him to a dropoff as he flip his skateboard back in this photo taken Jan. 26, 2023 in a skate park in the Encino section of Los Angeles. (Photo by Ayana Hamilton/Cronkite News)

Peacocks are pretty, but getting the boot when they invade neighborhoods

ARCADIA, Calif. – Southern California has been divided over peacocks for decades. Peacock lovers want them to stay even if neighbors are fed up.

A peacock stands in leaves.