Departing KCCI reporter: 'Racism in the state did not help my decision to stay'

A KCCI-TV reporter who recently left the station for a new opportunity said racism she experienced while on assignment contributed to her decision to move on from central Iowa. 

Emmy Victor, who is African-American, said that although those negative experiences did not motivate her to leave, "racism in the state did not help my decision to stay."

"Racism isn't really something I experienced when I grew up on the East Coast," Victor said.

Victor said she didn't have any problems in the metro area, but would sometimes feel uncomfortable when covering parts of rural Iowa. She said she would get negative reactions related to the color of her skin when she approached interview subjects and on social media.

"It was something I had to get used to," Victor said.

In June, Victor and KCCI photojournalist Zachary Hayes were reporting from a crime scene in Boone when they were confronted by a woman. Video showed the woman yelling at Victor, pushing the camera equipment, cursing and using a racial slur. 

Both Victor and Hayes later were praised for maintaining their professionalism during the heated situation.

"One of the reasons I was so calm was because I had experienced racism before," Victor said.

Iowa reporter praised for conduct amid racial slurs, yelling at crime scene

The incident drew national attention from news outlets across the country. Many fellow journalists, KCCI viewers and Iowans also sent Victor messages of support and praise. She said many of the people who reached out were surprised that racism still existed in Iowa. 

"I am glad that I maybe brought that to light," Victor said. "There are still pockets of racism across the nation, even here in Iowa." 

Victor said her experiences with racism were probably amplified due to the fact that she was a public figure. 

"What happened to (Victor) is upsetting to all of us," said KCCI-TV News Director Dave Busiek said regarding the incident in Boone. 

Despite some negative experiences, Victor said she was still "really grateful" for her time at KCCI. She said ultimately her decision to move on from central Iowa came down to being closer to family and friends. She said her dad lives in New York, while her mom lives in California. 

Victor has not publicly announced where she is headed next but said she is looking forward to her new opportunity. She is a native of Newark, N.J. and earned a degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., before joining KCCI in November 2014.

Another KCCI journalist also left the station on Friday. Vanessa Peng, the Ames bureau reporter, has been with KCCI since 2013. According to a Facebook post by KCCI anchor Eric Hanson, Peng is headed to Arizona while Victor is pursuing an opportunity in California. 

Busiek said the timing of Victor and Peng's departures were coincidental and the station will soon begin recruiting for replacements.