Akilah Davis
I joined the WTVD news team in July of 2017 serving the Fayetteville-Fort Bragg community as Bureau Reporter. In February of 2021, I accepted a new role as WTVD's first Race & Culture Reporter. My focus is covering disparities in marginalized communities. Occasionally, you will find me covering general assignment stories.
My professional journey in North Carolina has been quite a ride. I watched as thousands traveled to Raeford, North Carolina to pay tribute to George Floyd, whose death sparked a global social justice movement. Since then, I've used data to bring stories to life highlighting inequities in housing, education, etc. While in Illinois, I covered the fiscal crisis, heroin epidemic's impact on newborns in Central Illinois and former President Barack Obama's 2012 watch party.
A Chicago native, I received my bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Master's from the University of Illinois at Springfield. I am also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
I am proud to call North Carolina home and remain committed to sharing your stories. You can reach me here or on social media.
Akilah's Stories
Shorter summers, better learning? Durham educators make the case for year-round schools
National reading and math scores continue to raise concerns, prompting questions about whether year-round school calendars can help students stay on track academically.
Tick bites reach 10-year high in the southeast. Here's how to protect yourself outdoors in NC
"Take the necessary precautions so you can enjoy yourself while you're outside."
Confidence never goes out of style at Amaka's Beauty Camp in Durham
For the past four years, Amaka's Beauty Camp has been helping girls in Durham learn more than just how to style hair.
Durham is about to tap into 1 billion gallons of emergency water as drought continues
As drought conditions continue, Durham officials are turning to an emergency water source.
NC gas prices climb and Durham drivers say they feel the pinch
NC gas prices are below the national average, but drivers in Durham say the cost is still too high and is putting added strain on household budgets.
NC farmers say food safety remains top priority amid parasite outbreak
Over 300 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across North Carolina, with Wake County recording the highest number.
How a Durham nonprofit is fighting gun violence one pair of shoes at a time
Durham leaders are in the midst of a 60-day process to develop the city's violence reduction plan, but one local nonprofit believes prevention can start with something as simple as a new pair of shoes.
RTP unveils vision for housing, retail and growth in next chapter of development
Business leaders say that vision is already taking shape as RTP moves forward with plans to reimagine its 7,000-acre campus.
Business closures in downtown Durham spark concern, but city leaders point to what's next
Recent business closures in downtown Durham have raised questions about the area's economic health
Rising costs push some retirees back to work in Durham despite easing inflation
Inflation cooled in June, but many consumers are still feeling the effects of higher prices on everyday necessities.