A Forecast of Meteorologies Greatest: June Bacon-Bercey

June Bacon-Bercey forecasting the weather.

With heavy winter storms approaching the D.C. area, meteorologists are working hard to let citizens know that the weather next week will look cold and icy. Although weather can be unpredictable, using science, meteorologists can get an idea of what each day will bring. 

Although their work may seem like not a big deal, meteorologists save lives by studying and predicting the Earth's weather and climate. June Bacon-Bercey was one of those life saving meteorologists that also changed the field of meteorology for good.

Studying at UCLA in 1954, Bacon-Bercey earned her degree in meteorology and was the first African American to do so. After graduating, she worked for the National Weather Service and several other agencies. 

Then in 1972, Bacon-Bercey joined the television station WGRZ as a reporter. Despite being in a male dominated field, she soon became the chief meteorologist there because of her hard work ethic. Many consider her to be the first female African American meteorologist because of this role. 

Bacon-Bercey was quickly recognized for her work as she earned the American Meteorologist Society seal of approval, also becoming the first female African American to achieve this. Soon after, she started to work at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, where she continued to study and predict changes in our environment as the chief of weather and tv services. 

Bacon-Bercey went on to inspire young women to join the meteorology, specifically broadcast, industry. She set up a scholarship for women interested in the field, giving away hundreds of dollars to students. She also helped fund the Jackson State University meteorology program, helping establish a lab there.

Most importantly, Bacon-Bercey helped minorities thrive in the meteorology field. She co-founded the American Meteorologists Society's Board on Women and Minorities and was on the American Geophysical Union's Committee on Women and Minorities in atmospheric sciences.

June Bacon-Bercey should be remembered for saving lives during her time as a meteorologist, while also inspiring others to do so as well; and also for her many achievements in the industry.