Ananda Lewis, the beloved media personality who rose to fame as a host on both BET and MTV before launching her own talk show, has passed at age 52 after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. After going public with her diagnosis, Lewis became outspoken about her health battle and advocated for preventive measures and awareness. It was indicative of her lifelong commitment to serving her community.

An alumna of Howard University, Lewis initially came into public recognition via her time as host of BET’s Teen Summit. A show for young people and by young people, Lewis’ tenure began in 1995, and she sat center stage and led teens through conversations about drugs, sex and gangs – all while still only in her early 20s herself. It forged her public image as an attentive and empathetic interviewer; while also emphasizing her sense of fun and spontaneity. Lewis would move on to MTV in 1997, where she hosted hit shows like Total Request Live and MTV Live en route to becoming one of the network’s more popular personalities. She interviewed stars like NSYNC and Destiny’s Child, and hosted informative specials about the Columbine shooting and a tribute to her friend Aaliyah after the singer’s death in 2001.

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