Journalism Legend Marvin Scott Honored with Key to New York City at Gracie Mansion

Emmy Award-winning journalist Marvin Scott received the key to New York City in a public ceremony at Gracie Mansion on December 26, 2025. The event highlighted Scott’s significant contributions to journalism over more than six decades, with a particular focus on his commitment to telling the stories of everyday New Yorkers.

Mayor Eric Adams praised Scott for his “courage, integrity, and dedication to the truth,” emphasizing the journalist’s pivotal role in shaping public discourse through his reporting. Scott’s lengthy career includes coverage of major historical events, such as the civil rights movement and the Iraq War, as well as interviews with numerous U.S. presidents and other global figures (Source: https://youtu.be/EQ1sfQz-eJk&t=278). The mayor noted that Scott’s fearless reporting had been an essential service, ensuring that democracy thrived amid the noise of misinformation (Source: https://youtu.be/EQ1sfQz-eJk&t=588).

In his acceptance speech, Scott shared his journey into journalism, starting at age 14 when he photographed a fire in his Bronx neighborhood and sold the images to the New York Daily News. This early experience ignited a lifelong passion for reporting (Source: https://youtu.be/EQ1sfQz-eJk&t=380). He emphasized the importance of covering diverse voices, including immigrant stories and personal accounts from everyday New Yorkers, stating, “I have accomplished at least 18,000 stories over the years” (Source: https://youtu.be/EQ1sfQz-eJk&t=488).

Scott’s work exemplifies not only the responsibility of journalists but also their role in holding power accountable and informing the public. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of journalists. In 2025, initiatives aimed at expanding journalism education in New York City public schools were debated (Source: https://youtu.be/UC9ZFaAjQnc&t=8205), underscoring the ongoing need to cultivate voices that reflect the diversity of the city’s demographics. The urgency to provide equitable journalism access has motivated local organizations to push for initiatives such as “Journalism for All,” which aims to enhance journalism programs in New York City schools (Source: https://youtu.be/UC9ZFaAjQnc&t=8335).

Scott’s recognition at Gracie Mansion serves as a reminder of the vital role that journalism plays in supporting an informed citizenry, especially in a city as vibrant and diverse as New York.