Journalist and social justice advocate Nerene Virgin dies at 77

Journalist and social justice advocate Nerene Virgin died Monday while surrounded by her family.

Virgin was 77 years old.

She was a Canadian trailblazer and Hamilton native who began her career in education and expanded to educational television later on.

Virgin was first known for her role as “Jodie” on the popular TVO and Nickelodeon series Today’s Special.

She was an accomplished television news anchor and the great niece of reverend John C. Holland, a prominent member of Hamilton’s Black community.

Virgin also placed a high importance on her advocacy work. Virgin’s daughter says she never let anything stand in her way.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 15, at the Stewart Medical Church, the same church where Virgin’s great uncle John C. Holland was a pastor.