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January 10th, 2010
10:12 PM ET

Award-winning Journalist Tells How He Overcame Illiteracy

When you hear his award-winning reporting, it may come as a surprise to learn that CBS News correspondent and 60 Minutes contributor Byron Pitts was once a chronic stutterer, and functionally illiterate.

He talks to Fredricka Whitfield about his new memoir, "Step out on Nothing, How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life's Challenges."
Filed under: Fredricka Whitfield
soundoff (4 Responses)
  1. sue scott

    we choose, some choose better, we are our actions of thought.
    Thank you Byron Pitts for proving everyday miracles are mind over matter, when put into action.
    Thanks for reminding me too.
    Susie
    Ewa Beach,HI

    January 10, 2010 at 10:51 pm |
  2. Marie Noguerole

    Goes to show that one can overcome adversity if one has the will and determination to do so. It also requires support on some level. And a good eye to spotting opportunities when they arise. Like they say...shouldn't judge a book by its cover. A person's character and integrity are honed and tested in difficulty.

    Thanks Byron for being a wonderful example for all children who are trying to overcome challenges in their life.

    January 11, 2010 at 12:36 pm |
  3. frankie

    This happened to someone in my family, around 30 years ago when the schools were not even as bad as they are today. Thanks for writing this.

    January 12, 2010 at 12:06 pm |
  4. Theron

    This is a great inspirational story. It's a perfect example, that if you keep trying and keep working hard,good things can happen. One of my friends growing up, couldnt read either, and his mother made him start using a program called "hooked on phonics" and it worked. Mothers are definitely the backbone in these situations, they won't let their kids fail.

    January 13, 2010 at 4:05 pm |
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