Derrick Wilkerson

Derrick Wilkerson is a general assignment news reporter for Fox 59 News. Derrick is an Indiana native. He graduated from the original Anderson High School. Later he earned a degree from the University of Evansville in Radio/TV Communications. Before coming to Fox 59, Derrick worked at Channel 7 and WFIE TV in Evansville, Indiana and WHP-TV in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He joined the Fox 59 news team in 1992.

Derrick has helped Fox 59 News win two Emmy Awards for news magazine shows. His contribution included reports on drinking on prom night and a feature on the late, great Roger Brown a basketball legend. Derrick has also been nominated for an award by the Society of Professional Journalists. His work on crime reports has been recognized by the Indiana Judges Association. Derrick has received the President's Award from Indiana Black Expo and an education reporter award from the Indianapolis Education Association.

In 2003, Derrick broke the story about a little known music group called the "The Ripples & Waves." This former boy group from Gary sued The Jackson Five for using its music and name on Jackson Five albums. The Ripples & Waves won an out of court settlement. In 2004, his two part series "Living On The Down Low" offered a revealing look at men living secret lives.

Community support is important to Derrick. For two years he was a volunteer teacher at IPS School 11. One highlight from his time at school 11 was a short movie that he and his students produced about the dangers of smoking. The five minute movie was nominated for a BET educational grant.

Derrick and his wife Cheryl are the proud parents of five children. Their daughter Danielle Pierson is a college student. Their son Allen Grant II is in high school. Finally, Derrick II, Lindsey and Brie are in elementary school.

Derrick is a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Indianapolis chapter. He's also a member of Eastern Star Church.