African American Hero of the Day

Tom Joyner (1949-)

Radio Personality

Also called "The Fly Jock", Tom Joyner is known for reaching more African American listeners than any other radio or electronic media. Joyner, who simultaneously hosted two radio shows--one, the morning show in Dallas and an afternoon show in Chicago in the 1980s has informed and entertained his audience with a variety of programming.

Joyner, born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on November 23, 1949, began in radio after graduating from Tuskegee University. Joyner in his early years in radio learned the need for involvement in the community. Taking this to heart Joyner structured his shows to inform, inspire, and entertain his listeners. In 1994 Joyner became the first African American male to host a nationally syndicated radio show with the debut of the Tom Joyner Morning Show on the ABC Radio Network. Joyner's shows have included scholarships to college students in need, done in partnership with the United Negro College Fund and the Tom Joyner Foundation, a nonprofit organization. Also featured are political commentary, comedy bits, and little known black history facts. Joyner was selected to the Radio Hall of Fame in 1998.

In 2003 Joyner founded Reach Media as the parent company of subsidiaries such as Black America Web.com, Tom Joyner Foundation, and also the Tom Joyner Morning Show. In 2005 Joyner launched a syndicated television show, but he decided not to continue production due to high costs.

From African American Almanac: 400 Years of Triumph, Courage and Excellence by Lean'tin Bracks, (c) 2012 Visible Ink Press(R). A wealth of milestones, inspiration, and challenges met . . .