[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 39 (Thursday, April 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E500-E501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TOM JOYNER MORNING SHOW

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                         HON. EARL F. HILLIARD

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 11, 2002

  Mr. HILLIARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the award winning 
syndicated radio talk show, ``The Tom Joyner Morning Show,`` and 
Congresswoman Carrie Meek for a job well done in making sure that 
everyone was included in the 2000 Census count.
  More than one million people in the African American community were 
counted who would not have been counted, but for the efforts of this 
radio program. I also wish to thank Mr. Joyner, his team, and Kweisi 
Mfume for their efforts in turning out the vote in the November 2000 
Election. Their numerous presentations during this critical time on a 
continuing basis were outstanding!
  Each morning the program was informative, motivational and highly 
successful in achieving its goal. Because of this program, the 
percentage of African-American votes was greater than that of Whites 
and other groups of the voting age population in the state of Florida 
and in most Southern states.
  The group's impact was so tremendous that it served as a catalyst for 
motivating African-Americans across this country to register to vote 
and participate in the Census count. This newfound sense of empowerment 
increased African-American interest in social and political affairs; 
increased their social, financial and political wealth; and resulted in 
their becoming better citizens.
  Mr. Joyner has been a creative trailblazer and by taking the show on 
the road he has inspired, motivated, educated and informed America. In 
addition, he has brought his family into millions of households in 
America. By actively participating in the work of ``The Tom

[[Page E501]]

Joyner Foundation'' which is an instrument to give back to the 
community, he has given scholarships to help needy students at 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) and strengthened 
the African-American concept of parents and children cooperating 
together to build a greater society.
  This is just one of the many programs which has involved his talented 
and creative efforts. His weekly Thursday Morning Moms highlights the 
struggles of African-American women rising to the highest level of 
family. His weekly tribute to Real Fathers Real Men; his feature of 
Little Known Black History Facts; his feature of Christmas Wish List; 
and his feature of Celebrity Interviews continue to inspire, enlighten 
and motivate African-Americans to be proud of the past, achieve in the 
present and prepare for the future.
  Mr. Joyner's leadership on issues which affect African-Americans on a 
daily basis is superb and outstanding. His ``fly jocking'' across 
America to various cities and states not only increased the awareness 
of issues of interests to the African-American community, but motivated 
them to take action. He earned this ``fly jocking'' title through his 
dedication to serve radio audiences in Dallas, Texas and Chicago, 
Illinois. Both markets recognized his impressive talent and wanted him 
at the same time. Before expanding his presence into 120 markets across 
the country, Tom flew from Dallas to Chicago every day for seven years.
  Tom's actions are commendable and very much appreciated. The other 
super stars, i.e., J. Anthony Brown, Sybil Wilkes, Miss Dupree, Myra 
J., Tavis Smiley, and Donna Richardson also inform and motivate the 
public. The Tom Joyner Morning Show is truly inspirational.
  Mr. Joyner and his morning crew have received many awards, which 
reflect their skills, talents and contributions specifically to 
African-Americans, and generally to all Americans.
  Lastly and most importantly, I would like to share a piece of Tom 
Joyner's personal history.
  Born to Frances and Hercules Lionel Joyner of Tuskegee, Alabama, Tom 
attended elementary school at the Chambliss Children's House, which was 
a laboratory school located on the grounds of Tuskegee Institute. He 
went on to enroll at Tuskegee Institute High School where he received 
his educational training under the direction of Mrs. Alberta Ritchie, 
the mother of famous singer and songwriter Lionel Ritchie.
  During his matriculation at Tuskegee Institute, Tom played records in 
the college cafeteria after basketball and football games. He further 
expressed his love for music and entertainment as a member of a local 
singing group, The Commodores. After performing with the group for two 
years, Tom asked his parents' permission to leave school and tour with 
The Commodores. His parents refused to allow him to drop out of College 
and follow the group, but instead, they strongly encouraged him to 
finish his education at Tuskegee Institute.
  Upon graduation in 1971, Tom decided to pursue his dream as a radio 
announcer. His mission was to change the face of Black radio into an 
advocacy medium, with particular interests in broadening the awareness 
of HBCU's and increasing voter registration.
  Tom is married to fitness expert and trainer Donna Richardson. He is 
the father of two sons---Thomas Joyner, Jr., the CEO of The Tom Joyner 
Foundation and Oscar Joyner, Director of Marketing for the foundation.
  Tom's efforts and awards cannot go unnoticed and must be recorded in 
history. Therefore, this insertion in the Congressional Record is made 
so that Tom Joyner's efforts and all of his positive actions and 
``solid gold programming'' will be engrossed and embedded in the 
history of this country.

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