[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E782]]
            TRIBUTE TO THE URBAN SCENE AND HOST DON FRIERSON

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                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2008

  Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 20th 
anniversary of a radio institution in my hometown of Columbia, South 
Carolina. The Urban Scene is the first issue-oriented radio talk show 
in Columbia, and it remains a touchstone in the African American 
community today.
  In 1988, WOIC radio began airing The Urban Scene with host Ben Scott. 
The next year, Gwen Foushee and Don Frierson took over the hosting 
duties, and by the end of 1989, Don was flying solo.
  The next big change for The Urban Scene was its move from WOIC to 
WGCV/620 AM in Columbia in 2000. It is a testament to the popularity of 
the show that its loyal audience followed The Urban Scene, and many new 
listeners tuned in,
  The Urban Scene quickly made its mark as the place to go for an in-
depth discussion and debate of the issues of the day. Under Don's 
guidance, listeners feel comfortable to call in and give their opinions 
or ask questions, The topics covered on The Urban Scene run the gamut 
and are always entertaining and informative. Don has featured guests 
from all walks of life, including actor Danny Glover; House Majority 
Leader Dick Gephardt; former Miss America Kimberly Aiken; gospel legend 
Dr. Bobby Jones; civil rights pioneer Modjeska Simpkins; and nationally 
syndicated talk show host Bev Smith. I have been known to make 
appearances on The Urban Scene from time to time as welL
  I don't believe The Urban Scene would have enjoyed its longevity 
without the leadership of Don Frierson. He has done a tremendous job 
over the last 19 years in creating a midday talk show that is 
consistently the talk of the town. As a native of Columbia, Don knows 
the issues that are important to his listeners. He graduated from the 
University of South Carolina in 1983 with a degree in journalism, and 
continues to work full-time for the South Carolina Human Affairs 
Commission.
  Don maintains the pulse of the community by being involved in many 
activities. He has served on the board of Bethlehem Community Center, 
the Columbia Branch NAACP, and the South Carolina Conference of 
Branches of NAACP. He has volunteered his time with Big Brothers and 
Sisters of the Midlands, as a mentor, working with children in Richland 
School District One, and has assisted non-profit agencies and 
organizations in the areas of press and publicity. He is a volunteer 
docent with the South Carolina State Museum and has served as third 
Vice President of the Columbia Branch NAACP.
  Don's many awards include the Living the Legacy Award, presented by 
the National Council of Negro Women for outstanding work in the field 
of Journalism; Certificate for Outstanding Community Service in the 
field of Journalism, from the Omicron Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi 
Fraternity; Community Leader of Excellence Award, from the Cush 
Fellowship Ministries; Million Man March Appreciation Award, from the 
Nation of Islam, for work in promoting the Million Man March; Martin 
Luther King Award for Community Service presented by Zion Baptist 
Church No.1; Award for Community Service, presented by Masjid AI-Islam; 
Outstanding Service Award from the Alcorn Middle School Community Task 
Force; Community Service Award from the Sister Clara Muhammad School; 
Certificate of Honor from the Columbia Branch NAACP for service; and a 
commendation from the South Carolina House of Representatives for 
public service.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me today in celebrating the 20th 
anniversary of The Urban Scene and the outstanding work of its host Don 
Frierson. The show and its host are synonymous with intelligent and 
thought-provoking radio. I applaud the tremendous service Don provides 
on The Urban Scene, and I am proud to call him a friend.

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