The NBRHOF Class For 2025

March 14, 2025

The National Black Radio Hall of Fame (NBRHOF) proudly announces its Class of 2025, to be inducted at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport on Saturday, September 21, 2025.

Under the leadership of Founder & President Bernie Hayes, the National Black Radio Hall of Fame honors Black radio pioneers whose voices have shaped music, culture, and news. Induction into the NBRHOF is among the highest honors in broadcasting, ensuring that their legacy lives on at the National Black Radio Hall of Fame Museum in St. Louis at Harris Stowe State University.

“As Chairperson of this process, I am thrilled to welcome this year’s inductees,” said Hurricane Dave Smith, Atlanta Chapter President. “Their impact on Black radio is undeniable, and their names will be forever enshrined.”

Class of 2025 Inductees:

Talented Sisters of Radio Award. Helen Little, JoJo O’Neal, Kathy Brown
Talented Brothers of Radio Award. Lorenzo “Ice Tea” Thomas, Phil Nelson, Elroy Smith
Gospel Radio Personality Radio Award. Marvin Sapp, Willie May Mciver
African American Station Owner Award. Barry Mayo
The African American Radio Station Promotions Award. Mike Kelly, Cheryl Winston
The African American Record Pool Distributors Award. Coalition DJs
The Talk Radio Personality Award. Bev Johnson
The Personality that has reached out to the Community Award. Dee Hill
The Hip Hop Radio Personality Award. Ed Lover
The House Music Pioneer Award. Farley “Jackmaster” Funk
The Talented Sisters of Blues Radio Award. Renee Smith (Blues Singer)
The Talented Brothers of Blues Radio Award. Mr. Rojene Bailey “Blues in the City”
The Radio Music Career Artists of the Year Inductee. Arrested Development
The Lifetime Media Achievement Award Inductee. J. Anthony Brown
The Broadcasters Chairman’s Leadership Award Inductee. Marsha Washington George, aka Radio Lady
Production and Imaging Award “Mitch Faulkner Award.” Marc Young
The Radio Pioneer Award. Shirley Strawberry, Ron Atkins, Rick Roberts “JoJo”, Robin Boyce, Barbara Taylor, Don Saint John
The Posthumous Award Inductee. (Appointed by the board this year) Jerry Boulding | Wanda Smith | Van Douglas | Gary Young | Cleo Sears | Sid Kennedy | Charles “Hoppy” Adams | Mary Mason | Herb Kent, “The Cool Gent”