Tom Joyner Foundation funds HIV/AIDS awareness at eight black colleges

Southern University, Baton Rouge is among eight historically black colleges and universities that will receive $25,000 each from the Tom Joyner Foundation to promote awareness of HIV/AIDS.

The Foundation, founded by the nationally syndicated radio personality and philanthropist, received the grant from McFarland and Associates and the Program Coordinating Center (PCC) for the Substance Abuse Mental health Services Administration Center for Substance Abuse Prevention's (SAMHSA/CSAP) Minority Education Institution (MEI) Initiative. The institution will be responsible for conducting the HIV projects.

Joining the Baton Rouge campus in participation will be Prairie View A&M University, Howard University, Virginia Union University, Bowie State University, Savannah State University, Mississippi Valley State University, and the University of the Virgin Islands.

"We've got to do all we can to prevent further spread of HIV/AIDS," said Joyner, who created the Foundation and has a four-hour drive-time show heard in 120-plus markets with more than eight million listeners. "Through this partnership, we want to show our students that they have to stay informed about all aspects of life - not just what they learn in class."

The Tom Joyner Foundation is responsible for raising more $55 million and helping some 40 colleges and thousands of deserving students. Each month, Joyner raises money for a specific historically black college and helps students currently attending that school.

Throughout the year, the Foundation receives donations primarily from individuals, but also from several Fortune 1000 companies including Allstate, Citibank, Nationwide, Budweiser, and Daimler-Chrysler.

Joyner, a graduate of Tuskegee Institute now, University, has been highly recognized by industry and community groups for the work he has done during the more than 25 years in radio. Joyner not only was inducted into the prestigious Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, but he also received the Marconi Award from the National Association of Broadcasters' as the top nationally syndicated/network radio personality. Joyner's sons are also graduates of black colleges: Thomas Jr., Howard University and Oscar, Florida A&M University.