Syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner's growing popularity is raising needed money for Black Colleges

He claims to be the "hardest working man in radio." It is a routine that has paid off handsomely for disc jockey/comedian Tom Joyner. In recent months, he has begun to apply his charisma, wit, and skill to the fund-raising efforts of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

The syndicated "Tom Joyner Morning Show" is heard on the ABC Radio Network weekday mornings on ninety-six stations nationwide and on the Armed Forces Network. His listening audience is mostly Black, but the show -- which targets thirty-five to fifty-four-year-olds -- is growing in popularity among Whites.

In recent months, Joyner has helped several HBCUs to capitalize on his increasing popularity by creating the Tom Joyner UNCF Black College Funds. Each month a different school is chosen to receive the funds raised by the foundation. Contributions have averaged about $25,000 each month.

To date, Joyner's foundation has raised $125,000, according to Tom "Killer" Joyner Jr., the radio star's son and the foundation's administrator. This month, the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff became the foundation's eighth recipient. Meharry Medical College has been designated for November's award.

"We do it from the heart," Joyner Sr. says. "I'm a product of an HBCU school. My parents are products, my grandparents, and my sons."

Joyner, a native of Tuskegee, Ala., graduated from Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) with a degree in sociology. Killer graduated from Howard. The younger son, Oscar "Thriller" Joyner, is an alumnus of Florida A&M. Both sons travel on the road with their father.

The decision for the younger Joyners to attend HBCUs was a no-brainer, according to the sons, who said that their father didn't pressure them to attend his alma mater.

"He told me and my brother that we could go to any school, but he was only paying for a Black school," said Thriller.