February 3rd 2024.
The world has lost a true icon. Joe Madison, the beloved radio host and influential civil rights activist, passed away at the age of 74 after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. His passing was announced by NBC Washington, who reported that the cause of death has not yet been revealed. However, it is known that Madison took a leave of absence from his radio show in December 2023 to address his health concerns, which included his ongoing struggle with prostate cancer.
Madison, also known as The Black Eagle, was a powerful voice for the civil rights movement even before he took to the airwaves. He often challenged his listeners with the thought-provoking question, "What are you gonna do about it?" As Kojo Nnamdi from WAMU shared with NBC Washington, "He comes from a tradition of activism, and he understands that change only occurs when people take part in some form of movement or struggle." Nnamdi went on to say, "The passion is what characterized Joe Madison's entire career. This is a man who went on hunger strikes in support of causes he was invested in. When you listened to Joe Madison, you picked up that passion yourself."
Madison's activism began when he became the youngest person to lead a chapter of the NAACP at just 24 years old. He later served as the NAACP's national politics director and on its national board. According to Dayton Daily News, Madison's career in radio began in 1980 after he organized a series of voter registration marches and gathered signatures for an anti-apartheid bill in Congress. He started off at WZYX in Detroit before eventually moving on to WWDB in Philadelphia and WOL and WWRC in Washington D.C. However, it was his work at WOL that led to a syndicated program on the Radio One Talk Network and its associated XM satellite channel, which eventually merged with Sirius and became SiriusXM in 2008.
Madison's impact extended beyond the airwaves. He was instrumental in raising over $250,000 for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture during a 52-hour marathon radio session, breaking the Guinness Book of World Records. Just five months later, he made history once again by becoming the first American radio host to broadcast from Cuba in over 50 years.
In addition to being a champion for civil rights and a beloved radio personality, Madison was also a valuable member of the SiriusXM family. The company released a statement expressing their sorrow over his passing, saying, "Joe Madison led an incredible, impactful life. He was also an invaluable member of the SiriusXM family and a treasured colleague and friend." They also extended their condolences to his wife, Sherry, and his entire family.
President Biden also paid tribute to Madison, describing him as the voice of a generation. He praised Madison's dedication to fighting against injustice, from his hunger strike for voting rights to his advocacy for anti-lynching legislation. The President and First Lady's thoughts are with Madison's wife, Sherry, and his entire family during this difficult time.
Madison's legacy will continue to live on through his loved ones, his devoted listeners, and the countless people he inspired with his determination to make the world a better place. He will be remembered as a trailblazer, a leader, and a true fighter for equality and justice. Our hearts go out to his wife of over 45 years, Sharon, their four children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Rest in power, Joe Madison. Your voice will never be forgotten.
In honor of Madison's legacy, we are reminded of the words of the late Bobby Rivers, another trailblazing film critic and talk show host who passed away at the age of 70, "I want to be remembered as someone who fought for the good things in life." That is exactly how Joe Madison will be remembered. He fought for the good things in life, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. Rest in peace, Black Eagle.
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