The local chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists honored local radio personality Bobby O'Jay Wednesday. Alma Black Moore of Alma Moore Associates, a public relations firm and graduate of The University of Memphis was also honored.
O'Jay and Moore were guest speakers at the "Wonderful Wednesday" sessions set up by Dr. Cynthia B. Hopson, facilitator of The University's chapter. The meetings are geared toward helping African-American journalism students get a foot in the door of news organizations.
Moore, a Tennessee native, graduated from the University College at The U of M with a degree that combined public relations and communications. She has worked in variety of different jobs, with each job having something to do with her special talents.
"I have worked on and with radio stations and television stations. I have sold hair care products, and I have spoken to school students about environmental safety of our neighborhoods. You name it, I've done it," Moore said. Moore owns her own business and is also a facilitator for the Restoration Advisory Board at the Memphis Depot located on Airways Blvd.
She also spoke to students about the importance of reading and doing research.
"The government and major companies will minimize what they tell you. Your role is to find out everything that is not being said and to communicate it to others," she said.
Mississippi-born O'Jay told students how he got his start in radio. His comparison of growing up as one of nine brothers and sisters and picking cotton to Alex Haley's Roots drew laughs from the attendees, some of whom said they could relate with him. By the age of 12, O'Jay drew inspiration in the form of cousin Melvin Jones who worked as a radio disc jockey. By age 14, O'Jay decided to concentrate on becoming a disc jockey, saying he knew it was what he wanted to do with his life. In 1968, O'Jay attended broadcasting school.
He told students stories about the different places he had worked and the people he had encountered during his early years in the business.
"In all my years in radio, I have to say that I have been fired at least once for not playing a particular record," O'Jay said. He also gave students what he considered a valuable piece of 'Bobbyology.'
"Try to make friends where ever you go and where ever you work."After working in the radio industry in various cities across the nation,
O'Jay said he found himself taking over Tom Joyner's position at WDIX in Dallas. He worked there for four years before talking to a friend about coming to Memphis. He ended up coming to work for WDIA in 1983.
Today O'Jay is still heard on the radio doing what he loves to do, playing music and having a good time.
Both Moore and O'Jay stressed the importance of doing what they love and loving what they do among their keys to success.
Both Moore and O'Jay were surprised when chapter facilitator Dr. Cynthia B. Hopson presented them with awards. Moore received the first Ida B. Wells Inspiration Award and O'Jay the first University of Memphis Legend Award.
