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Texas Chapter · Founding Membership Now Open

Your Voice.
Your Legacy.
Your Place in History.

Join the Texas Chapter of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame and become part of a living legacy that shaped culture, informed communities, and inspired generations.

Before streaming. Before social media. Before algorithms.
There was a voice. That voice was Black radio.

Founded nationally by Bernie Hayes and Uvee Hayes — whose vision created a platform to honor, preserve, and celebrate the enduring legacy of Black radio.

Join Now — Starting at $25 View Membership Benefits

✓ 30-day satisfaction guarantee  ·  ✓ Pay securely via Zelle  ·  ✓ Lifetime installment plans available

$25Student
$100Annual
$1,000Lifetime
🏛️

National Legacy

Part of a national institution dedicated to preserving the history and cultural impact of Black radio.

📻

Museum Connection

Connected to the NBRHOF Museum and archival initiative based in St. Louis, Missouri.

🎓

Educational Mission

Supporting outreach, storytelling, and intergenerational learning across Texas and the nation.

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Founding Recognition

Founding members receive certificates bearing an official Founding Member Badge — your place in the original record.

National Induction Program

Where Legacy Is Recognized — Live

The National Black Radio Hall of Fame Induction Program is the premier event honoring the voices, pioneers, and cultural architects of Black radio.

"This is more than a ceremony. This is where history is honored in real time."

Future Induction Cities

2027Orlando, Florida
2028Virginia Chapter
2029Las Vegas, Nevada
2030Houston, Texas — or Los Angeles, California

Texas is positioned to play an even greater role in the years ahead.

Join the Texas Chapter

Eighth Annual National Black Radio Hall of Fame Induction Program

📅

September 19, 2026

📍

Sonesta Charlotte Lower South End Hotel
5700 Westpark Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217

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6:00 PM EST

2026 Inductee — Texas Chapter

Vern Catron, Secretary
Honored for outstanding contributions to the legacy and impact of Black radio.

About the Texas Chapter

Preserving What Made Us.

The Texas Chapter of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame exists to honor, preserve, and advance the extraordinary legacy of Black radio in Texas.

Black radio has always been more than a format. It has been a trusted voice in the community — introducing artists, informing the public, challenging injustice, celebrating culture, and connecting generations.

Under the leadership of Dr. J Thomas Smith — broadcaster, historian, educator, and President of the Texas Chapter — the chapter is committed to preserving the truth, depth, and cultural power of Black radio.

"Preserving legacy is not nostalgia. It is responsibility."

Why Texas Matters

From Houston to Dallas and beyond, Texas is one of the great epicenters of Black radio in America. This chapter ensures Texas receives its rightful place in the national story.

NBRHOF Museum · St. Louis, Missouri

Where the Legacy Lives On

The National Black Radio Hall of Fame is connected to the NBRHOF Museum and archival initiative based in St. Louis, Missouri — a permanent home for the voices, pioneers, and cultural leaders who shaped Black radio across the nation.

Through exhibits, recordings, memorabilia, and educational programming, the museum ensures that the impact of Black radio is carried forward for generations to come.

Founded by Bernie Hayes and Uvee Hayes — a testament to vision, preservation, and cultural responsibility.

Preserving Voices

Archiving recordings, interviews, and moments that defined generations of Black radio.

Honoring Pioneers

Recognizing broadcasters, programmers, and leaders who shaped the culture.

Educating the Future

Providing access to history for students, researchers, and communities nationwide.

As a member of the Texas Chapter, you help ensure that Texas voices, stations, and pioneers are represented within this national legacy.
Be Part of What Lasts
Your Journey

Your Journey Into Legacy Starts Here

Membership is not the destination. It is the beginning of how your voice becomes part of history.

01

Become a Member

Enter a community committed to preserving and advancing the legacy of Black radio.

02

Engage the Chapter

Participate in chapter activities, conversations, and initiatives that honor the culture.

03

Share Your Story

Members may be invited to participate in legacy features and interviews.

04

Enter the Record

Members invited into the updated Encyclopedia of Black Radio by Marsha Washington George.

05

Live On in Legacy

Your voice becomes part of a story preserved through archives, recognition, and ongoing work.

From the airwaves — to the archives.

Step Into Your Legacy

Why Become a Member

Membership in the Texas Chapter connects you to history, visibility, recognition, and purpose.

01

Founding Member Distinction

Certificates for founding members bear an official Founding Member Badge — a permanent mark of your place in the chapter's origin.

02

National Legacy

Become part of a national institution dedicated to preserving Black radio history for generations.

03

Museum Connection

Support a museum and archive that honors pioneers and milestones in Black broadcasting.

04

Educational Mission

Advance storytelling and intergenerational learning about Black radio across Texas and the nation.

05

Recognition & Visibility

Be recognized as someone helping preserve and elevate this essential cultural legacy.

06

Encyclopedia Inclusion

Members invited to be included in the updated Encyclopedia of Black Radio by Marsha Washington George.

07

Community & Access

A growing network of supporters, historians, broadcasters, and advocates across the country.

08

Meaningful Participation

Opportunities to serve on committees, contribute ideas, and help shape the chapter's future direction.

Choose Your Membership

There Is a Place for You

Whether you are a student, supporter, professional, or legacy builder — there is a membership for you in the Texas Chapter.

Student
Student Membership
$25

An affordable way for students and emerging leaders to connect with the legacy of Black radio and support the mission.

Join via Zelle — $25
Annual
Annual Membership
$100

For those who want to actively support the Texas Chapter each year and participate in opportunities, updates, and recognition.

Join via Zelle — $100
Lifetime
Lifetime Membership
$1,000

A one-time investment in legacy. Lifetime members stand as long-term pillars of the Texas Chapter and its mission.

Join via Zelle — $1,000

Paid in full or up to four installments of $250.

Founding Member enrollment will not remain open indefinitely.

How to Pay

Send Your Membership Dues via Zelle

Zelle is a fast, secure way to send money directly from your bank. Follow these three steps to complete your membership:

Step 01

Open your bank's app or the Zelle app and tap Send Money.

Step 02

Send your payment to: support@nbrhoftx.com

Step 03

In the memo, include your full name and membership tier (Student / Annual / Lifetime).

💬 Questions? Email us at support@nbrhoftx.com

You will receive confirmation and your membership certificate within 24–48 hours of payment.

Texas Chapter Leadership

Strong leadership preserves strong legacy. The Texas Chapter is guided by dedicated professionals committed to honoring and advancing Black radio.

Dr. J Thomas Smith
President
Dr. J Thomas Smith

Broadcaster, historian, educator, and chapter leader committed to preserving the truth, depth, and cultural power of Black radio.

Emilian White
Vice President
Emilian White

Dedicated to advancing the mission of the Texas Chapter and supporting the broader work of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame.

Vern Catron
Secretary
Vern Catron

Honored as a 2026 Inductee into the National Black Radio Hall of Fame for outstanding contributions to the legacy and impact of Black radio.

2026 NBRHOF Inductee

Legacy is not built alone. It is built by those willing to lead, serve, and preserve what matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Texas Chapter of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame? ▼
The Texas Chapter is a chapter-based membership and support community dedicated to honoring and preserving the legacy of Black radio in Texas while supporting the broader mission of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame.
Who should join? ▼
Broadcasters, media professionals, students, educators, historians, community leaders, and anyone who values the legacy and future of Black radio. Membership is open to all who believe this legacy matters and want to help preserve it.
How much does membership cost? ▼
Student membership is $25, annual membership is $100, and lifetime membership is $1,000. Lifetime membership may be paid in full or in up to four installments.
Are payment plans available? ▼
Yes. Lifetime membership may be paid in full or by subscription in up to four installments, making it accessible for those who want to make a long-term commitment to the chapter's legacy.
What is the Founding Member Badge? ▼
Founding members receive membership certificates bearing an official Founding Member Badge, recognizing their role in helping establish the Texas Chapter. This is a permanent distinction that will not be available indefinitely.
Will members be included in the Encyclopedia of Black Radio? ▼
Members will be invited to be included in the updated version of the Encyclopedia of Black Radio by Marsha Washington George — placing your name and story within the permanent historical record of Black broadcasting.
What is the NBRHOF Museum? ▼
The NBRHOF Museum is part of the Hall of Fame's archival and educational legacy, based in St. Louis, Missouri. It is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of Black radio through exhibits, recordings, memorabilia, and educational programming.
Where are future national induction ceremonies planned? ▼
Upcoming induction cities include Orlando in 2027, Virginia in 2028, Las Vegas in 2029, and Houston, Texas or Los Angeles in 2030. Texas is positioned to play a central role in the Hall of Fame's national expansion.
Is this only for people who worked in radio? ▼
No. Membership is open to anyone who believes this legacy matters and wants to help preserve it — historians, educators, community leaders, students, media professionals, and supporters of all backgrounds.
Why join now? ▼
Because founding members help shape the chapter's future and are recognized as part of its original legacy. Founding Member enrollment will not remain open indefinitely — this is a limited opportunity to be part of the chapter's founding record.

There are moments when you witness history.
And moments when you build it.

When you join the Texas Chapter of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame, you affirm that the voices, stories, sacrifices, and achievements of Black radio deserve to be preserved, celebrated, and passed forward.

This is more than membership. It is an opportunity to be remembered.

Stand with the voices that shaped us.
Preserve the stories that defined us.
Become part of the legacy that will outlive us.
Join Now View Membership Benefits
✓ 30-day satisfaction guarantee    ✓ Pay securely via Zelle    ✓ Lifetime installment plans available