In Memoriam : Joe Madison, radio host and civil rights activist, dies at 74

Joe Madison, a pioneering radio host and civil rights activist, has died. He was 74.

Details on the passing of Joe Madison

His family released a statement saying he passed away peacefully Wednesday, surrounded by family.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Joe Madison. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Joe dedicated his life to fighting for all those who are undervalued, underestimated, and marginalized.”

Madison had battled prostate cancer over the years, however, the statement didn’t disclose his cause of death.

Radio career

Known as The Black Eagle, Joe Madison brought his passion for justice from the civil rights movement to the airwaves.

He started his radio career in Detroit in 1980 and then moved to Philadelphia.

Madison spent years with the NAACP before launching his own show in Washington D.C.

He became a strong voice for the community, gearing his shows on African American issues.

According to BET, Madison’s morning show, Urban View, has had a daily audience of approximately 26 million listeners since 2007.

Joe Madison as an activist

Madison became a leader in social justice after college, according to the NAACP. He hosted a community-focused radio show and was a civil rights activist for the NAACP. His message spread across the airwaves, reaching thousands of listeners in Philadelphia, Detroit, and Washington, D.C.

He played a pivotal role in getting legislators to pass the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act in 2020, the NAACP said. Most recently, he executed a hunger strike in honor of his mentor and activist, Dick Gregory.

He was dedicated to his craft and social justice.

Madison achieved the Guinness world record for the longest on-air broadcast in 2015, broadcasting for 52 hours straight and raising more than $250,000 for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

His legacy

Madison is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon, their four children, five grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Condolences can be sent to the family on Joemadison.com.