We Remember Hal Jackson: Broadcast Pioneer

We remember broadcast pioneer Hal Jackson.

We Remember Hal Jackson: Broadcast Pioneer - Pioneer, icon, legend, few words can sum up Harold “Hal” Jackson's contribution to Black’s advancement in journalism. His rich baritone voice resonated as the first African American on a national broadcast network. Over the span of 75 years, Jackson served as the voice of disenchanted Blacks during the civil rights era, broke color barriers in media, and served as a mentor and icon for generations of black journalist to come. He leaves behind a legacy of courage in the face of adversity, and audacious excellence. He passed away May 23, 2012 at 96. (Photo: James Kriegsmann/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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We Remember Hal Jackson: Broadcast Pioneer - Pioneer, icon, legend, few words can sum up Harold “Hal” Jackson's contribution to Black’s advancement in journalism. His rich baritone voice resonated as the first African American on a national broadcast network. Over the span of 75 years, Jackson served as the voice of disenchanted Blacks during the civil rights era, broke color barriers in media, and served as a mentor and icon for generations of black journalist to come. He leaves behind a legacy of courage in the face of adversity, and audacious excellence. He passed away May 23, 2012 at 96. (Photo: James Kriegsmann/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Early Life - Born on November 3, 1915, Jackson grew up in Washington, D.C., and studied at Howard University in Washington. He first broke onto the airwaves by broadcasting Howard’s home baseball games and local American Negro Baseball League games on WOOK in Washington, becoming the first African-American radio sports announcer.  (Photo: Courtesy gothamist.com)

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Early Life - Born on November 3, 1915, Jackson grew up in Washington, D.C., and studied at Howard University in Washington. He first broke onto the airwaves by broadcasting Howard’s home baseball games and local American Negro Baseball League games on WOOK in Washington, becoming the first African-American radio sports announcer.  (Photo: Courtesy gothamist.com)

Man of Firsts - Adding to his impressive lists of famous firsts, Jackson became the first African-American host at WINX in Washington, hosting the nightly interview program The Bronze Review in 1939. He eventually moved on to hosting the jazz and blues program, The House That Jack Built, on WOOK. By the 1940s, Jackson was hosting four different daily programs for four different Washington-area radio stations.(Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

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Man of Firsts - Adding to his impressive lists of famous firsts, Jackson became the first African-American host at WINX in Washington, hosting the nightly interview program The Bronze Review in 1939. He eventually moved on to hosting the jazz and blues program, The House That Jack Built, on WOOK. By the 1940s, Jackson was hosting four different daily programs for four different Washington-area radio stations.(Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Trailblazer - In 1971 Jackson co-founded the Inner City Broadcasting Corporation (ICBC), which acquired WLIB-AM, the first African-American owned and operated station in New York. His trailblazing streak was honored in 1995 when he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, the first African-American to hold the honor. In the final years of his life, he served on the Board of Directors at Inner City Broadcasting and hosted the musical program Sunday Classics.(Photo: Mychal Watts/WireImage)

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Trailblazer - In 1971 Jackson co-founded the Inner City Broadcasting Corporation (ICBC), which acquired WLIB-AM, the first African-American owned and operated station in New York. His trailblazing streak was honored in 1995 when he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, the first African-American to hold the honor. In the final years of his life, he served on the Board of Directors at Inner City Broadcasting and hosted the musical program Sunday Classics.(Photo: Mychal Watts/WireImage)

Philanthropist -  Jackson was celebrated for his charitable works. For 39 years he served as executive producer and host of his Talented Teens International competition, which highlights “the intelligence, creativity and talents of young minority women.(Photo: KMazur/WireImage for Virgin Records)

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Philanthropist -  Jackson was celebrated for his charitable works. For 39 years he served as executive producer and host of his Talented Teens International competition, which highlights “the intelligence, creativity and talents of young minority women.(Photo: KMazur/WireImage for Virgin Records)