Lo Jelks by Sparkling Specialties

By M. Paulyne Morgan White, Sparkling Specialties

I read with pride and interest recently a feature article on Lo Jelks lauding him as the first Black TV reporter in 1961. At that time, he was operation manager at WIGO radio. His first day was June 12, 1967, and he understood the significance of his hiring, because the transition from radio listening to was without seeing his face on TV, and it was easily accepted by all.

I met Lorenzo Jelks in the early 70s in the Atlanta University Center as Director of Public Relations for Morris Brown College. By then, he had founded WAUC-AM radio, as well as the AUC Digest which serve the Atlanta University Center institutions, still on publication today.

I was pleased to salute him in 2019 when the National Alumni Association of Morris Brown College honored him and to congratulate him for his recognition in the Atlanta Journal Constitution February 2022 features on Blacks who have made history by making changes in the world.