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Bill Allen, Sr., retired from his post as Director of Parks and Recreation Department of Accomack County, after a thirty-year career as a county employee and community volunteer who influenced thousands of lives.

At the black-tie affair gala in Parksley, Va. Earlier this month, celebrities from around the country and throughout Virginia recognized Allen as a pioneer in the African-American community who helped children, senior citizens and just about anybody who crossed his path.

During a video tribute, nationally syndicated media personality, philanthropist and entrepreneur Tom Joyner, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Member Eddie LeVert and Walter Williams of the O’Jays, Tom Joyner Morning Show Senior Analyst and CNN Contributor Roland Martin, Virginia State House Legislator Lynwood Lewis, gospel great Dr. Bobby Jones and many others shared their congratulations and well-wishes to Allen.

Newspaper editor Bill Sterlings, the Deputy Sheriff of Accomack County Virginia, Dr. Christopher Bullock of the Canaan Baptist Church, dignitaries of AME Churches, gospel legend Tye Tribbetts, also participated.

Allen’s retirement caps off a career of hard work where he had to overcome obstacles at every step along the way.  During his rich life, he took on numerous jobs, such as security guard, barber, teletype operator and owner of coin-operated machines. His son, Bill Jr., said his dad has always been an inspiration, symbolizing all the wonderful components of God and family.  

The retirement celebration wasn’t complete until Allen, Sr. had everyone share the code that he passes along to his four children, twelve grandchildren, and community:

A Pledge

I pledge to be part of We.

I pledge to build bridges between myself, my community and our children.

We will educate one another, about one another, and about our community.

I pledge to use what I learn to open one new idea, to one child, each week.

I pledge to open my heart, an mind, to that which is larger than my self.

These things, through me, to We, for the children, I pledge.

For additional information or schedule an interview with Mr. Allen Sr., contact Neil Foote, Foote Communications, neil@neilfoote.com

(Dallas, TX – September 3) The Tom Joyner Foundation announces Barbara Dunn- Harrington, a veteran business executive, as its new executive director.

Harrington, who has worked in various capacities with the Foundation since its inception 12 years ago, has worked on business development and building relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). For more than 20 years, she worked in marketing and education with  IBM Corp.

Thomas Joyner Jr., the Foundation’s president and CEO, is stepping down to take on a full-time role as President with Tom Joyner Online Education, L.L.C., an educational services company that provides access to accredited online degree programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

“Barbara is deeply in tune with the mission of the Foundation and of HBCUs,” said Joyner, who directed the Foundation’s efforts to raise nearly $60 million to provide scholarships to students attending black colleges. “She is going to shepherd in a new era for the Foundation.”

Harrington said she is excited about the opportunity work with a Foundation that has always been rooted in helping HBCUs. “Black colleges have always been critical – and will remain – critical to this country, and providing a rich, valuable and nurturing experience unlike other colleges,” she said. “We’re developing a strategy that will continue to position the Foundation as a crucial ally and supporter of HBCUs.”

The Foundation was created by Tom Joyner, the nationally syndicated media personality, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose “Tom Joyner Morning Show” is aired on more than 100 markets, reaching nearly 8 million listeners every week.

The Tom Joyner Foundation Foundation (http://blackamericaweb.com/foundation) offers a wide range of scholarships that are issued during the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Founded in 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $55 million to help keep students enrolled in black colleges.  It has assisted more than 14,000 students and worked with more than 100 HBCUs.  To learn more about the Foundation, go to BlackAmericaWeb.com (http://blackamericaweb.com).