In this 1985 episode, co-hosted by Bill Terrell and Adrienne Hayes, Jobman Caravan delves into the pressing issue of unemployment, particularly its disproportionate effect on the Black community. This episode also highlights the power of education as well as the importance of resisting drug use.
In the early 1980s, the overall unemployment rate for non-Black residents hovered around 7.6%, while the rate for Black residents was nearly double, at 15%. Joblessness affected nearly half the Black youth population. Many jobs had been lost in the agriculture, tourism and textiles industries due to foreign imports effectively competing with homemade products. State agencies like the Employment Security Commission worked to connect people with jobs and retraining opportunities. With technology changing so rapidly it was encouraged to learn a new skill in order to find satisfying work that paid well.
The next segment explored careers in communications, particularly in radio. Jobman Caravan talks to FM 101 (The Big DM) radio personalities to find out how they got started in broadcasting.
"I tell a lot of people who want to get into radio, talk to yourself, listen to the way you enunciate certain words or pronunciation, certain words. A lot of people call it, being very proper, so to speak. But it's not that. It's learning the language and using the language and making money out of the language." - Ken Moore, WWDM Radio Announcer
They all agreed a good education is important for those who desire a career in radio. Personalities featured in order include: Billy "D", Brenda Jones, P.D., Mike Kilgore, Scotty "B", O.E. Martin (Gospel Director) and Ken Moore.
For the last segment, Dinah McLain, the Corrections Officer of the Year for the S.C. Department of Youth Services offered some advice. She encouraged families and churches to create community activities for young people. Something as simple as setting up a group of children to mow lawns on a regular basis. "A dollar earned by a kid on his own at an early age can encourage hopes and dreams." This can also help young people in the struggles against using drugs.
Side Notes
- If you are in need of unemployment benefits, visit the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.
- WWDM (101.3 FM) is an urban adult contemporary radio station licensed to Sumter, South Carolina and serves the Columbia, South Carolina market.
- The Columbia Urban League awards the WWDM Brenda Jones Memorial Scholarship each year. In 1996, after the passing of the veteran news anchor Brenda Jones, this scholarship became a tribute to the highly respected journalist known for her commitment to achievement. Before her death, she enjoyed a stellar career starting in 1981.
