MILWAUKEE — Keyon Jackson Malone was more than just a name in Milwaukee; he was the heartbeat of his community. A man who cherished every corner of Atkinson Park, he wasn’t content with just enjoying its beauty—he transformed it into a place of hope by establishing a food pantry that nourished not only stomachs but also souls. To his neighbors, Keyon wasn’t just a radio personality; he was the embodiment of what everyone in Milwaukee aspired to be.
Tuesday, the atmosphere at WNOV is heavy with sorrow, the weight of loss pressing down on the airwaves. "My heart is hurting," a caller’s voice breaks through with grief. Callers and coworkers alike are mourning the passing of a friend who was more like family.
"That man show brought so many people together. This is a terrible loss," another caller laments, their voice filled with the anguish shared by an entire community. Keyon Jackson Malone wasn’t just a community advocate and radio host; he was a force of nature.
On his show, "The Man Show," he didn’t just speak—he uplifted, inspired, and rallied a city to stand together. "He had this unforgettable scratchy voice. It was so distinctive," recalls Michelle Bryant, his co-host.
Today, the WNOV studio feels incomplete. A microphone sits abandoned at the desk. Yet, Keyon’s presence is felt at the station.
"There are two things Keyon loved deeply: his community and his family," today’s radio host reflects, their voice heavy with the weight of those words. Keyon’.