The voice and heartbeat of Milwaukee: Remembering Keyon Jackson-Malone

From airwaves to Atkinson Park: A legacy of unity, service, and unshakable community spirit

Keyon Lavell 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 transformed it into a place of hope by establishing a mobile food pantry that nourished not only stomachs but also souls. Keyon passed away suddenly on August 12, 2024, at the age 47.

To his neighbors, Keyon wasn’t just a radio personality; he was the embodiment of what everyone in Milwaukee aspired to be.

On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, the atmosphere at WNOV 860 AM was 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 were 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 explained, their voice filled with the anguish shared by an entire community.

Keyon 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,” recalled Michelle Bryant, his co-host.

Nowadays, 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,” co-workers reflected, their voice heavy with the weight of those words.

Keyon’s journey began at Marshall High School, where his passion for radio was ignited. Starting as an intern at WNOV, he soaked up every bit of knowledge and found his voice.

“He brought real people into the studio to face real issues, always infusing humanity into every conversation,” Michelle Bryant shared.

In and out of the radio station, Keyon’s personality was larger than life.

“Keyon entered a room like a mirror, forcing you to reflect on yourself. He didn’t just talk about the community; he lived it, breathed it,” said Bryant.

With a smile that could light up the darkest days, a blunt personality and a heart that beat with love for his community, Keyon used his influence to create lasting change. He didn’t just talk about helping, he got his hands dirty, starting a food pantry in the very neighborhood he held dear.

“That food pantry was his heart and soul. He was boots on the ground, hands in the dirt, making a real difference,” said his friend Kwabena Nixon, his voice filled with pride and sorrow.

Those who knew Keyon describe him as selfless, resilient, and fiercely determined to make Milwaukee a better place.

“If you really look at Keyon’s life, you’ll see a man who earned his wings and commanded respect,” said Andre Lee Ellis, another friend who admired Keyon’s unwavering spirit.

Though the community is deep in mourning, one thing is certain: Keyon Jackson Malone will not be forgotten.

“He had such class and style. No one could wear a hat like Keyon,” Lee Ellis added.

Beyond the radio waves, Keyon was a violence prevention interrupter with “414 Life,” dedicating himself to stopping crime and violence in his community— a testament to his commitment to making Milwaukee safer for everyone.

“The way he brought people together, people who wouldn’t normally sit in the same room, and made them respect one another—that’s one of the things I’ll miss most about him,” said Bryant.

“Look at what he did, watch how he did it, understand why he did it, and let’s go out there and replicate it,” Nixon urged, determined to keep Keyon’s legacy alive.

Keyon had gone on to serve the public starting in April through the nonprofit Wisconsin Voices. His friends at WNOV tell us he was a strong advocate for Get Out the Vote.

Keyon was a former Milwaukee Times Black Excellence honoree in 2019 for his work in Community Leadership.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Embassy Center (3725 N. Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53218). A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location.