Pam Morris-Walton
2023 Trailblazer Award
- Enrique
- June 4, 2024
- | Categories: Ezra Wiki
Pam's Early Life
Born in Charleston, West Virginia, Pam attended a segregated elementary school in Redd’s Hill and started Sunday School in her Aunt Mabel’s church in Saint Albans, West Virginia. After high school, Pam attended Virginia State University. Her work in radio started at the Stevie Wonder owned KLJH radio station in Los Angeles, California. Her journey continued to Chicago, Illinois at WBEE Radio in Harvey, Illinois. After a decade, Pam joined V-103 FM and now works at WVON 1690 where her signature program, “Gospel with Pam Morris-Walton,” can be heard on Sundays 11-2 pm (CST).
Pam's Musical Career & Achievements
Pam Morris-Walton is a recognized authority on Gospel music. She has recorded two Gospel albums and is recognized as an international gospel consultant. Her clients have included The Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy; The Gospel and Soul Easter Festival in Terni, Italy; The Tree of Life Gospel Event in Durbin, South Africa; and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. She served on the Grammy Board of Governors for the Chicago Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.
In 1989, Mayor Richard M. Daley asked Pam to work in the City of Chicago’s Office of Special Events, where she planned the Mayor’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Breakfast, bringing in such influential speakers as the Reverend Bernice A. King, Martin Luther King, III, Ambassador Andrew Young, Reverend Michael L. Pfleger, Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D. Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., and Geoffrey Canada, CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone. It was Pam who first gave guidance to the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, the world’s largest, free admission Gospel event with more than 2,500 groups and nation-wide audience appeal. Pam was also instrumental in attracting corporate sponsors to underwrite the annual event.
Pam's Musical Legacy
In 2006, Pam received a Stellar Award as Announcer of the Year. In 2010, she was awarded the 2010 Who’s Who in Black Chicago Award, the Living Faith Church Lifetime Achievement Legacy Award, and the 2010 City of Chicago Appreciation Award. In 2012 she received accolades from the National Council of Negro Women in Media and N’Digo’s N’Religion Award. In 2014 she became a History Maker, and in 2022 received a 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award from Lynn-Marcel Arts Academy and Larry Love University for her contribution to Gospel Music and Radio Broadcasting.
In 2009, Pam retired from the City of Chicago, but her career has continued. She currently serves on several boards including the African Festival of the Arts, the Bronzeville Children’s Museum, the Timuel Black Foundation, and Timeless Gifts of Performing Arts. Pam recently served as an Interfaith Liaison for two Illinois Gubernatorial candidates, and candidates for the United States House of Representatives. Pam is the Lead Ambassador for American Heart Association’s “Power to End Stroke Gospel Tour” and is an Ambassador for the Bernie Mac Foundation.
Pam's Commitment to Faith
Pam Morris-Walton has written two books. Her second book, 57 Days: The Wait for a New Heart” records her spiritual journey of faith and love. With a commitment to her community and the Clergy, Pam continues to serve as needed, making a difference.