Mr. Kernie L. Anderson

Kernie L. Anderson Kernie was born June 4, 1940, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, son of the late George Player Anderson Sr. and the late Fannie Rose McPhail Anderson. He received his formal education in the Harrisburg School District and was a graduate of the former John Harris High School. Having a desire to further his education, Kernie attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., and also served in the United States Army. During his working career, Kernie soared to the highest levels in the radio industry and beyond. Kernie’s storied career began in 1963 in Washington, D.C., where he worked as a messenger and porter at WQMR-AM/WGAY-FM. Along his impactful journey of over forty years in radio of which more than thirty were at the senior executive level, Kernie went on to share his extraordinary leadership qualities at the following broadcasting entities: WOCN-AM/WOCN-FM, Miami, Florida; WCGL-AM, Jacksonville, Florida; KDIA-AM, Oakland/San Francisco, California; WBMX-FM/AM, Chicago, Illinois; WIZF-FM, Cincinnati, Ohio; WDAS- FM/AM, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and WBLS-FM/WLIB-AM, New York, New York. Kernie was known for his precision and control in business affairs, his commitment to African American media and his uncanny ability to turn things around for ailing media venues. He was recognized as a “giant” in the radio industry and was an authentic advocate for African American Communities and their economic interests, especially in the communications sector. Throughout Kernie’s distinguished career, he earned the “Top 25 African-Americans in Radio Award” on multiple occasions. His exemplary leadership was only surpassed by his compassion for community and his unselfish spirit. He was the recipient of countless civic and humanitarian awards inclusive of the McDonald’s “King Teen Leadership” and Paul J. Hall Boys Club “Alberta Hall Humanitarian and Memorial” Awards. He was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and Urban League. His Industry and Community Board Memberships throughout his career included Miami Broadcast Association; NAACP; Jacksonville, FL, Broadcast Association; CA Broadcasters Association; Chicago Broadcasters Association; Chicago YMCA; Cincinnati Broadcasters Association; Philadelphia Radio Association; Philadelphia Development Corporation; Philadelphia Urban League; Southeast Pennsylvania American Red Cross; Southeast Pennsylvania United Way; Philadelphia Athletic League; Black United Fund (Philadelphia, Chicago, Bay Area); Community College of Philadelphia Foundation Board; New York City Urban League; New York Market Radio NYMRAD (Chairman 2001-2003). Kernie was also selected as a Pennsylvania Delegate for the 1996 Democratic National Convention. Kernie was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother and uncle who was very passionate about his family. Having accepted the Lord as his personal Savior, he was a member of Zion Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On Saturday, December 20, 2014, at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kernie passed peacefully from this earthly life into eternal life. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of thirty-two years, Althmeana C. Anderson; brothers, John, George Jr., “Player,” Vance, Carl (Carroll) and Oslwen “Ozzie” Anderson Sr. He leaves to celebrate his life his daughter, Shama Anderson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; his sister and brother-in-law, Gertrude and George Davis of Boston, Massachusetts; his sisters-in-law, Helen A. Anderson and Vivian Anderson, both of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends who all truly loved him. Lovingly and Respectfully Submitted, The Family

Tributes

Mr. Kernie L. Anderson

June 4, 1940 - December 20, 2014