Sybil Wilkes' bio: her career, story, and impact on radio
Sybil Wilkes came into the limelight by co-hosting the Tom Joyner Morning Show alongside Tom Joyner from its start in 1994 until the show's end in 2019. Wilkes also tried her hand at acting during her time as a radio show host.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Sybil earned the nickname "The Voice of Reason" from the Tom Joyner Morning Show's listeners.
- Her integrity and honest approach to news and information are some of the reasons many tuned into the program to listen to her.
- As an actress, she is known for her appearance in Madea Goes to Jail in 2009.
- Wilkes once appeared on The Wendy Williams Show season 14 in 2022 as a guest, contributing to the show as a radio personality and host.
Sybil Wilkes' profile summary
Birth name | Sybil Wilkes |
Gender | Female |
Birthdate | August 20, 1960 |
Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
Residence | USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African-American |
Alma mater | Northwestern University |
Qualification | BSc. in Political Science & Communication Studies |
Career | News personality and a former radio host |
Net worth | $1.2 million (estimated) |
Who is Sybil Wilkes?
Sybil Wilkes, a former radio host, has been an important listener resource for over two decades. She earned the trust of her nationwide audience during her time on the Tom Joyner Morning Show.
What is Sybil Wilkes' age?
Though not verified by the former radio personality, some sources claim Sybil Wilkes' birthday was August 20, 1960. This means she is 65 years old in 2025. Sybil was born and brought up in Chicago, Illinois.
Source: Original
Educational background
Sybil Wilkes is a graduate of Northwestern University, having received a BSc. in Political Science and Communication Studies from the institution. She also has an honorary Doctorate Degree from Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina.
How did Sybil Wilkes get started in radio?
Sybil started her radio career in 1985, working as a production assistant with the WKQX-FM in Chicago.
She later became a news manager and reporter at various radio stations such as WINK-AM/FM, Fort Myers, Florida; WRCC-FM, Cape Coral, Florida; and WCKZ-FM, Charlotte, North Carolina.
In 1989, Wilkes joined WGCI-AM/FM, Chicago, where she worked as a talk show host. A year later, she became a reporter for Chicago’s Shadow Traffic Network.
While working for Shadow, Sybil delivered morning and afternoon drive traffic updates and worked as one of Tom Joyner’s WGCI-FM sidekicks.
The Tom Joyner Morning Show aired live Monday through Friday for four hours, beginning at 6:00 a.M. Eastern time, and was based in Dallas, Texas. It ran from January 3, 1994, until December 13, 2019.
The show ended when its main host, Tom Joyner, announced his retirement after 25 years on the air. His decision was driven primarily by repeated salary cuts due to the changing radio industry landscape.
The declining effectiveness of the show's business model was also another factor. Joyner stated that if his salary had not been reduced, he might have delayed his retirement, as his goal was to stay on the radio.
As a celebrated news and political journalist, Sybil Wilkes has interviewed influential personalities such as former American President Barack Obama, Senator John Edwards, and former American President Bill Clinton.
For her achievements on the radio, she has received several accolades, such as the President’s Award from the NAACP Image Awards.
Wilkes was also honored as the national ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Circle of Promise Campaign.
Source: UGC
Where is Sybil Wilkes now?
The former radio host is based in the US but has yet to share with the public the exact details of her location.
What is Sybil Wilkes doing now?
The former radio personality is based in the US, where she is involved in many things, including running a book club and two podcasts.
Sybil Wilkes' podcasts, What You Need To Know With Sybil Wilkes and From HaHa’s To A-Ha’s With Sybil Wilkes & Stephen Hill, are accessible from her official website.
You can also listen to Sybil Wilkes "What You Need To Know With Sybil Wilkes" podcast from Monday to Thursday on YouTube and Facebook at 7 p.m. ET.
Alternatively, tune in on other podcast platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Black America Web, Omny.fm, iHeart, and more.
Additionally, anyone can support the What You Need To Know newsletter with donations to help keep the Black community informed and empowered.
Besides doing podcasts, Sybil runs the Sybil’s Book Club, which features African-American authors at live events. She established this club in 1996 to offer book lovers an opportunity to meet and engage with their favorite authors.
Wilkes has welcomed some of the biggest authors in the literary world including Tyler Perry, Terry McMillan, Walter Mosley, E. Lynn Harris, Tina McElroy Ansa, Rev. Al Sharpton, April Ryan, and Don Lemon.
Sybil also serves as the Executive Director of BlackAmericaWeb.com, which provides news, entertainment, and features for Black Americans across multiple platforms.
It also hosts content from The D.L. Hughley Show and The Tom Joyner Foundation, making it a central hub for Black culture and news.
What's more, Wilkes continues Tom Joyner's efforts to raise health awareness in the African-American community. Her campaign, Check In & Check Up for Your Health, urges Black people, including the LGBT community, to make physical and mental health a lifestyle.
What is Sybil Wilkes' Sorority?
In 2012, she posted on Instagram about the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority setting a new record by raising more than $2.1 million in one day to benefit our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Source: UGC
Is Sybil Wilkes married?
The Chicago native has not revealed much concerning her married life, but she was pictured getting engaged in 2015. Aside from photos of Sybil Wilkes' engagement going viral on the internet that year, there have been no reports of her wedding or being married since then.
Sybil Wilkes' net worth
Multiple online sources estimate her net worth to be about $1.2 million, and Sybil Wilkes' salary was around $90,000 per year when she was a radio presenter. Sybil is currently engaged in multiple ventures that have increased her fortune.
Is Sybil Wilkes on social media?
Wilkes has active verified accounts on Instagram and Facebook. She is also active on X (Twitter) and runs a YouTube channel.
Facts about Sybil Wilkes
- She describes herself as a "Seeker of Truth" on her X (Twitter) handle.
- Sybil’s Book Club features African-American authors at live events.
- She offers avid readers her favorite books for purchase on a monthly basis.
- Her campaign raises health awareness in the Black community.
- Sybil Wilkes' podcasts provide and break down pertinent news.
- She is a sports fan and a voracious reader.
Like many media personalities today, Sybil Wilkes launched her podcasts and a YouTube channel to foster a deeper connection with her audience. She offers more authentic content that has enabled her to build a loyal community beyond traditional radio's constraints.
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Source: Legit.ng
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