Part 2 of a 2-Part series on WEAA Gospel On-Air personality Ernestine Jones.
Tune in to Morgan State University’s WEAA 88.9 FM during the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. and you will hear the voice of Ernestine Jones. The legendary broadcaster is the host of “Gospel Grace” and has a broadcasting career that has spanned 40 years and counting. She has spent 30 of those years on WEAA.
“I put a lot into preparing for Gospel Grace,” said Jones. “On Saturday nights, I work for two hours or more getting my program together. That includes what I am going to play and what I am going to say. I lay the groundwork for Sunday morning every Saturday night. I realize there’s something I can play or say that will motivate and help somebody. It’s all about me being able to share a word that will help someone and using this platform be a blessing to an audience of people.”
Jones’ distinctive voice extends far beyond the airwaves. Chances are, if you have attended a gospel concert or other religious activity, you have seen Jones step-up to the podium. She’s in high demand in Baltimore’s religious circles, and is regularly sought after to emcee concerts, read eulogies and even participate in theatrical productions.
“Radio allows me to touch thousands of people,” said Jones. “I have people calling me from Pennsylvania, Michigan and other places from around the country who listen to my show. Radio also opened the door for me to minister to people in the community. I have served as the
Mistress of Ceremonies and in other capacities for many programs. Through my participation I always try to uplift and encourage everyone in attendance.”
Jones got her start in radio at WBGR after she was hired by Bishop Naomi Durant who passed away in 2020. The native Baltimorean said her beginnings were humbling, growing up poor but never falling away from her desire to be on the radio.
“When you have a dream and a passion for something that seems far beyond your reach, if you pray and persevere, I am a witness that with the Lord’s help, that dream can come true,” said Jones. “Even when the odds look like they are stacked against you. At first you may think that there is no way of making the dream come to fruition. However, with the Lord on your side whispering ‘you can, you can,’ I am a witness that you really can.”
The recipient of numerous honors and awards, Jones is a graduate of Western High School where she mastered the tuba and was a part of the band/orchestra. She is a graduate of Baltimore City Community College and Morgan State University. Jones attends Huber Memorial Church, where the Rev. Dr. P.M. Smith is pastor. The recently retired paralegal is married and has been a member of Huber Memorial Church for over 20 years. She serves on the Television Ministry and is the voice-over announcer for Huber’s on-air The Living Hope television broadcast on WMAR-TV Channel 2.
An avid tambourine player, Jones is also known as ‘The Tambourine Lady.’ Jones is also a seamstress and has created many of the outfits she wears.
“I love to sew and have been sewing for years,” said Jones. “I also know how to sew using patterns. Sewing is something I have always enjoyed.”
With more than four decades of radio under her belt, Jones said she is grateful for her career.
“God has opened so many doors for me through radio,” said Jones. “I have been blessed and love being a blessing to others through the work that I do. It’s all about bringing glory to the Kingdom of God and I am a willing servant.”