Washington, D.C. – (Sunday, November 23, 2025) – In a powerful outpouring of compassion and urgency, WHUR 96.3 FM today galvanized the DMV community to answer Jamaica’s call for help. The radio station hosted “Aid for Jamaica,” a 12-hour radiothon uniting listeners, leaders, and survivors to raise money for the island nation devastated by Hurricane Melissa.
The station raised nearly $50,000 to support communities devastated by last month’s catastrophic Category 5 hurricane. The storm, the deadliest and most destructive in Jamaica’s modern history, claimed 45 lives and caused more than $10 billion in damage, flattening homes, crippling infrastructures, and leaving families shattered.
From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., WHUR turned its airwaves into a lifeline, urging listeners to stand with Jamaica in its darkest hour. The radiothon was part of a larger on-going campaign by Howard University In partnership with the Embassy of Jamaica. “Our people are hurting. Entire communities have been swept away. But we are a resilient nation, and knowing the Howard University community and WHUR listeners stand with us gives us strength,” said His Excellency Anthony Anderson, Ambassador of Jamaica.
The Embassy will handle the donations to ensure the resources go to the hardest-hit communities. While the radiothon has ended, the overall Howard University Aid for Jamaica campaign continues and persons can still make donations through December 1st at whur.com.
Howard University has deep, generational ties to Jamaica. “Many of our students, alumni, and faculty trace their roots to the island. When tragedy strikes our extended family, we respond. Truth In Service is our motto and we stand on that through words and deeds. I’m proud that the Howard University community is partnering with the Jamaican Embassy to ensure help reaches those who need it most,” said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, Interim President of Howard University.
Throughout the day, WHUR listeners heard emotional testimonies from Jamaican residents who survived the hurricane. They described roofs torn away in seconds, communities submerged in mud and water, and families searching for missing loved ones. “Today reminds us why WHUR exists. When a community, near or far, cries out, our listeners respond with heart and humanity. It was an honor to lend our support to this effort. But the true credit belongs to the hundreds who stepped up to give. This is the power of radio, and this is the power of giving,” added WHUR General Manager Sean Plater.
