After being diagnosed with prostate cancer five years ago, he realized the need to educate other men about the risks and dangers of prostrate cancer. That's why 107.3 JAMZ is proud to announce Johnny Payne as one of our Upstate Black History Makers.

Since that diagnosis Johnny has discovered his "advocation". He decided to learn as much as he could about this disease and to share what he learned with other Black men at risk. Johnny is a familiar presence at Health Forums throughout the Upstate, spreading his message of prostate cancer awareness and education while sharing his personal experience as a prostate cancer survivor.

In addition to speaking to men's groups and attending health & wellness events, Johnny works with local hospitals and other health organizations to organize prostate cancer screenings targeting African-America men. He is a member of the South Carolina Cancer Alliance-Prostate Cancer Work Group and founder of the newly formed Upstate Prostate Cancer Alliance.

Johnny is also currently the President of the local chapter of Us TOO International (a worldwide prostate cancer support group– www.ustoo.org). Last year under Johnny's leadership, his support group organized a prostate cancer awareness initiative that reached nearly 1,000 African-American men resulting in free screening of over 550 men. As a result of the success of this initiative, Us Too was recognized by Omega Psi Phi fraternity as the Organization of the Year in Greenville County.

Johnny is also a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and currently serves as the Chapter's Public Relations Officer. He also mentors young men through the Kappa League for high school young men and the Kappa Knights for middle school boys. Johnny was recognized as Kappa Man of the Year for three consecutive years for his work with these programs. He is a member of Saint Anthony's Catholic Church where he is active in the men's club.

Johnny holds a BS degree in Business Administration from Western Kentucky University and worked as a procurement professional for 35 years in Kentucky, South Carolina and Mississippi. A native of Kentucky, he has lived in the Upstate for the past 29 years. Johnny and his wife Paulette have two adult children and two grandchildren.

For his continuous efforts as an advocate for prostate cancer research and his dedication as a mentor to Black men and youth throughout the Upstate, 107.3 JAMZ is proud to salute Johnny Payne as a 2008 Upstate Black History Maker.