Pioneering Radio Personality Adrien “Vonyetta” Lake Inducted as Honorary Member of Sigma Gamma Rho

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has inducted radio broadcaster and anti-violence advocate Adrien “Vonyetta” Lake as an Honorary Member. The sorority announced the induction today, Friday, July 24, 2026, during its 61st Biennial Boule in Tampa, Florida.

Known on air simply as Vonyetta, she is a pioneering radio broadcaster who helped shape the sound of Power 98 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Over her years on the station she became one of the market’s most recognized midday personalities, earning honors including Favorite Midday Personality and Best Midday Show, and using her platform to cover the news, neighborhoods, and HBCU community that matter to her listeners.

In recent years, Vonyetta’s story has taken on a deeper purpose. Her 16-year-old son, Julian Keel, was killed as an innocent bystander by gunfire after leaving a birthday party in Columbia, South Carolina. In the wake of that loss, she turned unimaginable grief into action.

Vonyetta is the founder of Ju’Stice, a foundation focused on prevention, community engagement, and support for families affected by violence. Through anonymous gun drop-off events, youth programming, and community gatherings, the organization works to curb gun violence and to help grieving families heal.

Lake was inducted as part of Sigma Gamma Rho’s Honorary Membership Class of 2026, a group of women recognized during the 2026 Boule Honorary Membership Ceremony for achievements spanning sports, entertainment, education, public service, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and global humanitarian work.

The ceremony took place as Sigma Gamma Rho gathered in Tampa, Florida, for its 61st Biennial Boule under International President Marica T. Harris. In announcing the class, Harris said the 2026 honorees “embody the spirit of service, the power of purpose,” carrying forward the sorority’s mission of Greater Service, Greater Progress.

We at Watch The Yard would like to congratulate Adrien “Vonyetta” Lake on her induction as an Honorary Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

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