Brother Jamil Muhammad
Host, Morning Brew — Yardbird Sweets Edition
Brother Jamil Muhammad is a dedicated voice on WPFW and the host of Morning Brew — Yardbird Sweets Edition. A staple of the WPFW family since the station's founding year of 1977, he transitioned from a long-time listener and donor to a prominent on-air personality. Every Tuesday morning, Jamil strives to provide his audience with an "ear full of music, a mind full of thoughts, and a heart full of joy," aiming to make listeners smile and dance their way to the bus stop.
Jamil's journey behind the microphone began at age 56 when he had the opportunity to co-host with the late Askia Muhammad. Guided by the principles and spirit of his radio elder, he remains committed to the station's mission of spreading "Jazz, Justice, and Joy." He is particularly passionate about the future of the airwaves, seeing WPFW as a vital space where younger Washingtonians can find a place of expression and receive training in the methods of community outreach.
Beyond the studio, Brother Jamil has served as a Muslim cleric for nearly five decades, a role that fills him with gratitude each day. Known affectionately as "Pop Pops" by his twelve grandchildren, he enjoys spending his spare time collecting jazz records and tinkering with his grandchildren's gadgets. His deep roots with the station, dating back to the era of Petey Greene, reflect a lifelong commitment to serving as a guardian of freedom and liberation for the community.