Leonard "Hawk" Hunter

Leonard Hunter, "Hawk"

Leonard Hunter was born Dec. 16, 1936 in Raleigh, NC. After his birth his mom took him to New York to live. He is a lifelong member of St. Paul AME Church.

He was educated through the public school systems in Raleigh, NC and New York. Upon graduation from J.W. Ligon Jr. Senior High School he enlisted into the United States Air Force. After serving his country for 23 years Leonard joined the Florida Power and Light Company where he served for 13 years. Leonard kept his promise to his mother by attending college. He completed his studies and graduated from Barry University in 1985 with a degree in Business Administration. His mother, Christine Pearce, was there to witness the occasion, which was a proud moment for them both.

During his time in Florida, Leonard was instrumental in helping to create the Achievers Club of Greater Miami. This noted organization was instrumental in the placement and awarding for full tuition scholarships to minority students in the Tri-County area. In addition to this organization, Hunter was the first talkshow host of the WMBM Radio Station program named the "Community Hour." He later moved into television media where he hosted two popular talk shows, "Profiles in Achievement" and "Let's Talk Miami." These programs highlighted Afro-American community leaders and notable personalities.

After returning to Raleigh, Leonard became actively involved in the St. Paul AME Church community by helping to create Black History programs and offering assistance as needed. He joined the City of Raleigh Television Network (RTN) and helped lead one of the flagship affairs programs on the station. The show Leonard hosted covered topics from education to government and featured prominent community leaders and officials across the city, county, and state communities. He was employed with the City of Raleigh as a counselor within the city's Summer Youth Program under the City of Raleigh Community Service Department. He totally enjoyed working with the youth. He joined the Tuskegee Airmen of Goldsboro and became its spokesman, although he was not an original airmen.

Leonard collected African art and artifacts which he shared with St. Paul AME Church during Black History Month over the years. He enjoyed old western movies and Modern Jazz. He was also an avid reader of USA Today and sports of all kinds. He was a proud fan of his favorite football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Leonard was a dancer who loved to take over the dance floor wherever he was. When the music played, he would dance.

Leonard "Hawk" Hunter was preceded in death by his daughter, Joy Hunter of Washington D.C. Survivors: Daughter; Denise Hunter Mingo, Canton, CT.; Grandchild, Alex Lawrence, Washington D.C.; His father, Alford Lawrence, Washington D.C.; Friend, Edna Rich-Ballentine, Raleigh, NC; and a host of cousins and friends from over the years,

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