A pioneering journalist and academic who helped launch the first US public radio station and advocated for LGBTQ+ rights through his work.
Bernard Mayes was a British-born broadcaster, university dean, and author who left an indelible mark on the world of media, education, and social activism. He is best known for co-founding National Public Radio (NPR) and establishing one of America's first suicide prevention hotlines.
Born on October 10, 1929, in London, Mayes was educated at University College School and later studied classical civilizations at Downing College, Cambridge. He began his career as a school teacher of Latin, Greek, and history before being ordained as an Anglican priest.
In 1958, Mayes emigrated to the United States, where he became an Episcopal worker-priest and director of a student house attached to Judson Memorial Church in Greenwich Village and New York University. He later moved to the Diocese of California, where he held a parish near San Francisco.
While in San Francisco, Mayes founded San Francisco Suicide Prevention, a pioneering hotline that provided unconditional support to callers contemplating suicide. Using the pseudonym "Bruce," Mayes personally answered calls, offering a listening ear and helping countless individuals in crisis. His work in this area was groundbreaking, and his hotline became a model for similar initiatives across the United States.
Mayes was an openly gay man who advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and organized a sexuality study center for the Episcopal Diocese of California. This ministry, originally known as the Parsonage, was awarded the Episcopal Jubilee citation and later evolved into the present-day Oasis organization.
In 1984, Mayes joined the faculty of the University of Virginia, where he taught rhetoric and communication studies. He later became assistant dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and chair of the Communications department, eventually founding the Program in Media Studies. Mayes abandoned religion in 1992, embracing atheism, but continued to make significant contributions to education and public service.
In 2012, Mayes was honored by the San Francisco Night Ministry and both the California Assembly and Senate for his public service. His legacy extends far beyond his numerous achievements, inspiring generations of broadcasters, educators, and social activists to continue his work.
"I didn't want to be a priest; I wanted to be a person who helped people." - Bernard Mayes
Bernard Mayes' remarkable life and work have had a lasting impact on modern society. His pioneering efforts in suicide prevention, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and education have inspired countless individuals and organizations to continue his work. As a broadcaster, educator, and social activist, Mayes' legacy serves as a testament to the power of compassion, empathy, and dedication to creating positive change.
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