WS Chronicle

(pictured above: Jeremy “JJ” Johnson has a new gig.)

Jeremy “JJ” Johnson debuted Sept. 6 as the new Winston-Salem State University public address announcer. Fans heard his voice Saturday as the Rams took on UNC Pembroke at Bowman Gray Stadium.

Johnson, a native of Winston-Salem, has an extensive background as an emcee, comedian and theater, film and television actor. He has been with the Winston-Salem Dash minor league baseball team as entertainment host for the past four seasons, keeping thousands of fans entertained between innings.

Joining Johnson is WSSU student Devin Pass, who will work the stadium and track to engage the student body. This is the first time the Rams have used a two-person announcing system. Pass previously worked with WSSU Athletics with in-game promotions during basketball season.

“We want to thank everyone who was a part of the audition process over the past couple of months. Our intent for this process was to offer a true open casting call, with the possibility of discovering talent in even the least expected of places. The process revealed two strong candidates who will add to the game day experience we are attempting to create,” said Director of Athletics Tonia Walker. “JJ Johnson has the iconic voice, experience, energy and excitement that we were looking for, while Devin Pass is recognized by our students and will be a perfect fit for our goal to engage our fans as a sideline host. I’m excited to welcome them both to the Ram family.”

Johnson succeeds Brian “B-Daht” McLaughlin, a WSSU alum who had been the PA announcer for several years. The school did not renew McLaughlin’s contract earlier this year after he received national condemnation for making remarks about a current WSSU student that many considered homophobic.