LENOIR COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – A local sports legend is adding another highlight to his impressive accomplishments in Lenoir County.

Norman Ellsworth “Moon” Joyner is a name that many in the La Grange area know and love.

And on Saturday, surrounded by community members, family, friends and former teammates, Joyner was appointed to the Kinston-Lenoir County Sports Hall of Fame at the La Grange Frink Alumni and Friends Association Culture Center.

The group celebrated Joyner’s achievements both on and off the court, with a group of speakers, songs, food, and a couple of presentations.

Even Congressman Don Davis joined.

“We don’t want to be like Mike, we want to be like Moon,” said Rep. Davis during the ceremony.

Joyner was recognized not only for his scoring ability and 63-point single-game record at Frink High School but also for his leadership and community impact.

“This was a person who actually cared about his community,” Davis told WITN. “To see him today coming back and continuing to give back, we need to uplift him and above all his legacy, which encompasses so many young people in our community.”

Joyner became the first African American to be named a National YMCA Leader of the Year in health and fitness and the first African American CEO of a non-Black heritage YMCA in Alabama.

When Joyner took the podium, he expressed his love for the place he grew up.

“This is home,” Joyner told the audience. “Just the concept of being here, the connections you have with your families — we’re all connected.”

The induction into the Kinston-Lenoir County Sports Hall of Fame marks Joyner’s fourth Hall of Fame induction.

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