Discover the fascinating story of WERD, the first Black-owned radio station in the United States, and its profound impact on Atlanta’s Black community.
Nestled on Atlanta’s iconic Auburn Avenue, amidst a rich tapestry of Black-owned establishments and historic landmarks, lies a small brick building that holds a significant place in American history. This unassuming structure is the site of WERD, the groundbreaking radio station that became a beacon of empowerment and community for Atlanta’s Black residents. Purchased by Jesse B. Blayton Sr., a trailblazing figure in Georgia’s Black community, WERD would go on to shape the city’s cultural landscape and play a crucial role in the civil rights movement.
A Transformation from Country Music to Community Empowerment
One little-known fact about WERD is its humble beginnings as a white country music station on Broad Street. Marsha Washington George, president of the local chapter of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame, reveals that the station underwent a dramatic transformation when the Blayton family acquired it in 1949. Facing racial discrimination at the original location, the Blaytons relocated WERD to the second floor of Auburn Avenue’s Prince Hall Masonic Grand Lodge. This move marked the birth of a new era for WERD and its mission to uplift the Black community.
Amplifying Voices for Change
Under the leadership of Jesse B. Blayton Jr., WERD quickly became a vital platform for Atlanta’s Black community. The station not only broadcasted jazz and blues music but also empowered local activists and civil rights leaders. Marsha Washington George highlights the pivotal role WERD played during the civil rights movement, providing a platform for discussions on pressing issues and amplifying the voices of those working towards a better future. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., whose Southern Christian Leadership Conference had offices in the same building, frequently made public statements and announcements on WERD. The station also broadcasted King’s influential Sunday sermons, further solidifying its role as a catalyst for change.
A Resurgence in the Digital Age
While WERD no longer operates as a traditional broadcast channel, its legacy lives on through online streaming on Live365. Marsha Washington George reveals that plans are underway to reintroduce WERD as a traditional broadcast channel, complete with carefully curated programming and a new generation of DJs. As the station trains its future on-air talent, it continues to provide a diverse mix of music to its online audience. The restoration of the historic Masonic Lodge building, where WERD was once housed, is also underway. In the coming years, the building will be transformed into a radio studio and museum, preserving the station’s rich history for generations to come.
Conclusion:
WERD’s journey from a white country music station to a pioneering Black-owned radio station is a testament to the resilience and determination of Atlanta’s Black community. Through its programming, WERD not only entertained but also educated and empowered listeners during a pivotal time in American history. Today, as the station embraces the digital age and plans for a triumphant return to the airwaves, its legacy remains a powerful reminder of the transformative power of media in fostering community and driving social change. WERD’s impact on Atlanta’s Black history is indelible, and its story continues to inspire future generations.
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