In 1949, WERD became America’s first radio station owned and programmed by African-Americans. Founded by Jesse B. Blayton in Atlanta, Georgia, WERD was known for playing Black music that wasn’t traditionally played on white-owned stations, offering Black artists and DJs new opportunities to be heard. The station also played a huge role in the Civil Rights movement, allowing leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. to relay his message to his audience. The station faced opposition along the way. The city of Atlanta regulated the station to 1000 watts which was just enough to reach local Black neighborhoods but not much more. The impact of WERD would soon spread across America and its founder Jesse B. Blayton would be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1995.

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