WERD was the first Black-owned radio station in the United States. It was founded by Jesse B. Blayton Sr., a prominent African American businessman and educator, in 1949 in Atlanta, Georgia. WERD played a significant role in providing a platform for African American voices, music, news, and community events during a time when segregation and discrimination were pervasive.

The station broadcasted various music genres popular in the Black community, including rhythm and blues, jazz, and gospel music. WERD also featured programming that addressed social and political issues affecting African Americans, helping to inform and empower the Black community.

In addition to its cultural impact, WERD played a crucial role in advancing civil rights causes by providing a platform for civil rights leaders to reach a wider audience and mobilize support for the movement. For example, during the 1960s, the station covered events such as the Civil Rights Movement and provided information on rallies, protests, and other activities organized by prominent leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.

Although WERD eventually ceased operations as a radio station in the 1960s, its legacy as the first Black-owned radio station in the U.S. is a testament to the importance of media representation and empowerment within the African American community.