WERD was the first radio station in the United States owned and operated by African Americans. It was founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 1949 by Jesse B. Blayton Sr., who was a prominent African American businessman and entrepreneur. WERD played a significant role in providing a platform for African Americans to share their stories, music, and perspectives at a time when mainstream media largely ignored or misrepresented Black voices.

The station became a crucial source of information and empowerment for the Black community in Atlanta and beyond. WERD featured programming that highlighted issues affecting African Americans, promoted social justice causes, and showcased the talent and creativity of Black artists and musicians.

Notably, WERD was where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. first broadcast his sermons in the 1950s, reaching a wider audience and helping to amplify the message of the civil rights movement. The station played a vital role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of Atlanta during a pivotal time in history.

Unfortunately, WERD faced financial struggles and was eventually sold in the 1960s. However, its legacy as a pioneering Black-owned radio station continues to be remembered and celebrated in Black history.