Special to the New Journal and Guide
On Saturday, August 3, 2024, the Hampton Roads Black Radio Announcers (HRBRAA) hosted their first soft opening of the organization’s historical Black Radio Announcers Exhibit. The event was hosted at the Slover Library in Norfolk.
The occasion also provided an opportunity for the co-founders of HRBRAA, Dr. Phil Nelson and Rev. Dr. Glenda Murray-Kelly, to induct several new persons affiliated with the Black Radio Industry in Hampton Roads into HRBRAA’s Hall of Fame and to present them with Gold Jackets. Others were inducted earlier in the year and plans are to induct additional persons later this year.
The Black Radio Announcers Exhibit compiled by HRBRAA is located on the fourth floor of the Slover Library and displays an exceptional collection of photos of local, state and national dignitaries. Some of the honorees – living and deceased – were chosen and deemed worthy to be showcased by HRBRAA for their contributions to the advancement of civil rights for African-Americans, in general; others were chosen because of their direct affiliation with the appearance, growth and presence of the Black Radio Industry in Hampton Roads since 1947.
The concept for the collection began in November 2023, when Dr. Murray-Kelly was conducting research on the Radio Industry. She discovered a dissertation that was written in 2002 by a doctoral student of ODU. The dissertation excluded Black Radio. Dr. Murray-Kelly immediately called the Office of the President of ODU to inquire about the content of the dissertation. The subject matter was Urban Radio in the Tidewater/Hampton Roads area. She then realized that there was much work to be done to preserve the legacy of Black Radio in the Hampton Roads area.
She was told that she should conduct her own research. Dr. Murray-Kelly did just that to not only include the Radio Jocks of Hampton Roads but to expand the humble beginning of Black Radio across the United States. For example, in comparison, she related Jack L. Cooper, the first radio announcer who came out of Chicago, to the 1st Black President of the United States Barack Obama.
Saturday’s event showcased more than 100 persons within the glass case at the Slover Library. Those in the Black Radio Industry in Hampton Roads whose photos are shown are the Rollins Brothers, who owned WRAP; the Late Dr. Jack Holmes and Leola Dyson; Bishop L.E. Willis, the first Black Radio owner in the state of Virginia.
Other influential persons who are included in the Exhibit are Hampton Roads Mayors, Kenneth Alexander, Shannon Glover, Phillip Jones and the Late William Ward. Also, Senator L. Louise Lucas, The Late Senator Yvonne Miller, Congressman Bobby Scott, Rev. Jesse Jackson, New Journal and Guide Publisher Brenda H. Andrews, The Late Dr. Martin Luther King, and Governor L. Douglas Wilder.
Further, the display gives reflection of Presidents Barack Obama, Harry Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower, all who shared common interest in the Civil Rights Movement.
HRBRAA plans to deliver Gold Jackets to persons showcased, signifying them as Honorary members of the Association who assisted and advocated for the work of the late Bishop L.E. Willis, Sr. in his desire to own and to lead Black Radio in the State of Virginia.
The event was hosted as the 50th Anniversary of Black Radio of Hampton Roads. This is the first time that the Hampton Roads area has welcomed the Exhibit of Black Radio’s humble beginning.
A letter from the office of the Governor of the State of Virginia was received to congratulate the Founders for a job well done.
We often use the term, “A Picture is Worth a 1,000 words.” The Exhibit has more than 107 photos of great leaders and Public Servants. To the community, the Exhibit will be up until August 31, 2024.
The HRBRAA co-founders expressed their gratitude to Troy Volas and Lisa Robinson of the Slover Library who administered and assisted in allowing the Showcase to exist.
