BWIR Presents America’s Largest Contemporary Historic Collection For Women of Color In DC
Black Women in Radio to Reveal National Historic Collection and Oral History Project and Announce New LEGENDS Collection in DC
Black Women in Radio (BWIR) will reveal its much-anticipated National Historic Collection and Oral History Project and LEGENDS: The Evolution and Legacy of Black Radio Culture at Radio Preservation Task Force (RPTF) Conference April 27-29, 2023, at the Library of Congress.
The distinguished “Inaugural 30,” now with a final total of thirty-nine stellar professionals, are the foundation of this collection, which spotlights each woman’s unique contributions to radio on a local, regional, and national scale.
These women have influenced the industry over seven decades on and off the airwaves. Each woman’s unique career is a multi-dimensional journey, rich in history and ripe with full-bodied experiences.
For the first time in American history, Black women are not only being recognized but are included in archival history, and their voices will be preserved in the Black Women in Radio National Historic Collection and Oral History Project curated by BWIR Founder Felèsha Love.
Historic Collection and Oral History Project is the home of America’s largest historical collection of contemporary commercial radio professional women of color. This collection is the result of a partnership with the Library of Congress’ Radio Preservation Task Force (RPTF), and the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library which is the nation’s largest consortium of historically Black colleges and universities in Atlanta including Clark Atlanta University, The Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College, and Spelman College.
Other key functions of the BWIR National Historical Collection are that the information from this collection will be used for research, education, and sharing the stories of Black radio culture, which is an integral part of Black radio.
Additionally, BWIR, and the RPTF of the Library of Congress National Recording Preservation Board will launch LEGENDS: The Evolution and Legacy of Black Radio Culture.
The historical collection is a comprehensive study of broadcast media through sound, pivotal historical socio-political challenges, and collectables from the people who helped shape the culture. An expert panel will address “The State of Black Radio,” and talk about the importance of the collection during the RPTF Conference.
For more information about BWIR including a complete of the Inaugural 30, please visit our website at: www.blackwomeninradio.com.