Old, ruined and vacant buildings sets the scenery for the Old Fourth Ward in Atlanta, Georgia. One major street that intersects through this district is the historic Auburn Avenue, also known to others as Sweet Auburn. Auburn Avenue played a significant role to many Blacks shortly after the 1906 Atlanta Race Riot. The birth home of the Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the headquarters for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the nation’s first Black radio station all called Sweet Auburn home.
What was once the Richest Negro Street in the world called by Forbes Magazine in 1956 is now faced with increased crime, poverty, homelessness and drugs. Although much of the area is in distress, the shadows of the many buildings still overlook the street reflecting their place in history.
Atlanta resident Ricci De Forest plans to help in the preservation of Auburn Avenue by serving as the director of the Madam CJ Walker Beauty Shoppe Museum, which houses historic artifacts from the nation’s first Black owned radio station WERD. The museum is filled with numerous pieces of history from the early to mid-1900’s. Various signs such as “for colored women” mirrors and “for colored waiting rooms” are displayed throughout the museum to give insight on the culture 60 years ago.
The original WERD was located on the upper level of museum, inside the Masonic Temple building. The station was purchased by Jessie B. Blayton in 1949. WERD was significant to many Blacks during the 50’s and 60’s because it served as a form of entertainment and news during the Civil Rights Era. Dr. King Jr. at times would speak thru the airwaves from WERD
“I brought the station back via the internet from the studio inside the salon and we have an all vintage, all vinyl, all the time format because as a young teenager growing up this is how we listened to music,” said De Forest.
Photo Courtesy: Michael Cornell
