A Pioneering Voice for the Black Community
Andrew Langston was a true pioneer in broadcasting, founding WDKX-FM (103.9), the first black-owned radio station in New York.
When the station hit the airwaves at 5:30 a.m. on April 6, 1974, it marked a landmark moment, providing a voice to the often underrepresented black community in Rochester.
“He gave a voice to the voices,” Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said.
An Unconventional Path to Broadcasting
Ironically, radio was not Langston’s initial career pursuit when he relocated from New York City to Rochester in 1960. He had aspirations of becoming a television meteorologist, but faced blatant discrimination when the job offer was rescinded upon learning he was black.
Undeterred, Langston spent the next 14 years working various jobs, including as a barber, clothing salesman, and insurance agent, all while nurturing his dream of owning a radio station.
Overcoming Obstacles with Determination
Langston’s path to realizing his radio station was paved with challenges. He spent years battling for approval from the Federal Communications Commission, competing for the final available FM frequency in the Rochester market. Despite strong opposition from established media outlets resistant to giving blacks access to the airwaves, Langston persevered.
“The opposition was strong,” Rev. Franklin Florence said. “Those persons that were in media at the time did not want Andy, or other blacks along with him, to have access (to the airwaves).”
A Lasting Legacy and Community Impact
WDKX’s call letters pay homage to black heroes – D for Frederick Douglass, K for Martin Luther King Jr., and X for Malcolm X. Despite humble beginnings, with Langston’s first landlord refusing to allow the station to broadcast, WDKX has become a cornerstone of the Rochester community.
“WDKX has had a major, major impact in this community,” said Janet Lomax.
Langston’s impact extended far beyond the airwaves. He was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame, alongside esteemed names like Walter Cronkite and Al Roker. In 2014, the City of Rochester immortalized him by naming a street “Andrew Langston Way.”
“He gave citizens of Rochester that family owned radio station, that outlet to talk about what’s important to you,” Warren said. “For WDKX to be alive and well long after his passing is a testament to his fighting spirit.”
