Sheila Brown, a veteran in the radio industry, has purchased the radio station she used to work at, making her the first Black woman to own a radio station in the history of Buffalo, New York.
For 14 years, Brown had developed her career in radio at WUFO where she worked since the 1980s. She left when the management changed but she promised herself that she would return one day. After 8 years, she did come back and purchased the station.
Her goal was not reached without obstacles, though. She was rejected funding by banks and credit unions multiple times before she actually found people who believed in her from the start. She was also grateful to her family for the upbringing and strong support system that kept her going.
“My uncles coming to see us would go, ‘hey, here comes our superstar.’ Not saying it to boost me but just positive affirmation, so I never was afraid of anything I was going to do,” Brown told WIVB 4.
As the new owner of WUFO, she brought the radio station to new heights as she added an FMFM channel in partnership with Power 96.5. It has brought along new opportunities for many other people such as influencers and radio DJs.
She plans to continue growing the brand and being a published author while at the same time paving the way for more Black women to achieve their dreams.
“It feels good, but it’s sad in 2021 we’re still talking about the first of anything, but I’m just proud that the lord used me to be the first woman of color to own a radio station. The Vice President said she might be the first but not the last, so my goal is to prep other people,” Brown said.
Source: blackbusiness.com