WERD, which became America's first black-owned radio station in 1949, is now used as a space for Atlanta artists to perform on Wednesday nights.
WERD, which became America's first black-owned radio station in 1949, is now used as a space for Atlanta artists to perform on Wednesday nights.
Yasmin Amir for CNN
The building on historic Auburn Avenue that houses WERD is also a makeshift museum dedicated to the radio station. The Martin Luther King Center is a couple of blocks away.
The building on historic Auburn Avenue that houses WERD is also a makeshift museum dedicated to the radio station. The Martin Luther King Center is a couple of blocks away.
Yasmin Amir for CNN
Ricci de Forest, 62, is the gatekeeper of the museum and performance venue. He uses mostly his own funds to keep the space open to visitors.
Ricci de Forest, 62, is the gatekeeper of the museum and performance venue. He uses mostly his own funds to keep the space open to visitors.
John Novak
Part of the museum is dedicated to the African-American beauty pioneer Madam C.J. Walker, who made a fortune from licensing her salon chain and beauty products in the early 20th century. De Forest still uses some of the museum's space as a functional hair salon.
Part of the museum is dedicated to the African-American beauty pioneer Madam C.J. Walker, who made a fortune from licensing her salon chain and beauty products in the early 20th century. De Forest still uses some of the museum's space as a functional hair salon.
Yasmin Amir for CNN
The walls and shelves are decorated with old records and radio paraphernalia.
The walls and shelves are decorated with old records and radio paraphernalia.
Yasmin Amir for CNN
De Forest has received donations of tens of thousands of vinyl records for the WERD museum.
De Forest has received donations of tens of thousands of vinyl records for the WERD museum.
Yasmin Amir for CNN
Georgia NAACP President William Boyd was a news analyst for WERD when it started broadcasting. The station focused on issues concerning the black community in Atlanta.
Georgia NAACP President William Boyd was a news analyst for WERD when it started broadcasting. The station focused on issues concerning the black community in Atlanta.
Yasmin Amir for CNN
WERD promoted black artists who faced discrimination during the Jim Crow era.
WERD promoted black artists who faced discrimination during the Jim Crow era.
Yasmin Amir for CNN
The salon portion of the museum includes early 20th century hair tools.
The salon portion of the museum includes early 20th century hair tools.
Yasmin Amir for CNN
Chiane Matthews, left, and Amani Hassan lead a group of young volunteers who are helping preserve the Madam C.J. Walker and WERD Museum. They also co-host a weekly show.
Chiane Matthews, left, and Amani Hassan lead a group of young volunteers who are helping preserve the Madam C.J. Walker and WERD Museum. They also co-host a weekly show.
Marc Hudson