Honoring and recognizing the 15th Anniversary of WURD Radio and celebrating the station's role as the voice of the African-American Community.

WHEREAS, Founded in 2003 by famed physician and philanthropist Dr. Walter P. Lomax, Jr., WURD Radio is the only African-American-owned and -operated talk radio station in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Through its platforms on air, online, and in the community, WURD has worked tirelessly to provide information and solutions that uplift and inspire the soul of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, The unique two-way talk format at WURD has encouraged its listeners to become active participants in the most important and pressing debates facing Philadelphia and the nation as a whole. Recognized as the pulse of the African-American community, WURD has helped to shape the conversation around every major event in the region – from mayoral races to presidential elections, from the street corner to the corner suite; and

WHEREAS, In recent years, WURD has focused heavily on expanding the station’s digital presence through its website, which hosts live streams and podcast recordings of the station’s popular programming as well as featured blogs from station personalities, news articles covering local and national issues, and coverage of the station’s community events; and

WHEREAS, In addition to its on air programming, WURD has engaged its audience through informative, thought-provoking public speakers as a part of the Walter P. Lomax, Jr., MD Speakers Series: WURD Speaks. Recent events have included conversations about African-American participation in academia and a retrospective discussion of W.E.B. DuBois’s seminal study of African-American life in Philadelphia,

The Philadelphia Negro

; and

WHEREAS, Community events sponsored by WURD have also highlighted issues related to health and wellness, financial literacy and empowerment, as well as education. During the recent Summer of Freedom Library Tour, WURD’s

The SOURCE

broadcast from 16 different libraries across the City, helping to bring attention to the valuable resources that these branches have to offer; and

WHEREAS, As “the pulse of the Black community” in Philadelphia, WURD has established itself as a station where listeners can stay informed on the most pressing issues of the day. Regularly hosting elected officials who represent Philadelphia and the Commonwealth, including a monthly broadcast with U.S. Congressman Bob Brady, WURD plays a vital role in discussions around the day’s political issues. The station also provides live, on-site coverage of Philadelphia City Council’s weekly stated meeting, providing invaluable coverage and thoughtful insight into developments that affect Philadelphia’s residents; and

WHEREAS, WURD’s reputation for excellence has ensured that Dr. Lomax’s vision will thrive for years to come. Under the leadership of President and CEO Sara Lomax-Reese, and with the thoughtful, talented hosts who make up the station’s daily line-up, WURD will continue to play a vital role in our City and nation’s most important conversations; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and recognizes the 15th Anniversary of WURD Radio and celebrates the station's role as the voice of the African-American Community.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to WURD Radio as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End