In 50 years, Chicago has witnessed a number of things. Martin Luther King Jr. brought the Civil Rights Movement to Chicago in the mid-1960s. In 1968, the Democratic National Convention was held in Chicago. The Sears Tower was the tallest building in the world upon its completion in 1973. Harold Washington became the first African American mayor in 1983. Barrack Obama not only became the first African American President, but was also elected for a second term.

Through all this one radio station was, and continues to be, the voice for African Americans in Chicago. WVON 1690 AM, the only Black-owned and operated radio station in the city, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

During its early years, WVON was well-known for the music it played. Despite being a low-power station, it was one of the most widely heard for playing R&B music. On the West and South sides of Chicago, it quickly became a part of the culture and heritage.

“Every major R&B and rock artist in the world stopped at WVON in Chicago,” said Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

When the Civil Rights Movement made its way to Chicago, WVON became more active in community issues. The station dedicated a lot of its air time to coverage on what was occurring.

It wasn’t until 1986 that WVON adopted its current talk-radio format. Today, WVON covers issues primarily affecting the African American community. Its radio personalities hold discussions over some of the topics not commonly heard, but are important not only to the African American community, but to Chicago as a whole.

WVON held its 50th anniversary celebration a few weeks ago at the Chicago Theater. The event was hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross and headlined by Toni Braxton.

“The Chicago Theater was filled [with guests] from the stage to the seats with the well-deserved applause and accolades for a luminous historical and cultural journey well-traveled,” said Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago). “It was a night of great expectation and excitement, and WVON did not disappoint.”

The night was reminiscent of the past 50 years, and a toast to, after half a century, WVON remaining the voice of the African American community.

To listen to Senator Hunter talk about the history of WVON click on the following: