THIS MONTH IN HISTORY

Jesse B. Blayton, Sr. made radio history when he became the first African-American to own and operate a radio station in America.

Blayton was born December 6, 1897 in Fallis, Oklahoma and studied at the Walton School of Chicago and the University of Chicago. He moved to Atlanta in 1922 and became Georgia’s first African-American Certified Public Accountant six years later.

By the 1940s, Jesse B. Blayton, Sr. had become a bank president and a professor at Atlanta University. In 1949, he purchased 1,000-watt station WERD/Atlanta and hired his son Jesse Blayton Jr. as station manager.

Tips for a Great Start to Your First College Term

1. Get Organized Early: Use a planner or digital calendar to track classes, assignments, and deadlines. Staying ahead reduces stress.
2. Go to Class and Participate: Attendance and engagement help you understand material better and build relationships with professors.
3. Ask for Help When You Need It: Visit tutoring centers, academic advisors, or professors during office hours. Support is part of your success.
4. Make Connections: Join student groups, attend campus events, and introduce yourself to classmates. Building community makes college more meaningful.
5. Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and mental health. A healthy you is a successful you.