Clark Atlanta University public radio station Jazz 91.9 WCLK celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a historic “Great Day in Atlanta” photograph. The iconic image featured CAU’s 5th President George T. French, Jr., Ph.D., the Honorable Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, former Atlanta Mayors Bill Campbell and Shirley Franklin, and former First Lady of Atlanta Valerie Jackson representing the late Maynard Jackson.
Clark Atlanta University is one of the black colleges supported by the Black College Fund which provides financial support to maintain solid, challenging academic programs; strong faculties; and well-equipped facilities.
The photograph imaged after the celebrated Art Kane Jazz Photo in Harlem in 1958 highlights some of Atlanta’s premiere jazz musicians, including Kathleen Bertrand, Chandra Currelley, Milkshake Mayfield, Joe Jennings, Ken Ford, Bob Baldwin, Phil Davis, Ragan Whiteside, Rhonda Thomas, Julie Dexter, Tony Hightower, Cleveland P. Jones, Brenda Nicole Moorer, Antoine Knight, JFly, Madoca, Carol Albert, Kipper Jones, William Green, Reggie Hines, Lori Williams, Dwan Bosman and many others.
With the Anniversary kickoff in Apri, the photo taken on the historic Harkness Hall steps on the Clark Atlanta University campus presented an opportunity for WCLK to embrace the richness of Jazz culture in Atlanta. It featured many of the station’s esteemed alumni, including media powerhouses Rose Scott, Shelley Wynter, Joyce Littel, Juandolyn Stokes, Rene Miller, and Stan Washington.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the history of WCLK. To gather and capture this momentous occasion with a 50thAnniversary photograph with so many dignitaries and jazz artists is overwhelming. We are grateful for everyone who participated and for their dedication, passion, and hard work which has made WCLK the vibrant station that it is,” says WCLK General Manager Wendy F. Williams. “We are forever thankful to be on this year-long journey in celebration of shared memories and accomplishments.”
Following the photo shoot, the station’s 50th Anniversary Reception took place at the Thomas W. Cole Research Building Exhibition Hall.
Several 50th anniversary festivities took place around the metropolitan area and included the “WCLK AT 50” Party at The Perfect Note ATL in Mariett.
On Saturday, May 18, Fayetteville’s new Amphitheater, The Ville, celebratee WCLK’s 50th with an award-winning lineup including nationally syndicated radio personalities and award-winning jazz artists Bob Baldwin and Ragan Whiteside, along with Ken Ford, PJ Spraggins and Latrese Bush.
Festivities continued when the Atlanta Jazz Festival presented “WCLK AT 50” to honor the station.
“WCLK AT 50” Partners include Clark Atlanta University, The Atlanta Jazz Festival, The Perfect Note ATL, The Ville: Fayetteville Amphitheatre, and The Atlanta Voice.
excerpt from a press release by Ray Cornelius Cobb, Clark Atlanta University website, Atlanta, GA
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Black College Fund provides financial support to maintain solid, challenging academic programs; strong faculties; and well-equipped facilities at 11 United Methodist-related historically black colleges and universities. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Black College Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
