Banks, William Venoid
1903–1985 · Contribution: 1950–1985
Attorney, minister, entrepreneur, broadcaster
Dr. William V. Banks and the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons established WGPR-TV 62 in Detroit, which began broadcasting on September 29, 1975, as the first African American owned and operated television station in the United States.
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1903, Geneva, Kentucky
- Active since
- 1950–1985
- Category
- Press & Photography
- Best known for
- Founded the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons, Inc.Led the organization that owned WGPRLed the International Masons’ acquisition of WGPR-FM in 1964Established WGPR-TV Channel 62 with the International MasonsEstablished the first African American owned and operated television station in the United StatesExpanded opportunities for journalists and broadcasters of African descent
Impact on the world
WGPR changed African American representation in television at the ownership level. Americans of African descent had appeared on television and worked in broadcasting before WGPR, but Banks and the International Masons demonstrated that African American ownership could extend to the television station itself,…
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Sources
- Exact sourceOpen
Wayne State University, Walter P. Reuther Library: Oral History Heroes, William V. Banks
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