December 6 …
Jesse B. Blayton Sr. was a towering figure in 20th-century American business, education, and media whose entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community empowerment left an indelible mark on banking, radio broadcasting, and African American cultural life.
Born on December 6, 1897 in Fallis, OK, Blayton became a pioneer in fields historically closed to Black Americans. And he overcame the barriers of segregation to become a respected accountant, professor, banker, and media innovator, whose influence extended well beyond his home state of Oklahoma, shaping national dialogues about business opportunities and cultural representation.
Blayton pursued business studies at the Walton School in Chicago and the University of Chicago, where he established an academic foundation for a career dedicated to breaking racial barriers in professional environments. After moving to Atlanta in 1922, he founded a successful accounting practice and, in 1928, achieved the distinction of being Georgia’s first African American Certified Public Accountant (CPA), making him only the fourth Black CPA in the nation at that time.
Blayton gained widespread acclaim as a diligent and ethical financial expert and became known among his peers as both a mentor and educator. He taught accounting at Atlanta University and Morehouse College, where he inspired generations of Black students to pursue careers in business and finance.
Blayton’s impact extended into the banking industry, where he played a crucial role in fostering economic empowerment within the Black community. In 1925, he co-founded the Mutual Federal Savings and Loan Association and served as its president.
He later contributed significantly to the establishment of Citizens Trust Bank, both of which provided essential financial services, loans, and economic stability during an era when segregation severely limited African Americans’ access to capital. His leadership in these initiatives illustrated his business savvy and commitment to building community wealth and opportunities in the face of systemic exclusion.
In 1949, Blayton made history by purchasing AM radio station WERD in Atlanta, making it the first radio station in the United States to be owned and operated by African Americans. Under his direction, the station pioneered “black appeal” programming that featured rhythm and blues, gospel music, and community news tailored for African American audiences, becoming an essential platform for cultural expression and civic engagement.
Located in the same building as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the radio station broadcasted speeches and announcements from prominent leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This helped to solidify the station’s role not only in entertainment but also in the burgeoning civil rights movement.
Blayton’s achievements garnered lasting recognition. After selling WERD in 1968 and retiring from active business, he continued to be celebrated for his contributions. In 1995, he was posthumously inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame for his trailblazing work in broadcasting.
Through every field he influenced — accounting, banking, education, media, and community leadership — Jesse B. Blayton Sr. represented a vision of Black achievement that transcended the limitations of his time, inspiring both his contemporaries and future generations to broaden the possibilities of American business and cultural life.
