February is Black History Month, and News/Talk 790 WNIS is proud to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of African Americans across Virginia’s history. Throughout the month, we’ll shine a spotlight on the trailblazers who have shaped our state and our nation, from civil rights pioneers to sports legends, political leaders, and cultural icons.
Throughout the day, we’ll highlight a different notable African American, sharing their inspiring stories and lasting impact. You’ll hear about groundbreaking figures like Governor L. Douglas Wilder, the first African American governor of Virginia; civil rights leader Maggie L. Walker, the first Black woman to charter a bank in the U.S.; and Booker T. Washington, the influential educator and orator. We’ll also recognize modern-day changemakers, including Winsome Sears, Virginia’s first Black woman lieutenant governor, and Missy Elliott, the trailblazing hip-hop icon from Portsmouth.
In addition to these spotlights, WNIS will feature in-depth interviews with community leaders, historians, and experts across politics, the arts, entertainment, sports, and more. From football greats like Bruce Smith and Allen Iverson to cultural icons like Pharrell Williams and Ella Fitzgerald, Black excellence runs deep in Virginia’s history—and we’re here to celebrate it.
Join us all month long as we pay tribute to these remarkable individuals and their enduring legacies. Stay tuned to News/Talk 790 WNIS for powerful stories, engaging discussions, and a celebration of Black history that continues to inspire future generations.