Rather a lot can occur in a life that spans over seven many years, so it might solely make sense to place forth each effort that assures every a kind of days will matter for one thing. For Cathy Hughes, the consummate chairwoman right here at Radio One and City One, it’s been her solely way of life for over 70 years.
On her milestone birthday right now (April 22), we give an enormous salute to our founder for being an exemplary mannequin of what it means to be an influential Black businesswoman, supportive mom, fairly fashionable septuagenarian and general visionary chief.
RELATED: A Timeline Of How Cathy Hughes Constructed A Black Empire
With no indicators of slowing down anytime quickly — she’s already wanting into the net gaming business! — Hughes is displaying the world that no creed, colour, race, gender or monetary barrier will ever sluggish her down in pursuit of attaining every little thing attainable for the UONE household. Her work has influenced even the best of academia, with Howard College renaming its four-department communications program because the Cathy Hughes College of Communications again in 2016. Because the HBCU put it on their web site, “The mission of the Cathy Hughes College of Communications is to arrange graduates to train world management inside and throughout numerous communities, regionally, nationally and globally by communication analysis, skilled follow, innovation, job creation, social justice and repair through cutting-edge data, expertise and know-how.” Cathy’s general mission for media is carried on particularly by the college’s professors, who’re all described as “Pulitzer Prize winners, Emmy winners, Fulbright recipients, ASHA Fellows, distinguished researchers, famend authors, award-winning journalists and different media and communications professionals.”
To study extra concerning the birthday woman and get a greater thought of some accomplishments that led to her success, we put collectively a number of details that give only a floor degree telling of the greatness that’s Cathy Hughes. Whether or not it’s being the primary, or simply probably the most decided to win, our boss woman undoubtedly is aware of a factor or two about making an impression on the tradition.
Maintain scrolling to take a look at a particular birthday shoutout to the incomparable Cathy Hughes that includes a handful of details that inform extra about our head honcho:
She’s One Of The Richest Black Lady In America — At One Level Solely Second To Oprah!
Let’s simply say a internet value estimated between $450 million and $500 million is nothing to sneeze at, particularly for a Black lady.
She’s The First African-American Lady To Head A Publicly Traded Company
Since going public in 1999, Radio One has persistently maintained its standing as the most important African-American-owned broadcasting firm in america.
She Helped Create The R&B Subgenre “Quiet Storm”
You heard it proper! Again in 1976 when she was the station supervisor for WHUR, Hughes helped then-Howard College college students Melvin Lindsey and Jack Shuler launch the late-night music programming format, The Quiet Storm, after a profitable delicate launch. The remainder is historical past.
Her Mother Was An Iconic Jazz Participant
In her prime, the late Helen Jones Woods performed trombone in one in every of America’s prime feminine jazz bands through the Forties.
Her Dad Was The First African-American To Earn An Accounting Diploma From Creighton College
The historic accounting diploma earned by William Alfred Woods influenced his daughter Cathy to enroll in Enterprise Administration courses when she got here of age. Whereas she didn’t graduate, it led her to a gross sales supervisor place at WHUR the place her broadcast story formally started.
She’s The First Lady To Serve As Vice President And Normal Supervisor Of A Radio Station In Washington, D.C.
…and it’s been rising ever since!
She Bought Radio One After Being Denied For A Financial institution Mortgage 32 Instances
What was it once more that Aaliyah mentioned in her 2000 no.1 smash hit, “Attempt Once more”? Oh yeah, mud your self off!
She’s A Member Of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Stepping with the baddest!
She’s Inducted In The Nationwide Rhythm & Blues Corridor of Fame
Are you able to blame them? Creating Quiet Storm is not any gentle matter!
She Has A Road Named After Her In Washington, D.C.
The subsequent time you’re on the nook of 4th Road and H Road NE in Washington, D.C., search for on the road signal for a pleasing shock.

