Assembly Resolution No. 983

BY: M. of A. Meeks

MOURNING the death of Gloria Langston, pioneer of
radio, prominent leader in media, admired
storyteller, and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Gloria Langston of Rochester, New York, died on Friday, May
6, 2022, at the age of 97; and

WHEREAS, Born in Jamaica, she later moved to New York City to attend
New York University, where she met her beloved husband, Andrew A.
Langston; the two moved to Rochester together, where they established
the first Black-owned radio station in the city; and

WHEREAS, Gloria Langston distinguished herself in her profession and
by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
her community by establishing WDKX, the first Black-owned radio station
in Rochester; and

WHEREAS, Rooted in an admirable persistence, Gloria Langston and her
husband took hundreds of trips to Washington D.C. over six years,
meeting with the Federal Communications Commission and participating in
numerous congressional hearings to secure the radio channel; and

WHEREAS, With no prior experience in radio before 1974, when her
station was able to go on air, Gloria Langston cited her cultural
upbringing of storytelling as a form of entertainment; she thought of
storytelling as a part of her, and it proved true as she successfully
navigated the industry of radio and held loyal listeners over many
years; and

WHEREAS, The call letters which make up the stations name, WDKX, are
references to multiple Black historical figures; the "D" stands for
Frederick Douglass, the "K" for Martin Luther King, Jr., and the "X" for
Malcolm X; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious career with WDKX, Gloria
Langston had the opportunity to interview prominent Black leaders such
as the Reverend Jesse Jackson and the first Black woman elected to the
United States Congress, Shirley Chisholm; and

WHEREAS, Gloria Langston's commitment to excellence, and her spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Gloria Langston leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Gloria Langston, pioneer of radio, admired
storyteller, and devoted member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Gloria Langston.