Mary L. Bell

Mary L. Bell (1901-1995) was the first African-American to own and operate a radio station in the city of Detroit, Michigan as president and chairperson of Bell Broadcasting Corporation.

Mary L. Bell
Born1901
Nashville, Tennessee
DiedMarch 25, 1995
Detroit, Michigan
NationalityAmerican
Known forPresident and chairperson of Bell Broadcasting Corporation
Spouse(s)Haley Bell
Children2

Personal life

Bell was born in Nashville, Tennessee and graduated from Walden University (Tennessee).[1] She married Haley Bell, and they had two daughters.[2]

Career

Haley Bell founded Bell Broadcasting Corporation in 1956. Following Haley's death, Mary succeeded him as president and chairperson of the board.[3] She retired in 1992.[4] Bell was the parent company of the Detroit radio stations WJZZ-FM and WCHB-AM, among the first African-American owned and operated radio stations in the U.S.[5]

Bell was active in a variety of organizations, including the National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP, and the YMCA.[1]

Death

Bell died of natural causes on March 25, 1995 in Detroit, Michigan.[2][6]

References
  1. "Finding Aid for Mary L. Bell Papers". Burton Historical Collection. September 4, 2009. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  2. "Lifelines". Billboard. April 8, 1995. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  3. "The passing of Mary L. Bell marks the end of an era, a time to reflect". Michigan Chronicle. April 5, 1995.
  4. "Mary L. Bell, 94, Dies; Ex-President, Chairwoman of Broadcasting Firm in Detroit". Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. April 17, 1995. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  5. "Mary Bell Succumbs" (PDF). R&R: The Industry's Newspaper. March 31, 1995. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  6. "Ralph Levitz, 82, co-founder of what became..." The Baltimore Sun. March 29, 1995. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
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