Urban One, Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Adminstrative Office Karen Wishart announced today Founder and Chairwoman, Cathy Hughes and CEO Alfred Liggins III, have received Congressional commendations for Urban One’s 40-year anniversary and its impact on the national media landscape. Congressional leaders, the Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia and the Honorable Chris Van Hollen of the State of Maryland both recognized Urban One’s 40 years of service with statements on the floors of the US House of Representatives and US Senate, respectively, as 2020 comes to a close. Additionally, Hughes was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
Urban One celebrated its milestone anniversary of 40 years amid the unprecedented social, political, and economic challenges presented in 2020. Representative Holmes Norton and Senator Van Hollen both entered tributes to the company into the Congressional records of both the US House of Representatives and Senate, paying homage to Hughes’ career and contributions to the media industry.
“Mr. President, I rise today to honor a tenacious, entrepreneur, visionary radio personality, and powerful advocate for the African American community, Cathy Hughes,” noted Senator Van Hollen. “This year, her pioneering radio company, Urban One, celebrated 40 years on the air. Cathy Hughes has left an indelible mark on the State of Maryland and inspired millions of listeners across the country.”
Representative Holmes Norton acknowledged the impact Urban One has had on the national media landscape and the contribution of Liggins, Hughes’ son and business partner, who is responsible for taking the company public. “In 1999, at the recommendation of her son, who had received his MBA at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Cathy Hughes became the first African American woman to chair a publically held corporation…” Holmes Norton included in her statement for the Congressional record. “I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Cathy Hughes on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Urban One.”
“I am deeply humbled by this prestigious recognition and grateful that Urban One’s contributions are now a part of our nation’s Congressional record,” said Hughes. “The year 2020 will long be remembered as a year that challenged and changed our country, and while we faced unprecedented trials, this honor and our opportunity to be of service to the black community are among the highest distinctions we have received.”
