Mary L. Bell
Mary L. Bell | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1901 Nashville, Tennessee |
| Died | March 25, 1995 Detroit, Michigan |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | President and chairperson of Bell Broadcasting Corporation |
| Spouse | Haley Bell |
| Children | 2 |
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.
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
- ^ a b "Finding Aid for Mary L. Bell Papers". Burton Historical Collection. September 4, 2009. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
- ^ a b "Lifelines". Billboard. April 8, 1995. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
- ^ "The passing of Mary L. Bell marks the end of an era, a time to reflect". Michigan Chronicle. April 5, 1995.
- ^ "Mary L. Bell, 94, Dies; Ex-President, Chairwoman of Broadcasting Firm in Detroit". Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. April 17, 1995. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
- ^ "Mary Bell Succumbs" (PDF). R&R: The Industry's Newspaper. March 31, 1995. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
- ^ "Ralph Levitz, 82, co-founder of what became..." The Baltimore Sun. March 29, 1995. Retrieved September 30, 2020.