Acie L. Byrd, Jr., co-founder of Pacifica Radio’s WPFW and Stand Up! for Democracy in DC, left this world on May 13. The funeral was conducted on May 23, 2014.
On Monday, May 26, between 10AM and Noon, WPFW will air two tribute programs. Community members are invited to share their thoughts and memories during the second period. In the D.C. area, tune to 89.3FM; listen everywhere live or archived at www.wpfw.org.
Here, from a recent Local Station Board election statement, is Acie, in his own words:
I, Acie L. Byrd, Jr. was a founding member of WPFW in 1977. I have served as a Local Station Board member; and chaired the WPFW Gala, the largest of its kind in Pacifica history, hosting Jazz master Sonny Rollins; the mayor of Washington, DC; Congressman John Conyers, and over 1,700 guests.
I served as Pacifica and WPFW commentator covering shows on W.E.B. Dubois; Paul Robeson; Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA; the Civil Rights Movement; S.C.L.C. president Dr. Joseph Lowery; Dorothy Cotton; Congressman John Lewis of Georgia; Dr. Julian Bond, founding member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Distinguished Professor in Residence at American University, and professor of history at the University of Virginia; Dr. Lani Guinier, professor at Harvard School of Law; Jack Odell, author of "Climbing Jacobs Ladder"; and Rev. Jesse Jackson, advisor to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I have served as chair of the Nuclear Weapon Freeze Advisory Board of the District of Columbia. I received my BA from the University of Maryland, an ABD in political history from Walden University in Minnesota, and an MA in economics and African American studies from Howard University.
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An obituary and various articles about Acie’s transition:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?pid=171059484
http://www.democracynow.org/2014/5/14/headlines#51411
http://nuclear-news.net/2014/05/21/death-of-peace-activist-and-atomic-veteran-acie-byrd/
http://www.dclabor.org/ht/display/ArticleDetails/i/119129
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The Pacifica National Board passed the following resolution, in appreciation:
Resolution
of the
PACIFICA FOUNDATION RADIO
PACIFICA NATIONAL BOARD
Honoring Acie L. Byrd, Jr.
Whereas, the Pacifica National Board acknowledges the recent passing of our WPFW colleague, Acie Byrd and wish to celebrate his life and offerings;
Whereas, Acie Byrd was a founder of WPFW and faithfully served the station and network for several decades;
Whereas, Acie Byrd had a deep respect for the Pacifica mission as demonstrated by his ongoing hosting of programs concerning efforts for world peace, an end to nuclear weapons of mass destruction, support for Americas military veterans; and,
Whereas, Acie Byrd loved and served the Pacifica Foundation as a WPFW Delegate and a Pacifica National Board Director for more than a decade;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pacifica National Board declares its appreciation and recognition of Acie’s faithful and generous service to the Pacifica Foundation, the WPFW Family, and all persons who value peace and justice.
Passed unanimously by the Pacifica National Board, on May 22, 2014.
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