WPFW

It just makes sense 👇 that as we celebrate 48 years of WPFW, we bring it back to our venerable OG, the inimitable Vonulrick "Von" Martin. 48 years ago, Von's voice was the first voice WPFW audiences heard over the air waves. A legendary moment in retrospect, but Von says he didn't think of it as particularly special at the time. Here's an excerpt from an interview we did with Von a couple of years ago, where he recounts the moments leading up to broadcast on that fateful day: “We were practicing our first broadcast, learning the board, learning the equipment, we had no engineers, and I was playing a Calypso record by a group from Trinidad called Kalyan, the song was Disco Reggae. Unknown to me, Sunny Pietrafesa, the station engineer was on-site working at the transmitter, which was shared with WAMU. Robert Frazier, the station’s operations director came to me and said, “Von, I need the board.” Immediately I moved to stop the record and he said “No, leave it.” Just then a volunteer, Jude Franco, called the station to say “We are on the air!” Shortly thereafter, Program Director Denise Oliver called the station and demanded Robert switch to the planned program as the first trial broadcast was supposed to be a prerecorded tape which began with Duke Ellington’s A Train. The situation corrected, Denise called me to apologize and to say that was not supposed to happen!" Among the many things to love about this story is the way it demonstrates how the little things that happen today can fuel that stories we tell 50 years from now. It could be the story of you listening to your favorite broadcast, or a major life moment that happened while you were listening to WPFW, or how something you learned from WPFW changed the way you think, or how your contribution to WPFW made the difference between being around in 50 years, or going under tomorrow. 48 years, and we're still here. This is truly the stuff of legends. Thank you for the moments we

Y'all don't know about 👇 that JIMMY BOOGIE, did you?? From the courtroom to the street corner, from the boardroom to the ballot box, "Crossroads" is where we break it all down. Roach and Mertine Brown aren’t just talking about the system; they’re pulling back the curtain, exposing the contradictions, and making it plain. The criminal justice system? More like the criminal injustice system. But if you’ve been paying attention, that ain’t news. Tune in as they dissect the policies, the cases, the history, and the stakes— because what’s happening to us isn’t by accident. And if you’re feeling like something’s off, if your spirit is unsettled, if your gut is telling you this system ain’t built for justice? That’s because your inner voice is never wrong.

Buckle your seatbelts for this one 👇 🎷 We’re preserving legacies, amplifying voices, and curating sounds that transcend time and space. The 90% of programming you hear here is not just rare—it’s vital. It’s the kind of music that doesn't fit the mainstream mold but has shaped the very essence of our culture. Take straight-ahead jazz, for example: In a world where genres are often diluted or sidelined, there’s no other place in this community where you can hear the purity and power of acoustic jazz, in its unfiltered, soulful form. This station isn’t just about music; it’s about the history, resilience, and artistry that make us who we are. It’s a place where the underrepresented find their voice and the forgotten legacies are remembered. By tuning in, you’re not just a listener—you’re a part of something that defies the boundaries of commercial radio, and for that, we are forever grateful. Join us in celebrating the sounds and stories that matter, in the way they were meant to be heard.

The Latin Flavor segment has 👇 always been about honoring and amplifying the voices of a community that often goes unheard. It’s for those of Latin and Hispanic descent who have built their lives in this country and are seeking a bridge between their heritage and the culture they’ve come to know. It’s for those who don’t necessarily speak Spanish, but feel the deep pull of the music and the stories that shape it. Through Latin Flavor, we illuminate the rich tapestry of history, rhythm, and passion behind the beats. We share not just the music, but the stories, the struggles, and the triumphs that make it meaningful. This program is a celebration of culture, unity, and the shared human experience. We’re more than just listeners—we’re a community, connecting the dots between generations and across continents. Tune in, and feel the heartbeat of the Latin culture that is deeply woven into the fabric of America.

WPFW study abroad destination-- Did you know this about our station?? This is what it looks like to be a beacon of people-powered media, a living testament to the power of community voices shaping the airwaves. When our listeners call, they do more than share thoughts; they guide our mission, ensuring our programming reflects their truths, struggles, and aspirations. The impact of this grassroots dialogue reverberates beyond our borders. Delegations from the Eastern Bloc, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond have journeyed to WPFW to witness how a station born of community determination operates without corporate influence. They leave inspired, seeking to replicate this model of independent media in their homelands. This is WPFW’s legacy: a bridge between local needs and global aspirations, a testament to what’s possible when communities unite their voices to create meaningful change.

Ngl WPFW is a rare gem in 👇 the media landscape— a station that thrives because of the people, for the people. Untethered to corporate interests, we answer only to our community. This freedom is not just a luxury; it’s a commitment to you, our listeners. We can share the truth, celebrate diversity, and play the music that speaks to the heart of our collective humanity—without compromise. Here in Washington, we have the perfect platform for not only jazz but the rich tapestry of international sounds that reflect the global influences shaping our world. Our volunteers, often unsung heroes, embody the heart of the station. They bring their passion, their stories, their experiences into the studio, shaping our programming in ways that make it as personal as it is powerful. Our programmers often balance careers with bringing you the music and stories you need to hear. The work we do here is truly a labor of love, driven by purpose. Praxis. This station is a testament to what we can build together, free from the chains of corporate agendas. When you support us, you’re not just keeping the music alive—you’re ensuring that voices, stories, and sounds that matter continue to fill the airwaves. You are our foundation, and with your continued support, we will keep standing strong. . . Text WPFWFM to 801801 to help keep the movement alive!

Like sista Gloria said, 👇 The news, the music, and the information— What we do is about how all of these pieces come together to empower and inform. We’re not just a station; we are a vital part of the community’s heartbeat, playing a role in shaping a world where every listener has access to the truth and the soundtrack of resistance. By combining insightful news coverage, powerful music, and public affairs programming, we ensure that you, our audience, are informed, inspired, and connected. This is community-building. It’s truth-telling. It’s about the stories that don’t make it to mainstream airwaves. In these turbulent times, we play a crucial role, amplifying the voices that need to be heard. This is your station. Your information. Your music.

We really love yall for that ⬇️ In a world where time is precious, there’s something profoundly special about choosing to spend yours with us. Whether it's for two hours every Saturday, or two hours during any other segment, any other day of the week, you let us into your lives—into your laughter, your moments of joy, and your space for reflection. To feel your presence on the other side of the airwaves, to hear your laughter echo back, is a reminder of why we do this. Lady C and and the Dr. Nick might bring the music, the antics, the stories— but you bring the heart. Thank you for making our days extraordinary. Truly, from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️

Every note of Latin music ⬇️ carries the weight of history, resistance, and joy. For decades, WPFW has been a home for those rhythms— salsa, merengue, bachata, and beyond— thanks to passionate programmers like our brother Daniel del Pielago. Through The Latin Flavor, Daniel doesn’t just spin records; he tells stories of a people, their struggles, their triumphs, and their boundless creativity. He reminds us that Latin music is more than entertainment— it’s a heartbeat of identity and culture, resonating across borders and generations. The Latinx community has been an integral part of WPFW’s soul for decades. It’s their voices, their rhythms, their stories that have enriched the fabric of our programming and shaped our shared legacy. As Daniel dives into WPFW's history, he reaffirms the station's mission: to amplify voices that too often go unheard and to celebrate the diversity that makes us strong. Tune in, dance along, and join the community that believes in music as a force for connection and liberation. WPFW is your station, and together, we keep these vital traditions alive.

Did you know this?? ⬇️ Its easy to take for granted how much it takes to run this station and how far every dollar you donate goes toward sustaining our activities. This video clip is from 2018. That means inflation has hit HARD, and what Dr. Nick here has just shared is even more true today. We've been around for 47 years now and really need your help more than ever to keep the station, to keep listener-supported radio in DC, going for another 47 years. . . So what are some ways you can support the station?? 1. You can text WPFWFM to 801801 on your mobile phone to make a financial contribution. This helps us be able to afford the expenses of the station without wondering if the end is just around the corner 2. Tell your friends (especially the youth dem) about why you love PFW! It's the youth we'll be relying on to sustain the station through the coming decades. 3. Share and content you like on this page with your friends on social media! Maybe this IG is the foot in the door to introduce couples these new listeners to the endless joyous of listening to WPFW 89.3 FM 😉

A space where every voice matters—⬇️ where dialogue flows without fear, without labels, without walls. That's what Community Comment is all about. You already know that at WPFW, we don't just broadcast-- We listen. This isn't corporate media dictating the narrative. It's a platform where every perspective has a seat at the table, fostering the kind of understanding that breaks down barriers. In a world drowning in noise, spaces like these are sanctuaries for real conversations, for connection, for growth. It’s not about agreeing on everything— It’s about recognizing our shared humanity in every story told. This is the mission. This is the work. So, who will tell your story if not you? At WPFW, your voice is the one that matters most.

The revolutionary idea behind what we do ⬇️ is that the PEOPLE support the station. Not corporations, not advertisers, not outsized private and political interests. The idea was so radical when it started that even supporters of the idea couldn't imagine that the public, that station listeners, would subscribe to the station with their hard-earned monies when they could just not pay and still have access. This man in the clip, an early played in the establishment of the Pacifica Radio Network, perfectly encapsulates what he and so many others missed at the beginning about such a powerful idea: In the landscape of corporate media dominating all of the ways people gain and process information, avenues like listener-supported radio are so valuable that people are willing to pay for the service to secure its utility to the public good. Incredible. You all are amazing. Thank you for supporting listener-supported radio, for supporting truth and justice, for supporting the culture, and for supporting the people!