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10/16: Key WRFG-FM figure passes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ebon Dooley, the long-time broadcast director for WRFG-FM (89.3), the 35-year-old renegade station, has died, according to the station’s Web site. When I wrote a story about WRFG’s 30th anniversary a few years ago, Ebon was nothing but a professional to me, a kind spirit deeply committed to the cause. Based in Little Five Points, always cash strapped and so liberal it makes WABE seem conservative in comparison, WRFG has embraced folk, americana, world and lots of musical styles seldom heard on commmercial radio.
The Web site doesn’t say how Ebon passed away.
Here’s what Heather Gray, a board member and president, wrote Friday on the Web site:
Dear WRFG family:
I am saddened to tell you that on October 12 we have lost our own Ebon Dooley. He had not been well for some time, but we are stunned by his loss. His contributions to WRFG and demands for justice in Atlanta, the southern region, the nation and the world are incomparable. Ebon stands as one of the most brilliant and compassionate people I am fortunate to claim as my friend. But his friends are countless - so many of us have been fortunate to claim him as such.
On Saturday, October 14, WRFG will devote the entire day, on all of our programs, for people to call in and share their Ebon stories - and there are many to be sure.
Ebon has played a critical role in Atlanta and the region’s history. In the 1960’s he created the first Black book store in the South; he was renowned for his poetry; he was focused on community centers in the city and their development such as the Arts Exchange, the Southwide Community Center, the Dunbar Center, the Little Five Points Community Center and others. He understood that these centers provided the opportunity for creative expression, community building and empowerment.
In addition to all of the above and much more, Ebon was one of the early organizers of WRFG. At the recent WRFG event where Ebon introduced Amy and David Goodman, I mentioned that Ebon is the heart and soul of Radio Free Georgia. This is almost an understatement! He has inspired us through his wisdom, his profound analysis and his kindness. So many of us at WRFG have been privileged to be his friend and privy to his political, racial and economic analysis coupled with humor and his constant radiant smile.
There is much to say about Ebon…and you will hear more about him in the days to come.
In the meantime, in addition to tomorrow being an opportunity for people to call in, we will have a special program on Tuesday, October 17 from 6-7 PM on Ebon’s remarkable life. His family will soon announce plans for the services and we are also planning a community event to celebrate Ebon. These dates and times will be announced soon via e-mail and on WRFG’s airwaves.
In peace and sadness,
Heather
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Comments
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By Eric B.
October 17, 2006 3:55 PM | Link to this
Ebon was a very nice man and a wealth of knowledge on the changing face of atlanta media in this area. Those that aspire to be something in radio should really educate themselves about this wonderful man. He will me missed.
By Lisa T
October 24, 2006 1:34 PM | Link to this
Ebon took me, a 40+ year old white woman, under his wing when I volunteered at WRFG some 15 years ago. His knowledge of radio, his insights, and his kindness were amazing. He truly had the common touch. Although life intervened and I drifted away from the station, he always remembered me and asked how I was when I called to donate during the fundraising marathons. He was a one-of-a-kind and will be a great loss to the station and Atlanta radio.