This Sunday, August 27, Frank P. Barrow, the operations manager at 1420 AM KRIZ and 1620 AM KYIZ, will be presented with the George Washington Bush Living Legacy Award by the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee (MLKCC).
The award presentation will take place at 4:00 PM at Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Memorial Park, located at 2200 MLK Way South in Seattle. This recognition is in honor of Barrow’s 60 years of broadcasting excellence, his unwavering commitment to community service, his contributions to empowering Black voices, and his impact on generations of listeners. He is being acknowledged for embodying the principles of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Barrow was born on January 26, 1945, in Durham, North Carolina, during a time of segregation and the testing of Black pride. Despite the challenges, he benefited from a strong community-based support system, instilling in him a deep sense of pride in his roots. His radio journey commenced in 1963 in the Pacific Northwest, where he became a recognizable voice on stations such as KZAM, KYAC, KRIZ, and KYIZ. Through his broadcasts, Barrow made a lasting impression on the minds of listeners, forming connections with them over the years.
His impact extended beyond the airwaves as he demonstrated a dedication to community service that paralleled his passion for radio. He organized various drives, including those for food, toys, and clothing, leveraging his influence to uplift and improve his community. Furthermore, his leadership during a strike against KING, alongside Don Dudley, marked a significant turning point in the history of Black radio. This courageous action led to the establishment of the West Coast’s first independently-run Black radio station, solidifying the autonomy and importance of Black radio.
“Receiving the MLKCC George Washington Bush Living Legacy Award on the 60th Anniversary March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom is a testament to Frank P. Barrow’s 60 years of an enduring legacy,” said Hayward Evans of the MLKCC. “His journey from the segregated South to becoming a prominent voice in Seattle radio, coupled with his unwavering dedication to community service and the empowerment of Black voices, serves as an inspiration to all who seek to make a positive impact through their talents and actions.”
