From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

Born in Louisville, KY, William E. Summers III is thought to be the first African American to manage a radio station in the U.S. (1967) as well as the first African American radio station owner in Kentucky (1970).

Summers was also a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He also served on the Kentucky Derby Board beginning in 1972, chairing it in 1984.

For more see "1st black to own radio station in Ky., William Summers, dies," Lexington Herald-Leader, 5/18/1996, Obituaries section, p. C2; "First African-American to manage radio station," Lexington Herald-Leader, 2/27/2004, City&Region section, p. B1; "William I. Summers III, 1996" at the University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media Hall of Fame; D. L. Chandler,"Little Known Black History Fact: William E Summers III and WLOU" at blAck americaweb.com;  and "Rev. Dr. William E. Summers III" at the Kentucky Commission on Human Rigts webpage.