On June 8, 2023, McAlester native Dr. Angela K. Chambers (Phifer) achieved a significant milestone alongside her business partner, Dr. Francetta L. Mays. Together, they became the first black, women-owned radio station owners in Oklahoma, with their station “The Greenwood Beat – WFPG” located in the historic Greenwood District in Tulsa. This area is renowned as the original Black Wall Street, and Dr. Chambers named the station “The Greenwood Beat” to serve as a voice for Greenwood.
Dr. Chambers had a profound vision to preserve the stories of Greenwood’s ancestors and highlight the resilience of the community since the tragic 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. She wanted these stories to be shared for generations to come. The call letters “WFPG” hold a special meaning as they are the initials of her late grandmother, Wilma Factory Phifer Green, who lived in McAlester for over a century.
On January 6, 2024, Dr. Chambers launched the “Let’s READ” segment on The Greenwood Beat – WFPG. She invited Mr. Troy J. Petit, Sr., an author and educator, to discuss his passion for writing “Hugs of Love” and read a few pages on air. Although Mr. Petit’s book is primarily aimed at children, it contains a valuable lesson about love that resonates with readers of all ages.
During the interview, Dr. Chambers and Mr. Petit emphasized the importance of children feeling loved and the pivotal role reading plays in their development. They highlighted how reading is a foundation for learning and fosters a lifelong love for knowledge. To support this cause, volunteers from across the United States have generously offered their time to read to children on The Greenwood Beat – WFPG.
Dr. Chambers expressed her gratitude for the volunteers while calling for more individuals to step forward. She envisions expanding the program to include one hour of reading each weekday, in addition to the current noon to 3 pm Saturday broadcasts. If you are interested in volunteering, please email read@thegreenwoodbeat.com to request more information and sign up.
During the kick-off of “Let’s READ,” Dr. Chambers reminisced about her grandmother reading to her as a child. She fondly recalled her grandmother’s guidance on enunciating words and adjusting voice pitches and tones while reading. These cherished memories and her grandmother’s influence inspired Dr. Chambers to create a platform that encourages children to explore the joy of reading.
Dr. Chambers, a proud graduate of McAlester High School’s class of 1988, is the daughter of Everett (Honey) and Lois Phifer, both from McAlester, Oklahoma. Her commitment to education and empowering children through literacy shines through her work on The Greenwood Beat – WFPG.
Tune in to The Greenwood Beat – WFPG for 24/7 programming, including old school hits, engaging talk shows, and now, the inspiring “Let’s READ” segment. Dr. Angela K. Chambers and Dr. Francetta L. Mays have not only made history but are also using their platform to make a positive impact on the lives of children and the community.
Mr. Petit’s book, “Hugs of Love” is available here: a.co/d/ebRRcf9
