She’s a true trailblazer!

Meet Sheila Brown, the first Black woman to own a radio station in Buffalo, New York — a milestone that marks not only her personal triumph but a breakthrough in local media representation (WGRZ).

Brown’s journey into radio began in the 1980s at Buffalo’s WUFO station. She accepted an entry-level sales position at age 21, and over time worked her way up the ranks. (WKBW; WKBW Women’s History Month) When new management took over after fourteen years, Brown made the difficult decision to leave—but she vowed she would return someday. (WKBW Women’s History Month)

True to her promise, eight years later she returned — this time as owner. In 2013, Sheila Brown acquired WUFO, becoming the first African American woman to own a radio station in Western New York. (WKBW; WGRZ) The station today operates under her Vision Multi Media Group. (WUFO entry)

Reflecting on her path, Brown has candidly shared the obstacles she faced — from repeated bank rejections to demands for updated business plans. She credits local supporters like True Bethel and community figures such as Bishop Darius Pridge for believing in her when others would not.

“I looked at the building, and I waved and said, ‘Don’t worry baby, I’ll be back.’ … We had banks say no like three times before they said yes, credit unions said ‘no your business plan needs to be updated,’ but True Bethel and Bishop Darius Pridge, they had faith in me.”

A Buffalo native who grew up in Hamlin Park, Brown is the youngest of three children. She often says her upbringing — surrounded by a supportive family, strong affirmations from relatives, and a belief system rooted in positivity — gave her the courage to dream big.

“My uncles coming to see us would go, ‘Hey, here comes our superstar.’ … I never was afraid of anything I was going to do.”

Under her leadership, WUFO has grown beyond its original AM format, adding an FM broadcast known as “Power 96.5.” That expansion allowed the station to add syndicated programming and a stronger presence in the regional radio landscape. (WUFO station info; WKBW)

Brown’s influence extends beyond programming. She has opened doors for local DJs and media voices, hosts weekly conversations with the Buffalo mayor, and maintains the WUFO History Collective — a collection of nearly six decades’ worth of WUFO memorabilia and radio heritage (WKBW).

Looking ahead, she plans to expand her work as an entrepreneur and published author while continuing to grow the WUFO imprint. She hopes her example will smooth the path for others.

“It feels good, but it’s sad in 2021 we’re still talking about the first of anything, but I’m just proud that the Lord used me to be the first woman of color to own a radio station. The Vice President said she might be the first but not the last, so my goal is to prep other people.”

Congratulations, Sheila Brown, and thank you for paving the way.