“Behind the Scenes” is perhaps the last term you would expect to be associated with a successful leader. The business world is full of stories of bold, brash CEOs, from Henry Ford to Steve Jobs, running companies with an iron fist and getting results through high-pressure tactics and a sizable ruthless streak. But when you’ve got a team of stars, it’s easy to fall back and let the team shine so you can easily maneuver and create bigger opportunities that will take the world by storm. We call those people undercover bosses, and when you speak about Dwight Walker, better known as Rich Black, that’s who he has been his entire life.
Built from the Ground Up: Rich Black Power Move into Music and Radio
Photos By: Karetova | @karetova
Rich Black has had the hustler spirit embedded in him since he was born, and with his parents being from Jamaica and being born and raised in Queens, New York, Rich Black always had a goal to provide and make way for his family, which included his two younger brothers. At 18, Rich’s family moved to South Florida, where he found his passion. “I started at a small HBCU in Miami called Florida Memorial University, and I just wanted to bring the Caribbean and New York vibe to the university. So, I joined the homecoming committee, and the first homecoming was a success! That’s when I knew that the entertainment industry was my thing,” shares Rich Black.
After earning multiple Master’s degrees, Rich Black knew entrepreneurship was his path. He got his break with Murder Inc., working as a radio runner breaking new music. This role gave him insider access to program directors and sparked his passion for radio. “Seeing how music engages people really intrigued me,” he recalls. From there, his journey took off—he owned clubs on South Beach, led major corporations, and even produced for icons like 50 Cent. Still, his heart was in radio. That passion eventually led him and his family to Atlanta, where his entrepreneurial drive grew into something much bigger.
Regarding the music and entertainment industry, Rich Black is the “Old Guard,” which means he has been a critical part of so many bosses’ moves in the industry and continues to prefer to be out of sight and out of mind. But Rich doesn’t define himself as your typical ‘Boss.’
Building an Atlanta Staple: Highly Unique Radio
While opening a successful barbershop, Rich took that time and space to build up his radio station in the back of the shop, Highly Unique Radio. With his experience, grind, and determination, Highly Unique Radio is now a staple in Atlanta for new artists, personalities, and music, becoming the #1 online radio station. He has helped so many people start their careers in radio, from names like Fly Guy DC, Yung Joc, Love and Hip Hop star Jessica Dimepiece, and many more. But when the light shines, he takes a step back and continues to grow.
He takes pride in teaching the next generation every part of the business so they can have the same or even more power than himself.
Beyond Radio: Expanding the Empire
Rich Black has become a legend in the industry. With Highly Unique Radio growing to new heights, Rich has started to share his knowledge and expertise nationwide by starting online stations in various cities like Baltimore, Tampa, and even as far as Canada. Building an empire is not far from being obtained. While Rich’s next venture is film production, he has returned home to Miami and built a team to take things to the next level. Rich Black never reveals when he has to be Superman but instead focuses on doing the work as Clark Kent.
Written by: Joseph Ellick, Jr.
