02/08/2026
WILA-AM launched in 1957 at 865 Industrial Avenue, Danville Va. It was owned by Ralph Baron and George Lund. It was the first local station targeting Black audiences. In 1969, Neill McMillan purchased it, using the platform to champion civil rights and play soul music.
Following McMillan's death, a Black American man named, Lawrence Toller (Tol-Tol Communications) bought the station. The station became black owned and black operated. Known as "The Soul of Danville," it featured the "Soul Mobile" and radio personality, C.G. Hairston. The station played gospel and soul music and served as a vital community pillar for Black Americans in the city of Danville and surrounding areas until closing in 2009.
