Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on the death of Sydney L. “Syd” Small, owner of radio station WWRL 1600AM:

“The loss of Sydney L. ‘Syd’ Small deeply saddens me and his presence in both the Brooklyn community and the communications industry will surely be missed. He was a true innovator, best known as owner of Access 1, a communications company prominent in national media,” stated Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Throughout the community, Syd was known for creating a local platform for the black radio, encouraging more black entrepreneurs to make their mark in radio.”

Sydney L. ‘Syd’ Small is a native of Bedford-Stuyvesant and provided programming to Brooklyn through WWRL 1600AM, a channel of progressive talk and music. Small was a former executive at Time Inc. and founder of the National Black Network.

“I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends as they mourn his passing. Know that he made a great impact on our community and he paved the way for black and progressive media outlets. His contributions to the greater New York region will never be forgotten,” concluded Rep. Clarke.

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