Pioneering Charlotte Radio Host Hattie Leeper Dies
Hattie Leeper, the first Black female radio announcer in Charlotte, has passed away at the age of 98.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in African-American
Hattie Leeper has died at 98 years old. She is remembered as a trailblazer who became the first Black female radio announcer in Charlotte.
Why it matters
Leeper broke significant barriers in broadcasting, opening doors for future generations in media. Her long-standing career and later work in education left a lasting legacy in North Carolina.
Leeper's career began at 14 while working at WGIV-AM and spanned 18 total years. Her contributions earned her inductions into the Black Radio Hall of Fame in 1989 and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2025.
The players
Hattie Leeper
She was a pioneering radio announcer and educator who served as the first Black female radio host in Charlotte.
Gaston College
This educational institution employed Leeper as the chairman of its Broadcasting Department.
WGIV-AM
This Charlotte radio station served as the starting point for Leeper's 18-year broadcasting career.
The details
Leeper launched her pioneering career after filling in for a sick employee at a local radio station. Following her broadcasting tenure, she transitioned into teaching, eventually serving as chairman of the Broadcasting Department at Gaston College until 1998.
Timeline
Leeper was inducted into the Black Radio Hall of Fame in 1989.
Leeper retired as the chairman of the Gaston College Broadcasting Department in 1998.
Leeper was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2025.
Leeper died at age 98 on October 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
Leeper's life serves as a timeline of progress for Black women in media, beginning with her career in an era of limited opportunity. Her induction into the Black Radio Hall of Fame in 1989 marks a turning point in the recognition of Black broadcasters in American history.
Residents of Charlotte can reflect on Leeper's role in local media history and her contributions to the region's education system. Her career remains a testament to the growth of professional opportunities within the community over the last century.
The takeaway
Leeper's career proves that seizing an unexpected opportunity can lead to a lifetime of impact. Her transition from radio to education shows the value of mentorship and sharing experience with the next generation.
Further reading
Learn more about local history in the African-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wbtv.
