Batts and his wife, Dr. Virginia Caples, purchased WEUP, the first African-American-owned radio station in Alabama, in 1987. Since then, they have grown their investment from a single station to five stations, including WHYI-AM 1600, WEUV-FM 103.1, WEUZ-FM 92.1, WEUV-AM 1190 and WEUP-AM 1700. More than 15 years ago, Batts used his contacts through radio to begin the Black Arts Festival, a two-day event that draws high-quality local and national artists and vendors to the Huntsville area, attracting locals and tourists alike. The net proceeds of the event are donated to the Harris Home for Children.

Aside from operating Broadcast One, Batts also owns Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency LLC, and has worked in the insurance field his entire career. His contributions to the community are numerous, including service as a commissioner of the Huntsville/Madison County Railroad Authority and a managing partner of the Downtown Office Plaza. He recently received the 2008 Unity Award for his leadership and service to the community at the annual Martin Luther King Breakfast sponsored by the Delta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

A native of Huntsville and a graduate of Council High School, Batts attended Alabama A&M University and The University of Alabama. He has three children and one grandchild, and is a member of First Missionary Baptist Church.

Batts states, “I am honored to have been chosen to write the foreword for the inaugural edition of Who’s Who In Black Huntsville™. This inaugural edition will only scratch the surface of the many contributions that have been made and are being made in economic, educational, cultural, social and religious developments in Huntsville and surrounding areas.”

C. Sunny Martin, founder and CEO of Who’s Who Publishing, shares, “Hundley Batts has had a remarkable impact on the city of Huntsville, both by dedicating himself to events and organizations that focus on the betterment of the city and by ensuring that the voice of the African-American community continues to be heard. We are pleased to feature his contribution in this inaugural edition.”

Who’s Who Publishing Company began in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1989 and currently publishes similar annual directories in cities nationwide. The book will be available in bookstores in the Huntsville area.