Certain figures become so woven into the fabric of a community that their stories are passed down through generations. For many in Baton Rouge, that person is William P. “Buckskin Bill” Black. As a beloved television personality, community leader, and philanthropist, Buckskin Bill Black of Louisiana left an indelible mark on the capital city. His warm smile, fringed jacket, and famous sign-off became daily staples for countless families. Through his work at WAFB-TV, owned by Guaranty at the time, he did more than entertain; he inspired a community to come together and create something lasting.
Guaranty remembers Buckskin Bill Black and the incredible impact he had on Baton Rouge. From his charming television shows to his tireless community advocacy, his legacy is a powerful example of how one person can truly enrich the lives of others. For those asking, “Who was Buckskin Bill?” he was a friend, a mentor, and a local hero whose influence is still felt today.
A Frontier Scout on the Airwaves: The Buckskin Bill Shows
In 1955, Bill Black arrived at WAFB in Baton Rouge and launched a career that would span more than three decades. Originally from Oklahoma, he brought a friendly, down-to-earth personality that resonated deeply with Louisiana audiences. He hosted two iconic children’s programs: the early morning show, Buckskin Bill’s Storyland, and the afternoon favorite, The Buckskin Bill Show.
On-air, he presented himself as a friendly frontier scout, captivating children with historical tales, educational segments, and entertaining cartoons. His programs were more than just passive entertainment. Working with advisors from Louisiana State University and the Louisiana State Department of Education, he developed a preschool curriculum that was integrated into his shows. He even included a teacher from the Louisiana School for the Deaf on Storyland, ensuring that hearing-impaired children could enjoy the program through fingerspelling and visual aids. This commitment to inclusive, educational content set Buckskin Bill on WAFB in Baton Rouge apart and made his shows a trusted resource for parents.
For 35 years, generations of children grew up with his familiar face and gentle guidance. His shows provided a safe, positive, and educational space on television. The impact of The Buckskin Bill Show and Storyland went far beyond the screen, instilling values of kindness, curiosity, and community service in young viewers. His time on air is a cherished piece of Baton Rouge history and a testament to the power of local television to connect a community.
Buckskin Bill Black in Louisiana: A Champion for the Community
While many remember him for his television persona, Buckskin Bill’s most enduring legacy might be his off-screen work as a community champion. He understood that his platform gave him a unique opportunity to mobilize people for the greater good. This passion for service is best exemplified by his tireless campaign to establish a zoo in Baton Rouge.
For years, Buckskin Bill ended each broadcast with the simple yet powerful reminder: “Remember, Baton Rouge needs a zoo.” He didn’t just talk about the need; he took action. He organized an “Elephant March,” a penny drive that rallied the entire community, especially its youngest members. Children from across the viewing area collected and sent in their pennies to help bring the dream of a zoo to life.
The drive was a massive success, raising over 650,000 pennies. These funds were used to purchase the Baton Rouge Zoo’s first two elephants, appropriately named Penny and Penny Two. Thanks in large part to his advocacy and fundraising, the Baton Rouge Zoo opened its doors on Easter Sunday in 1970, becoming a beloved institution that continues to delight families today. This is the cornerstone of Buckskin Bill’s philanthropy.
His efforts for the zoo are a perfect example of how Buckskin Bill of Louisiana used his influence to make a tangible difference. He showed an entire generation that small acts, when combined, can lead to monumental achievements. His work instilled a sense of civic pride and demonstrated the power of community collaboration.
More Than a TV Host: A Legacy of Service and Education
Buckskin Bill’s commitment to service extended beyond his work for the zoo. He organized drives to collect funds and medicine for Catholic missionaries in Brazil and even produced a weekly program called Good Morning, Angola Style. This show, which aired from 1968 to 1970, gave inmates at Angola Prison a chance to showcase their musical talents, reflecting his belief in rehabilitation and second chances.
After his television career ended in 1990, Bill Black’s desire to serve the community continued. He became a substitute teacher and, in 1994, was elected to the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board. He served for 16 years, advocating for students and teachers and helping to shape the future of education in the parish. His opponent in his first election humorously noted that running against him was like running against Santa Claus: a testament to how deeply he was respected and loved.
This dedication to education and community service earned him numerous awards, including the Golden Deeds Award in 1975 and the Louisiana Association of Educators’ “Friend of Education” award in 1990. These honors recognized what Baton Rouge residents already knew: Buckskin Bill Black was a true Louisiana community treasure.
Remembering a Local Legend
William P. “Buckskin Bill” Black passed away in 2018 at the age of 88, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he inspired and the institutions he helped build. The Baton Rouge Zoo stands as a living monument to his vision and determination. Generations of residents who grew up watching his shows now share his story with their own children.
At Guaranty, we are proud to have been part of his story during our ownership of WAFB-TV. Buckskin Bill’s work perfectly embodies our own mission to enrich lives and serve others. He demonstrated how a local media presence can be a powerful force for positive change, uniting people and strengthening community bonds. As we celebrate our own long history in Baton Rouge, we honor the figures like Buckskin Bill Black who have made this Louisiana community such a special place to live. He was a pioneer in children’s television, a dedicated philanthropist, and a true friend to Baton Rouge. His life reminds us that you’re never fully dressed until you put on a smile, and he certainly brought smiles to us all. We hope that you join us in honoring the generosity and community-minded spirit of Buckskin Bill Black and make a donation to The ALS Foundation or Dreams Come True of Louisiana, today.
