Throughout the month of February, Black Power 96.3 FM held its annual February Member Fund Drive, an important effort that helps sustain the station’s operations and ensure the continued broadcast of independent Black community radio. As many listeners and viewers know, the station relies heavily on community support to keep its programming alive and accessible.
This year, Black Power 96 programmers, hosts, volunteers, and supporters worked diligently throughout the month to encourage listeners to become sustaining members and contributors. Each member of the Black Power 96 family, like the One Africa Worldview podcast, was proud to participate in the fundraising efforts, joining other programmers in reaching out to the community and sharing the mission of the station.
While the station ultimately fell short of its overall fundraising goal, the drive still represented an important moment of outreach and engagement. The campaign helped expand the reach of Black Power 96, introducing new listeners and strengthening connections with longtime supporters. And importantly, the opportunity to contribute does not end with the fund drive.
“The Turn Up!” live broadcast event
A highlight of this year’s drive took place on Saturday, February 28, when Black Power 96 hosted a special in-person event at the radio station that was also broadcast online. The program, titled “The Turn Up!”, gave viewers and listeners a lively behind-the-scenes look at the people who make the station run every day.
The event introduced the audience to many of the Black Power 96 DJs, hosts, and volunteers, celebrating the collective energy and dedication that fuels community radio.
Local artists also joined the program, adding music and creative energy to the broadcast, including Saxophonist Henry Ashwood Jr. and Mare Bear.
The event also welcomed legendary DJs from the former WRXB Radio, Ivan Sommers and Steven, who shared reflections on the importance of community radio and the role stations like Black Power 96 play in keeping local culture and independent voices alive.
For those who were unable to watch the event live, the full recording is available on the Burning Spear TV YouTube channel. Viewers can find the broadcast in the Live tab under the title “The Turn Up.”
Gospel benefit concert lifts the community
The fundraising efforts continued into the following weekend. On Sunday, March 8, Black Power 96 hosted a powerful gospel benefit concert that brought together musicians, community members, and supporters in celebration and solidarity.
The concert featured an inspiring lineup of performers, including:
- Joseph Smith
- Natalie Jordan-Nixon
- Nu-Kre@tion
- Evangelist Edna Bell
- S.Y.T.E.
- Eddie Maultsby Jr., known affectionately as “The Ray Charles of Gospel”
The event also featured remarks from African People’s Socialist Party Southern Regional Representative Jainabah Lumumba, who delivered a moving call for community members to become more involved and to attend the upcoming African People’s Socialist Party Plenary in St. Louis from April 17–19.
A packed house of music and spirit
The concert was a packed house, filled with the powerful sounds of gospel and African-inspired rhythms. Tambourines rang out, drums pulsed through the room, and keyboards and guitars lifted the crowd as performers and audience members alike celebrated together.
Many attendees found themselves out of their seats, clapping, singing and dancing, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity. The evening was not only a celebration of music, but also a reminder of the role that community radio plays in bringing people together.
Supporting independent community radio
Events like the February Fund Drive, “The Turn Up!”, and the gospel benefit concert demonstrate the spirit that keeps Black Power 96.3 FM alive. Powered by volunteers, artists, organizers and community members, the station continues to serve as a platform for culture, music, political education and community.
Although the fundraising goal has not yet been fully reached, supporters still have the opportunity to contribute and help sustain the station’s work.
Donations can be made at: blackpower96.org/donate
With continued community support, Black Power 96 will remain a powerful voice for culture, history and independent media in the Black community that is not just explaining the world, but changing it.
