ST PETERSBURG, FL–Burning Spear Media (BSM) hosted a fundraiser for Black Power 96, the new commercial-free radio station that will blow the roof off FM radio, on Sunday, September 20, 2015.
Black Power 96 will combine the freshest black music with dynamic discussions on all aspects of African life. Politics, economics, sexuality, health and fitness, war and peace––it’s all fair game on Black Power 96.
If you tuned in for the live internet broadcast of the September kick-off event, you got a taste of the current issues that Black Power 96 will address.
Station Manager Ron Bobb-Semple hosted a panel discussion on the state of independent black media.
He was joined by Charles Barron, New York State Assemblyman; Glen Ford, Executive Editor of Black Agenda Report; Gazi Kodzo, internet sensation; Chimurenga Waller, International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement and 2 local radio hosts, James Cole of WTMP, and Walter Smith, Jr., of WMNF.
Glen Ford presented a powerful critique of the failure of black media owners to serve the interests of the African community, showing the urgent need for revolutionary black radio.
Assemblyman Barron, a former member of the Black Panther Party, brought the stature of his long commitment to black freedom to the event and expressed his support for Black Power 96.
The event also showcased Black Power 96 programmers AJ Ali, John Thomas, Luwezi Kinshasa, Makda Yohannes and Fosiya Aqli.
A surprise video appearance by Chairman Omali Yeshitela brought home the significance of this new Florida radio station.
Chairman Omali spoke to the audience via Skype live from Moscow where he was attending an international conference hosted by the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia.
Young Africans take the stage
The kick-off was organized and hosted by young African working class revolutionaries who promise to be the central forces driving Black Power 96.
African People’s Socialist Party leaders Jevon Gammon and Gazi Kodzo organized neighborhood outreach, going door-to-door to spread the word about Black Power 96.
They were joined by comrades Darnell, Cleo, Jayy and Akile, who pounded the pavement through the summer heat and rain.
Jayy, 16, joined Gazi on the stage for a segment called “Resistance Turn-up.”
Cleo, 16, trained phone bankers in the use of Burning Spear Media’s contact management database for reaching out to supporters and donors.
Brittney, a college student, helped to organize the contact list.
Jenna and Takiyah, a middle school student, coordinated a delicious Karamu (African feast) enjoyed by everyone attending the event. Crystal helped them to get food donations from local restaurants.
Erik, also a middle school student, operated the sound board and Akile, 18, did a tremendous job as stage manager.
Ms. Minnie managed the pledge-takers who fielded calls from donors throughout the day.
The September kick-off event aimed to raise $5,000 towards the $100,000 needed to build and operate Black Power 96 for its first year.
The station is set to begin broadcasting in Spring of 2016. The event raised over $3,000, falling short of the goal, but bringing some much-needed resources and excitement to the process of building this powerful new media institution.
You can help make Black Power 96 a reality. Donate at blackpower96.org or call 727-824-5700 to get involved today.
