On February 5, Black Power 96.3 FM held a special online program to raise funds to upgrade its Emergency Alert System, ensuring the community stays informed and connected during crises.
I was honored to serve as MC of the program alongside Mr. Eddie Maultsby, the station’s dedicated manager and world-renowned blind DJ.
We explained to our audience the urgency of the fundraiser: a $3,000 goal to purchase an upgraded Emergency Alert System to provide timely and critical information during natural disasters.
We were joined by two special guests discussing the important role of local community radio in providing emergency information, especially during weather emergencies.
Bennett Kobb, a retired FEMA communications contractor, generously volunteers his time to support the efforts of community radio stations across the country. He emphasized the crucial role that community radio plays in disseminating life-saving information and called on viewers to donate to Black Power 96 radio:
“I want to say to every listener here that if you support this station, you are supporting yourself. You are supporting your safety.”
Walter Smith Jr., an engineer who works for the Sierra Club in Florida, has helped rebuild communities in the South after devastating hurricanes and flooding. Walter discussed the increasing intensity of storms in Florida and the importance of preparedness for extreme weather events and their aftermath:
“It comes down to making the communities better than they were before—which is what resilience is. Resilience is not just being able to survive something but being able to rebuild it better than it was before.”
Their insights resonated deeply, especially in the wake of Hurricane Milton’s near-catastrophic impact on Pinellas County last fall. The need for BP96’s robust emergency alert system was clear, and the community responded with unwavering determination to see it realized.
Grant Funds Stolen by County
Funds for the Emergency Alert System, along with other equipment upgrades to station operations, were supposed to come through two federal COVID relief (ARPA) grants for which the station had qualified, totaling $100,000.
These investments included studio equipment upgrades with accessibility improvements for the station’s blind manager, as well as a whole-building generator to stay on-air during frequent power outages.
However, the local county commissioners responsible for administering the federal grants revoked the first grant and denied the second, citing their political opposition to the views of the Uhuru Movement and making false accusations of anti-Semitism.
In response, Black Power 96 is suing the Pinellas County Commission in federal court for First Amendment violations and racial discrimination, as the Commissioners unfairly favored white groups in the county for receipt of ARPA nonprofit awards.
As has been exposed in St. Louis and cities across the U.S., the federal ARPA funds—intended to address poverty in Black communities—are routinely awarded primarily to white groups.
With its rightful funding stolen by corrupt colonial politicians, the station turned to its steadfast listeners and supporters to fund the needed upgrade.
Listeners Show Support
Black Power 96 FM, a project of the African People’s Education and Defense Fund, has long served as the voice of the historically Black community in South St. Petersburg and the Bay area. Through music, news, and public affairs programming, the station uplifts and informs the community, particularly in times of crisis.
Listeners and community members immediately stepped up. Five dedicated supporters—Chris, Lisa, Simone, Sandy, and an anonymous donor—established a matching fund to double the contributions sought in the February 5th event.
Combined with donations totaling $500 in the first few days of the February Fund Drive—thanks to people donating online and even coming directly to the station’s doors to contribute—the station went into the February 5th fundraiser with a strong head start.
Among the many generous contributors were individuals from across the country, from Florida to Minneapolis to Massachusetts, and even Africa.
Black Power 96 today! BlackPower96.org/Donate CashApp at $BlackPower96
In St. Pete, donations poured in from local residents like Theresa, Deborah, Sharon (who donated in memory of her mother), Pastor Willie Hoston, Evangelist Sharon Price, and many more. Their collective support propelled the station closer to its target.
By the end of the event, $3,000 had been raised to purchase the needed equipment and software, achieving the first milestone in the station’s $12,000 goal for its annual Black History Month February Fund Drive.
Thanking Supporting Members
As a token of appreciation, donors will receive special thank-you gifts, including magnets, LED flashlights, and Black Power 96 t-shirts, according to their contribution levels.
These gifts serve as reminders that supporting Black Power 96 means investing in a resource that protects, informs, and uplifts the community.
The station extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed, shared, and championed this cause.
This victory is not just about securing new equipment—it’s about affirming the power of collective action and the resilience of the African community.
The fundraiser’s success is a testament to the power of community Black media and the unwavering commitment of its listeners.
Despite economic sanctions imposed by local officials, Black Power 96 continues to stand strong, providing critical information and a platform for the community’s voice.
“Weather the Storms Together with Black Power 96 Radio” is available on demand at The Burning Spear TV YouTube channel.
Together, we weather the storms and emerge stronger than ever!
