Last nights taping of the KDHX podcast Tangazo, was more than uplifting, it was encouraging, it was a reminder that black people doing great things, can also be selfless and magnanimous! ———

I felt refreshed after an hours conversation with writer, filmmaker and podcaster Nicole Franklin and Tom Bailey, Vice President of Development and Special Events, for the St. Louis Metropolitan Urban League. Tangazo.kdhx.org. Nicole, is the daughter the late Don Franklin, one of the founders of the GSLABJ and one of the first black journalist, employed by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She shares the story of how her father an East St. Louis resident, approached the newspaper asking for more coverage of east side events, while noting the lack of people of color at the liberal leaning daily. Mr. Franklin who wasn’t a journalist at that time, so impressed the newspaper that they provided a journalism fellowship, leading to his employment as one of the first African American journalist hired, by the St. Louis Post Dispatch Newspaper. ———

Nicole has used her pedigree well, winning numerous awards for documentaries, while working on the Today Show and OWN TV. Nicole, is also cohost of one of the most unique podcast I’ve ever listened to, tilted “Before You Go TV,” check it out and you too will love it. ———

Tom Bailey, founder and president of the Missouri Black Expo, which was one of the largest Black Expos in the nation from 1992-2013, says joining Michael Patrick McMillian and the St. Louis Metro Urban League, was an extension of his commitment to uplifting the African American community. Tom was a sales manager with KMOV tv, when a client of his inspired him to develop his idea of an expo, to provide resources for the underserved black communities in St. Louis. ———

Needless to say, the Black Expo was a smashing success with attendees gaining access to resources, in the areas of youth development, health education and community development. ———

As Vice President of Development and Special Events for the STL Urban League, Tom is responsible for managing all aspects of fundraising, for the 55 programs and services that are administered, to over one hundred and fifty thousand persons from low and middle income and underserved communities, in the St. Louis metro area. ——- Bailey was also instrumental in the development and implementation, of the Urban Leagues 2020 massive COVID-19 relief drive-thru food distribution, that served over 100,000 distressed clients with over 5 million dollars worth of food and health and personal safety equipment. ———

TheSt. Louis affiliate has become the number 1 Urban League in the nation. ——

The St. Louis Metropolitan Urban League, will host its “Salute to Women in Leadership Gala,”September 9th, with special guest Angela Winbush, Melba Moore and Areva Martin! ——-

Produced by Sasha Hay for KDHX