Tonight on this episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo, we asked the question, are we losing the importance of preserving our black culture, in our mad dash for assimilation into white America. ——

Our distinguished panel all purveyors of black culture included Ron Himes, founder and director of our magnificent St. Louis Black Repertory Theater company and Victor Little, of the iconic Afro World. ———

Lauren A. Parks, founder and CEO of the east sides, House of Miles and Owen K Woodard, producer of the short film, ”The Mink Slide.” ———

On our last episode of Tangazo, we discussed the legacy of civil rights icon, the late Dr. Martin Luther King jr. We agreed that King's push for total integration, had many negative consequences, especially for a once-thriving black community, in the city of St. Louis. Including contributing to the mass exodus, of the Black middle class, into St. Louis county. ———

Understanding that the basic components, of our black culture, are rooted in our African heritage, with unity and a common sense of purpose, being the foundation for our survival, of centuries of racial oppression. ———

This is a conversation that our community needs to have as we head into,” Black History Month.” ———

Produced by Sasha Hay for KDHX