In all my years of broadcasting, I was always determined to not be a race baiter, someone who had nothing else to talk about other than racism and racial matters. ——-

I was mentored as a young man by former Missouri Congressman Bill Clay sr., who never retreated not one inch, from his duty and obligation to uplift his black community, it was his strength! ——-

He was indeed an inspirational leader and source of great pride, for African Americans in both StLouis city and StLouis county. ——-

That was then and this is now, there is no longer inspirational leadership for the African American community of any kind, especially in the city, with the exception perhaps of StLouis Circuit Attorney, Kim Gardner. ——-

Organizations that once led the way come election time such as the NAACP, Clergy Coalition and other black institutions that made black voter participation a priority, have virtually ceased to exist in StLouis city. ———

As was illustrated in the pitiful turnout of black voters in the recent held General Election, in StLouis city. ——— The attack on black elected officials by the so called, “ Progressives” is relentless and is aided by black opportunistic, self serving would be leaders, in StLouis city and StLouis county. ———

Virtually every African American office holder with an independent voice and unwillingness to be dictated to by white,”Progressives” has been targeted.  A trend that we fully expect to continue, in StLouis city, for sure! That list includes StLouis County Councilwoman Rita Days, StLouis Alderwoman Sharon Tyus, Alderwoman Tina Pihls and now StLouis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner. ——-

We covered a lot a territory during last evening’s taping of the Kdhx Podcast Tangazo, where I was joined in studio by my cohost Tim Person, social justice activist Attorney, Jerryl Christmas and Attorney Jerry Hunter, Chairman of the StLouis Board of Elections Commission. ———

Robert Green, a north side neighborhood activist, discussed his efforts to organize the city’s 14th ward, while expressing his dismay with the choices that were available, for aldermen of his ward. ——

I should begin this post with a disclaimer, the KDHX podcast Tangazo, does not endorse any political candidates, nor are we involved with the candidates’s campaigns, that are guest on the show. ------   Our purpose is to present an African American perspective, on issues of importance to the various communities, that make up the StLouis metro area. -------   Tangazo cohost, Tim Person brings over forty years of political experience, into an insightful discussion, with several candidates, on the April 4th General Election ballot in StLouis City and County. ------    Bellefontaine Neighbors Mayor Reverend Tommie Pierson, is running for reelection in his north county bedroom community. He was accompanied by his son, former Missouri State Representative, Tommie Pierson Jr.. ------   Reverend Pierson is being challenged by Bellefontaine Neighbors, Councilwoman Rev. Dinah Tatman. Political newcomer JP Mitchom, a candidate for the aldermanic seat in the new 7th ward in StLouis city, is one of only a few African American men, running for office in the city. Incumbent 17th Ward Alderwoman Tina Pihl, is running for the seat in the newly created 9th ward. Phil’s aka “Sweet T,” is an architect with great qualifications, has fallen out of favor with the current city administration because of her willingness, to have another point of view. ------   Having the demonstrated courage to stand up against,”status quo” has brought much support from the activist community, for Alderwoman Pihl, in the personage of civil rights icon, Percy Green II. -------   Green and other well known activist, have publicly expressed their criticism and concerns, that the city’s only black newspaper, chose to support the white, less qualified candidate, who has publicly supported the effort to remove StLouis Circuit Attorney, Kim Gardner from office. ------   Also a Pihl’s victory would give the African American community, racial parity on the new 14 member, StLouis Board of Aldermen. One can only wonder out loud, why a black mayor and a black newspaper, would not be in support, of the African American community, having an equal number of votes, on the StLouis Board of Aldermen! ------   All of the above listed candidates oppose any efforts, to remove StLouis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner from office, by any means other than by the voters, who overwhelmingly voted for her reelection in the 2021, general election. -------   I’d like to invite you to the last public forum for the aldermanic seat in the new 14th ward, scheduled Monday, April 3rd at downtown StLouis Central public Library, sponsored by the StLouis Place Neighborhood Association. -------   The forum starts at 6pm and ends at 7:45pm, yours truly will serve as moderator, as candidates Rasheen Lamont Aldridge and new comer Ebony Washington, present their last appeal to voters on the eve of the General Election.  

I always enjoy talking with candidates running for elected office against,”Status quo,” especially when it’s an effort to bring positive change, to a distressed disadvantaged black city.—— 

Such was the case a couple of nights ago when I had the opportunity to speak with, “Team Franklin,” a determined group of East St. Louis residents, who have had enough, of watching their once proud city, continue its slide into despair. ——-

The team is lead by community organizer, Marie Franklin, whose energy and determination is infectious, she is a candidate for mayor, of East St. Louis. ------ 

Lorenzo D. Savage, architect and founder of the, “I Am East St. Louis” magazine, is also a candidate for a council seat, along with Paris Grimmett, a young educator, with a special interest in uplifting the youth in  his troubled city. ———

Stating the need to improve educational opportunities, for black children in district 189, the slate features two young women candidates, for seats on the district school board. ———

Kianna Grimmett and Jennifer Chike round off an impressive group for,” Team Franklin,”on the April 4th ballot, in East St. Louis. ———

Solidarity was our theme for last evening’s recording of the KDHX podcast, Tangazo. ———

I was joined in studio by some of St. Louis’s, “finest,” four African American lawyers including Celeste Dotson, Chairman of the iconic Mound City Bar Association. ———

Esteemed veteran defense Attorney Charles Kirksey, Attorney Celeste Dotson, Attorney Ruby Bonner, who spent four years in the St. Louis Prosecutors office and social justice activist, Attorney Jerryl Christmas, were my guest for a riveting discussion, on the latest attempt to remove St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, from office. ——-

Attorney Christmas, who’s UTube video garnered close to five thousand views, destroying the pretext, that Missouri State Republicans, are using in their latest attempt to remove St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, from office. ———

We discussed our dismay with,”careerist,” black elected officials, who rushed to support Republican efforts , to usurp the rights of St. Louis voters, to elect candidates of their own choosing. ———

Our was a, no holds barred conversation about our need to support our embattled St. Louis Circuit Attorney, as demonstrated by the prestigious Mound City Bar Association, who’s membership has included the likes of the late Frankie Freeman and Margaret Bush Wilson, Forriss Elliott Sr. the late Ira Young, Federal Judges Clyde Cahill and our dear friend Federal Judge, Charles Shaw. ———

It occurred to me that Kim Gardner, might consider running for mayor of St. Louis, as she has overwhelming support from the black community and progressive minded people, as demonstrated by winning her reelection with over 70% of the votes in the 2021 race for StLouis Circuit Attorney. Kim Gardner, embodies the qualities of strength of character and has the courage, to stand up for the rights of poor people to be treated fairly, by a criminal justice system that continues to persecute black people, for being poor. ———

Last night I was treated to a cup of Carla Coffee Wright and an Alisha Sonnier, two dynamic candidates, for seats on the StLouis Board of Aldermen. ———

Wright, is a well known social justice activist and advocate for numerous causes, including the restoration of North StLouis and wants more funding and more attention paid to supporting small businesses in the new 11th ward.  Carla, say’s hundreds of home owner’s in the ward, are in desperate need of grants,in the range of three to four thousand dollars for home repairs. Coffee is a strong supporter of the embattled StLouis Circuit Attorney, Kim Gardner and one the organizers for the “Women’s March and Rally,” for Kim Gardner scheduled for Sunday, March 12th at the downtown StLouis Old Courthouse, at 11am. ——-

StLouis public school board member, Alisha Sonnier, is running for the aldermanic seat in the newly drawn 7th Ward, in south central StLouis.  She is another young activist inspired by the 2014 murder of Mike Brown, in Ferguson Missouri. ———

She has numerous endorsements from elected officials and labor unions, along with pro choice organizations. ———

Sonnier, is very impressive with a thorough grasp of the concerns and issues, of the 7th ward. ———-

She’s committed to having solidarity, with other African American alder persons, on issues of importance, to the black community. ———

Alisha Sonnier, like Coffee Wright, is opposed to any efforts by the state, to remove StLouis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner from office. ———

Two dynamic, well qualified candidates for you to consider, when casting your ballots for seats on the StLouis Board of Aldermen, in the 11th and 7th wards, in the April 4th General Election. ———

It’s been a busy last few days highlighted by the StLouis Metropolitan Urban Leagues,”Salute to Blacks in Media,”downtown Luncheon. ———

 It was the awards ceremony that was more than you could have ever imagined it would be! A special thanks Urban League President Michael Patrick McMillan and Vice President of Communications, Patricia Washington and their wonderful support staff.——

Congratulations to all of my fellow awardees. it was a great honor to have been selected with such a legendary group of radio, television and media professionals! ——

Last evening we put the finishing touches another Black History Month , with a few special friends from the arts and entertainment community. ———

Robert Lawrence Salter aka Scotty Lawrence, joined us to talk about his new musical pursuits, including the release of his inspirational cd titled,”Scotty’s Journey.” ———

Bob credits divine intervention, as his pathway toward fulfilling his life’s destiny. ——-

The ever amazing Bosman Twins, Dwayne an Dwight Bosman, have taken Chicago by storm , routinely selling out every show, at the Winters Jazz club, in downtown Chicago. ———

Between upcoming shows in Detroit and Atlanta, there’s Joes Cafe, in Clayton where their sets consistently sell out. ——

Ron Himes, founder and Director of the iconic nationally known, StLouis Black Repertory Company, talks extensively about the Reps touring company’s play, celebrating the life Of StLouis Attorney Frankie Freeman.  The play is performed at schools throughout the StLouis Metro area. ———

Ron reminds us that the current play,”Light,” starring Coda Boyce, who we know from the Black Reps play,” Fire Flies,” is running now through March 5th. ———

Friend cabaret singer/ actress Laka Pronounced Lay-ka, shared her historical experience with StLouis’s black culture, while performing the lead role in, Joe Hanrahan’s ”StLouis Woman,” this past fall. ———

The one woman play featured biopics of StLouis natives, Tina Turner, Josephine Baker, Katherine Dunham and gospel legend, Willie Mae Ford. ———

StLouis Woman, ran for several weeks, at the downtown Zack Theater, receiving rave reviews while playing to full houses. ———

This is a very entertaining and interesting program befitting the end of, Black History Month 2023. ———

The legacy of Lewis Reed, former President of the StLouis Board of Aldermen,is no doubt forever tainted, after being convicted of corruption and bribery. ———

He should also be remembered for overseeing ward reduction and producing a map that offers an opportunity, for the African American community  to have parity, on the St.Louis Board of Aldermen. ———

Parity means an equal number of votes, when determining the distribution of resources and making critical decisions about the future of St.Louis City.  That’s a power that black St.Louis, has never experienced on the Board of Aldermen, the legislative branch of city government. I was privileged last evening to spend close to a hour via zoom with four black candidates, wishing to represent the newly created 14th ward, which combines the old 5th and 3rd wards. Those candidates include, 5th Ward alderman James Page, 3rd Ward alderman Brandon FrAzier-Bosley, 5th Ward businesswoman Ebony Washington and State Representative Rasheen Lamont Aldridge of the 78th legislative district in StLouis. ———

All of the candidates are impressive and well versed on the issues of crime, schools and neighborhood stabilization. ——— 

All expressed their interest in the restoration of North St.Louis etc. They also pledged to work with the aldermanic black caucus which is important to the empowerment, of the African American community in St.Louis. ——— 

We have all been witnessed to the fact that, “black faces in high places,” is not the end all that it might suggest, itself to be. ———

I advise you to listen carefully to all of the candidates , running for seats on the board of aldermen,because your choices will determine whether there is real parity, are just the appearance of it. ———

This round of aldermanic elections is a great opportunity for black StLouis,to have a full partnership with white St. Louis but you must choose wisely, are as  my late best friend, Attorney Helto Reed jr. would say,”it’s the same soup warmed over.” ——— 

I would also encourage African American community and cultural based organizations, such as the black police and firefighters union, block units and clergy to get involved with the selection of black candidates, for the StLouis Board of Aldermen. ———-

This is a great opportunity to move our black communities forward, which won’t happen if you allow other groups, to finance and select your leadership. They become puppets and will not put your concerns first and foremost! ———

On this past Monday evenings episode, of the KDHX podcast Tangazo hosted by Tim Person and St. Louis American editorial columnist, Michael Wesley Jones. ———

The discussion centered on the upcoming aldermanic races, in the newly configured wards in St. Louis City. ——-

Incumbent 20th ward Alderwoman Cara Spencer, displayed the composure and poise expected of a seasoned campaigner, who came very close to winning the last mayor’s race in the city of St. Louis. ———

She currently represents a ward that is 80% African American, which says a lot about her political savvy, as she campaigns for the aldermanic seat in the new 8th ward, which encompasses downtown St. Louis. ———

Alisha Sonnier, currently serves as a member of the St. Louis City School board and is now a candidate for the newly drawn 7th Ward. She was well versed on critical issues facing St. Louis city, with special interest, in supporting our public schools system. ———

Tim and Mike, with over 4 decades each of St. Louis City and County political experience, helped facilitate 45 minutes of an interesting discussion, on the future of StLouis, as we head towards the March primary election.  I will moderate a public forum, at the downtown St. Louis City Central Library, on Wednesday February the 15th, for aldermanic candidates in the new 14th ward. The forum will begin at 6pm and end at 7:30pm ———

https://www.sonnierforstl.com/

mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/profiles/alderman-cara-spencer.cfm">https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/profiles/alderman-cara-spencer.cfm

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

Monday night’s discussion on the kdhx podcast Tangazo, was appropriately devoted to the legacy, of Dr. Martin Luther King jr. Our panel, of some of StLouis’s finest included Malik Ahmed, founder and former CEO of Better Family Life , Robert Green, founder of the Frederick Douglass Museum and the Juneteenth celebration commission. Attorney Randall C Cahill, of the Cahill partnership law firm and Robert A Powell founder and CEO of the Portfolio Arts and Education Gallery. ———

Our discussion on Kings legacy, led to some heated debate, ie. was Kings, “I Have A Dream,” speech his defining moment, are was too little attention paid to his anti Vietnam war positions and his focus on human rights, as opposed to just civil rights for African Americans. ————

Are we as African Americans, better off today through Dr.Kings efforts towards integration, are have we loss the spirit of unity and a common cause,as a result of successfully integrating American society. Finally, have we as black folks arrived to the,”promised land,” that Martin Luther King jr foresaw.———

Our discussion is passionate and occasionally heated but then again, why shouldn’t it be, given the struggle we have endured as a people, for justice and equality in these United States of America. ———