Tangazo

Broadcast colleague and politico Tim Person hosts another political discussion with a diverse group of candidates on the August 2nd, Missouri primary ballot. —— Social justice activist Coffee Wright, is campaigning statewide for the Democratic nomination in the race for the U S Senate. Wright placed second in her previous attempt to win the Democratic nomination for the Senate, losing to former Senator Claire McCaskill, who lost in the general election to ultra-right winger Josh Hawley. ——— Alan K. Green, a former Democratic Mo. State Representative, government official and retired St. Louis city police officer, is running unopposed in the August primary for Missouri State Auditor. Green faces an uphill battle to become the first-ever African American to win a statewide office, in the red state of Missouri. ——— Tangazo welcomed, St. Louis 21st ward  Committee woman Laura McElrath Keys, to the KDHX podcast, to talk about her motivation for wanting to serve as Alderwoman of the iconic north side ward. ——— K

Politics was the topic as we focused on the upcoming August 2nd primary on this week's episode of Tangazo - a Podcast from KDHX! ——— Political insider Tim Person, hosted a spirited and informative discussion, with a diverse panel of candidates, for federal, state and local offices. ——— Tim’s panel included Mo. State Senator Steven Roberts jr., candidate for Missouri’s first congressional district, State Representative Michael A Person, Shamed Dogan a Republican candidate for St. Louis County Executive and St Louis Alderwoman Pamela Boyd. All candidates on the August 2nd primary ballots. ——— Each candidate discussed their campaigns and shared their motivations for running for office. All political campaigns are unique while sharing some basic challenges such as fundraising and convincing voters that they are worthy of their vote. ——— Tim, a veteran of decades of political campaigns keeps the conversation flowing with insightful questions you will want to be answered when casting your ballots in the August

Last night's episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo focused on live theater in the St. Louis metro area. —— We begin with Ron Himes, the iconic founder and director of the magnificent St. Louis Black Repertory Company, discussing Dontrell Who Kissed the Seas, which debuted last week at the Edison Theater to rave reviews and runs through July 24th. —— Next up is Joe Hanrahan, artistic director for the Midnight Theater and Film company, talking about his play St. Louis Woman set to debut on October 6th, starring our very own Laka (Pronounced Lay-ka). Ron Himes and Joe Hanrahan,  began their theatrical careers at the same time and have collaborated throughout their 40-plus years in theater in the St. Louis metro area.  ——- Laka is set to make her stage debut in St. Louis Woman Hanrahan’s play about black women singers who came from St. Louis, such as Josephine Baker, Tina Turner and Fontella Bass. —— Ours was a candid conversation of how the St. Louis Repertory Theatre company, once known as the Loretta Hilton

This week's episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo is an acknowledgement of the 105th anniversary of the 1917 ESL Race Riots. ——- Tim Person joins me in the KDHX studio for another in-depth discussion with a panel of descendants, of the 1917 East St. Louis Race Riot. ——— We are joined once again by former St. Louis Alderman, Terry Kennedy aka Kugiliwa and his twin brother, Dhati M. Kennedy, along with Anne Walker, as we continue our annual discussion, on the horrific events of death and destruction, that the East St. Louis African American community, suffered from murderous white mobs, in 1917. ——— Joining us for the first time, is JD Dixon, a former write-in candidate for mayor of Belleville, and organizer for the 2021 reparations rally, for descendants of the Race riots. ——— Mr. Dixon says that because of the destruction of black homes and businesses during the east side race riots generational wealth was lost and the descendants deserve reparations. ——— This is a very interesting discussion by people dedicate

I’m feeling proud of the great panel that assembled last evening to record the KDHX podcast Tangazo. —— One misguided would-be leader, once referred to St. Louis county African American elected officials,  recognizing their common responsibility as “tribal politics,” I was astounded by that response from a well-respected black man, here in the 21st century! ——— The old notion that “white ice is colder than black ice” is still prevalent amongst some black leaders who claim to be so “woke” but will turn their backs on other black elected officials, who dare to stand up for the communities they represent. ——— Savvy St. Louis County Council Chairwoman, Senator Rita Heard Days, St. Louis County Council Vice Chairwoman, Shalonda Webb and Mo. State Senator Brian Williams, joined me last evening for some of the most interesting and insightful conversations, on the responsibilities of black elected officials, that I have had in a long time! ——— There was much discussion on the need for voter education on new state

Great time in the studio last evening recording the kdhx podcast Tangazo!----  Broadcast friend Laka Pronounced Lay-ka, joins me for an insightful discussion about upcoming Juneteenth celebrations and the exciting play “Club Riviera!” ----- We’re talking with Robert Green, event coordinator, for the Fairgrounds Park Juneteenth Freedom Fest, happening Sunday afternoon June 19th. Green is no doubt a visionary, who’s annual African Arts Festival has grown to become one of the best in the country. He’s betting on a huge turnout for his Fairgrounds park Juneteenth Celebration and hoping that it reminds African Americans, who have deserted north St. Louis, that it’s time to come home to reclaim their black communities, before they are redeveloped and gentrified. ----- Freeman Word, is the playwright for “Club Riviera” which debuts at the Grandel Square Theater June 23-24. ----- The play tells the story of the powerful ward boss Jordan Chambers, who controlled black politics in St. Louis from 1944-1964.----- His c

Tonight we celebrated the 100th episode, of the kdhx podcast Tangazo, with an awesome panel of super progressive social justice activist women , from across the country focused on the consequences of the upcoming November midterm elections. Reverend Stephanie T Wilkins, from Houston Texas and Beto O’Rourke’s campaign for Governor of Texas, Alicia D Smith community organizer and elected official in Minneapolis, along with St. Louis Alderwoman Dr. Megan-Ellyia Green PhD. leader of the progressive movement in St. Louis, were my guest for this 100th episode of the kdhx podcast Tangazo. ——- The panel discussed whether are not Roe V Wade was as some have referred to as a “white issue.” All agreed that it was a freedom issue at its core and not a black are white issue. We all agreed that the upcoming November midterm elections will have tremendous impact on our American democracy and that there needs to be a sense of urgency amongst Democratic voters throughout the nation, with everything at stake pending outcomes o

I’m not proud of the last episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo. My sincere concerns for our country,  for our democracy and for the well-being of African Americans across the nation, weighed heavily on my mind last evening. —— I had what I believed to be a  great diverse panel, including retired print journalist, former interim managing editor of the St. Louis American Newspaper and a founding member of the GSLABJ, LS Lockhart. Along with Michael Wesley Jones, award-winning Senior editorial columnist for the St. Louis American Newspaper. ——— Lastly, we had former St. Louis Comptroller, Virvus Jones, father to Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. ——— A great panel to discuss the impact overturning Roe vs Wade might have on our basic freedoms as Americans and the fact that Our Democracy is threatened across the board. —— Things got heated very quickly as I lost my patience with Virvus’s position on just about everything, lol including the idea that black voters had no political power to which I argued that some 29 state

Michael Wesley Jones, sits in for Tangazo Host Hank Thompson, for this critical discussion on race matters, genealogy and possible responsibilities. ———   The Kistner family’s shocking revelation of their great great grandfather's history of slaveholding was featured in this April 6th, River Front Times article, “Buried History.” ——— Mike's discussion with the family is emotional, provocative and insightful. —— The personal impact on their lives and the responses from longtime friends and associates have opened up other challenges for the Kistner family. ———

Michael Roberts and I go one on one about his late father Victor Roberts and Mike’s career as a media mogul and international businessman. Michael says that everything began with a seventy-five hundred dollar loan from his father, Victor Roberts,  to purchase and renovate his first house, after law school, in Lewis Place, midtown St. Louis.------ We talk about how he, along with his brother Steven Roberts, Mike Jones, Waymon Smith and Virvus Jones created the first Aldermanic Black Caucus. Michael ran for several higher offices, including President of the Board of Aldermen and he also led a very effective write-in campaign,  for mayor of the city of St. Louis.----- Michael and his brother Steven Roberts bought the Sears Building in 1982, as the giant retailer began to close its stores in urban areas. That led to the ownership of their first television station, channel 46 which became,  a home shopping channel, followed by a wireless partnership with Sprint. It was off to the races with additional purchases

We were privileged to have an extended conversation with the founder of BASIC, Oval Miller and his top assistant Michael Batchman, as my guest on the latest episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo. ———   BASIC was Founded in 1982, as a drug and alcohol treatment center for African Americans. It has a great reputation for the restoration of drug-addicted persons back to contributing citizens. ——— Recently seven people died within a two-hour time span, within two city blocks in the central west end of St Louis, as a result of Fentanyl laced cocaine. Those deaths sparked my concern that more information was needed, about this deadly synthetic drug Fentanyl. ——— What is the genesis of this drug, where does it come from and why does it kill so many people annually in the Stlouis metro area, was the focus of our conversation during this episode of Tangazo. ——— Why isn’t there more concern and funding for drug addiction,  in black communities in St Louis city and county? Why aren’t African American elected officials

Recording this week's episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo, was satisfying, to say the least. ——— My guests were the leadership of the St. Louis County Council, Chairman Rita Heard Days and Vice-Chairman Shalonda Webb. ——— We spent quite a bit of time talking about the value of these two African American women working together,  on the many issues of concern to the black communities in St. Louis county. ——— Issues such as the redevelopment of Jamestown Mall, in far northeast county and their efforts deliver a multi recreation and sports complex again for north county. A project that was first conceived of, by the late County Councilwoman Hazel Erby. ——— Talking with these two dedicated courageous public servants, who are the exception, to the transactional type career politicians, to which we have grown accustomed was indeed refreshing to my tired old ears. Lol —— I’m sure that you will also find their genuine commitment to public service and their dedication to uplifting disadvantaged communities in St.

Tim Person takes the host chair for this week's episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo. —— Former State Education Commission board member and Tangazo regular commentator, Michael Wesly Jones,  along with Dr Art McCoy PhD., former Superintendent of the Jennings School District, an internationally recognized educator and champion of children, joins Tim and Michael for an in-depth discussion on the rising issue of Critical Race Theory, commonly referred to as CRT. ——— The discussion explores the roots of CRT and how the right has attempted to reinvent it, into a political tool to sow hate and ignorance to motivate their base. —— This promises to be an honest, insightful and energetic discussion about history, reality and racial politics.—— 

Three wise men is how I would describe my guest for this week's episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo. —— Former St. Louis city Comptroller Virvus Jones father of St. Louis mayor Tishaura O. Jones, along with editorial columnist Michael Wesly Jones and my broadcast colleague Tim Person, were my guests for a lively debate on the diminishing value of our so-called “Black History month.” ——— Founded in 1926 by black historian Carter G. Woodson, as “Negro History Week” designed to celebrate and raise awareness of African Americans history was expanded into Black History month, in 1970 by black students at Kent State University. ——— Our discussion focused on whether “Black History month,” was a missed opportunity to focus on critical issues such as a national voter registration drive are “Critical Race Thinking” discussions to be held throughout the month of February. ——— Needless to say, my panel of three wise men were the right choice, for this robust conversation on the value of Black History month to African

We’re talking local politics on this weeks episode of the Kdhx podcast Tangazo. Tim Person a long time political operative and Michael Wesly Jones editorial columnist for the Stlouis American Newspaper, join me for some lively political repartee, as we take a deeper dive into the Stlouis Aldermanic ward reduction, from 28 down to 14. We begin that discussion looking for winners and losers, only to discover that there were no losers,  only winners. Very few people thought that the Stlouis board of aldermen was capable of reducing itself by half. Aldermanic seats of friends, allies and neighborhood disruptions, were on the table but under the leadership of Board of Aldermen President, Lewis Reed, the feat was accomplished with very little rancour. The final draft was unanimously passed by the board and Stlouis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones has indicated that she plans to sign off on it. We paused to acknowledge the political maturation, that we are witnessing from St Louis’s top two political leaders, who have a hist

In this episode, our guests look back on the life of renowned actor and civil rights activist Sidney Poitier. Today's panel share what the work of Sidney Poitier meant to them and how he personified the essence of self-respect within himself and his work. Host Hank Thompson is joined by broadcaster Bernie Hayes, short film producer Owen Woodard, and Portfolio Arts and Education Gallery founder Robert A. Powell. Each guest talks about their current efforts to further the preservation of African American history in the area and throughout the nation. The panel discusses how black communities must come together to strengthen themselves in the face of destructive forces and injustice.   Burnie Hayes   Robert A. Powell   Owen Woodard   Hank Thompson

Joining us for this episode of Tangazo is retired Saint Louis journalist L. S. Lockheart, former KTVI and KMOX broadcaster Charles Jaco, Saint Louis American editorial columnist Michael Wesley Jones and Missouri State Senator Brian Williams of Saint Louis County’s 14th district. The panel this week took a look back on the hectic year of 2021 and discussed some of the most important events of this year from global, national, and local perspectives. Each guest compiles their own personal ranking of events from the January 6th insurrection at the Capital to the pandemic to the climate crisis. Local events that made the list include the election of Saint Louis’ first African American female mayor, Tishaura O. Jones and the passage of Senator Brian Williams’ Criminal Justice Reform Bill.   L. S. Lockheart   Charles Jaco   Michael Wesley Jones   Senator Brian Williams   Hank Thompson

Preserving the history of the African American community, that once flourished in Stlouis’s Mill Creek Valley area, is the the theme for the latest episode of the kdhx podcast Tangazo. Tim Person, is the host for this thoughtful discussion on how black history is actually being preserved in the case of Mill Creek Valley. The Guests Are: Vivian Gibson, author of The Last Children of Mill Creek, describes her family’s history as residents of that once thriving black community. Gibson also speaks to the aftermath of the removal of black peoples from Mill Creek, in the name of Urban Renewal. Shaugnessy Daniels, of the Great Rivers Greenway project, spoke of the importance of developers acknowledging cultural and historical concerns of black communities. She shares how her public agency sought to work hand and hand with community organizations and concerned citizens to preserve the black history of Mill Creek Valley. Barbara Bracken Martin, a former Normandy School educator and former resident of Mill Creek Valley

Join host Hank Thompson as he talks with his panel of guests about ward reduction, redistricting, and how to go about avoiding conflicts of interest and unfavorable political actions. Today’s guests are Kathleen Farrell, city unit leader of the League of Women Voters of Metro Saint Louis; LaShanna Lewis of the group Show Me Integrity, which was responsible for the development of Proposition R; and political consultant Tim Person. The panel discusses the potential dissatisfaction that would result from the drawing of districts without regarding the nuances of each community as they currently stand in their wards. Will white judges be conscious of the skepticism around their ability to tactfully handle the future of African American politics?   LaShanna Lewis   Kathleen Farrell   Tim Person   Hank Thompson

Join Hank as he talks with Dr. John Wright Sr., PhD and his sons Dr. John Wright Jr., PhD and Dr. Curtis Wright, PhD about African American history in Saint Louis. The panel discusses various historical sights and events that shaped the black community. The group takes a look at the Wright family’s latest book that details the fight for Civil Rights for African Americans in Missouri and in Saint Louis.   Dr. John Wright Sr., PhD   Dr. John Wright Jr., PhD   Dr. Curtis Wright, PhD   Hank Thompson     Podcast Editor and Curator is Kevin Melter, with Production Support from Ryan Voelkel and Jon Valley.