February 2009

Willie O'Ree
The Jackie Robinson of Hockey
National Hockey League Diversity
http://www.angelamckenzie.com/IRShows/March.htm
http://www.archive.org/details/IR-08-27


"Swing" with producer Michael Anthony Taylor

What is it about Swing? Swing that gets your toes tapping, fingers snapping, body grooving, spirit moving… Why do images of The Cotton Club, Savoy, and Roseland seem to fill us with an anachronistic sense of glamour, elegance, sophistication, and style from that bygone era? We're talking "Big Band" baby from the likes of Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Lionel Hampton and other pioneers of America's original dance club music. Join guest host Deardra Schuler on a journey back in time as she talks with renowned music producer and DARE Records President Michael Anthony Taylor about the roots and legacy of this magical musical genre, both in a historical and modern context. Learn about Benny Goodman's unique influence on racial discrimination, and find out which contemporary artists are keeping this art-form alive and well for today's audiences. You don't even have to
http://www.archive.org/details/IR-08-26 "Take the A Train."

Black History Month/Valentine's Day Special Featuring R&B Music Legends in the Making and poet Nena Black

Love is in the air at Initiative Radio as we continue our tribute to Black History Month with a showcase of some of R&B's contemporary movers, shakers, and hit music makers. Rekindle your love affair with chart toppers from the nineties and 2000s, and discover some lesser known artists doing their part to keep the R&B music scene alive and well. Get your love jones on and increase your black music I.Q. with an eclectic mix of loves songs and celebrity trivia. What Canadian born beauty produced her best selling album with her superstar sports hubbie? And what former star search contestest has turned into a mega music force, Grammy Award winner, and philanthropist? Find out what's up with Chicago native and perpetual bad boy R. Kelly, and have a taste of D'Angelo at his naughtiest. And no love show would be complete without his royal highness, the "purple one" himself - Prince. All this and an extra special treat—a selection of beautiful love poetry from talented New York City based poet Nena Black. Come inside... Broaden your mind, expand your soul, and feel the love
http://www.archive.org/details/IR-08-25

Oscar Brown, Jr.

Born on the south side of Chicago Oscar Brown, Jr. was the son of successful attorney and real estate broker Oscar Brown, Sr. and although he was university educated, he did not obtain a degree. He served a stint in the segregated U.S. Army where his views on race relations were considered subversive and he was even a member of the Communist Party, USA, which also decided Oscar was too subversive and he was suspected of being a Black Nationalist.
Brown’s lengthy career in entertainment began on the radio show “Secret City” at age fifteen, then he went on to become a singer/songwriter and recording artist and managed to write at least 1000 songs during his lifetime. Arguably, his most noteworthy career move came in the 60s when his efforts to mount the musical stage show “Kicks & Co.” about an all Black college campus in the south, during the early days of attempted desegregation, inspired television show host David Garroway to turn over an entire broadcast of the “Today” show to Brown to help raise funds to launch the show. “Kicks & Co.” did not enjoy the envisioned success and of all his theatrical endeavors, Brown’s longest-running relative success, thanks to participation by Muhammad Ali was “Big-Time Buck White.”
One of Brown’s last interviews was conducted via telephone with New York City based journalist Deardra Shuler before he passed away on May 25th 2005 at the age of seventy-nine. Initiative Radio is proud to lead off its’ salute to black history makers by airing this interview.
http://www.archive.org/details/IR-08-24