Front Page Family Reunion
by dominique DiPrima
For nearly the past seven years I have been the host of Front Page on 102.3 KJLH-FM in Los Angeles, an iconic Black radio station owned by Stevie Wonder. Front Page is in itself a legendary show, an institution with twenty two years of history, history that includes the very first interview by anyone in the world with Nelson Mandela upon his release from prison. The show has broadcast from more than ten nations and featured interviews with folks rarely heard elsewhere.
When I got the assignment it was an opportunity I could not pass up. But it was also filled with pitfalls and challenges. Taking over an established show and filling the very large shoes of a beloved host (Carl Nelson) with a fiercely loyal following is a risky proposition for any broadcaster. “Manning” the mic as a lead anchor on the morning airwaves is still something seldom seen for a woman in radio. But with the help of a dedicated and supportive group of volunteers (Charlene Muhammad, Isis, Layone Hines, Tal Talib, Avi Bernard, Jasmyne Cannick, Stephen, Angela Hoffman, Brenda Caddell, Chavonne Taylor, Dominique Dright) I took on the challenge. And with the voices and strength of my many honorary co-hosts (Muhammad Nasardeen, Erich Nall AKA Coach “E,” Tony Muhammad, Ricky Harris, Pastor Lewis Logan, Greg Akili, Pastor Billy Ingram, and more) we set a course for the next generation of this revered institution.
Last week we celebrated twenty two years of Front Page. Twenty two years wherein the show was often the only progressive Black talk radio in the nation! We celebrated twenty two years of “radio freedom” on a venue that is now the only Black-owned radio station west of St. Louis! (Thank you Stevie Wonder!!) Carl Nelson, the show’s most enduring host, Rico Reid, the original host and many of the creators and legends came together for a week of celebration, collaboration and unity. It was a sublime embodiment of the energy we generate when we put our best interests, our collective good above all else. It was a powerful Black family reunion, and a testament to the what we can do when we choose unity, and celebrate ourselves!
We call ourselves The Front Page Family. And family can be dysfunctional. Family can be annoying, and hard. Family can overstay their welcome and let you down when you need them most. We are born into our family and we are stuck with them warts and all…But family is also the foundation of civilization! Family is the source of our strength. Nine generations back and infinitely forward our family is our only true legacy. As we break cycles of hate – for self and others…As we create new traditions of love, acceptance & support…As we reach back for the best of what is ancient and ancestral (Sankofa)…We heal ourselves individually and collectively.
Thank you Front Page Family for choosing peace & progress, for understanding that our institution offers information and communication that transcends any of us as individuals, for showing the world what unity looks like, warts and all! Thank you to all of the hosts & producers who have come before…And thank you to those still to come. Let’s continue to choose our own best interests, cultivate unity…And nurture the return of our collective consciousness! ‘Til next time radio free family….ONE LOVE!
May 7, 2012 at 11:55 am
I was there briefly, I got my food and listened a little bit and then I had to leave.
I absolutely love the food at Simply Wholesome. I go there whenever I can. Also, the owner was really great because the owner gave out free coffee to everyone. This was really nice. It was a nice crowd, mostly older people though, probably in their 40s and 50s. I wish there was a lot more younger people there in their 20s who showed up, because I know a young of younger listeners, like myself, who listen to the Frontpage. I guess they were at home listening from their beds. Besides, it was too cold outside. Love the show.
Another thing, I’m glad that the owner of the Slauson Supermall has committed to contributing back to the community with some scholarships for youth and young adults in our community who want to go to college. I’m all for education and jobs, and increased economic empowerment for us.
Black Power.
May 7, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Great seeing you and Carl and the Front Page Family at Simply Wholesome.
I want to thank the Front Page for working to unite us over years.
I was concerned and inspired by the swap meet owner’s 50 gift certificates. Concerned because the last time I went there, which was years ago, I didn’t see anybody Black business there. Lots of Black customers but no Black businesses. That means millions of dollars leaving our community and our country every week. I was inspired to offer a $50.00 rebate to the first 20 Front Page listeners that call 1-800 UNITE US to locate Black owned business. The $ 50 rebate will given to the first 20 people that sends copies of receipts totaling $100. That’s 1,000 dollars in cash rebates!. Now if 10,000 Front page listeners spent a $100 with Black owned businesses this month that would be a million a dollars. 1-800 UNITE US stands ready to work with you to make this happen.
Charles Brister
1-800 UNITE US the Black 411.
May 11, 2012 at 5:57 pm
I think family is so important . i am 31 years,
old I am married with 2 kids .its rough on middle class blacks trying to raise a family,support from family is vital and should be promoted in the black the community.its hard enough trying to hold a job down as a black man especially in construction lol. My family is there for me when I have to drop the Two babies off at 5am in the morning .And they watch the babies for me and my wife who works also .And that helps big time because we don’t have to pay as much for a daycare. Family is so important and families need to stay together and if that happens I think that the black community will benefit.I have never Wrote on a blog before but i got hooked on the frontpage for the last 2 months and i am inspired to write on this blog now.lol hope I get the strength to call in one day and comment on a topic.
May 13, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Hope you do too!!!!
May 11, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Holla at me dominique would love to here your point of view on some things or too . just start listening to your show for the past 2 months i am so hooked now love the front page
May 13, 2012 at 8:27 pm
Welcome to the fam!!