On this episode of Tangazo - a Podcast from KDHX, we had another all star lineup discussing upcoming arts, cultural and entertainment events kicking off this MLK weekend in the St.Louis metro area.   My guest for this episode of Tangazo, included Robert A Powell, founder of the Portfolio Arts and Education Gallery, discussing his upcoming annual “All Colors” Visual Arts Invitational exhibit, at the StLouis Artists Guild,located at 12 North Jackson ave in Clayton.  Thirty nine artists, from across the country including local  artists, will display over sixty five, works of art.  The event will open Saturday January 13th, with a reception 5pm until 8 and will run through February 17th. T   Ron Himes, the iconic founder and director of the world renowned St.Louis Black Repertory Theatre Company, discussed his 47th season which opens with Paul Webb’s, world premiere of his play “Hold On” at the Edison Theater January 12th. on the Washington University campus.  The play deals with the March on Selma and the collective struggle for voting rights, for black peoples in America. Local media celebrity Tammie Holland, makes her acting debut in Paul Webb’s powerful drama “Hold On.”   Dwight Bosman, of the legendary Bosman Twins, sat in with us for this remarkable conversation on art, theater and jazz music.  Dwayne Bosman, was under the weather and unable to join us.  The Bosman Twins  are very popular in Chicago and are regularly featured at the iconic Winters Jazz Club, in the Windy City, along with  Denise Thimes.    

This episode of Tangazo - a Podcast from KDHX, looks at the holiday season as an opportunity to rejuvenate our community spirit, of family, sharing, caring and reaching out to the less fortunate.    Tim Person,  returns as my longtime cohost, along with the ultimate homemaker,Pat Nogar, live from Trooper, Pennsylvania with tips and strategies for preparing your home for the holiday season.    BJ Bell, reminds of the reason for the season and cautions us, to not get caught up in the frenzy of feeling the need go into debt, buying gifts, amid the overwhelming commercialization,of Christmas.   Whether it’s Hannaka, Kwanzaa or indeed Christmas, the point of it all is to remember the true meaning of this festive season.  

This episode was recorded live to the KDHX Youtube Stream on December 4, 2023.   Arrey L. Obenson, Director of the St.Louis International Institute will join Tangazo commentator LS Lockhart and Alderman Tom Oldenburg, of the 2nd Ward in StLouis, along with your Tangazo host Hank Thompson.    Our focus will be on the International Institute’s plan to bring Hispanic migrants,to live and work in StLouis.    The idea of having Latin American immigrants, being resettled in the StLouis region to offset a declining population,  has the support of StLouis mayor Tishaura O. Jones, labor unions, StLouis business,,industrial leaders and other local organizations. Tangazo.kdhx.org    The fact that StLouis,has a labor shortage is well documented but a program of this magnitude needs careful planning, especially in the city of StLouis which suffers from a myriad of problems.   Unresolved Issues like violent crime, undermanned police department, a stressed out school district, homelessness and long neglected black North side neighborhoods, could be exacerbated by a huge influx of Latin American immigrants, regardless of the intent of the program.    

The October 7th, Hamas surprise terrorist attack on Israel and the subsequent bombing of Gaza, in retaliation for the murder of twelve to thirteen hundred innocent men, women and children, mostly Israeli civilians followed by acts of barbarism and the kidnapping of close to two hundred and forty hostages. Has has resulted in worldwide protests from both pro Palestinian and pro Israeli groups. -----   College campuses across the nation have seen Jewish students, harassed and indeed threatened with violence in several reported incidents, as the bombing of Gaza continues along with an Israeli ground assault, aimed at rescuing hostages and killing Hamas terrorist. ------   The Jewish community is an integral part of the StLouis metro area, supporting many charitable and community organizations as stated by StLouis Urban League President Michael Patrick McMillan, in a statement of support for the Jewish community.  They are also our friends and neighbors and have a played a significant role, in the African American struggle for voting and  civil rights. ------   Jewish people have lost their lives in the quest for justice and equality for black people. ------   Rabbi Shmuel Greenwalt of University City, was in Jerusalem visiting family, when the terrorist attack occurred.    He joins us in studio for this episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo, to help us better understand how the local Jewish community feels about the pro Palestinian protests and the lack support for the Jewish community,  demonstrated by some elected officials. ------   Also joining us is Howard Loiterstein ,a former chairman of the St.Louis branch of the Anti Defamation League.  Howard is a lifelong resident of StLouis and has served on numerous community boards to “help make life better for everyone.”-----   This is a very interesting and important episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo, who’s stated mission is to build bridges between the various communities in the StLouis metro area. -----  

When I refer to my Tangazo guests as an “all star panel” it’s not hyperbole, it’s a fact. ----   It was never more true, as you will certainly understand from the 143rd episode, of the KDHX podcast Tangazo. -----   Dr Robert Lawrence Salter PhD aka Scotty Lawrence, joined me in the KDHX studio to talk about his newly released Christmas album titled, “ Scotty This Christmas.” -----    Robert shares his story of how a frightening experience with prostate cancer led him to becoming a music producer and singer of spiritual music, this is his second album. -----   Scotty is a devout 7 Day Adventist, a businessman with a Master’s in Hospital Administration and a PhD, in Education Administration. ------   In 1984 Robert and I along with graphic designer Al Hillman, started a PR company called Gemini Productions,Bob owned a recording studio on Olive street. -----    We brokered time on radio station Wmry, a jazz station in Bellville Illinois and produced a 3 hour radio magazine called “Saturday Morning Live with Salter and Thompson.” -----   We produced radios spots for virtually every elected official running for city wide office, we also produced radio campaigns for StLouis Public Schools bond issues and numerous commercial entities such as Dave Harper’s County Ford and Ken Sewell’s, King Dodge , Joes Clothing and Lithos Art Gallery. ------   In 1987 Bob Salter and I organized a community effort to restore Montgomery Hyde Parks community radio station KBDY 89.9 to the airwaves, which we moved to the Olive Street location. -----   We were recognized by a Post Dispatch editorial, for bringing together a diverse group of talented people,to not only help restore the radio station to the airwaves but also to staff it with black leaders, such as the late iconic pediatrician Dr. Helen Nash. ------   Gregory Freeman and Harry Jackson of the Post Dispatch, Betty Kerr founder of Peoples Health Centers and Dr Ron Stodghill, Superintendent of the Wellston School District and the late Michelle Lowry, director of the StLouis public schools, Role Model initiative. ------   Attorney Elaine Harris Spearman, hosted law Talk, Dr. Malaika Horne, hosted a weekly program called, Just The Facts, a show focused on alcohol and substance abuse, that show was sponsored by Kmox.    The bedrock of KBDY on air announcers, was the personable talented  Sheila Reed, along with the incomparable, former KSD news anchor Diane White, who hosted a daily morning show. Better Family Life matriarch DeBorah Ahmed, did a show called Cultural Expressions.------   We were supported by Union Sarah CEO, Nesbie Moore, a great transformational visionary leader. -----   Also Robert Hyland, the iconic General Manager of Kmox provided funding and equipment, he sent his program director Bob Osborne,to assess our needs along with a kmox engineer.  The VP Fair also sponsored KBDY programing at the direction of its Executive Director, Chuck Wallace. -----   We can’t forget our Jazz announcers such as Archie Johnson, with  his Jazz under the Arch, Melvin Bell and our station engineer Amos McClure, all had straight ahead Jazz shows on KBDY 89.9 on your fm dial!    St.Louis native William Stanford Davis, is an American actor best known for his role as school custodian Mr Johnson, on the ABC hit sitcom,”Abbot Elementary” for which he won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 54th NAACP Image Awards. -----   Abbot Elementary has won Emmy and Golden Globe Awards, with Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tyler James Williams, who starred in the long running hit sitcom, Everybody Hates Chris. -----   William Stanford Davis, a StLouis native, from the Ville neighborhood, who attended Northwest High School, landed his role on Abbot Elementary at 70 years of age. ------   He talks about his journey in Hollywood that began some 40 years ago with his determination to become an actor.  Mr. Davis, speaks passionately about working a variety of  low wage jobs, including doing stand up comedy, while pursuing his dream of an acting career and his determination to never give up.  -----   He is close friends with Black Repertory actor  Erik Kilpatrick, he also fondly remembered the late StLouis stand up comedians,Rodney Winfield and Rahn Ramey. -----   The theme of this show has to be, perseverance and having the determination to pursue and achieve your goals, no matter your age. -----    As I said in my intro, this is indeed an All Star panel of guest and your going to enjoy it. -----     

St. Louis City 2nd ward Alderman Tom Oldenburg, was our guest for last evening’s recording of the KDHX podcast Tangazo. -----   Tom, describes himself as a St. Louis enthusiast and booster for the city, he was first elected to the board alderman in 2017, to the then 16th ward, before ward reduction. ------   Tangazo commentators, Michael Wesley Jones of the StLouis American newspaper, retired journalist LS Lockhart and St.Louis activist attorney Jerryl Christmas, joined me for a spirited insightful discussion with Alderman Oldenburg, on several key city issues. ------   Our conversation began with a detailed discussion on Oldenburg’s resolution condemning the October 7th, Hamas surprise terrorist attack on Israel,  resulting in the death of close to 14 hundred civilians, mostly Israelis including women and children. The attack was followed by acts of barbarism and the kidnapping of some two hundred plus hostages. -------   Oldenburg’s resolution was originally scheduled to be read at the previous week’s meeting, of the board of aldermen but was delayed at the request of board president Dr.  Megan-Ellyia Green. ------   Tom says his resolution was almost identical to those passed by the StLouis County Council and by 396 members,of the US Congress. His attempt to introduce his resolution was met by loud protests,  disrupting the board meeting, as security was forced to remove the protesters. ------     Oldenburg suggests that the disruptions might have been planned to delay the presentation of his resolution, while a another was being prepared, by alderman Shane Cohn, with the support board of aldermen, President Green.  ------   We also talk about the homeless situation in StLouis city, which the city seems to have no real solution for. -----   Oldenburg says that 6th ward Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier’s bill, supported by board President Green, but opposed by Mayor  Jones has little to no support on the StLouis Board of Aldermen. ------   2nd ward Alderman Tom Oldenburg, says that he’s  finding himself becoming more and more aligned with St. Louis Mayor, Tishaura O. Jones. -------            

Another all star panel, for the latest episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo. ------   World renowned Jazz Diva the incomparable Denise Thimes, spoke passionately about her mission with the Mildred Thimes Pancreatic Foundation, which she founded in 2011. -------   The foundation is named for Denise’s mother the late Mildred Thimes, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer. -------   Denise, also talks about her deep relationship with Ron Himes and the iconic, St.Louis Black Repertory Theatre Company.  Thimes was featured in numerous Black Repertory productions throughout the years, including “Joe Turner Has Come and Gone” and one of my all time favorites,”Seven Guitars with the late, Linda Kennedy. -------   She also talks about how she and the Bosman Twins have taken Chicago by storm, often appearing back to back on weekends at the iconic Winters Jazz Club,  in downtown Chicago. ------   Himes, Founder and Director of the world recognized StLouis  Black Repertory Theatre Company, talks with energy and enthusiasm about his upcoming 47th season and the Reps annual Fall fundraising Gala, scheduled for November the 11th.. -----   The gala will feature the nationally known Tuskegee Golden Voices Concert Choir directed by Dr. Wayne Barr. The choir was founded in 1887 by Booker T Washington. ------   Actor  Wendell Pierce, will receive the Black Repertory’s Woodie King lifetime achievement award, at the Gala . -----   Pierce won critical acclaim for his starring role of ‘Willie Lomax, in Arthur Millers, “Death of a Salesman” on broadway.  He has had role’s in numerous movies including, Malcom X, Selma and Waiting to Exhale, just to name a few. ------   Antonio Fargus aka Huggy Bear, of the Starsky and Hutch tv series, will be in attendance.   Lastly we spoke with Ousmane Gaye, a Griot fellow with the “Griot Black History Museum,” founded by its Director Lois Conley, once  known as the, “World Black History Wax Museum.” -------   The Griot Black History Museum, has gained national recognition as one of the best Black History Museums in the nation. ------   

StLouis Board of Aldermen President, Dr. Megan-Ellyia Green, joined Tangazo host Hank Thompson and LS Lockhart, retired journalist and Tangazo commentator,for an important discussion on issues involving the homeless and public safety. ——— President Green, offered no real explanation as to why city officials seemingly waited until the eve of a visit,by Vice President Kamala Harris and those attending the Democratic National Committee’s Fall meeting ,to remove the dozens of people who had camped out on the lawn of city hall. ------ A decision that Dr. Green disagreed with, “ I’m not here to rubber stamp Mayor Tishaura Jones decisions.” ------ Our discussion included public safety concerns such as staffing the St.Louis Police department. President Green does not see an urgent need to hire more policemen as the answer to reducing crime. ------ We discussed the city’s plans for returning to red light cameras as a method to curb reckless driving and unregistered vehicles that continues to plague St.Louis. ----- Another important concern for the African American community, is the interference of Progressives in the elections of their representatives on the board of Aldermen, by bank rolling candidates that support the progressive agenda against incumbent north side Alderpersons.------ Ours is a critical discussion on serious matters facing the city of StLouis, you don’t want to miss this episode of the KDHX podcast. ------

It was a star studded panel that we assembled for last evening’s taping of the KDHX podcast Tangazo. ------ Judith Arnold, an urban planner joined panelist Joe Hanrahan, artistic director and co founder of the Midnight Theatrical Company, along with Brian McKinley, former actor and educator now serving as Director of Education and Community Engagement , for the much celebrated  StLouis Black Repertory Theatre Company. ------ Eric Dundon, Director of Public Relations for the world renowned StLouis Symphony and popular local entertainer Laka Pronounced Lay-ka, rounded out an excellent panel.  Our discussion focused on the important role our arts and cultural institutions play in the effort to make StLouis a “World Class City.” A CNN poll ranking the top 20 midsize cities in the US, finds Kansas City ranked 10th, while StLouis went unranked, although it features many of the same lifestyle attractions, as the cities that were ranked. ------ Inclusiveness was the issue we focused on,  while acknowledging governance as being one of the main reasons ,that StLouis is not viewed, as a top tier city.  Urban planner Judith Arnold, lays a foundation for our conversation,she has been working with groups creating Greenways,  through out the city, with the goal of revitalizing declining neighborhoods and changing the dynamics of the” Delmar Divide”. ------

Tonight’s episode of the Kdhx podcast Tangazo, looked at the UAW strike and it’s potential impact on future labor relations and workers in general. -----   We looked at the salary disparity,  between workers and executives and the impact of possibly having over 145 thousand auto workers on strike, could have on this country. ----- Retired journalist LS Lockhart, social justice activist Attorney Jerryl Christmas and StLouis American Senior Editorial columnist, Michael Wesley Jones, were my guest commentators, for a spirited discussion on the auto workers strike and the resurgence of Covid.-----   We asked questions, about what our government’s response to a new outbreak of Covid, might be and how people who refused available vaccines during the pandemic, were more likely to not take a new vaccine, to prevent catching the disease, this time around. ------ This is a very interesting and informative discussion on serious issues that will no doubt impact us all. ------