Shelley's Plumbline: Evolution of Black Media Part 2

Shelley’s Plumbline

Today we continue our exploration of the Evolution of Black Media and the role Black radio stations played during the Civil Rights movement of the 60s.

We explore how the Black population began to look to popular disc jockeys such as Jack Gibson, Gertrude Cooper, Georgie Woods, Martha Jean “the Queen,” and the Plumbline’s very own Shelley “The Playboy” Stewart to hear coded messages regarding protests and demonstrations.

Black Radio stations gave a voice to Dr. King and other prominent members of the Movement and became the medium of choice for disseminating urgent messages and direction.

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1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Shelley discusses the beginnings of Black radio and the personalities involved. "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round." (00:01:30)

3. Excerpt of Smithonian's "Destination Freedom" program, "Black Radio, Tellin' It Like It Was. A History of Radio and the African-American Culture," hosted by Lou Rawls (00:04:22)

4. Dr. King would knock on the floor of WDLD, and a microphone would be lowered to the outside window (00:07:00)

5. Gertrude Cooper in Chicago (00:09:37)

6. Sharing the message of protest in Birmingham (00:12:07)

7. "Bomingham" -- WENN is bombed and Shelley tells the story of how the radio tower was cut down by the KKK (00:14:19)

8. Roy Wood, Sr. - radio journalist (Father of comedian Roy Wood, Jr.) (00:17:55)

9. KOKY radio station in Little Rock (00:23:32)

10. Black radio and the assassination of Dr. King (00:27:00)

11. Shelley reflects on his role as a mass communicator (00:31:24)

12. Shelley mentions his friendship with James Brown and the record he released on staying in school (00:33:44)

13. Shelley reads a poem by Marsha Washington George (00:37:51)

14. Closing credits (00:40:18)