Before You Go

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Betty Chavis spent years as a star recruiter for Michigan Technological University.  If young people of color were to find their way far North to Houghton, MI, they needed someone to trust. Michigan Tech turned to Ms. Chavis, a Detroit native who grew up exploring all of her curiosities. An early career in dance led to sharing the stage with the best as in Katherine Dunham. Then Ms. Chavis formed her own company, performed for legends and opened her own charm center for Motown's finest. Detroit and its suburbs were her playground, and her heartbreak.  Hosts Nicole Franklin and Bryant Monteilh enjoy a wonderful hour of stories--especially a most surprising scenario with an inebriated Queen of Soul. Ms. Chavis, who still drives her red Mustang convertible is charting her course for her next adventure. Join us!

This episode made its debut on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

When Ajuma Muhammad was approached with a four-year old Black boy terrorizing the classroom, he relied on his years of practice and observations from his world travels to address  the  client's concerns. As we continue to perpetuate a climate where stress and distress affect the life expectancy of Black men, dedicated professionals like Mr. Muhammad are even more in demand. His loving and familial approach to healing definitely stem from African roots. This author of 101 Proven and Effective Strategies for Empowering Black Boys has  thoughts on how life's choices and  care for one another are the answer to productive lives well-lived.

This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

Audiences tune in to Before You Go for first-hand accounts of the lives of our seniors. What about those of a certain age behind bars? Is death-by-incarceration being discussed enough in mainstream conversation? Formerly incarcerated Yusef Jones is currently out on parole after being sentenced to 30 to 60 years in a correctional facility known for its large population of lifers. In discussing the reality of coming into the system as a young man and leaving as a senior, Mr. Jones  shares rare insight into how to survive behind bars. Education, mentoring  and hope are first and foremost, according to our guest.  And for those of us on the outside, if we want change to the enormous inequity when it comes to the justice system we have to show up and vote. As Malcolm X stated, it's "The Ballot or The Bullet."

This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

Career educator and Michiana griot Brother Sage and wife Charlotte Pfeifer Gillam, a community advocate, activist and pioneering politician share a loving approach to African American history. Community  is everything to this South Bend, Indiana couple who hail from various locations prior to their current home including Ohio, Michigan and East St. Louis, IL.  In this episode they give an audio tour of the travels of enslaved peoples via the Midwestern Underground Railroad route  and its conditions at the time. The two are also generous with their advice on pursuing education, the power of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), preserving history and finding a partner in love with whom to share these senior years.

This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

Diana Solomon-Glover answered the call from her friend and musical collaborator Chandler Carter to pursue a commission by the Santa Fe Opera for new works.  They presented the story of Fannie Lou Hamer as an opera, won the commission and  the upcoming debut is sure to be a theatrical experience like no other.

Diana is a longtime friend of Before You Go co-host Nicole Franklin. In this interview, Franklin and Bryant Monteilh learn first-hand how classical  music and African American stories are what audiences have been waiting for, and in which Diana brings a lifetime of classical music experience. As the librettist, Diana took a deep dive into Hamer's life, accomplishments and colorful quotes. Hamer did not realize until her 40s that she was even eligible to participate in the electoral process. In rallying fellow Mississippians and a nation, she experienced a violent beating while in police custody and had been the victim of forced sterilization when a surgeon performed an unauthorized hysterectomy. Diana details it all. And, through it all, Fannie Lou Hamer still inspires generations of young activists and those who benefited from her fight.

Excerpts from "This Little Light of Mine" rehearsals of Santa Fe opera and Kentucky Opera may be found here. 

Details about the opera's debut may be found here.

This episode premiered on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

August 1 in Canada is cause for a joyous occasion:  Emancipation Day! Before You Go was honored to hear all about the journey to commemorating the freeing of enslaved people from Rosemary Sadlier OOnt (Order of Ontario), a champion of African Canadian education for Canadian residents. Just like crusader Opal Lee's efforts pushed national holiday status for Juneteenth in the United States, Sadlier spent a lifetime bringing  African Canadian history to national recognition.

Unlike the United States and South America, slavery was abolished across the British Commonwealth (which includes Canada) in 1834.

Sadlier, a prolific author and past president of the Ontario Black History Society, easily recalls fascinating details of historical figures such as Mary Ann Shadd, Harriet Tubman and more. Our Emancipation Day lesson gives wonderful insight to the activities of our neighbors to the north.

This episode premiered on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

When this two star major general shared details of his military and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)  experience with our show, we knew it would be special. For the hosts there was also a jaw-dropping moment  (or two)  due to Major General Gravett's courage, agility, incredible heart and humility.  Hold onto your seat! 

This talented  hero, awarded the Medal of Valor, also  shares crucial information  that addresses the health and wellness of veterans, especially in California where he was appointed as a cabinet member to oversee their benefits. This Major General takes his role very seriously. and for this, we give a hearty salute! 

This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

Before You Go first interviewed Mother Doyle days after the terrorist attack where an 18 year-old white supremacist dressed in tactical gear fatally wounded 10 people in his mission to kill all the Black people he could. Mother Doyle does her usual grocery run on Saturdays at 2pm. She would have been there had she not gone to pick up her dry cleaning that afternoon. Unfortunately her friend and writing colleague Kat Massey was shopping that day and became victim to this horrific tragedy.

Mother Doyle is a columnist of 44 years for the city's oldest Black newspaper, The Buffalo Criterion, founded in 1924. She gives us the latest update that includes discussions around a permanent memorial, delayed distributions of millions in donations, the return of Tops and the neighborhood's plans moving forward.

This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

Rev. Andy Bales has  fought to end homelessness in Los Angeles County for more than three decades.  His tales of life on the streets of Skid Row illustrate the emergency situation in which Los Angeles has found itself. An average of 5.5 people die daily in LA County when they are  unhoused. Bales and his team at Union Rescue Mission have provided housing, counseling, job programs and much more. Seniors end up homeless for a variety of reasons. When they do they find themselves in a situation that is said to reduce life expectancy by nearly 30 years.  

This episode is a frank discussion with someone who has literally given his life to this cause--losing both legs in the process. Hosts Nicole Franklin and Bryant Monteilh were honored to spend this time with someone who knows first-hand--and who tries to implement when he and his team can-- the steps needed to put an end to this growing human tragedy.

To volunteer and/or donate, please visit Union Rescue Mission @ urm.org.

This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles.