Black Radio is discussed at Town Hall meeting

L-R: Restore Our Voice President Gayle Sledge & SA Community Radio President Mario Marcel Salas


San Antonio Community Radio Draws Big Crowd
By Mario Marcel Salas
(Edited for length)

An overflow crowd gathered at the Frank Garrett Center to hear San Antonio Community Radio, Incorporated (SACR) reveal its plan to bring community radio to San Antonio. Over 150 people crowded into the center to be educated and entertained by the organization. The program’s theme was “The Value of a community-owned radio station in a commercial-dominated industry.”

The organization has been working to obtain a radio station in the wake of the loss of KSJL. The program began at 2:30 p.m. with an opening prayer by Rev. Thomas. Lorena Robinson, follwed by two songs by a local singer that motivated the audience to the up-beat efforts of trying to restore the voice of the African American and minority community.

Gayle Sledge began the program providing a history of how the group, “Restore Our Voice,” brought the vision of community radio to San Antonio.

Frank Garrett Jr., consultant for SACR, Inc., addressed the issue of lack of priority of a commercial-dominated industry vs the community. Frank Garrett Jr., spoke quite forcefully about empowering the community through radio and pointed out that without control of the airways, those issues that affect the lives of minorities would be ignored.

Dr. Marcus Nelson, Associate Superintendent of the Judson School District, offered information on the importance of community radio to educate and empower our youth with positive music and education that can up-lift a community rather than tear it down.

A postive rapper himself, Dr. Nelson provided the audience with a sample of the type of positive RAP that could be played on community radio free from the “N” word and the disrespect shown toward women.

The program and efforts to create a community radio station also received the support of the Vice-President of the San Antonio School District, Mr. James Howard, and the District 2 representative. Those in attendance, and or support, included former City Councilman Art Hall, former Councilman John Sanders, representatives from City Council Districts 1 and 5, and former Mayor Ed Garza. District 2 City Councilwoman Sheila McNeil also sent her support to the group. Hundreds of emails of support poured into the organizations email box and some of those emails were read.

Emails received included responses from African Americans, Hispanics, Whites, women, youth, and military members at Lackland AFB and Fort Sam Houston. Also attending were Deanne Cuellar, a representative of the Prometheus Radio Project, and Graciela Sanchez of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center.

Members of the Brown Berets also offered comments.