Category: Black News

The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) unveiled a tepid assessment of the music industry’s progress toward addressing historical racism and inequity on Monday (May 15). The organization expressed particular concern about Universal Music Group’s commitment to the cause and the live music sector’s lack of “attent[ion] to Black professionals.”

“We expect this to be a process and a growth period — nobody has tops marks across the board,” said Naima Cochrane, who authored the report, during a presentation at the Music Biz conference in Nashville. “We’re talking about dismantling and addressing years of inherent bias or business practices… we did not expect any company to turn around and do a 180 [degree turn] overnight.”

The BMAC established its “Music Industry Action Report Card” in 2020 “to keep tabs on the promises music companies made in the wake of The Show Must Be Paused” — noting that achieving real progress is unlikely without some type of accountability mechanism. The second annual report concludes that the music business outlook was “not negative.” 

“Why that phrasing?” the report asks. “Because it’s not ‘all good,’ either.” 

The BMAC notes that “for the most part, companies that outlined measurable goals and plans in 2020 and 2021 have either continued in forward progression or at least held the line.” But BMAC points out that “there is a history of music companies… being called out for unfair, unjust, or otherwise imbalanced practices.” In the past, when “public pressure rescinds… things revert to how they were before, if not worse.” The report wonders: Is history set to repeat itself?

This sentiment was echoed at another Music Biz panel earlier on Monday titled “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: What Now?” Participants noted that some of the institutional support around these efforts has wavered recently. Ryan Butler, the Recording Academy’s vp of diversity, equity & inclusion, said that “the amount of people losing their DEI jobs [now] is happening just as quickly” as they were once being hired in 2020.

The BMAC report assesses each music company’s commitment to a more diverse industry according to four criteria: Corporate commitments, partnerships and giving; company representation on a senior level; internal culture and business practices; and transparency and public accountability.

The BMAC praises Sony Music (which earned grades of A, B, B and B+ in the four categories, respectively) and Warner Music Group (A, B, B, B) for “sharing more info about the makeup of their staff by gender, age, and race/ethnicity.” But the report brief expresses “concern” about Universal Music Group (B-, B+, C+, C), the biggest of the major-label groups. 

While the BMAC notes that UMG’s “Taskforce for Meaningful Change was a strong presence in the conversation around justice and change” in 2020 and 2021, the report states that “the group’s presence and visibility felt significantly diminished in 2022.” Why the change? The report questions the sudden departure of Ethiopia Habtemariam, “a significant leader,” who unexpectedly left Motown in November. 

The BMAC also calls out Capitol Music Group’s “massive cultural blunder” and “especially egregious misstep” with the virtual rapper FN Meka, who was widely viewed as perpetuating racist stereotypes and subsequently dropped from the label’s roster. (“We offer our deepest apologies to the Black community for our insensitivity in signing this project without asking enough questions about equity and the creative process behind it,” Capitol said in a statement at the time.) “The project was a perfect illustration of how music companies have historically commodified a distilled or skewed version of Black culture without including Black decision-makers and/or voices in the process,” the BMAC writes.  

In addition to evaluating the major label groups, the BMAC scrutinizes the Recording Academy (B, B+, B, B) — which it praises for working “to increase diversity in the voting membership and remove the more opaque aspects of Grammy voting” — and streaming services: “Amazon Music stood out this year for its visible representation among senior staff and its partnerships.” The BMAC also notes approvingly that Spotify has been “diligent in the execution of [its] BLK 5-Star Strategy for diversity, inclusion, and combating inequity.”

In the live music business, where “Black people were systematically shut out for decades,” the BMAC observes that “the impact of that exclusion still reverberates both in offices and on tours.” Promoting diversity “needs to be as much of a concentrated focus at [live music] companies as it is on the record music side,” the BMAC argues. The talent agencies UTA, CAA and WME/Endeavor were all given grades of “needs improvement,” as was AEG Presents. Wasserman and Live Nation were deemed “satisfactory.” 

Finally, the BMAC turns its attention to radio, which continues to adhere to “genre lines” that limit the “visibility and opportunity for both our Black artists and Black executives,” according to the report. “The media conglomerates that control the majority of the pop and urban airwaves still have an enormous impact on artist success but also still operate on often arbitrary and outdated music standards,” it continues. BMAC added that “radio is on watch.”

The latest Music Industry Action Report Card acknowledges that “racism, a 400+ year-old disease, will not be cured in 24 months.” But “we’re looking for equality,” Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, co-founder and co-chair of the BMAC, said during the Music Biz panel. “We’re looking for a level playing field.”

A true shift in the music industry, Stiggers added, is something “we still have yet to see.”

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

South Side poet, activist, playwright and author Useni Eugene Perkins, who made it his life’s mission to uplift Black people, was awash in the arts from a young age.

As a kid, Mr. Perkins rode around Bronzeville on the handlebars of his father’s bike. His father, Marion Perkins, was a sculptor who created art at one of the nation’s oldest African American arts centers — the South Side Community Art Center. It was about three blocks from their home at the Ida B. Wells housing project.

His father was friends with Chicago poet and activist Margaret Burroughs, as well as literary greats like Richard Wright and Paul Robeson. 

As a young adult, Mr. Perkins was a social worker. He was program director for the Henry Horner Chicago Boys Club and later worked at the Better Boys Foundation. He took the reins at the Lawndale nonprofit when Warner Saunders left as executive director to focus on his television news career.

Mr. Perkins’ books include “Home Is A Dirty Street: The Social Oppression of Black Children” and “Harvesting New Generations: The Positive Development of Black Youth.” 

“He was a man of serious conscience who was really about the freedom and liberation of his people,” said Haki Madhubuti, a friend and founder of Third World Press. 

Mr. Perkins served as social director of the Chicago Urban League and interim president of the DuSable Museum of African American History.

He published “Rise of the Phoenix: Voices from Chicago’s Black Struggle 1960-1975” in 2017 at age 85.

Mr. Perkins, whose works, letters and manuscripts are housed at the Chicago Public Library, died May 7 from heart failure. He was 90.

Mr. Perkins in the 1960s was a leader in the Black Catalyst Movement, dedicated to advancing the rights of Black people. 

“We were social workers, artists and teachers,” said Carol Adams, a friend who took part in the movement. “We were a collective of thinkers and doers who shared the same sense of purpose, and we’d get together and go out in the community and work.”

Mr. Perkins once harnessed the power of the group to focus on visiting young people in detention centers and prisons, something he did for decades. 

His best-known work, “Hey Black Child,” is recited in classrooms across the country and reads, in part: “Hey black child, do you know who you are? Who you really are? Do you know you can be what you want to be? If you try to be what you want to be.”

The lines came to him in 1974 under duress the night before a play he’d written — “The Black Fairy” — was to be performed as a musical at a theater at the Better Boys Foundation on the West Side where Mr. Perkins worked. 

“I didn’t like the ending of the show and went to Useni and said, ‘We don’t have a close, it’s missing,’” recalled filmmaker Pemon Rami, a colleague at the time who directed the play. “And he wrote it overnight and brought it back and that became the ending of the show and his most prolific and well-known piece of writing.”

The play is about a Black fairy who lacks pride and goes on a journey to discover her roots. It was a theme Mr. Perkins touched on throughout his life: understanding where you came from to help guide where you’re going. He wrote the play after his daughter, Julia, who was 8 at the time, asked why there were no Black people in children’s plays after the two attended a show at the Goodman Theatre.

Rami and Mr. Perkins went door-to-door in the community to recruit kids and parents to participate in the theater.

“As gang-ridden as Lawndale was at the time, we had no issues at the theater,” Rami said. “They respected those productions, and some of that was because they had people in their own neighborhood they could see on stage, and it offered them a high-quality experience.”

He attended Wendell Phillips High School before joining the Air Force. While stationed in Texas, he enjoyed crossing the border into Mexico on Sundays to attend bullfights and briefly considered becoming a matador. He opted instead for a degree and attended George Williams College.

Mr. Perkins enjoyed running and ran in numerous 5K races and at least one Chicago marathon. He also loved playing tennis at Jackson Park and getting together with a group of friends dubbed “the breakfast club” in recent years at the Daley Restaurant near 63rd and Cottage Grove.

“Chicago lost a renaissance man,” said his daughter, Julia, a nonprofit consultant. “Someone who had a meaningful purpose in life to uplift the lives of African Americans, especially the Black youth, but Chicago gained the richness and beauty of the writings he left that will span generations.”

His career got a late jolt when video of a 3-year-old Chicago girl reciting “Hey Black Child” went viral, which led her to appearances on “Windy City Live” and Steve Harvey’s “Little Big Shots.”

Somewhere along the line, the poem was attributed to Maya Angelou — an error that Mr. Perkins had encountered before. 

No matter, a publishing company tracked him down and asked if it could turn the poem into a children’s book, which became Mr. Perkins’ most financially successful work. 

In addition to his daughter, Mr. Perkins is survived by his wife, Sharon Perkins, and son, Russell Perkins, as well as his niece, Marian Perkins, nephew, L’Overture Perkins, and sister-in-law Thelma Perkins.

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

Looking for great itinerary ideas for a trip to Washington DC? Our Washington DC itinerary is all you need to plan the perfect trip!

Cloaked in history, Washington DC commands immediate attention due to its collection of iconic monuments. With head-turning architecture, a trip down memory lane and a glimpse of the White House, the nation’s capital attracts travelers from across the globe.

The Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, National Portrait Gallery, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and the free Smithsonian Museums are just a handful of the famous landmarks in the capital city of the USA. These locations will form the bulk of everyone’s Washington DC itinerary.

But travelers who balance this with an exploration of the city’s memorable neighborhoods and nearby historic districts get to truly understand what makes the city tick. That being said, it’s a haven for foodies, it boasts a diverse art scene, and has a seriously underrated nightlife.

So whether you want to cross off all the monuments from your bucket list, or you want to check out more nightlife and DC restaurants, this beautiful and very walkable city has something in store for you!

Don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide to the 21 Best Things To Do In Washington DC if you have more time!

How to Spend 3 Days in Washington DC Itinerary

To help you make the most of your time in the US capital city, we’ve created a 3-day Washington DC itinerary that includes all the highlights of this famous city.

Your Washington DC trip will be packed with history, food, fun, and excitement, so lace up your walking shoes and charge your camera!

Day 1 in Washington DC

Your first day in Washington DC encompasses many of the must-see and underrated attractions away from the National Mall.

Enjoy one of the coolest neighborhoods downtown before learning more about the sudden end of a president’s reign. Being your first night in Washington DC, let your hair down with a fun night along the U Street corridor.

Day 1 Morning – The Penn Quarter

Having just arrived in Washington DC, you may be ready to rock and roll your way down the National Mall. But let’s not get carried away just yet. Your Washington DC itinerary begins in the Penn Quarter, a central district with art, history, and great food.

Next door to some of DC’s most famous attractions, the Penn Quarter can easily be overlooked. But it’s one of the city’s most fascinating neighborhoods, so a little bit of everything blends together.

Get your energy levels up by first squashing your appetite at Lincoln’s Waffle Shop. After indulging in some classic breakfast eats, check out the nearby Chinatown where street musicians mingle among the early risers to create a blossoming morning atmosphere.

Next, make your way to the infamous Ford’s Theatre, the location of President Lincoln’s assassination. Now home to a museum, this historic theater is open for you to explore and learn about Lincoln’s legacy and his fateful passing.

Take this guided walking tour and immerse yourself in the Civil War era as you retrace the events that led to Lincoln’s assassination.

Day 1 Afternoon – Theatre and Art

Having worked up an appetite take some time to ready yourself for the rest of the day. A visit to Matchbox for wood-fired pizzas wouldn’t hurt.

After lunch wander down to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, for your first taste of Washington DC’s marvelous museum scene. Housing an extensive collection of works dating back to the early Colonial period, the museum focuses primarily on decorative and contemporary art.

Set within the Old Patent Office Building, you’ll find works by more than 7,000 artists on display. Covering over 400 years of history, you’ll be taken on a journey through various American landscapes as seen through the eyes of explorers, pioneers, and everyday men and women as the nation continued to expand westward.

You’ll discover a diversity of perspectives with works by over 200 African American artists housed in the gallery. In addition, there is Latina art and a fascinating collection of folk artists.

In the same building as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, is the National Portrait Gallery. Where the former explores an ever-changing America, the latter is an insightful collection of portraits that showcase Americans that have left an indelible mark on this nation.

Take a trip back to the country’s humble beginnings and work your way forward to see the faces of historic figures and former presidents. Afterward, check out the Kogod Courtyard where towering trees mingle with elegant plants in an enclosed space lathered with skylights.

Day 1 Evening – Have a Night

There are several major nightlife hubs in Washington DC. Yes, this city of politics and history still knows how to let its hair down. From Penn Quarter, jump on the Green line towards Greenbelt and make your way towards the beloved U Street corridor.

This is the location of your first night out in DC, where you can find a bar or club for all traveling types. But before you take a deep dive into the local nightlife scene, be sure to fill up the belly.

U Street is a spot for foodies, whether it’s downing something cheap, delicious, and heart-attack worthy or enjoying something more refined. At El Centro DC, you’ll discover an open kitchen where zesty tacos and enchiladas create a party across your tongue and the quality tequila doesn’t struggle to go down the hatch.

For something quick, easy, and iconic, head to Ben’s Chili Bowl that’s been a haven for locals since 1958. The original chili burger is mouthwatering and promises to soak up the bulk of the night’s alcohol.

Exploring more of the USA’s big cities? Check out our 3 days in New York City itinerary!

Once you’re ready to party, you can begin with Caribbean-themed cocktails and the pastel-hued Colada Shop. Catch your favorite team at Nellie’s Sports Bar, a gay sports bar that slowly turns into a dance venue as the night gets on.

However, to really go large, take your pick between U Street Music Hall and 9:30 Club. Both legendary local haunts, the former is underground with a range of live music and DJs. The latter is a larger venue where you can mingle with a big audience and catch local and major artists.

Day 2 in Washington DC

After a big night out in Washington DC, get ready to experience what makes DC such a wonderful destination. Dive head-on into the dozens of historic landmarks, thought-provoking museums, and elegant downtown green spaces.

After a big day of history and facts, enjoy some eclectic culture and music on H Street.

Day 2 Morning – Morning Strolls and the National Mall

Provided you haven’t managed to wipe out your entire morning sleeping, there’s no better time to get out of bed and head to Tidal Basin. If you’ve come in the spring, Tidal Basin will be blooming with beautiful cherry blossoms.

However, at any time of year, it’s a lovely place to stretch your legs with a coffee in hand. As you walk alongside your basin, you’ll witness a number of key attractions reflecting on the water’s surface.

Perhaps the most famous is the domed Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Inspired by the Roman Pantheon, the memorial boasts 54 Ionic columns surrounded by an almost 20-foot statue of Jefferson himself.

Next on your Washington DC itinerary, it’s finally time to explore the National Mall. This is the heart of the Washington DC experience!

Dive deeper into US history with a visit just down the road to Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia!

The National Mall is home to an abundance of major attractions and free museums, and you could easily spend multiple days here. At one end, you’ll find the Lincoln Memorial at the other the Capitol Building.

In between is the glistening Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool that never fails to rouse your emotions and the memorable Washington Monument

You should take your time exploring the memorial, the pool, and the monument, beginning at the former. From its steps, you can look down the pool towards the Washington Monument and enjoy one of the best photography spots in DC.

Between the two are more major attractions, these include the memorials to veterans of both the Vietnam War and the Korean War along with the Holocaust Memorial Museum.

On this bike tour, you can explore all of this morning’s big attractions on two wheels.

Day 2 Afternoon – More Museums and Great Eats

For lunch, grab something quick and easy and take it to the Elipse. This is a large green space that looks towards the Washington Monument and the White House. Once you’re ready to continue the adventure, it’s time for the Smithsonian Museums.

Between your starting point and the United States Capitol Building, you’ll find 11 museums, historical exhibits, and galleries under the purview of the Smithsonian Museum Institution.

Covering an enormous range of topics, you’ll quickly find a museum that best suits your interest whether it’s the National Museum of African American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Archives Museum, or the expansive National Gallery of Art.

It’s best to choose one or two, as you’ll quickly find yourself running out of daylight.

Having now ticked off a couple of Smithsonian Museums (remember you can always come back for more tomorrow), you’ll find Capitol Hill a short walk away. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and is a pleasure to walk around. This is especially true when the fall colors are in bloom.

In Capitol Hill, you’ll find an old-time neighborhood where manors mix with old row homes and historic churches dot the street corners. A major highlight is the beloved Eastern Market. Discover a mix of food vendors showcasing international cuisine, local classics, and tasty treats.

Day 2 Evening – Art, Culture, and Cocktails

Having loaded up at the Eastern Market, you’ll be ready to jump straight back into the Washington DC nightlife on H Street. This dynamic corridor runs for 1.5 miles providing a night of eclectic art, funky restaurants, bustling bars, and unpredictable pop-ups.

H Street is an artistic haven, one that has undergone significant urban renewal without losing its grungy edge. It’s here that you’ll find the Atlas Performing Arts Center with four performance spaces and free events it’s a renowned spot to catch a live show.

With another dose of arts and culture under your belt, continue to make your way down H Street where you’ll soon find the Argonaut. Come here for a casual drink in a tavern-style establishment that offers a fantastic happy hour.

For a high-class evening, trade the Argonaut for H Street Martini Lounge. One of H Street’s originals, the bar has amazing bartenders that serve up twists on classic drinks such as the Caramel Candy Apple and the Bermuda Triangle.

With the pre-game done and dusted take things up a notch with a visit to Vibez on H Street. Basic name aside, this two-story bar and lounge comes with great views, and puts on a great show with their regular live music nights.

READ NEXT: Dive deeper into history and plan your trip to Philadelphia.

Day 3 in Washington DC

The final day of your 3 days in Washington DC itinerary is all about exploring the popular, happening spots outside of downtown.

The morning starts with a somber experience at one of America’s prominent cemeteries before history and food collide in historic Georgetown. Your time in DC then comes to an end with seafood and America’s pastime.

Day 3 Morning – Time for Reflection

With views of DC across the surging Potomac River, the location of the Arlington National Cemetery is already captivating. But add the presence and history of those that have been laid to rest here and the experience quickly becomes breathtaking.

The solemn, beautiful, and inspiring Arlington National Cemetery has famous names in US history resting alongside unsung heroes who have strived to pave the way for peace and prosperity.

The cemetery has been in place since the American Civil War, with several prominent Revolutionary soldiers exhumed and reburied on site.

One part of the cemetery stands above the rest, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The crypt holds the remains of a number of unidentified soldiers from major 20th-century wars.

Read Next: Check out our post on how to enjoy a few days in nearby Baltimore.

After exploring as much of the Arlington Cemetery’s 630 acres make your way to the nearby Potomac River. After two days of majoritively indoor activities, enjoy the sunshine, and the surrounding nature and see Washington DC from a different perspective.

There are two common ways to enjoy your time on the Potomac River. One is relaxing and the other promises to get your heartbeat racing.

If you prefer to be relaxed, jump onboard the Spirit of Washington DC for a cruise along the Potomac. Along the way, you’ll see some of the previous day’s highlights from afar while learning all about Old Town Alexandria.

If you feel like you’ve spent too much time indoors while visiting DC, then I think I hear a kayak calling your name. Head to Key Bridge Boathouse where you can rent a kayak or a SUP for a one to four-hour paddle towards downtown, monuments, and Theodore Roosevelt Island.

Day 3 Afternoon – Go Beyond Downtown Washington DC and Explore Georgetown

Georgetown is the place to venture if you want to go beyond downtown Washington DC. This delightful National Historic District is home to Georgetown University, dozens of adorable old-time streets along with some seriously delicious baked goods.

Speaking of tasty eats, Georgetown is a local food mecca. This walking food tour peels (pun intended) back the curtain on the oldest neighborhood in Washington DC while also revealing the several amazing restaurants that have given this area an entirely different persona.

Regardless of how much you eat on the tour, however, you must find room for Georgetown Cupcake. This local institution has been beloved by locals and travelers alike thanks to its out-of-this-world baked desserts.

Having now explored the historic streets and memorable eateries in Georgetown, head along to Theodore Roosevelt Island. Cross the bring to the national park where you’ll be surrounded by peaceful nature in time to enjoy watching the sun fall across Maryland and Virginia.

Several simple trails take you around the island, you’ll find peace among the woods interrupted only by Roosevelt Island’s abundance of birds.

Day 3 Evening – A Chill Last Night

Having partied the night away the previous two days, enjoy a relaxing final night in Washington DC. Starting at the Southwest Waterfront on the other side of the Potomac River, indulge in the city’s best seafood scene.

At the Municipal Fish Market embark on an important rite of passage as you try some of the DC’s best shucked ocean treats. For something equally quick and delicious check out the beloved Jessie Taylor Seafood, where you can even pick up fresh catch.

You’ll also find yourself close to a range of cuisine from Thai and Korean at Kaliwa along with New Orleans-inspired cuisine at Kith/Kin.

Once you’re fed, it’s time to kick back and enjoy America’s pastime at Nationals Park. From March to October, the Washington Nationals of the MLB play right here. Within walking distance of Southwest Waterfront, you’ll soon be with a beer in hand singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

Then your 3 days in Washington DC are up and you’ll have to start planning another weekend trip here!

Heading north? Here is our list of the best things to do in Boston, Massachusetts!

Washington DC Travel Guide

Now that we have broken down the best things to see for 3 days in Washington DC, and also the order in which to do them, it’s time to dig into the finer details. Below is further information that will help you get the most out of your DC experience.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Washington DC

Washington DC is a year-round destination further enforced by the amount of amazing indoor activities to be found here. But differing seasons bring more than just a change of weather.

Winter is off-season in Washington DC. However, you can expect hearty crowds around Christmas time when charming markets, and the holiday spirit is in full swing.

Spring is a great time to visit DC as it’s beginning to warm up yet the high season is yet to arrive. The one exception is National Cherry Blossom Festival that takes place at Tidal Basin. This is cherry blossom season, which will make your exploration of downtown DC much more beautiful.

Summer, of course, is peak season. There are numerous festivals that bring in large crowds and you can expect longer lines at major attractions. Despite the increased temperature, it’s actually the wettest time of year in Washington DC.

Our favorite time of year for visiting Washington DC is the fall. Crowds and hotel prices start to tumble and the city’s fall foliage is majestic to witness.

Getting Around Washington DC

For 3 days in Washington DC, you can easily get around on foot. Attractions like the White House, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the Lincoln Memorial are all within walking distance.

With that said, if you prefer to let someone else do the work, sign up for the city’s Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Aside from rideshare and public transport options, this is the best way to get around Washington DC without breaking a sweat.

The tour hits up all major landmarks, including the ones in our guide. With a packed bus schedule, you can take your time and not worry about when the next one might arrive.

Travelers thinking about taking public transport should get their hands on a SmarTrip card. These cost $2 dollars and allow you to make use of buses and the metro line, both costing between $1 and $4 depending on the length of the trip.

Where To Stay In Washington DC

Now that you know where to go and how to get around, let’s begin to focus on the best places to stay in Washington DC. The nation’s capital attracts all kinds of travelers, so we’ve been sure to include accommodations that suit all budgets.

Best Hostel In Washington DC

In Dupont Circle, you’ll be surrounded by a memorable local community at Generator. But it’s the four-star amenities and social hostel atmosphere that you’ll love the most.

Located in a chill neighborhood, you can enjoy a relaxing vibe but you can also hop on public transport to get to iconic spots like the National Museum of African American History and the White House.

Best Mid-Range Hotel In Washington DC

Close to the Arlington National Cemetery, the Homewood Suites places travelers in a good position to explore all the sights of Washington DC and Georgetown. Guests can also make use of on-site bike rental and restaurant with complimentary breakfast.

Best Luxury Hotel In Washington DC

For luxury in DC, you can’t pass up a stay at the Riggs. Enjoy city views, a high-end bar and restaurant, a fitness center, plus close proximity to Washington DC highlights. There is no better place to stay in this amazing city if you’re looking for luxury!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Carter Broadcast Group has new reason to celebrate.

In honor of it’s 73rd anniversary in Kansas City, Carter Broadcast Group launched a new R&B station. Carter Broadcast Group bought Topeka’s 106.9 radio station which played Classic Country.

Now the station will play artists like Mary J. Blige, Jazmine Sullivan, Silk Sonic, Jodeci, Jill Scott, Michael Jackson and SWV.

Carter Broadcast Company is the oldest Black-owned, family operated radio broadcast company in the U.S.

Andrew Skip Carter founded the company and KPRS during segregation in 1950. He played original music by Black artists that wasn’t played on the radio anywhere else.

“Because we’ve been in the market for a long time we know the market and we know the music. With us launching this new radio station, this allows us to give back to our community, give them another source for great R&B music and we know that we can provide it better than any other radio station in this market,” Myron Fears with Carter Broadcast Group said.

The new station will also carry the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, weekdays from 5-9 a.m.

Listeners can also get the new RNB 106.9 FM on the RNB 106.9 mobile app, iHeartRadio app, Amazon Echo, Google Home and online at mb.1069.com.

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment