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Shelley's Plumbline is a podcast that leads us in a search for the truth on tough social topics. The podcast is hosted by Dr. Shelley Stewart. WELCOME TO SEASON 13! Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Inductees. Click To Read More. The Oldest Podcaster in The United States Welcome to the Plumbline JOIN OUR SEARCH FOR TRUTH In construction, a plumbline is a weight suspended from a string used as a tool to find the true reference line. A plumbline will always find the vertical axis pointing to the center of gravity, ensuring everything is right, justified, and centered. Pulling from a library of more than 3,000 shows from his storied career in broadcasting, Shelley's Plumbline leads us in a search for the truth, opening the channels of communication and understanding on tough social topics that are as relevant today as they were 40 years ago. Join us as we explore the past, compare it to today, and craft a better future. Listen to this week's episode "I will never allow my personal agenda get in the way of common sense." Dr. Shelley Stewart Upload Click An Icon Below To Listen To Podcast BUSINESS & SPEAKING ENQUIRIES EVENTS PRESS PR & PODCAST ENQUIRIES

Season 13: SEASON 13: EPISODE 1 Whatever Happened to Rosa Parks? Today, Shelley and Ricky focus their discussion on the ongoing disregard for both Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks after the bus boycott, noting Parks' financial struggles and the general minimization of women's contributions by male movement leaders. Shelley and Ricky share a broader contemporary critique, lamenting the societal decline in critical thinking and sacrifice, and analyzing how modern oppressive systems have adapted to be less overt but more dangerous. The Plumbline concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on the history of Colvin and Parks to assess the current status of the Black community and the importance of thought and communication. Season 12: SEASON 12: EPISODE 10 Some Truths About Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks. This episode of Shelley's Plumline, explores the 70th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott with special guest Gloria Laster, the older sister of Claudette Colvin. The discussion centers on the overlooked role of Colvin, the 15-year-old arrested nine months before Rosa Parks for the same act of defiance. Laster recounts how Colvin was a plaintiff in the successful Browder v. Gale Supreme Court case that desegregated transportation but was intentionally excluded from the movement's public narrative. The conversation details the factors that led organizers, including the NAACP, to choose Rosa Parks as the movement's face. Unlike Colvin, Parks' adult status and "respectable" image were considered more palatable, while Colvin was sidelined due to her youth, dark skin tone, poor family background, and rumors of pregnancy (later clarified as having occurred after her arrest). The episode stresses that the initial idea for the bus boycott was driven by women whose efforts were later minimized when male leaders, including Martin Luther King, took over. Shelley and Ricky Jones reflect on the ultimate disregard shown to many women of the movement, including Colvin and other plaintiffs like Mary Louise Smith and Aurelia Browder. They discuss how both Colvin and Rosa Parks were poorly treated by the male-dominated leadership, with Parks ultimately dying poor while their male counterparts gained prestigious positions. The episode sets the stage for a promised follow-up program, "Whatever Happened to Rosa Parks," to shed light on her struggles in the years after the Civil Rights Act. SEASON 12: EPISODE 9 Shelley's Role in the Children's March. In this episode, Shelley and Ricky discuss the key role that Shelley played in the Children's March. The scene is Birmingham, Alabama, April and May of 1963. Martin Luther King Jr.’s advisors had deliberately chosen the city to confront the notoriously violent Police Commissioner, Bull Connor. Shelley recounts advising King to leave the pulpit and engage directly with the people on the street, which helped build community support. The planning for the march was highly secretive, with Shelley devising a strategy to communicate with children across schools, by playing Joe Turner’s record, “Shake, Rattle and Roll" during Shelley's radio show. He would follow up the song by saying there's going to be a “picnic in the park,” as the signal for the children to gather. The execution of the March quickly escalated into a national crisis. On May 2, 1963, the first day of the march, over 600 children were arrested. On the second day, Bull Connor’s decision to use fire hoses and police dogs against more than 1,000 children provoked an overwhelming response from the parents, who then joined the movement. Shelley shares that Bull Connor was entirely overwhelmed, leading to the situation being “too far gone,” which ultimately prompted the intervention of President John F. Kennedy. The group emphasized the importance of preserving this history, particularly the role of the "foot soldiers" who are often forgotten in the crusade for human rights. SEASON 12: EPISODE 8 Shelley's Encounters with the KKK In this episode, Shelley recounts his conflicts with the Ku Klux Klan in Birmingham in the 1950s, intensified by his refusal to adhere to segregated customs in local stores. Shelley reveals that many Klan members were police officers and local business owners. His activism escalated on his WEDR radio show, where he publicly discussed the segregated city, education, and incidents of violence and bombing that major white papers omitted. This defiance resulted in death threats from the Klan and pressure on the station owner. Encounters included the KKK painting graffiti on the radio station in 1958 and a confrontation at an integrated dance club in 1960. SEASON 12: EPISODE 7 Shelley's Early Days in Radio SEASON 12: EPISODE 6 Shelley "The Playboy" Enters the Radio Hall of Fame SEASON 12: EPISODE 5 If We Knew Better, Part 2 SEASON 12: EPISODE 4 If We Knew Better, Part 1 SEASON 12: EPISODE 3 Miseducation Continues SEASON 12: EPISODE 2 Racism Today. SEASON 12: EPISODE 1 Hosea Revisited. Season 11: SEASON 11: EPISODE 10 Shelley's 91st Birthday SEASON 11: EPISODE 9 What has Happened to Black Media? SEASON 11: EPISODE 8 Is Our Progress Going Backwards? SEASON 11: EPISODE 7 Education Lifts All Ships SEASON 11: EPISODE 6 Is DEI Dead? Is Education Undervalued? In this powerful conversation, 91-year-old icon Dr. Shelley Stewart teams up again with his son, Dr. Ricky Jones, to expose what’s really happening in education today—from the attacks on DEI to the erasure of Black educators. This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a multigenerational truth-telling session between strength and wisdom—between a father and son who refuse to stay silent. SEASON 11: EPISODE 5 Is Ignorance Destroying (the) US? In Episode 5 of Season 11, Shelley’s Plumbline delivers a masterclass on hard truths. From the myth of post-racial progress to the silencing of Black educators, Dr. Shelley Stewart and Dr. Ricky Jones ask: 🔥 Why are we still teaching justice to those in power? 🔥 What’s the cost of Black people always being “the lesson” in white institutions? 🔥 How do we reclaim our schools, our minds, our futures? Dr. Stewart: “I’m not giving up.” Dr. Jones: “Some places are a lost cause. We need to stop wasting time begging and start building.” 🧠 This isn’t just dialogue—it’s documentation. 🎙 Catch the conversation that refuses to stay silent. SEASON 11: EPISODE 4 Are We Afraid to Dream? This week, Shelley chats once again with Dr. Ricky Jones, Professor of Pan-African Studies at the University of Louisville. Dr. Jones highlights W.E.B. Du Bois's views on broad educational access for African Americans and critiques the negative impact of integration on Black education. Shelley and Dr. Jones explore the historical context of Black education and media, the loss of community control, and the challenges within predominantly white institutions. The discussion also touched upon the "Yankelovich report" and "strategic concealment," the "black tax" and dreaming beyond employment, and the persistent challenges of racism in America. Shelley and Dr Jones highlight the importance of economic responsibility and education within the Black community, discussing challenges in business and community development, and debating the feasibility of achieving systemic change versus individual successes. SEASON 11: EPISODE 3 Education Can Happen Anywhere What’s education got to do with it? Everything. But in a system built to hold us back, education isn’t even the top concern—discrimination is. In this bold and necessary conversation, Dr. Stewart sits down with Attorney Tom Larkin to unpack the roots of educational inequality, the legacy of slavery, and the power of putting fat in the game. Listen to this episode of Shelley’s Plumbline—where truth, love, and agitation meet. Featuring: Attorney Tom Larkin SEASON 11: EPISODE 2 From Projects to PhD: An Interview with Ricky Jones on the Importance of Education. (Rebroadcast) “People who are in control of the country because of racial stratification want to stay in control by keeping people stupid about the country’s history.” — Dr. Ricky Jones In this compelling episode of Shelley’s Plumbline, Dr. Jones calls out the deliberate silence around slavery and America’s original sins — the genocide of Native Americans and the enslavement of Black people. He and Dr. Stewart ask the hard questions: Why are so many still afraid to confront this history? And what is the cost of pretending it didn’t happen? Truth-telling isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s revolutionary. SEASON 11: EPISODE 1 Finding My Father This week on Shelley’s Plumbline… a revelation that changes everything. Dr. Ricky Jones has spent his life speaking truth to power. But in this episode, he shares a truth of his own—one that’s raw, personal, and decades in the making. For the first time publicly, Ricky reveals the identity of his father. That man… is Dr. Shelley Stewart. Yes—our Shelley. Human Rights icon. Radio legend. And the father Ricky never knew. What happens when two men—strangers by circumstance, bound by blood—sit face-to-face for the first time? You’ll want to hear this. The letter Ricky shared with our very own, Dr. Shelley Stewart, over 20 years ago. Season 10: SEASON 10: EPISODE 10 From Projects to PhD: An Interview with Ricky Jones on the Importance of Education. SEASON 10: EPISODE 9 Don't Be A Home for Hatred SEASON 10: EPISODE 8 Welcome Shelley Stewart to the Radio Hall of Fame! SEASON 10: EPISODE 7 Sharing Generational Knowledge with Elijah Davis SEASON 10: EPISODE 6 Young, Gifted and Black. A Chat with Artist Erica Chisholm SEASON 10: EPISODE 5 The Unknown Community of Calcis, Alabama SEASON 10: EPISODE 4 Discussing Fatherhood with Marlon Keller SEASON 10: EPISODE 3 Still Singing the Blues SEASON 10: EPISODE 2 There's a Leak in the Roof SEASON 10: EPISODE 1 Education is Our Greatest Asset Season 9: SEASON 9: EPISODE 10 Another Look At Hosea Williams Dr. King's legacy inspired generations of activists and leaders, and his contributions continue to be recognized and celebrated today as a beacon of hope and progress. But Dr. King had a premonition about his death, and he warned the members of his inner circle to beware of the tactics external forces would use to break the movement apart after he was gone. In today's episode, Shelley takes another look at his interview with Hosea Williams . As a member of the King's inner circle, Hosea Williams served as the advance man, organizing some of the most important events in the movement. Williams traveled to cities throughout the South, recruiting and organizing volunteers, paving the way for appearances by King, Jesse Jackson, and Andrew Young. Williams and John Lewis led the "Bloody Sunday" march in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. This episode features an interview from September of 1994 with Shelley Stewart and Hosea Williams. Hosea reveals the dire warning King had for the members of his inner circle. Was Hosea Williams right? Did the Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Become a Nightmare? Listen and let us know what you think. SEASON 9: EPISODE 9 Happy Heavenly Birthday to Sam Stewart April 29 is a special day in Shelley's life. It is the birthday of his younger brother, Sam. Join us as Shelley shares an interview from 1994 with his brother Sam, just two weeks before his passing. SEASON 9: EPISODE 8 Respect for All SEASON 9: EPISODE 7 Responsibility in the Modern Age SEASON 9: EPISODE 6 Old Sayings That Still Have Meaning SEASON 9: EPISODE 5 A Meeting Is Not A Movement SEASON 9: EPISODE 4 Make America Greater SEASON 9: EPISODE 3 The Importance of Education SEASON 9: EPISODE 2 A Reunion with the Son of Mr Clyde Hey Plumbliners, we’ve often talked about Mr Clyde – the man who took Shelley in when he was living in Stringfellows Stable. Well, a few weeks ago Shelley had a reunion with Mr Clyde’s son. Stay tuned and we’ll tell you all about it. SEASON 9: EPISODE 1 Shelley's Back! Hey Plumbliners. Welcome to Season 9 of the Plumbline. Let’s take a walk about to the back porch and hear some of Shelley’s reflections on his 90 years of life. Get ready, Shelley is back! Season 8: SEASON 8: EPISODE 14 Should We End Black History Month? (Rebroadcast) Black History Month has been celebrated for decades as a time to honor and recognize the contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. However, some argue that relegating Black history to a single month perpetuates segregation and fails to fully integrate it into the mainstream curriculum. Ending Black History Month could be beneficial, as it would emphasize that Black history is an integral part of American history that should be incorporated into educational curricula throughout the year. Today, we rebroadcast a podcast we first released in April of 2023. The podcast features an interview with Dr. Horace Huntley in February 1991 and suggests that by ending Black History Month, we might celebrate Black culture and history throughout the year. SEASON 8: EPISODE 13 The Back Porch: Race, Racism and Happiness (Rebroadcast) Hey Plumbliners, This week, we rebroadcast an episode we first released in June 2024. Shelley and I shared our experiences learning about race and racism. Then, we touched upon the topic of happiness. Stayed tuned. It's worth another listen. SEASON 8: EPISODE 11 Shelley Reflects on Black History Month and Racism (Rebroadcast) Today, we re-share an episode from 2023. Shelley shares his personal insights on the overt and not-so-overt signs that racism is still evident in America today. Stay tuned as the plumbline seeks the truth. SEASON 8: EPISODE 10 Hate Crimes (Rebroadcast) Hey Plumbliners. This is Mark Jamroz, producer of Shelley’s Plumbline. Just a few days ago, on January 27th, Shelley and I celebrated what would have been the 93rd birthday of his brother Jerome, affectionally known as Bubba. To continue that celebration, we’re going to rebroadcast one of the Plumbline’s most popular podcasts. It’s about Hate Crimes, featuring Rodney Max. It seems this message is as important today as it ever has been. Stay tuned, and Happy Heavenly Birthday to Jerome Stewart. SEASON 8: EPISODE 9 Rare Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King (Rebroadcast) As we continue the retrospective of Shelley's Plumbline, and in honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day, we are rebroadcasting an episode from Season 3. They feature some rare recordings of #MLK that Shelley had forgotten about. These are speeches MLK made in Birmingham! Why are they rare? Because for his protection and to keep Bull Conner guessing, Dr. King would often show up to churches unannounced to make speeches. Shelley Stewart was in attendance recording the choir when Dr. King showed up. They left the recorder running when he made these speeches. You can hear them both in this week's podcast. Very timely given that September 15 is the anniversary of bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. In Season 3, Shelley sets the record straight on the "Movement" and how only the media called it the "Civil Rights Movement." It was, and is, a Movement for the freedom of all people. Please listen, and if you are so moved, share it with others. #civilrightsmovement #shelleysplumbline #humanrights SEASON 8: EPISODE 8 Interview with Hosea Williams: Did the Dream of Dr King Become a Nightmare? (Rebroadcast) Dr. King's legacy inspired generations of activists and leaders, and his contributions continue to be recognized and celebrated today as a beacon of hope and progress. But Dr. King had a premonition about his death, and he warned the members of his inner circle to beware of the tactics external forces would use to break the movement apart after he was gone. As a member of the King's inner circle, Hosea Williams served as the advance man, organizing some of the most important events in the movement. Williams traveled to cities throughout the South, recruiting and organizing volunteers, paving the way for appearances by King, Jesse Jackson, and Andrew Young. Williams and John Lewis led the "Bloody Sunday" march in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. This episode features an interview from September of 1994 with Shelley Stewart and Hosea Williams. Hosea reveals the dire warning King had for the members of his inner circle. Was Hosea Williams right? Did the Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Become a Nightmare? Listen and let us know what you think. SEASON 8: EPISODE 7 Internalized Racism (Rebroadcast) Hey, Plumbliners. As we rewind through some of our most popular podcasts, we couldn’t overlook our very first. It was published on April 17, 2023. And it’s about Internalized Racism. Take a listen. SEASON 8: EPISODE 6 Rebroadcast of The Last Interview with Eddie Kendricks Happy New Year, Plumbliners! Welcome to the year 2025! We are planning for great things in this new year, but before we get started, we wanted to look back. So, for the next few weeks, we will be rebroadcasting some of YOUR favorite Plumblines. To date, we have published 87 podcasts. While most of our fans are in the US, Shelley’s Plumbline has a global reach with downloads in Singapore, Asia, Europe, and Africa. When it comes to subject matter, some of our most popular podcasts have been about Internalized Racism, Hate Crimes, the interview with Hosea Williams, The Rare Speeches of Dr King, and the stories of Shelley’s life in music and the Chitlin' Circuit. So today, to kick off the New Year in style, we’re going to rebroadcast the episode of The Last Interview with Eddie Kendricks, the lead singer for The Temptations. SEASON 8: EPISODE 5 "The Colored Doctor," Dr Cashen In this episode, we continue our conversation from last week, when Shelley and Ezekwa discuss the effects of the Willie Lynch letter with Dr Cashen, a one-time candidate for governor of Alabama on the independent ticket. SEASON 8: EPISODE 4 Ezekwa Abdullah Discusses Willie Lynch in the Late 90s Today we pick up on the theme of the Willie Lynch letter, but in a different time and place. Stay tuned as we hear an interview from 1997 with Ezekwa Abdullah. SEASON 8: EPISODE 3 The Legend of Willie Lynch. Whether the Willie Lynch letter is real or not, the content of the message remains very much intact today. Seeding division among an audience is a way to get them fighting amongst themselves, which makes them easier to control from the outside. Today, Shelley takes a look at the continuing impact of that strategy on the world. SEASON 8: EPISODE 2 George Subira: Teaching Black People to Sell. Today, Shelley continues his search for the truth on the topic of selling. It is often an occupation that is looked on with disdain, yet nothing can happen without it. Whether it’s an idea or a product, we are all selling something. SEASON 8: EPISODE 1 The Immigration Story of George Sarris. Today, Shelley shares an interview from 1991 with George Sarris. Mr. Sarris was an immigrant from Greece who eventually developed a small empire of seafood restaurants in and around the Birmingham, Alabama, area. He discusses how the Greek community worked together to help each other grow and prosper. Season 7: This is a very special season for us. As we march toward September (Shelley's Birthday), we will be recounting events from his life, how they compare to the events of today, and what we can all learn about what is to come. Listen, learn and share your thoughts with us by responding on this website or on social media. We've got new content for you every Wednesday. Make sure you subscribe! Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 7: EPISODE 20 Charles Gray and the Re-Education of Our Children. This week, Shelley once again shines the light on the importance of education as he shares a recording from 1991 of a speech given by Charles Gray on the Re-Education of our Children. SEASON 7: EPISODE 19 Bubba's Sacrifice, Georgia Price and Voting Rights. As election week finally rolls around, Shelley recalls the ultimate sacrifice that was made by his bother Jerome in Korea. He also talks about Georgia Price and others who, in the late 50s and mid-60s, paved the way for the movement toward equality and human rights in the United States. SEASON 7: EPISODE 18 Shelley Stirs the Pot in the 60s. In this week’s episode, Shelley explains the real meaning behind equality. Plus, he shares some stores from early in his career, including an encounter with the Ku Klux Klan. Stay tuned. SEASON 7: EPISODE 17 Shelley Gets Arrested in Jackson, Mississippi. Today, Shelley continues sharing anecdotes from his life. This week, he tells us about the time he was arrested when he took a job in Jackson, Mississippi. SEASON 7: EPISODE 16 Shelley Builds A Business. In this week’s episode, Shelley recalls how he evolved from his role beyond an on-air personality, developing the key relationships that set the foundation for his future as a businessman. SEASON 7: EPISODE 15 "The Playboy" Fights for Human Rights. This week, Shelley expands on the story of his growing popularity as a radio personality. He fought for equality in access and pay at the radio stations where he worked. And he shares stories about meeting and working with Dr King well before he was well-known. Stay tuned and learn more about Shelley’s ongoing struggle for equality and human rights. SEASON 7: EPISODE 14 The Playboy In His Prime. Shelley's popularity grew in strength and numbers as his fresh style and approach paid off as he began to dominate the airwaves in Birmingham, Alabama, in the mid-1950s. SEASON 7: EPISODE 13 The Birth of Shelley "The Playboy." As we celebrate Shelley’s 90th birthday this week, Shelley shares an episode in his life that marks the birth of Shelley “The Playboy.” It was while he was in the Air Force that Shelley first began to develop his well-known radio persona. Stay tuned. SEASON 7: EPISODE 12 Escape from Mississippi In this week’s episode, Shelley talks about a daring escape where Shelley recused his brothers Sam and Dave from a plantation in Mississippi. SEASON 7: EPISODE 11 A Reunion with Bubba and Some Trouble With A Gun As we continue our march towards Shelley’s 90th birthday, Shelley shares some stories about his first experience with journalism, public speaking and broadcasting. He shares how he ran into some trouble with one of the gangs at high school and how he had a second reunion with his oldest brother, Bubba. SEASON 7: EPISODE 10 Shelley Heads to High School. As we enter September and get closer to Shelley’s 90th birthday celebration, we explore the ironic challenges Shelley faced. He lived with an aunt and uncle who continually tried to discourage him from getting an education. Stay tuned and learn how he persevered. SEASON 7: EPISODE 9 Shelley's Life: Shelley Learns His Name is Shelley. Did you know when Shelley was growing up, he thought his name was Shurley? Stay tuned and learn how Shelley learned his name was Shelley. SEASON 7: EPISODE 8 Shelley's Life: Back with Aunt Mamie. We continue sharing the story of Shelley’s life as we get closer to the celebration of his 90th birthday in September. In this week’s episode, Shelley describes life after he is taken back to his Aunt Mamie and Uncle Henry’s house. SEASON 7: EPISODE 7 1947: The Year Everything Changed for Shelley. So far, we’ve followed Shelley from living on a screened-in porch to living in a horse stable with his brother Bubba and then to the basement of Clyde Smith’s home. In today’s episode, Shelley talks about the year 1947 and how it changed everything. SEASON 7: EPISODE 6 Shelley Learns About Black and White Cultures in the 1940s In this week’s episode, Shelley discusses how there were two curriculums. The one he was taught in the negro school, and the one he shared with Mary Sue Smith, Clyde Smith’s daughter. Even though she was a polio victim she somehow got a hold of books and magazines from the white school and shared them with Shelley. Listen to find out how Shelley learned about both black and white cultures in Birmingham, Alabama in the mid-40s. SEASON 7: EPISODE 5 A Decade at a Time: The Last Words of Mattie C. Stewart Hey, Plumbliners. Yes, we received all your texts and emails telling us that we missed an episode last Wednesday. Thanks for noticing. You’re right. We didn’t publish last Wednesday, but that’s because we held off this week’s episode to release a very special edition of Shelley’s Plumbline. Today is Sunday, August 4, 2024. It is exactly 85 years to the day that Mattie C Stewart passed away. Shelley was just 5 years old when he saw his father murder his mother. Who would have thought in 1939 that 85 years later, Shelley would pay tribute to his mother on a podcast. Mattie C, with love and gratitude, we dedicate this episode to you. SEASON 7: EPISODE 4 A Decade at a Time: Shelley Learns About Life from Clyde Smith In this episode, Shelley continues sharing the profound influence that Clyde Smith had on his life while he was growing up in segregated Birmingham. Mr. Smith, a white man, took Shelley into his home when he was a young child. Mr. Smith taught Shelley some key secrets to life and that to be respected, one had to give respect first. SEASON 7: EPISODE 3 A Decade at a Time: More About the Smith Family In this week’s episode, we continue sharing Shelley’s life story a decade at a time leading up to his 90th birthday. Today, Shelley tells us about his life with the Smith family, how he lived in a basement and continued his studies at Irondale Elementary. SEASON 7: EPISODE 2 A Decade at a Time: Shelley leaves the Stables Today we continue telling Shelley’s life story, one decade at a time. Let’s head out to the back porch and head back to the 1930s and 40s in Birmingham, Alabama and talk about Shelley’s life with the Smith family. SEASON 7: EPISODE 1 A Decade at a Time: Shelley's Life in the 1930s Hello, Plumbliners, and welcome to Season 7 of Shelley’s Plumbline. So Shelley and I looked at the calendar, and we realized that by the time we finish this season, we will be close to Shelley’s 90th birthday. So, in season seven, we will take you to the back porch and take you through Shelley’s life, one decade at a time. Today, we’ll look at Shelley’s life in the 30s. SEASON 7: EPISODE 1 A Decade at a Time: Shelley's Life in the 1930s Hello, Plumbliners, and welcome to Season 7 of Shelley’s Plumbline. So Shelley and I looked at the calendar, and we realized that by the time we finish this season, we will be close to Shelley’s 90th birthday. So, in season seven, we will take you to the back porch and take you through Shelley’s life, one decade at a time. Today, we’ll look at Shelley’s life in the 30s. Season 6: SEASON 6: EPISODE 10 A. H. Parker High School 100th Anniversary Dedication Speech Hey, Plumbliners. In the year 2000, Shelley gave a speech at AH Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama, on the occasion of the school’s 100th anniversary. This is the very same school that Shelley graduated from. This is the school where Shelley began his career in journalism, broadcasting, and performing. Today we feature a recording of that speech. SEASON 6: EPISODE 9 A meeting with a Grand Knight of the KKK, A Minister of the Nation of Islam and the Executive Director of the National Conference of Christians and Jews In 1993, Shelley hosted the Shelley Stewart Show, Survival in the 90s. It was a talk show on television that ran for 13 episodes. Today, we feature the audio from an extraordinary episode that featured a conversation with three very different people on the same stage. The discussion featured Lamarse Washington, Executive Director of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, William Muhammad, Minister of Nation of Islam and on the other end of the spectrum, William Burchfield, Grand Titan of Alabama for the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. Can you imagine a more diverse group in one place? We believe that you’ll discover the topics between then and today are not that different. But we wonder, could people of such diverse opinions share a stage with civility and respect today? Stay tuned… SEASON 6: EPISODE 8 Back Porch: Race, Racism and Happiness ey, Plumbliners. This is Mark Jamroz, producer of Sheley’s Plumbline. Today, Shelley and I sit down for another edition of the “Back Porch.” Think of it as “Shelley Unplugged” as we discuss a few of our experiences learning about race and racism. Then we touch upon the topic of happiness. Stayed tuned. I think you’re really going to like it. SEASON 6: EPISODE 7 Black Republicans Today, Shelley takes on the tough topic of black participation in politics as he interviews Raynard Jackson. At the time of the interview in 1998, Mr Jackson was Chairman of the Americans for a Brighter Future and an outspoken black Republican. SEASON 6: EPISODE 6 Freeborn Slave: Diary of a Black Man in the South Today, Shelley shares an interview with Birmingham resident Karen Ameen. The interview took place in 1996, shortly after Ms. Ameen published the book Freeborn Slave, Diary of a Black Man in the South. The book is a collection of memoirs dictated by her great-grandfather, Jasper Rastus Nall, an individual who was born at the end of the Civil War. SEASON 6: EPISODE 5 Internalized Racism (Rebroadcast) Hey, Plumbliners... Shelley was feeling a bit under the weather this week, so he asked me to find one of your favorite episodes of Shelley's Plumbline and rebroadcast it. Well, it turns out our very first episode was one of the most popular, and we released it a little over one year ago. Happy Anniversary to us! Please enjoy -- and be informed! This is a powerful episode about Internalized Racism. Enjoy! SEASON 6: EPISODE 4 An Interview with Fred Shuttlesworth. Today, Shelley shares a very special interview from 1991 with the one-and-only Fred Shuttlesworth. Reverend Shuttlesworth co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and was instrumental in the 1963 Birmingham Campaign with Martin Luther King. Shuttlesworth participated in the sit-ins against segregated lunch counters in 1960 and took part in the organization and execution of the Freedom Rides in 1961. Shuttlesworth invited the SCLC and MLK to Birmingham in 1963 to lead the campaign to desegregate it through mass demonstrations–what Shuttlesworth called "Project C." The "C" stood for "confrontation". In 1965, he was active in the Selma Voting Rights Movement and its march from Selma to Montgomery, which led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 6: EPISODE 3 The Genocide of Black Culture. This week’s episode draws on an interview from 1991 with playwright Edward McRay. He goes deep into the finer points of African culture, history, and the limits of the American educational system. Cultures must share their histories to increase understanding. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 6: EPISODE 2 Excerpts from the Inside Out Documentary. Today we have a very special edition of Shelley’s Plumbline. In 2002, Shelley visited two prisons in Alabama and spoke with inmates about their stories and turned it into the documentary Inside Out. And those stories speak for themselves. They are powerful. They are moving. They are profound. Stay tuned. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 6: EPISODE 1 The Back Porch: Instinct and the Inner Voice. Hello, Plumbliners, and welcome to Season 6 of Shelley’s Plumbline. Shelley and I have been talking about changing the format of the Plumbline for some time, so we thought today we would give that a try. We call this format The Back Porch. Think of it as “Shelley Unplugged.” Today, Shelley and I are going to discuss instinct and the inner voice that guides us through our lives. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . Season 5: Some states are afraid to teach history. We're not. Season 5 will focus on the tough topics some states are afraid to teach. But don't get us wrong. We do it not to threaten, not to scare, but to share. Ignoring our history does not make it go away. When we face the truth, we are all stronger for it. We've got new content for you every Wednesday. Make sure you subscribe! Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 5: EPISODE 10 Your Vote is Your Voice. Are You a Democrat or a Republican? So here we are – another major election is just half a year away. Today’s podcast features a show from 1996. Stay tuned as Shelley explores the questions that remain the same then as they are today: What do you believe? Who do you support? Who will you vote for? Your vote is your voice. If you do not speak, someone else will. SEASON 5: EPISODE 9 An interview with Park Scott on the Bahai Faith. Today, Shelley shares an interview from 1991 with Park Scott, Senior. He discusses the Bahai Faith and how it seeks the oneness of humanity, the elimination of prejudice and a harmony between science and religion. SEASON 5: EPISODE 8 Wake Up, Everybody, Part 2. By popular demand, Shelley and Teddy Pendergrass continue to share the message: Wake Up, Everybody. SEASON 5: EPISODE 7 Wake Up, Everybody. Today, Shelley shares a simple message. Wake up everybody. It’s time to think ahead. Wake Up, Everybody. The time is now. SEASON 5: EPISODE 6 Did Malcolm X Teach Us Something or Are We Doing the Same Thing Now? Today, we share Malcolm X's famous Ballots or Bullets address. The message rings true: The key to freedom lies in economic prosperity. Economic opportunity for all is the tide that will lift all boats. SEASON 5: EPISODE 5 Celebrating Powerful Women Today Shelley celebrates National Women’s Month with some personal reflections on the strong women he has known in his life, from his mother Mattie C whom he saw murdered when he was five years old, to Oprah and Kamala Harris. Stay tuned as we celebrate the power of women. SEASON 5: EPISODE 4a Hate Crimes, Rebroadcast Hey, Plumbliners… Shelley has been in the hospital the past couple of weeks, so he asked me to rebroadcast a previous episode. I looked back in the archives at one of my favorites. It’s from episode 4 of season 1 and it features an interview with attorney Rodney Max discussing Hate Crimes. The original interview was broadcast in 1993, but the message is still very relevant today. And if you’re so inclined send your thoughts and prayers to shelley@shelleysplumbline.com SEASON 5: EPISODE 4 Shelley Reflects on Black History Month and Racism in America As we come to the end of Black History Month, Shelley looks back on the last three episodes and shares his personal insights on the overt and not so overt signs that racism are still evident in America today. Stay tuned as the Plumbline seeks the truth. SEASON 5: EPISODE 4 Shelley Reflects on Black History Month and Racism in America As we come to the end of Black History Month, Shelley looks back on the last three episodes and shares his personal insights on the overt and not so overt signs that racism are still evident in America today. Stay tuned as the Plumbline seeks the truth. SEASON 5: EPISODE 3 Excerpts from "Remembering Slavery." Today we continue telling more stories of Black history, as we share an excerpt from the recording, “Remembering Slavery: African Americans Talk About Their Personal Experiences of Slavery and Emancipation,” published by The New Press, in conjunction with the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution. Stay tuned and you’ll hear the words of actual slaves performed by well-known actors. SEASON 5: EPISODE 2 Early Slave Rebellions. Hey, Plumbliners. Before we begin with this week’s episode, we’d like to thank you for the emails! We received an email from a teacher in Washington state. She says, … My class has been learning about the Children's March recently, and one student asked whatever happened to Shelley the Playboy after watching the documentary "Mighty Times." That led us to some internet research, which led to finding this podcast and website. When we discussed what we value enough to risk getting in trouble to defend it, many kids mentioned both Freedom and Music; it's no wonder they find an activist like Mr. Stewart so appealing.” the teacher added “We wanted to say thank you to Mr. Stewart for his work during The Children's March. I want to say, as an educator of color, how thankful and inspired I am by his work and the way he was able to reach children and support them in their activism. …I plan to let my class know about this podcast and might write to you again if they have questions. I'm excited to learn more about this podcast and the other great work Mr. Stewart has done throughout his life, and I'm grateful to my inquisitive students for giving me the start! Well students in Washington state, Shelley would love to meet with you on a Zoom call sometime. And teacher? Keep up the good work. We love what you’re doing. Another email from EA says… Mr. Stewart, thank you for all you have done throughout the years. As a child I listened to you everyday on the radio. I'm 62 years old now ,and one day I would like to meet you. And JF says This article of Shelley the Playboy brings memories of my youth. I listen to you everyday growing up. I WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU AND SIT DOWN TO A CUP OF COFFEE. Well, we’ll work on those meetings. In the meantime, the one and only, one-time Shelley "The Playboy" is still on the air on Shelley’s Plumbline. Thank you for your messages and words of support! In this week’s Plumbline features an interview from 1995 with Azikwe Abdullah. Azikwe acknowledges that Nat Turner’s slave rebellion is the one history books talk about, but Azikwe reveals that there were many slave rebellions before that time. Stay tuned as the Plumbline seeks the truth. SEASON 5: EPISODE 1 Horace Huntley and the Dangers of Cultural Annihilation. Here at the beginning of Black History Month, we welcome you to Season 5 of Shelley’s Plumbline. Since it is Black History Month, Shelley and I did some research . According to a recent article in Axios, “…lawmakers in 30 states have proposed new restrictions during the past year on what schools can teach about the nation's racial history…” According to the74million.org ...18 (states) have passed laws restricting or banning the teaching of supposed critical race theory…” So we decided, if these states won’t teach Black History, we will. And let us make one thing clear--we do not do this to stir up anger or hatred, because as Dr. King said, “Hate cannot drive out hate.” We share this message to further understanding among all peoples. Ignoring our history does not make it go away. Appreciating the background of all fosters progress and prosperity for all. There’s your side, there’s my side and some where in the middle, the plumbline finds the truth. Today’s episode re-broadcasts a 1997 interview with Horace Huntley, former professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences at UAB. He touches on the dangers of cultural annihilation and how that has limited the growth of our country. Tune in and learn more. ~ Mark Jamroz Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 4: EPISODE 10 Shelley's Life in Music: Stories About the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Today we bring Season 4 to an end as we shine the spotlight on the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. James was a controversial character to be sure, but he became good friends with Shelley and always admired Shelley’s belief in the power of education. When James released the song Don’t Be A Dropout, he couldn’t wait to play it for Shelley and Shelley was one of the first to broadcast it on the air. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 4: EPISODE 9 Shelley's Life in Music: Stories About....Guess Who? Since Shelley was a DJ and radio personality, he was instrumental in helping grow the careers of numerous well-known talented singers and musicians. During Season 4 we have covered stories about many of these musical giants who started as business associates of Shelley’s and blossomed into deep friendships. We shared stories about BB King, Sam Cooke, and Johnnie Taylor. In episode 3, we talked about how Ray Charles drove a bus around the block in downtown Birmingham. Then, we heard touching stories about Lou Rawls and Bobby “Blue” Bland. And, of course, Shelley told us about his dear friend, Otis Redding. Today, Shelley brings you more background about an often-overlooked musical talent – but we'll leave that introduction to Shelley. Tune in to find out who today's episode is about. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 4: EPISODE 8 Shelley's Life in Music: "The Big O," Otis Redding. In today’s episode, we continue sharing stories from Shelley’s fascinating life in music as he tells us about his personal and professional relationship with Otis Redding. Otis was a chauffeur for another band when he was discovered during a break at the recording studio in Muscle Shoals. Shelley was fortunate enough to be the first DJ to play Otis’s first recording on the air. Their friendship grew, and Shelley left Radio for a while to become the PR Director for Otis’s Redwal Music Company in Macon, Georgia. Stay tuned and learn more stories about the recording career and personal life of “The Big O,” Otis Redding. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 4: SPECIAL EDITION (REBROADCAST) Hosea Williams: Did the Dream of Dr. King Become a Nightmare? Hey Plumbliners. The theme of Season 4 has been about Shelley’s life in music. But this week, to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, we’re going to rebroadcast our podcast from Season 1 on Hosea Williams . Hosea Williams was a very close friend and associate of Dr King and was instrumental in organizing the Movement. Please enjoy this special episode. Dr. King's legacy inspired generations of activists and leaders, and his contributions continue to be recognized and celebrated today as a beacon of hope and progress. But Dr. King had a premonition about his death, and he warned the members of his inner circle to beware of the tactics external forces would use to break the movement apart after he was gone. As a member of the King's inner circle, Hosea Williams served as the advance man, organizing some of the most important events in the movement. Williams traveled to cities throughout the South, recruiting and organizing volunteers, paving the way for appearances by King, Jesse Jackson, and Andrew Young. Williams and John Lewis led the "Bloody Sunday" march in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. This episode features an interview from September of 1994 with Shelley Stewart and Hosea Williams. Hosea reveals the dire warning King had for the members of his inner circle. Was Hosea Williams right? Did the Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Become a Nightmare? Listen and let us know what you think. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 4: EPISODE 7 Shelley's Life in Music: Bobby "Blue" Bland. In this week’s episode, we continue exploring Shelley’s friendship with another major blues artist – Bobby “Blue” Bland, or “Blue” as Shelley called him. Like many blues, soul and R&B artists, Shelley traces Blue’s work back to his Gospel roots. In fact, there are hints of those notes in many of his most popular songs. Stay tuned and learn how Blue overcame personal obstacles, including illiteracy, to one day find a home in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 4: EPISODE 6 Shelley's Reflections on Rosa Parks and the Rosa Parks Award. On December 1, 2023, Shelley received the Rosa Parks Day Award for Leadership, Commitment to Civil Rights, Voting Rights, and Civic Service. Rosa Parks Day is December 1st because that was the day, in 1955, when Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus. In today’s podcast, Shelley reflects on the award and on his own notoriety. Rosa had heard the story of a black boy who had moved the plank dividing the white and black sections of a streetcar. Years later, when Rosa and Shelley met, she learned that Shelley was that young boy. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 4: EPISODE 5 Shelley's Life in Music: Lou Rawls, Did You Pray Today? Today we continue to explore Shelley’s life in the music world as we take a look at Lou Rawls. Lou, like Sam Cooke, was born and raised in the Chicago area and crossed paths with Sam Cooke as they sang in gospel groups before moving into R&B, Jazz, and Soul. Since Shelley was a popular radio personality, he had a hand in promoting the careers of both Sam and Lou and they became fast friends when they met at performances. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 4: EPISODE 4 Shelley's Life in Music: A Slice of Soul Heaven with Johnnie Taylor. Today, Shelley talks about his personal and professional friendship with the Philosopher of Soul, otherwise known as Johnnie Taylor. As the PR director for Redwal Music Company, Shelley had the opportunity to spend time with Johnnie, as well as other music greats on that label, including Otis Redding. We’ll get to Otis in a future podcast. Both Johnnie and Shelley shared a love of spiritual music, and Johnnie eventually had a successful career singing blues, R&B, and soul. Johnnie confessed to Shelley that, in spite of his musical career, he really wanted to be a disc jockey. He became a DJ known as “The Wailer, Johnnie Taylor” on KKDA in Dallas, Texas. Johnnie passed in the year 2000, just a few months after releasing one of his best-known songs, “Soul Heaven.” Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 4: EPISODE 3 Shelley's Life in Music: Unknown Stories About Ray Charles. We continue to explore Shelley’s life in music, as Shelley shares stories about his relationship with Ray Charles. Ray is definitely an icon in the blues world, known for his trademark Ray Ban sunglasses. In fact, it’s generally acknowledged that Ray was the first blind musician to wear sunglasses, setting a trend for future musicians. But Ray will be the first to say he never saw his blindness as a handicap. Many did not know Ray loved to play chess, and he owned his own plane and was fascinated by flying. He was even known to take a turn as a pilot now and then. And in today’s episode, Shelley recalls how Ray drove his own bus around the block in downtown Birmingham on a bet. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 4: EPISODE 2 Shelley's Life in Music: A Conversation About Sam Cooke Today as we continue to explore Shelley’s life in music, we feature a conversation about Sam Cooke, one of Shelley’s dear friends. In fact, Shelley was so close to him that Sam was the godfather to one of his children. Aside from being a very good friend, Sam and Shelley shared the same mission: to use the power of music to bring people together. They both played to integrated audiences at a time when that was not acceptable. In fact, it could be dangerous to do that. Sam was a trailblazer not only with his music but his approach. He believed the artist should own the rights to their music so he was one of the first to write, produce and distribute his own music. Sam’s life ended tragically before his time in 1964 when he was shot at a hotel in Los Angeles. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 4: EPISODE 1 Shelley's Life in Music: Stories About Riley "B.B." King Two of the most popular episodes of Shelley’s Plumbline were Episode 1 of Season 2, "The Final Interview with Eddie Kendricks." A lot of folks also liked Episode 2 of Season 2 … about Shelley’s life scouting for musical talent on the Chitlin' Circuit. So to kick off Season Four, we’re going to give you more stories about Shelley’s life in music – this time with his friend, Riley King – or should we say, BB King. Yup, THE BB King. Stay tuned. Give it a listen. We think you’re going to like it. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . Recently Aired SEASON 3: EPISODE 10 An Open Forum Discussion on William Raspberry, Racism and Economic Power From time to time, Shelley would conduct an open forum during his show, and listeners would call in. Today’s episode features a discussion from 1996 with Shelley and a listener regarding a speech given by William Raspberry, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for the Washington Post. The discussion focuses on how racism is often used as an excuse or crutch against progress. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 3: EPISODE 9 Mayor Ford Talks About Redistricting in the 90s. Today, we share an interview with Johnny Ford, the first African-American mayor of Tuskegee, Alabama. He served five terms from 1972 to 1996 when he won a seat in the Alabama House of Representatives. He was re-elected mayor of Tuskegee in 2004, and he served until 2008. This interview touches on the issues of gerrymandering and how it unfairly affects the representation of the population in today's America. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 3: EPISODE 8 SEASON 3: EPISODE 8 Yvonne Willie, Author of The Boy Who Didn't Want to Be Black Yvonne Willie, Author of The Boy Who Didn't Want to Be Black Today’s episode features an interview from 1998 with the author of The Boy Who Didn’t Want to Be Black, Yvonne Willie. She and Shelley discuss the role of racial identity and self-worth, revealing that internalized racism is a learned behavior. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . Today’s episode features an interview from 1998 with the author of The Boy Who Didn’t Want to Be Black, Yvonne Willie. She and Shelley discuss the role of racial identity and self-worth, revealing that internalized racism is a learned behavior. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 3: EPISODE 7 An Interview with Tommy Wrenn, Foot Soldier in the Movement Today we continue our exploration of one of the many organizers in the Movement who had great influence but were not as well-known. This episode features an interview from January of 1998 when Shelley sat down with Tommy Wrenn. Active in the movement in both Birmingham and Selma, Wrenn worked as a field staffer for the Dr King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Wrenn would go into towns to set up routes for protest marchers before King would arrive, doing the groundwork to make the event a success. He expresses his frustration at the lack of support he received and how many people believed in the mission of the movement but stayed in the background. Even after retiring as a dental technician, he remained active in politics and the movement until his death in 2010. SEASON 3: EPISODE 6 James Armstrong and His Story of the Integration of Graymont School Today we continue to share little-known stories of the struggle during the early 60s with an interview with James Armstrong. He recounts the many artificial obstacles city officials presented him when he attempted to enroll his children in Graymont School in Birmingham, Alabama, at a time when it was segregated. He prevailed, however, and his sons Floyd and Dwight were the first students to integrate the school. This interview, conducted by Ron January, first aired on Shelley’s program “Open Mic” in 1993. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 3: EPISODE 5 Dr. Vincent Harding Discusses The True Meaning of the Struggle. Today, we feature an interview with author and historian Dr. Vincent Harding. A social activist, he was perhaps best known for his work with and writings about Martin Luther King Jr., whom Harding knew personally. In this episode, Dr Harding sits down with Shelley and talks about not only the Black struggle – but how several different vectors of society then, as now, are engaged in a struggle for freedom. Click An Icon Below To Listen To Shelley's Plumbline Recently Aired SEASON 3: EPISODE 4 Uncovering The Movement: An Interview With Rev. N. H. "Fireball" Smith In this episode, Shelley shares an interview from January 1993 with Rev. Nelson H. Smith, also known as "Fireball" Smith. Smith was another unknown yet highly influential foot soldier in the fight for human rights for all, participating in The Movement before the 1960s and marching side by side with Dr. King during the '60s. Throughout his ministry, Smith preached the importance of higher education, financial management, and economics. He founded the New Pilgrim Credit Union in 1965 and led his church in the development of a bookstore and the New Pilgrim Towers apartments, to name a few of his accomplishments. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 3: EPISODE 3 Shelley's 89th Birthday Celebration! Happy 89th Birthday to Shelley Stewart! Today, we celebrate Shelley's 89th birthday with a recording of a speech Shelley made when he was 63 years old at Friendship Baptist Church . This Church plays a special role in Shelley's life. As a boy of five, he saw his mother murdered just a few blocks away. In spite of growing up without his parents, he would celebrate his graduation in this same Church. Without a doubt, the Friendship Baptist Church has held a special place in Shelley's heart. In today's podcast, he shares a message that he's shared all his life. A message that tells hard truths but also triumphs love, mutual respect, and human rights for ALL people and that faith is the power that enables the unlikely to accomplish the impossible. Today's episode is a heartfelt message from Shelley, one of faith. What we know is if you lose faith, you lose all. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 3: EPISODE 2 Yvonne Turner: A True Human Rights Shero This week, Shelley continues to explore some of the lesser-known yet powerful foot soldiers in the Movement. One such person is Yvonne Turner. Who is Yvonne Turner? Well, well before the Human Rights Movement of the 60s, the true Movement began in the mid-1950s, and people like Yvonne Turner, Georgia Price, and others were instrumental in organizing voter education drives and meetings. Visit shelleysplumbline.com to see one of the voter education documents Yvonne created and shared so Blacks could be prepared to answer questions in order to vote. She was often referred to as the most loved and hated woman in Birmingham because she helped the Movement so much but also spoke to a truth that many would rather not hear. View Season 3 Episode 2 Details & Resources SEASON 3: EPISODE 1 Rare Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. To kick off Season 3 of Shelley's Plumbline, we went through his archives, and Shelley rediscovered some rare recordings of #MLK that he had forgotten about. These are speeches MLK made in Birmingham! Why are they rare? Because for his protection and to keep Bull Conner guessing, Dr. King would often show up to churches unannounced to make speeches. Shelley Stewart was in attendance recording the choir when Dr. King showed up. They left the recorder running when he made these speeches. You can hear them both in this week's podcast. Very timely given that September 15 is the anniversary of bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. In Season 3, Shelley sets the record straight on the "Movement" and how only the media and politicians called it the "Civil Rights Movement." It was, and is, a Movement for the freedom of all people. Please listen, and if you are so moved, share it with others. View Season 3 Episode 1 Details & Resources SEASON TWO: EPISODE 10 The Plantation Ghost Today Shelley shares an interview from 1995 with Ezekwa Abdullah. Ezekwa argues that Blacks still repress themselves and suffer a form of psychological slavery in the collective subconscious psyche because attitudes of repression have been preserved and passed from one generation to the next. The ghost of the plantation exists today because not enough has been done to condemn this point of view. SEASON TWO: EPISODE 9 Free By Choice Inmates Share Their Stories Today, Shelley replays an interview from the Free By Choice program, which brought inmates from Alabama prisons on the air to speak openly about their crimes and the decisions which led to them. These Free By Choice inmates had a strong desire to share their stories so their suffering could serve to help others avoid making the same mistakes. Shelley Stewart LISTEN Season One Episode 1: Internalized Racism Season One Episode 2: Did Dr. Martin Luther King's Dream Become A Nightmare? Season One Episode 3: Homelessness Season One Episode 4: Hate Crimes Season One Episode 5: Is There A Need For HBCUs? Season One Episode 6: Should We End Black History Month? Season One Episode 7: Y outh Gangs & Drug Dealers Season One Episode 8: Part 2 Of Youth Gangs & Drug Dealers Season One Episode 9: Part 3 Of Youth Gangs & Drug Dealers Season One Episode 10: Interview With Jim Porter, Former NRA President Listen Upload EMAIL: CORLETTE@SHELLEYSPLUMBLINE.COM PR & PODCAST ENQUIRIES BUSINESS & SPEAKING ENQUIRIES PRESS EVENTS

In this episode, Shelley reflects on an interview from 1991 that covers the topic of racial identity. Which is the correct terminology? Black? African-American, People of Color? The interview also discusses class differences among Blacks. Be advised that this episode contains frank discussions about race and uses the n-word. Listener discretion is advised. Season Two: Episode 06 Life After Life In Prison Today’s episode features a 1993 interview with Julius Davis, a man who had just spent 19 years in prison. At 21 years of age, he had been handed two life sentences for his involvement in two separate murders. Julius discusses how prior to his crimes, he was involved as a positive influence in his community and how two bad decisions led him to prison. While in prison, however, Julius did not fall victim to negative influences. He created a circle of constructive people who kept their spirits in a positive place and made the best of the prison experience. Listen and hear how he continued his positive influence on the community after his release. Click An Icon Below To Listen To Shelley's Plumbline Podcast Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . InsideOut In 2007, Dr. Shelley Stewart produced InsideOut, a powerful 26-minute film that presents a clear message to young people, inspiring students to see graduation as the doorway to the rest of their lives. In the film, inmates from two maximum-security prisons deliver their compelling stories directly to students ... from the InsideOut.InsideOut is a powerful 26-minute film that presents a clear message to young people, inspiring students to see graduation as the doorway to the rest of their lives. In the film, inmates from two maximum-security prisons deliver their compelling stories directly to students ... from the InsideOut. To date, InsideOut has touched the lives of more than 15 million parents, teachers, students and communities throughout the United States and Canada. Shelley Stewart_InsideOut Clip Play Video InsideOut Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close Order A Copy Of InsideOut Today! Shop Now Prisoners Have A Message To Our Youth Play Video All Videos Articles Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More Upload

In this episode, Shelley tells us about the early days of Black Media and how much of the entertainment for black audiences was produced by whites. Amos N Andy, for example, a well-known radio sitcom, was produced and performed by two white actors. Shelley recalls how the first black man in radio, Jack Cooper, blazed a trail in 1929, and by the time Shelley created his Playboy persona, he wasn’t interested in entertaining just blacks; he used the power of music to bring people together. Images Sources: CBS 1942, Jim Crow Museum, Radio Hall of Fame, and Shelley Stewart Season Two: Episode 03: The Evolution of Black Media, Part 1 This week we kick off the first of a two-part series on the Evolution of Black Media. In this episode, Shelley tells us about the early days of Black Media and how much of the entertainment for black audiences was produced by whites. Amos 'n' Andy , for example, a well-known radio sitcom, was produced and performed by two white actors. Shelley recalls how the first black man in radio, Jack Cooper , blazed a trail in 1929, and by the time Shelley created his Playboy persona, he wasn’t interested in entertaining just blacks; he used the power of music to bring people together. To listen to Part One of The Evolution of Black Media, CLICK HERE Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . Excerpt and Blackface examples are from The Jim Crow Museum https://jimcrowmuseum.ferris.edu/question/2016/march.htm "During the heyday of radio, many advertisers sponsored entire shows. Advertisers sponsored dozens of shows that featured minstrel type performances. For example, Rinsol, Lever Brothers, Pepsodent, and Campbell’s Soup sponsored the Amos ‘n’ Andy show from the 1930s to the 1950s. The Pick and Pat show was sponsored by Dills Best and Model Smoking tobacco. Postum sponsored the Beulah show, which initially was voiced by a white male actor Marlin Hurt. Molasses and January were featured performers on the Dr. Pepper Parade show. The Jack Benny show, which was sponsored by Jell-O, sometimes featured Eddie Anderson, playing African-American valet Rochester, with blackface performers in skits." The Beulah show was sponsored by numerous sponsors, but this video highlights the advertisements of TUMS and General Foods on the Beulah show. The original Beulah was created and performed by a white actor, Marlin Hurt. Amanda Randolph was the last radio version of Beulah. TUMS and General Foods on the Beulah show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk76BTu1y34 Rinsol, Lever Brothers, Pepsodent, Rexall,and Campbell’s Soup sponsored the Amos ‘n’ Andy radio show. Sponsors the Amos ‘n’ Andy radio show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVCI2W0Zr1s Amos 'n' Andy was born on radio in 1928. But its stereotypes and caricatures have roots deep in American culture and branches that are still evident today. The negative images in Amos 'n' Andy not only have historical precedents, but that they continued to inform televised representations of black Americans long after the show was no longer available. Read More Only known audio of the Gold Dust Twins show. Excerpt came from a reunion segment on the "Behind the Mike" show from 1940. Goldy and Dusty were two white actors, Harvey Hindemeyer and Earle Tuckerman, who performed skits in blackface and spoke with a broken dialect. The show was sponsored by Fairbanks Gold Dust Washing Powder. Fairbanks Gold Dust Washing Powder ads https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KrlY-P3DIY Pick and Pat and Molasses n January were blackface characters performed by Pick Malone and Pat Padgett. The duo were featured on shows sponsored by Dills Best Smoking Tobacco and Model Smoking Tobacco, Dr. Pepper, and Maxwell House coffee. Pick and Pat and Molasses n January were blackface characters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuLX1xUakaI The Jack Benny Show was sponsored by Jell-O in 1936. Many segments featured blackface performers. Jack Benny Show blackface performers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7v58XJR60Y Captain Henry’s Showboat featuring Molasses and January at the 4:16 mark. This film is a “picturization” of the Maxwell House Showboat radio show. Maxwell House Showboat radio show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiYYKDoZdxA Read More Read More Aunt Jemima Variety show video produced by the Jim Crow Museum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ipamH6EEwI Photos of Plumbline's Host, Dr. Shelley Stewart The Road South As a five-year-old in Home-wood, Alabama, Shelley Stewart watched his father kill his mother with an axe. Two years later, Stewart escaped the care of abusive relatives, making a living as a stable hand. A stint in the army led to electroshock treatments for trying to integrate whites-only dances. But despite numerous setbacks, he never gave up his will to succeed. Eventually, odd jobs at radio stations laid the foundation for a 50-year career in broadcasting. As an African-American radio personality, Stewart reached out to Jim Crow Alabama, using music to integrate his audience. Along the way, he helped launch the careers of such legends as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Gladys Knight. Instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement, he publicized the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A remarkable witness to and participant in the momentous social changes of the last three decades, Stewart, now a successful businessman and community leader, shares his courageous personal story that shows the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Purchase Now Also, Available On Audible Click An Icon Below To Listen To Shelley's Plumbline Podcast Dive Deeper The University of Arizona The Evolution of Black Representation on Television February 21, 2022 Television has served as "a primary source of America's racial education," says UArizona scholar Stephanie Troutman Robbins. Q: What are the main ways that TV's depiction of Black people has changed over time? A: Early television really reflected a very narrow representation of non-white characters. And a lot of the earlier characters were caricatures and racist depictions in many ways. And then as time goes on, we start to see more Black folks and we start to see them move from peripheral or secondary characters into primary focus. But for a while in television, you had extremes. You had the Black criminal stereotype and all the negative tropes associated with Blackness on the one hand, and then you had good, assimilating, respectable Black characters on the other. In the '80s, "The Cosby Show" depicted a Black affluent family who were different from the way that Blacks were mostly portrayed in mainstream TV at the time. Read More Read More National Museum of African America History & Culture Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom Blackface: The Birth of An American Stereotype Historian Dale Cockrell once noted that poor and working-class whites who felt “squeezed politically, economically, and socially from the top, but also from the bottom, invented minstrelsy” as a way of expressing the oppression that marked being members of the majority, but outside of the white norm. Minstrelsy, comedic performances of “blackness” by whites in exaggerated costumes and make-up, cannot be separated fully from the racial derision and stereotyping at its core. By distorting the features and culture of African Americans—including their looks, language, dance, deportment, and character—white Americans were able to codify whiteness across class and geopolitical lines as its antithesis. Make sure you check out their collection at https://shorturl.at/btTV3 Doug Battema Pictures of a Bygone Era: The Syndication of Amos ‘n’ Andy, 1954-66 Abstract This article seeks to raise questions about historiographical practice, challenge the reliance on apparently stable discourses of nation and race within contemporary historiography, and expand understanding of the potential and multiple sites of influence in which television operated during its early years as a popular medium. Drawing on principles articulated by Foucault and de Certeau about the production and generation of knowledge, the article critiques previous historical examinations of Amos ‘n’ Andy for overlooking salient features of the television program's cultural and industrial context, as well as its syndication run from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s. Using information about the syndication of Amos ‘n’ Andy gleaned principally from entertainment and advertising trade journals, the article points out how a more thorough understanding of the local, regional, and international context and of industrial practices may prove essential for recognizing possibilities about the patterns and circulation of cultural beliefs and historiographical norms. Battema, D. (2006). Pictures of a Bygone Era: The Syndication of Amos ‘n’ Andy, 1954-66. Television & New Media, 7(1), 3–39. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527476403253999 . Read More Lanier Frush Holt Writing the wrong: can counter-stereotypes offset negative media messages about African Americans? Abstract Several studies show media messages activate or exacerbate racial stereotypes. This analysis, however, may be the first to examine which types of information—those that directly contradict media messages (i.e., crime-related) or general news (i.e., non-crime-related)—are most effective in abating stereotypes. Its findings suggest fear of crime is becoming more a human fear, not just a racial one. Furthermore, it suggests tbat for younger Americans, the concomitant dyad of the black criminal stereotype—race and crime—is fueled more by crime than by race. Holt, L. F. (2013). Writing the wrong: can counter-stereotypes offset negative media messages about African Americans? Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 90(1), 108. Read More Lanier Frush Holt Writing the wrong: can counter-stereotypes offset negative media messages about African Americans? Abstract Several studies show media messages activate or exacerbate racial stereotypes. This analysis, however, may be the first to examine which types of information—those that directly contradict media messages (i.e., crime-related) or general news (i.e., non-crime-related)—are most effective in abating stereotypes. Its findings suggest fear of crime is becoming more a human fear, not just a racial one. Furthermore, it suggests tbat for younger Americans, the concomitant dyad of the black criminal stereotype—race and crime—is fueled more by crime than by race. Holt, L. F. (2013). Writing the wrong: can counter-stereotypes offset negative media messages about African Americans? Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 90(1), 108. Read More References Dunning, J. On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio, Oxford University Press, 1998 Internet Archive, archive.org , Last accessed March 2016 Old Time Radio Catalog, OTRCAT.com , Last accessed March 2016 Old Radio World, Oldradioworld.com , Last accessed March 2016 Old Time Radio Downloads, Oldtimeradiodownloads.com , Last accessed March 2016 Radio Echoes, Radioechoes.com , Last accessed March 2016 Upload

As a member of the King's Inner Circle, Rev. Hosea Williams served as the advance man, organizing some of the most important events in the movement. Williams traveled to cities throughout the South, recruiting and organizing volunteers, paving the way for appearances by Dr. King, Jesse Jackson, and Andrew Young. Williams and John Lewis led the "Bloody Sunday" march in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. Episode #2: Did Dr. Martin Luther King's Dream Become a Nightmare? Dr. King's legacy inspired generations of activists and leaders, and his contributions continue to be recognized and celebrated today as a beacon of hope and progress. But Dr. King had a premonition about his death, and he warned the members of his Inner Circle to beware of the tactics external forces would use to break the movement apart after he was gone. As a member of the King's Inner Circle, Rev . Hosea Williams served as the advance man, organizing some of the most important events in the movement. Williams traveled to cities throughout the South, recruiting and organizing volunteers, paving the way for appearances by Dr. King, Jesse Jackson , and Andrew Young . Williams and John Lewis led the "Bloody Sunday" march in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. This episode features an interview from September of 1994 with Dr. Shelley Stewart and Rev . Hosea Williams . Hosea reveals the dire warning Dr. King had for the members of his Inner Circle. Was Hosea Williams right? Did the Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Become a Nightmare? View Episode 2 Details & Resources We want to hear from you. Submit your vote. Additionally, use the contact form at the bottom of the page to share additional thoughts, comments, and questions. Click An Icon Below To Listen To Podcast More About Hosea Williams & Dr. King's Inner Circle The Irish Times Member of King's Inner Circle Who Was Used to Stir Up Blackunrest Hosea Williams, one of the most active and controversial members of Dr. Martin Luther King's inner circle, died on November 16th aged 74. In 1968, he witnessed the assination of Dr. King, who had once described him as "my wild man, my Castro". King relied heavily on Hosea's fiery rhetoric to stir up black opposition to southern segregation. Once he had created a furore, King could arrive much more effectively with his message of peace and reconciliation... Read More USA Today List of People at the Lorraine Motel With Martin Luther King Jr. Also depicted in the photo of King on the balcony the day before his death is Hosea Williams. Williams was arrested 125 times for his militant acts of defiance while working in service to the civil rights movement. Perhaps his passion for civil rights was a direct consequence of his having been beaten so severely he was hospitalized for five weeks because he had a drink at a "whites-only" bar. Not as well known as King or Jackson, Williams nevertheless was a major figure in the civil rights movement with several triumphs to his credit. Because of his efforts, Savannah, Georgia, was the first city to ban "whites-only" lunch counters. He also led a march against the Klu Klux Klan in 1987 and won a $950,000 jury award after suing Forsyth County. He later became a senator and died of cancer in 2000. Read More #Ronald Martin Unfiltered Dr. Dorothy Cotton, the only woman in MLK's inner circle, in her last sitdown TV interview. #RolandMartinUnfiltered streamed an exclusive interview with key members of the civil rights movement, including Dr. Dorothy, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and so many others. Watch Now Dive Deeper CNN OPINION Martin Luther King’s dream is alive The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would hardly recognize America in 2013, the 50th anniversary year of his world-famous “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The efforts of King and countless others have not only made it possible for Barack Obama to become the first black president of the United States, but also created unprecedented opportunities for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and virtually anyone who had previously been given a check that has, as King put it, “come back marked ‘insufficient funds.’” Read More

Recognizing the strengths and limitations of HBCUs is crucial in promoting access and success for Black students in higher education while addressing the challenges to ensure equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their race or background. In this episode, Dr. Shelley Stewart replays an interview with Carol Watkins and Leslie Prawl from October of 1991. Episode #5: Is There A Need For HBCUs? Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have advantages such as fostering a sense of community and pride, providing a supportive environment, and offering diverse faculty and notable alumni. However, HBCUs may also face challenges such as limited resources, stigma, potential limitations in academic programs, and persistent inequalities. Recognizing the strengths and limitations of HBCUs is crucial in promoting access and success for Black students in higher education while addressing the challenges to ensure equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their race or background. In this episode, Shelley replays an interview with Carol Watkins and Leslie Prawl from October of 1991. He covers the pros and cons of HBCUs and shares insights and opinions on their value. Click An Icon Below To Listen To Podcast Dive Deeper Travis Albritton Educating Our Own: The Historical Legacy of HBCUs and Their Relevance for Educating a New Generation of Leaders Providing a brief history of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)--including how and why they were founded, funding sources and needs over time, and an examination of mission statements--the author considers the relevance of HBCUs in the current twenty-first century context. He makes an argument that the educational opportunities HBCUs offer continue to be strongly needed in the contemporary U.S. economic and sociopolitical climate. Finally, he offers HBCU faculty and administrators some suggestions for consideration as they face significant challenges ahead... Read More Arthur Clement & Arthur Lidsky The danger of history slipping away: The heritage campus and HBCUs The heritage of the United States is now recognized as including a diverse group of ethnic and racial minorities who have left "a rich and varied legacy of accomplishments and historic places that cannot be ignored" (Savage 1994, p. 67). Because of the NHPA, many structures and historic districts on HBCU campuses were recognized as significant and placed on the National Register of Historic Places... Read More Diverse Issues In Higher Education Preserving the Visual History of HBCUs Read More Fast Company Rich in Black history but long underfunded, these HBCU campuses will finally be preserved A new pilot grant program is designed to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities preserve significant buildings and sites on their campuses—an initiative that is long overdue... Read More Nancy G. Christie & Sarah M. Dinham Institutional and External Influences on Social Integration in the Freshman Year Read More National Endowment For The Humanities Preserving the Legacies of the Nation’s HBCUs Across 21 states and jurisdictions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) educate thousands of students each year and preserve the stories of the generations that came before them. For nearly 200 years, HBCUs have championed education equality and cultivated influential scholars, artists, scientists, and activists, serving as landmarks in their communities and centers of national historic and cultural significance. In 2020, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to strengthen the infrastructural capacity of these important institutions, launching the HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship Initiative to protect their enduring legacies and ensure their ability to educate generations to come... Read More Judy Rashid Unearthing Promise and Potential: Our Nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (review) Unearthing Promise and Potential: Our Nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities is an ambitious attempt to examine the historical inception of HBCUs in the United States, their present role in higher education, and their potential future. These institutions-very diverse despite being grouped under the homogenous HBCU definition and label-have remained a vital part of the American higher education landscape for more than 125 years. As Marybeth Gasman, Valerie Lundy-Wagner, Tafaya Ransom, and Nelson Bowman III set forth, these institutions indeed offer great promise and potential for the continued and higher education of the nation... Read More Allen Walter Black Colleges Vs. White Colleges, Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning Read More

Welcome to Season 3 We've got new content for you every Wednesday. Make sure you subscribe! Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 3: EPISODE 4 Mayor Ford Talks about Redistricting in the 90s Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . Click An Icon Below To Listen To Shelley's Plumbline Recently Aired SEASON 3: EPISODE 4 Uncovering The Movement: An Interview With Rev. N. H. "Fireball" Smith In this episode, Shelley shares an interview from January 1993 with Rev. Nelson H. Smith, also known as "Fireball" Smith. Smith was another unknown yet highly influential foot soldier in the fight for human rights for all, participating in The Movement before the 1960s and marching side by side with Dr. King during the '60s. Throughout his ministry, Smith preached the importance of higher education, financial management, and economics. He founded the New Pilgrim Credit Union in 1965 and led his church in the development of a bookstore and the New Pilgrim Towers apartments, to name a few of his accomplishments. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 3: EPISODE 3 Shelley's 89th Birthday Celebration! Happy 89th Birthday to Shelley Stewart! Today, we celebrate Shelley's 89th birthday with a recording of a speech Shelley made when he was 63 years old at Friendship Baptist Church . This Church plays a special role in Shelley's life. As a boy of five, he saw his mother murdered just a few blocks away. In spite of growing up without his parents, he would celebrate his graduation in this same Church. Without a doubt, the Friendship Baptist Church has held a special place in Shelley's heart. In today's podcast, he shares a message that he's shared all his life. A message that tells hard truths but also triumphs love, mutual respect, and human rights for ALL people and that faith is the power that enables the unlikely to accomplish the impossible. Today's episode is a heartfelt message from Shelley, one of faith. What we know is if you lose faith, you lose all. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SEASON 3: EPISODE 2 Yvonne Turner: A True Human Rights Shero This week, Shelley continues to explore some of the lesser-known yet powerful foot soldiers in the Movement. One such person is Yvonne Turner. Who is Yvonne Turner? Well, well before the Human Rights Movement of the 60s, the true Movement began in the mid-1950s, and people like Yvonne Turner, Georgia Price, and others were instrumental in organizing voter education drives and meetings. Visit shelleysplumbline.com to see one of the voter education documents Yvonne created and shared so Blacks could be prepared to answer questions in order to vote. She was often referred to as the most loved and hated woman in Birmingham because she helped the Movement so much but also spoke to a truth that many would rather not hear. View Season 3 Episode 2 Details & Resources SEASON 3: EPISODE 1 Rare Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. To kick off Season 3 of Shelley's Plumbline, we went through his archives, and Shelley rediscovered some rare recordings of #MLK that he had forgotten about. These are speeches MLK made in Birmingham! Why are they rare? Because for his protection and to keep Bull Conner guessing, Dr. King would often show up to churches unannounced to make speeches. Shelley Stewart was in attendance recording the choir when Dr. King showed up. They left the recorder running when he made these speeches. You can hear them both in this week's podcast. Very timely given that September 15 is the anniversary of bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. In Season 3, Shelley sets the record straight on the "Movement" and how only the media and politicians called it the "Civil Rights Movement." It was, and is, a Movement for the freedom of all people. Please listen, and if you are so moved, share it with others. View Season 3 Episode 1 Details & Resources SEASON TWO: EPISODE 10 The Plantation Ghost Today Shelley shares an interview from 1995 with Ezekwa Abdullah. Ezekwa argues that Blacks still repress themselves and suffer a form of psychological slavery in the collective subconscious psyche because attitudes of repression have been preserved and passed from one generation to the next. The ghost of the plantation exists today because not enough has been done to condemn this point of view. SEASON TWO: EPISODE 9 Free By Choice Inmates Share Their Stories Today, Shelley replays an interview from the Free By Choice program, which brought inmates from Alabama prisons on the air to speak openly about their crimes and the decisions which led to them. These Free By Choice inmates had a strong desire to share their stories so their suffering could serve to help others avoid making the same mistakes. Shelley Stewart LISTEN Season One Episode 1: Internalized Racism Season One Episode 2: Did Dr. Martin Luther King's Dream Become A Nightmare? Season One Episode 3: Homelessness Season One Episode 4: Hate Crimes Season One Episode 5: Is There A Need For HBCUs? Season One Episode 6: Should We End Black History Month? Season One Episode 7: Y outh Gangs & Drug Dealers Season One Episode 8: Part 2 Of Youth Gangs & Drug Dealers Season One Episode 9: Part 3 Of Youth Gangs & Drug Dealers Season One Episode 10: Interview With Jim Porter, Former NRA President Listen Upload EMAIL: CORLETTE@SHELLEYSPLUMBLINE.COM PR & PODCAST ENQUIRIES BUSINESS & SPEAKING ENQUIRIES PRESS EVENTS

Season 3: Episode 1 Rare Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. NPR Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Image JOHN LEWIS' FORWARD IN THE 2004 EDITION PUTTING THE MOVEMENT BACK INTO CIVIL RIGHTS TEACHING You are about to embark on a wonderful journey, a journey into our collective identity as an American people. That is why I have always loved history, because it is through the study of our past that we discover who we are today as a nation. And the more you explore the American experience, the more you realize that the cry for freedom has inspired some of the greatest events of our history. The Civil Rights Movement is just that kind of American story. We were a congregation of “ordinary” men and women who had an extraordinary vision. Some of us had examined our nation’s philosophy simply and eloquently described in the Constitution, but most of us just answered a whisper deep in our souls that something was amiss in America. We faced the truth that generations of racial prejudice, segregation, and discrimination were not fair; they were not right, they were not just. And it was that deep urging for liberation that ignited our courage to act. We determined to make this nation live up to its creed of “freedom and justice for all.” And we found a way to get in the way. We found a way, through nonviolent protest, to dramatize our issues. We held up a mirror to America so it could see the true face of its democracy. That revelation brought change. It transformed the landscape of this nation. It also shook the spirits of people around the globe who modeled their own freedom movements on the achievements of these “ordinary,” inspired Americans of the Civil Rights Movement. History expresses who we are, but it also reveals who we must become. The ideals of this nation are noble and great. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness .”  Declaration of Independence, 1776 But they are yet to be fully realized. Our past calls us to awaken to our future, to answer the soul’s eternal quest for liberation. Call it the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement or the spirit of history. We must recapture this spirit. As a nation and as a people, we must make this spirit part of our thoughts, our actions, and our lives. All of us—Black, White, Latino, Asian, and Native American—must pull together for the common good. This is our American mission. This is our charge, to build what I call the Beloved Community, a nation at peace with itself, one nation, one people, one house, and one family. This is, above all, the greatest lesson of the Civil Rights Movement, that our work is not done until our collective dreams of freedom, equality, and justice are made real for every life in this country. Purchase Putting the Movement Back into Civil Rights Teaching Season 3: Episode 1 "We challenge you to do your own research on some of the heroes and sheroes who claimed to have been a part of The Movement and learn the real stories of all the many, many ordinary people who performed heroic acts." - Dr. Shelley Stewart Click An Icon Below To Listen To Shelley's Plumbline Podcast Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Civil Rights Teaching Critiquing the Traditional Narrative The View from the Trenches By Charles Payne Looking Back: Historical Language and Historical Memory From Hassan Jeffries Our understanding of social change, our conceptions of leadership, our understanding of the possibilities of interracial cooperation are all affected by how we remember the movement. Even much of the language that we use to discuss social issues derives from movement days. We think of the movement as a movement for “civil rights” and against “segregation.” Even those seemingly innocuous terms carry their own historical baggage. “Segregation” became the accepted way to describe the South’s racial system among both Blacks and whites. In its denotative meaning, suggesting separation between Blacks and whites, it is not a very accurate term to describe that system. The system involved plenty of integration; it just had to be on terms acceptable to white people. Indeed, the agricultural economy of the early-twentieth-century South probably afforded a good deal more interracial contact than the modern urban ghetto. “White supremacy” is a more accurate description of what the system was about. “Segregation” is the way apologists for the South liked to think of it. In implies, “We’re not doing anything to Black people; we just want to keep them separate from us.” It was the most innocent face one could put on that system. When we use the term as a summary term for what was going on in the South, we are unconsciously adopting the preferred euphemism of nineteenth-century white supremacist leadership. If “segregation” is a poor way to describe the problem, “integration” may not tell us much about the solution. It is not at all clear what proportion of the Black population was interested in “integration” as a general goal. African Americans have wanted access to the privileges that white people have enjoyed and have been interested in integration as a possible avenue to those privileges, but that view is different from seeing integration as important in and of itself. Even in the 1950s, it was clear that school integration, while it would potentially put more resources into the education of Black children, also potentially meant the loss of thousands of teaching jobs for Black teachers and the destruction of schools to which Black communities often felt deeply attached, however resource-poor they were. There was also something potentially demeaning in the idea that Black children had to be sitting next to white children to learn. The first Black children to integrate the schools in a given community often found themselves in a strange position, especially if they were teenagers. While some black people thoughts of them as endangering themselves for the greater good for the community, others saw them as turning their backs on that community and what it had to offer. It is probably safest to say that only a segment of the Black community had anything like an ideological commitment to “integration,” while most Black people were willing to give it a try to see if it really did lead to a better life. We might also ask how “civil rights” came to be commonly used as a summary term for the struggle of African Americans. In the late 1960s, after several civil rights bills had been passed, a certain part of white America seemed not to understand why Black Americans were still angry about their collective status. “You have your civil rights. Now what’s the problem?” In part, the problem was that “civil rights” was always a narrow way to conceptualize the larger struggle. For African Americans, the struggle has always been about forging a decent place for themselves within this society, which has been understood to involve the thorny issues of economic participation and self-assertion as well as civil rights. . . . One hypothesis, of course, would be that “civil rights” becomes so popular precisely because it is so narrow, precisely because it does not suggest that distribution of privilege is part of the problem. The “civil rights” language also implies the movement was about Negroes; they were the ones who did not have “civil rights.” From the viewpoint of a Septima Clark or an Ella Baker, the movement was about enriching American democracy, and those in whose name it was made were not the only ones who profited from it. Related Resources Alridge, Derrick. “The Limits of Master Narratives in History Textbooks: An Analysis of Representations of Martin Luther King, Jr. ” Teachers College Record, Volume 108, Number 4, April 2006. Read a description and download here . Jeffries, Hasan Kwame. “Remaking History: Barack Obama, Political Cartoons, and the Civil Rights Movement .” In Civil Rights History from the Ground Up: Local Struggles, a National Movement edited by Emilye Crosby (University of Georgia Press, 2011). Kohl, Herb. “The Politics of Children’s Literature: What’s Wrong with the Rosa Parks Myth .” A critical analysis of children’s books about Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement. (Published by Rethinking Schools, posted on the Zinn Education Project website.) here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Shelley Stewart WAOK "The Movement started before the 1960s and has always been a fight for human rights for all. We did say that we would commit civil disobedience as we fight for human rights. It became "the civil rights movement" once politicians got involved. We are still fighting for human rights today." - Dr. Shelley Stewart What Are Human Rights? Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination. Learn More The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration is situated on a site in Montgomery where Black people were forced to labor in bondage. Blocks from one of the most prominent slave auction spaces in America, the Legacy Museum is steps away from the rail station where tens of thousands of Black people were trafficked during the 19th century. Learn More In this study, I argue that American history textbooks present discrete, heroic, one-dimensional, and neatly packaged master narratives that deny students a complex, realistic, and rich understanding of people and events in American history. In making this argument, I examine the master narratives of Martin Luther King Jr. in high school history textbooks and show how textbooks present prescribed, oversimplified, and uncontroversial narratives of King that obscure important elements in King’s life and thought. Such master narratives, I contend, permeate most history textbooks and deny students critical lenses through which to examine, analyze, and interpret social issues today. The article concludes with suggestions about how teachers might begin to address the current problem of master narratives and offer alternative approaches to presenting U.S. history. Learn More Upload

We've got new content for you every Wednesday. Make sure you subscribe! Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . Meet Your Host Dr. Shelley Stewart Click An Icon Below To Listen To Podcast EPISODE 1: Internalized Racism This episode is taken from an interview that took place in 1993 with Brother Ezekwa. Institutionalized racism leads many Blacks to think less of themselves and each other. They come to believe the stereotypes of the messages of oppression that are continually served by not only the media and external sources but also by friends, family, and authority figures. They have been told for so long that they are "less than..." that they eventually begin to believe it. The podcast also touches upon the 4 types of internalized racism: 1. Interpersonal Racism 2. Institutionalized Racism 3. Structural Racism 4. Internalized Racism View Episode 1 Details & Resources EPISODE 2: Did Dr. Martin Luther King's Dream Become a Nightmare? As a member of the King's Inner Circle, Hosea Williams served as the advance man, organizing some of the most important events in the movement. Williams traveled to cities throughout the South, recruiting and organizing volunteers, paving the way for appearances by Dr. King, Jesse Jackson , and Andrew Young .Williams and John Lewis led the "Bloody Sunday" march in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. This episode features an interview from September of 1994 with Dr. Shelley Stewart and Rev . Hosea Williams . Hosea reveals the dire warning Dr. King View Episode 2 Details & Resources EPISODE 3: Homelessness Homelessness affects a diverse range of individuals. It is not limited to a particular demographic, but can impact people of different ages, genders, races, and backgrounds. Among those who are homeless are individuals experiencing mental health issues, addiction, domestic violence survivors, veterans, youth, families with children, and individuals facing economic challenges such as unemployment or poverty. In this episode, Shelley replays an interview from April 6, 1993, where he meets with a former professional football player who has become homeless. The episode also features a harrowing excerpt from his memoir, The Road South, which depicts traumatic events and abuse from his youth (listener discretion is advised). The podcast concludes with a powerful lesson Shelley learned in a bar while working in St. Louis as the disc jockey, "Shelley the Playboy." View Episode 3 Details & Resources EPISODE 4: Hate Crimes Hate crimes have devastating impacts on individuals, communities, and society. Victims often suffer physical and emotional harm, leading to trauma and decreased sense of safety. Hate crimes also fuel fear, division, and mistrust within communities, contributing to social inequalities and damaging social cohesion. They erode trust in law enforcement and the justice system and have negative implications for economic development. Additionally, hate crimes perpetuate harmful stereotypes and attitudes toward targeted groups. Combating hate crimes through education, advocacy, and community engagement is crucial to promote inclusivity, tolerance, and a society that rejects hate and embraces diversity. This episode features an interview from March 1993 with Attorney Rodney Max , a member of the Coalition Against Hate Crimes. They discuss the trial of a hate crime killing of a homeless person in Birmingham. He offers positive solutions to the problem. He says, "Before I prejudge you, let me get to know you. View Episode 4 Details & Resources EPISODE 5: Is There A Need For HBCUs? Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have advantages such as fostering a sense of community and pride, providing a supportive environment, and offering diverse faculty and notable alumni. However, HBCUs may also face challenges such as limited resources, stigma, potential limitations in academic programs, and persistent inequalities. Recognizing the strengths and limitations of HBCUs is crucial in promoting access and success for Black students in higher educatio n while addressing the challenges to ensure equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their race or background. In this episode, Shelley replays an interview with Carol Watkins and Leslie Prawl from October of 1991. View Episode 5 Details & Resources EPISODE 6: Should We End Black History Month? Black History Month has been celebrated for decades as a time to honor and recognize the contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. However, some argue that relegating Black history to a single month perpetuates segregation and fails to fully integrate it into the mainstream curriculum. Ending Black History Month could be beneficial, as it would emphasize that Black history is an integral part of American history that should be incorporated into educational curricula throughout the year. By integrating Black history into the broader narrative, we can foster a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of our shared past, promoting equality and unity. The podcast features an interview with Dr. Horace Huntley in February 1991 and suggests that by ending Black History Month, we might celebrate Black culture and history throughout the year. View Episode 6 Details & Resources EPISODE 7: Youth Gangs In 1989, two gang members from the Birmingham area approached Shelley and asked to be on his show, "Open Mic." They wanted to share their experiences about the myths and realities of gang life and share their regrets over the youth they lost while acting as members of a gang. Ironically, the mother of one of the gang members heard her son on the show and came in the following morning to share her feelings and warnings with other parents. While the nature of gang life has changed between 1989 and 2023, there are a surprising number of things that are still in common. In fact, you might be surprised to discover the backgrounds of many gang members are not what you think. View Episode 7 Details & Resources EPISODE 8: Part 2 of Youth Gangs & Drug Dealers Series Today’s episode reaches back to 1986 and was part of a series of interviews Shelley did on Open Mic with drug dealers and youth gangs. This individual had a promising career as a backup drummer for the well-known blues musician Bobby “Blue” Bland. Unfortunately, the lure of easy money pulled him into the world of dealing cocaine, Although he didn’t start dealing drugs until he was 44 years old. He shares stories about how, at that time, cocaine was cut with laxatives and even embalming fluid, and how the cutting agents were often more dangerous than the drug itself. He finishes his story by recounting the death of his cousin and fiance at the hands of three drug users. Stay tuned and learn from his life as we continue this series on youth gangs and drug dealers. View Episode 8 Details & Resources EPISODE 9: Part 3 of Youth Gangs & Drug Dealers Series This episode concludes our series on youth gangs and drug dealers with an interview of a young man who began dealing drugs at the age of 16. He was brought into a gang at the age of 10 and exposed to the life of a drug dealer. During that time, he’d seen fellow gang members killed and maimed. He even shares a harrowing description of mutilation that happened to a fellow gang member. Listener discretion is advised. He finally realizes what he missed and what he lost, and he shares a message with other young people. View Episode 9 Details & Resources EPISODE 10: Interview with Jim Porter from the NRA Shelley sat down in 1993 for an interview with Jim Porter, a member of the Board of Directors of the NRA. The arguments have not changed for the past 30 years, yet the problem of gun violence persists and, in fact, continues to grow in 2023. Shelley explores the challenges that existed in 1993 and compares them to today. View Episode 10 Details & Resources

Today, Shelley reaches back into his archive to an interview with Mariam McClendon. They discuss colorism, that is, the differences in perception between light- and dark-complected blacks and the challenges darker-complected blacks encounter – even from members of their own race. Even though the interview is from 1991, the problem of colorism still exists today, hindering relationships and opportunities among blacks. Season Two: Episode 08 The Persistent Problem of Colorism Today, Shelley reaches back into his archive to an interview with Mariam McClendon. They discuss colorism, that is, the differences in perception between light- and dark-complected blacks and the challenges darker-complected blacks encounter – even from members of their own race. Even though the interview is from 1991, the problem of colorism still exists today, hindering relationships and opportunities among blacks. Click An Icon Below To Listen To Shelley's Plumbline Podcast Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . The death of George Floyd last year has shone a spotlight on what it means to be Black, and especially, to be dark-skinned in America. Special correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro has our report from Minnesota, home to a growing population of African and other immigrants. It is part of our continuing series "Race Matters", and Fred’s series, "Agents for Change." Watch Now In this extended interview from Roots, Race & Culture, Danor and Lonzo continue their conversation about colorism with University of Utah professor Edmund Fong and current student Darienne Debrule. The group explores how colorism differs among varying ethnic groups, and how you can help combat colorism in your own community. Watch Now CNN's Anderson Cooper highlights a project that reveals how children view racial beliefs, attitudes and preferences . Study shows black and white children are biased toward lighter skin. Test aimed to re-create landmark Doll Test from 1940s. Watch Now When Chika Okoro read the casting call for one of her favorite films, she noticed that actresses with darker skin were assigned lesser roles —prompting her to address a phenomenon she'd experienced all her life: colorism. In this eye-opening talk, Okoro shares coping strategies along with steps that could help eliminate this insidious and destructive mindset of discrimination. Watch Now When I began teaching in Boston, I was struck by how often students of color referred to each other as “light-skinned” or “dark-skinned.” Almost daily, I witnessed high school students identify, categorize and stereotype their peers based on skin tone. Having grown up African American in Louisiana, I was used to white people’s ideas of white superiority and even those “colorstruck” black people who preferred lighter skin. But I did not expect that so many young people of diverse ethnicities—including Dominicans, Puerto Ricans and Cape Verdeans—would actively engage in everyday forms of skin-color bias Read more Coloism Toolik Colorism is an insidious, globally prevalent bias that deeply impacts the lives and livelihoods of darker-skinned women. The term refers not only to the preference for lighter skin between different racial and ethnic communities, but also within those communities. Colorism is an enduring vestige of colonialism and white dominance around the globe and disproportionately harms women of color. Inclusive leaders must work to prevent women of color from experiencing colorism at work — and make sure they don’t leave. The author presents three ways to disrupt colorism in the workplace. Read More Every year, Hollywood inevitably comes under criticism for its lack of racial diversity. But another lesser-known yet still pervasive problem also resurfaces: the lack of diversity in skin tone. It happened again with “In the Heights,” a big-budget film based on the musical created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, which was called out this week for its dearth of dark-skinned, Black Latinos in leading roles. Colorism — or discrimination against darker-skinned people within their same ethnic group — lurks deep among pretty much all communities with varying levels of melanin. But it doesn’t get talked about, and that could be a setback for the racial justice efforts that intensified after the police killing of George Floyd last year. Read more Upload

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< Back City of Birmingham hosts annual AWAKEN celebration honoring Dr. Shelley Stewart Mattie Davis For WVTM13 Oct 28, 2022 The city of Birmingham will honor civil rights leader, veteran radio broadcaster and advertising executive Dr. Shelley Stewart during its annual “AWAKEN Birmingham” event this Friday. Held during the week of the Magic City Classic, AWAKEN celebrates the legacy of community leaders and activists who have shaped the city of Birmingham. Read More Previous Article Next Article