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Apr 20, 2023 Broadcast Legend Shelley Stewart Launches Podcast, Becoming The Oldest Podcaster In The U.S. At 88 years young, media executive and broadcast legend Dr. Shelley Stewart announces the launch of the podcast, "Shelley's Plumbline ." The show blends fresh commentary from Dr. Stewart with clips from his archive of more than 3,000 shows spanning his 53-year career in radio broadcasting. Stewart hopes the podcast will open channels of communication and understanding while searching for truth on tough social topics. Stewart’s storied career includes spending more than fifty years behind the microphone and over 70 years as a champion of human rights. His career includes time as a radio personality, where he helped the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders disseminate key planning information about demonstrations. As a TV talk show host, he openly discusses tough topics with the Grand Wizard of the Klu Klux Klan. He eventually became the owner of the radio station WATV and the advertising agency o2ideas. Stewart also authored two books, The Road South: A Memoir and Mattie C.'s Boy: The Shelley Stewart Story , which retells his life story in vivid detail, following his beginning as a homeless child at seven years of age to his rise to business success. Shelley hopes the podcast will have a tangible impact on communities, the nation, and the world, as it plumbs for the truths in the midst of society’s most challenging problems. "You see, there is this side, that side, and the truth lies somewhere in the middle," said Stewart. After listening to several shows from the archive, Stewart and his production team couldn’t help but notice the irony that 30 to 40 years after their original broadcast date, society still faces similar challenges today. While controversial issues, such as human rights, gender equality, AIDS, youth, and homelessness, remain top world problems, Shelley's Plumbline will acknowledge the similarities and differences between the past and present and lead the audience to thoughtful introspection while providing resources for those interested in pursuing more knowledge and solutions to these challenging issues. But that's not all. "We have interviews with legends, such as Eddie Kendricks, Fred Shuttlesworth, Hosea Williams, and Steve Harvey,” said Dr. Stewart. “Some episodes will share oldies, but goldies hits, and some will even explore comedy," he said. “We want to connect with people and keep our listeners engaged whether we are discussing tough topics or the golden age of Motown." Shelley's Plumbline premieres April 20 on Spotify, Amazon Music and iHeart Radio and will release episodes weekly on Wednesdays. Read More Mar 4, 2023 Unsung Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement Born in the early 1930s in a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Shelley Stewart became a major voice in the fight for civil rights. When Stewart was a teenager, his gift for speaking earned him a spot as a radio talk show host, incredibly, for that time in history, at a white-owned station. Yet his popularity continued to grow, landing him gigs as a disc jockey and an emcee for other stations and at popular event venues in the Birmingham area and further afield. Stewart eventually became co-owner of station WATV-AM, and in the 1960s during the height of the civil rights movement, he used his platform and influence to support numerous activists and equal rights causes. Read More Feb 1, 2023 At Age 88, Birmingham Radio Legend Shelley Stewart: ‘I Ain’t Tired Yet It’s an unseasonably warm January morning, and Dr. Shelley Stewart is sitting in his home office in Shelby County, Alabama. At first glance, the space looks like an ordinary room with books on shelves, papers on a desk, and a file cabinet against a wall. But this room holds a wealth of mementos that demonstrate why Stewart is an icon in Birmingham and beyond. Shelley “The Playboy” Stewart was the radio voice for the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, became co-owner of the city’s WATV-AM, and co-founded o2ideas, an award-winning full-service advertising agency based in the Magic City. To many, Stewart is a Civil Rights Foot Soldier and radio great. But Stewart, who spent his childhood living in basements and barns, doesn’t see himself that way. “I’m that same little homeless street kid even to this day—no more, no less,” said Stewart, 88. Read More Oct 28, 2022 City of Birmingham hosts annual AWAKEN celebration honoring Dr. Shelley Stewart 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 Jul 18, 2022 Winnowed by the Hardships of His Youth, This Top Ad Executive is Now an Advocate for Keeping Kids in Schoollogy can help curb attention disorders Shelley Stewart was 6 years old when he watched his alcoholic father, Huell Jerome Sr., kill his mother, Mattie C., at their Rosedale home in Alabama. This was back in 1939, and there was never an investigation. Shelley ran away shortly after and became homeless. A family took him in to live in their basement, and he remained in school at Rosedale Elementary. Mamie Foster, his first-grade teacher, told him what would turn his life around: “If you learn how to read, you can be anything you want to be.” Shelley did well in school and became a successful radio DJ, hanging out with BB King, Nat King Cole, and Odis Redding. During the ’60s, the outspoken radio star became a target for the KKK. They spray-painted his studio with death threats, but Shelley continued the fight. In 1967, his friend Cy Steiner asked him to partner with him. They started O2ideas, which became one of the leading advertising agencies in the country. Read More Plumbline News Room

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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

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< Back Broadcast Legend Shelley Stewart Launches Podcast, Becoming The Oldest Podcaster In The U.S. Corlette Stewart Apr 20, 2023 At 88 years young, media executive and broadcast legend Dr. Shelley Stewart announces the launch of the podcast, "Shelley's Plumbline ." The show blends fresh commentary from Dr. Stewart with clips from his archive of more than 3,000 shows spanning his 53-year career in radio broadcasting. Stewart hopes the podcast will open channels of communication and understanding while searching for truth on tough social topics. Stewart’s storied career includes spending more than fifty years behind the microphone and over 70 years as a champion of human rights. His career includes time as a radio personality, where he helped the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders disseminate key planning information about demonstrations. As a TV talk show host, he openly discusses tough topics with the Grand Wizard of the Klu Klux Klan. He eventually became the owner of the radio station WATV and the advertising agency o2ideas. Stewart also authored two books, The Road South: A Memoir and Mattie C.'s Boy: The Shelley Stewart Story , which retells his life story in vivid detail, following his beginning as a homeless child at seven years of age to his rise to business success. Shelley hopes the podcast will have a tangible impact on communities, the nation, and the world, as it plumbs for the truths in the midst of society’s most challenging problems. "You see, there is this side, that side, and the truth lies somewhere in the middle," said Stewart. After listening to several shows from the archive, Stewart and his production team couldn’t help but notice the irony that 30 to 40 years after their original broadcast date, society still faces similar challenges today. While controversial issues, such as human rights, gender equality, AIDS, youth, and homelessness, remain top world problems, Shelley's Plumbline will acknowledge the similarities and differences between the past and present and lead the audience to thoughtful introspection while providing resources for those interested in pursuing more knowledge and solutions to these challenging issues. But that's not all. "We have interviews with legends, such as Eddie Kendricks, Fred Shuttlesworth, Hosea Williams, and Steve Harvey,” said Dr. Stewart. “Some episodes will share oldies, but goldies hits, and some will even explore comedy," he said. “We want to connect with people and keep our listeners engaged whether we are discussing tough topics or the golden age of Motown." Shelley's Plumbline premieres April 20 on Spotify, Amazon Music and iHeart Radio and will release episodes weekly on Wednesdays. Read More Previous Article Next Article

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Your Next Keynote Speaker Meet Dr. Shelley Stewart Book Dr. Shelley Stewart For Your Next Event INSPIRE. EMPOWER. TRANSFORM Why Book Biography Speaking Topics Past Engagements Why Book Dr. Shelley Stewart Decades of Leadership in business, broadcasting, and philanthropy. Trailblazer in Human Rights , honored for advancing equity and justice. Captivating Speaker known for delivering heart-driven, impactful messages. Trusted Voice featured in documentaries, news programs, and cultural archives. Dr. Shelley Stewart is a celebrated speaker, humanitarian, and visionary leader whose story of resilience, leadership, and commitment to unity has moved audiences across generations. From humble beginnings to national influence, Shelley's life work bridges business, education, human rights, and cultural change, Whether you're hosting a corporate event, educational forum, community gathering, or leadership conference, Dr. Stewart brings timeless wisdom, powerful storytelling, and an unwavering message of hope and transformation. Click "About Shelley" for a more comprehensive biography. Past Engagements Decades of Leadership in business, broadcasting, and philanthropy.Trailblazer in Human Rights, honored for advancing equity and justice.Captivating Speaker known for delivering heart-driven, impactful messages.Trusted Voice featured in documentaries, news programs, and cultural archives. Speaking Topics Include: Resilience and Redemption: Overcoming adversity to lead with purpose. The Power of Unity: Bridging generations, communities, and cultures. Leadership with Integrity: Building organizations that uplift humanity. Voice of Change: Human rights, media, education, the Academy of Common Sense, and the power of storytelling. Business for Good: From entrepreneurship to corporate citizenship. Click An Icon Below To Listen To Podcast

Shelley sat down in 1993 for an interview with Jim Porter, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association (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. Interview with Jim Porter from the NRA Shelley sat down in 1993 for an interview with Jim Porte r, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association (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 t oday. Listen to the podcast here: Episode 10: Interview with Jim Porter from the NRA. iCivics Resource Constitution Explained: To Keep and Bear Arms Dive Deeper Council of Foreign Relations U.S. Gun Policy: Global Comparisons June 10, 2022 More Americans died of gun-related injuries in 2021 than in any other year on record, according to the latest available statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That included record numbers of both gun murders and gun suicides. Despite the increase in such fatalities, the rate of gun deaths – a statistic that accounts for the nation’s growing population – remained below the levels of earlier decades. Read More NPR How AR-15-style rifles write the tragic history of America's mass shootings March 10, 2023 The weapon used to carry out the mass shooting at an outlet shopping mall in Allen, Texas, on Saturday that left eight people dead and seven others injured is one all too familiar to Americans and lawmakers who have witnessed mass shootings occur again and again. Mauricio Garcia, 33, was seen on dashcam video opening fire with an AR-15-style rifle. Garcia was carrying three weapons with him and had five more in his car — all legally obtained, according to Hank Sibley, regional director with the Texas Department of Public Safety. The AR-15 has a long history in mass shootings in the U.S. The White House FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces New Actions to Reduce Gun Violence and Make Our Communities Safer March 14, 2023 Today, in Monterey Park, California, President Biden will announce an Executive Order with the goal of increasing the number of background checks conducted before firearm sales, moving the U.S. as close to universal background checks as possible without additional legislation. The Executive Order will also keep more guns out of dangerous hands by increasing the effective use of “red flag” laws, strengthen efforts to hold the gun industry accountable, and accelerate law enforcement efforts to identify and apprehend the shooters menacing our communities. President Biden is also encouraging the Federal Trade Commission to issue a public report analyzing how gun manufacturers market firearms to minors. Read More Pew Research Center What the data says about gun deaths in the U.S . April 26, 2023 More Americans died of gun-related injuries in 2021 than in any other year on record, according to the latest available statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That included record numbers of both gun murders and gun suicides. Despite the increase in such fatalities, the rate of gun deaths – a statistic that accounts for the nation’s growing population – remained below the levels of earlier decades. Read More Read More BBC How many US mass shootings have there been in 2023? May 26, 2023 Gun violence is a fixture in American life - but the issue is a highly political one, pitting gun control advocates against people who are fiercely protective of their right to bear arms. We've looked into some of the numbers behind firearms in the US. . Read More Advocacy Organizations Gun Rights Advocacy Organizations National Rifle Association (NRA) The National Rifle Association seeks to educate the public about firearms, defend US citizens' second amendment rights, and lobbies for gun rights legislation. Gun Owners of America Gun Owners of America (GOA) is a non-profit lobbying organization formed in 1975 to preserve and defend the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. Second Amendment Foundation The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) is dedicated to promoting the right of U.S. citizens to privately own and possess firearms. They carry on many educational and legal action programs designed to inform the public about the gun control debate. Gun Control Advocacy Organizations Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence The Brady Campaign works to pass and enforce federal and state gun laws, regulations, and public policies through grassroots activism, electing public officials who support gun control legislation, and increasing public awareness of gun violence. Everytown for Gun Safety An umbrella organization coordinating the activities of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Mayors against Illegal Guns. Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Important grassroots activist organization formed by stay-at-home mom Shannon Watts following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012. Mayors Against Illegal Guns Mayors Against Illegal Guns is a coalition of over 1000 current and former mayors across the country who have joined together to prevent criminals from possessing guns illegally. Third Way Third Way is a think tank that seeks to advance public policy. Their agenda includes tighter gun safety laws.

Season 6: SEASON 6: EPISODE 1 The Back Porch: Instinct and the Inner Voice SEASON 6: EPISODE 2 Excerpts from the Inside Out Documentary SEASON 6: EPISODE 3 The Genocide of Black Culture. SEASON 6: EPISODE 4 An Interview with Fred Shuttlesworth. SEASON 6: EPISODE 5 Internalized Racism [Rebroadcast] SEASON 6: EPISODE 6 Freeborn Slave: Diary of a Black Man in the South. SEASON 6: EPISODE 7 Black Republicans. SEASON 6: EPISODE 8 Back Porch: Race, Racism and Happiness. 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. SEASON 6: EPISODE 10 A. H. Parker High School 100th Anniversary Dedication Speech. Click An Icon Below To Listen To Shelley's Plumbline Learn More Book For Speaking Engagements

< Back Winnowed by the Hardships of His Youth, This Top Ad Executive is Now an Advocate for Keeping Kids in Schoollogy can help curb attention disorders Karim Shamsi-Basha for American Essence Jul 18, 2022 Shelley Stewart was 6 years old when he watched his alcoholic father, Huell Jerome Sr., kill his mother, Mattie C., at their Rosedale home in Alabama. This was back in 1939, and there was never an investigation. Shelley ran away shortly after and became homeless. A family took him in to live in their basement, and he remained in school at Rosedale Elementary. Mamie Foster, his first-grade teacher, told him what would turn his life around: “If you learn how to read, you can be anything you want to be.” Shelley did well in school and became a successful radio DJ, hanging out with BB King, Nat King Cole, and Odis Redding. During the ’60s, the outspoken radio star became a target for the KKK. They spray-painted his studio with death threats, but Shelley continued the fight. In 1967, his friend Cy Steiner asked him to partner with him. They started O2ideas, which became one of the leading advertising agencies in the country. Read More Previous Article Next Article

< Back At Age 88, Birmingham Radio Legend Shelley Stewart: ‘I Ain’t Tired Yet Jamaica Harris Bowser For The Birmingham Times Feb 1, 2023 It’s an unseasonably warm January morning, and Dr. Shelley Stewart is sitting in his home office in Shelby County, Alabama. At first glance, the space looks like an ordinary room with books on shelves, papers on a desk, and a file cabinet against a wall. But this room holds a wealth of mementos that demonstrate why Stewart is an icon in Birmingham and beyond. Shelley “The Playboy” Stewart was the radio voice for the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, became co-owner of the city’s WATV-AM, and co-founded o2ideas, an award-winning full-service advertising agency based in the Magic City. To many, Stewart is a Civil Rights Foot Soldier and radio great. But Stewart, who spent his childhood living in basements and barns, doesn’t see himself that way. “I’m that same little homeless street kid even to this day—no more, no less,” said Stewart, 88. Read More Previous Article Next Article

Plumbline News Room 01 New York Times By April 2023 02 At Age 88, Birmingham Radio Legend Shelley Stewart: ‘I Ain’t Tired Yet Birmingham Times By Jamaica Harris Bowser February 1, 2023 03 City of Birmingham hosts annual AWAKEN celebration honoring Dr. Shelley Stewart WVTM13 By Mattie Davis October 2022 04 Winnowed by the Hardships of His Youth, This Top Ad Executive is Now an Advocate for Keeping Kids in School American Essence By Karim Shamsi-Basha July 2022 05 Unsung Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement The Group Travel Leader By Brian Jewell March 4, 2022 06 A Black Radio Pioneer: One-On-One with Shelley ‘The Playboy’ Stewart CBS 42 By Art Franklin February 28, 2022 07 How Shelley Stewart Subverted the System to Become an Advertising Success Ad Week By Doug Zanger February 22, 2021 08 Groundbreaking partnership quietly defied the days of segregation Southern Jewish Life By Richard Friedman January 9, 2022