Before You Go

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Betty Chavis spent years as a star recruiter for Michigan Technological University.  If young people of color were to find their way far North to Houghton, MI, they needed someone to trust. Michigan Tech turned to Ms. Chavis, a Detroit native who grew up exploring all of her curiosities. An early career in dance led to sharing the stage with the best as in Katherine Dunham. Then Ms. Chavis formed her own company, performed for legends and opened her own charm center for Motown's finest. Detroit and its suburbs were her playground, and her heartbreak.  Hosts Nicole Franklin and Bryant Monteilh enjoy a wonderful hour of stories--especially a most surprising scenario with an inebriated Queen of Soul. Ms. Chavis, who still drives her red Mustang convertible is charting her course for her next adventure. Join us!This episode made its debut on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

When Ajuma Muhammad was approached with a four-year old Black boy terrorizing the classroom, he relied on his years of practice and observations from his world travels to address  the  client's concerns. As we continue to perpetuate a climate where stress and distress affect the life expectancy of Black men, dedicated professionals like Mr. Muhammad are even more in demand. His loving and familial approach to healing definitely stem from African roots. This author of 101 Proven and Effective Strategies for Empowering Black Boys has  thoughts on how life's choices and  care for one another are the answer to productive lives well-lived.This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

Audiences tune in to Before You Go for first-hand accounts of the lives of our seniors. What about those of a certain age behind bars? Is death-by-incarceration being discussed enough in mainstream conversation? Formerly incarcerated Yusef Jones is currently out on parole after being sentenced to 30 to 60 years in a correctional facility known for its large population of lifers. In discussing the reality of coming into the system as a young man and leaving as a senior, Mr. Jones  shares rare insight into how to survive behind bars. Education, mentoring  and hope are first and foremost, according to our guest.  And for those of us on the outside, if we want change to the enormous inequity when it comes to the justice system we have to show up and vote. As Malcolm X stated, it's "The Ballot or The Bullet."This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

Career educator and Michiana griot Brother Sage and wife Charlotte Pfeifer Gillam, a community advocate, activist and pioneering politician share a loving approach to African American history. Community  is everything to this South Bend, Indiana couple who hail from various locations prior to their current home including Ohio, Michigan and East St. Louis, IL.  In this episode they give an audio tour of the travels of enslaved peoples via the Midwestern Underground Railroad route  and its conditions at the time. The two are also generous with their advice on pursuing education, the power of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), preserving history and finding a partner in love with whom to share these senior years.This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

Diana Solomon-Glover answered the call from her friend and musical collaborator Chandler Carter to pursue a commission by the Santa Fe Opera for new works.  They presented the story of Fannie Lou Hamer as an opera, won the commission and  the upcoming debut is sure to be a theatrical experience like no other.Diana is a longtime friend of Before You Go co-host Nicole Franklin. In this interview, Franklin and Bryant Monteilh learn first-hand how classical  music and African American stories are what audiences have been waiting for, and in which Diana brings a lifetime of classical music experience. As the librettist, Diana took a deep dive into Hamer's life, accomplishments and colorful quotes. Hamer did not realize until her 40s that she was even eligible to participate in the electoral process. In rallying fellow Mississippians and a nation, she experienced a violent beating while in police custody and had been the victim of forced sterilization when a surgeon performed an unauthorized hysterectomy. Diana details it all. And, through it all, Fannie Lou Hamer still inspires generations of young activists and those who benefited from her fight.Excerpts from "This Little Light of Mine" rehearsals of Santa Fe opera and Kentucky Opera may be found here. Details about the opera's debut may be found here.This episode premiered on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

August 1 in Canada is cause for a joyous occasion:  Emancipation Day! Before You Go was honored to hear all about the journey to commemorating the freeing of enslaved people from Rosemary Sadlier OOnt (Order of Ontario), a champion of African Canadian education for Canadian residents. Just like crusader Opal Lee's efforts pushed national holiday status for Juneteenth in the United States, Sadlier spent a lifetime bringing  African Canadian history to national recognition.Unlike the United States and South America, slavery was abolished across the British Commonwealth (which includes Canada) in 1834.Sadlier, a prolific author and past president of the Ontario Black History Society, easily recalls fascinating details of historical figures such as Mary Ann Shadd, Harriet Tubman and more. Our Emancipation Day lesson gives wonderful insight to the activities of our neighbors to the north.This episode premiered on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

When this two star major general shared details of his military and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)  experience with our show, we knew it would be special. For the hosts there was also a jaw-dropping moment  (or two)  due to Major General Gravett's courage, agility, incredible heart and humility.  Hold onto your seat! This talented  hero, awarded the Medal of Valor, also  shares crucial information  that addresses the health and wellness of veterans, especially in California where he was appointed as a cabinet member to oversee their benefits. This Major General takes his role very seriously. and for this, we give a hearty salute!  This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

Before You Go first interviewed Mother Doyle days after the terrorist attack where an 18 year-old white supremacist dressed in tactical gear fatally wounded 10 people in his mission to kill all the Black people he could. Mother Doyle does her usual grocery run on Saturdays at 2pm. She would have been there had she not gone to pick up her dry cleaning that afternoon. Unfortunately her friend and writing colleague Kat Massey was shopping that day and became victim to this horrific tragedy.Mother Doyle is a columnist of 44 years for the city's oldest Black newspaper, The Buffalo Criterion, founded in 1924. She gives us the latest update that includes discussions around a permanent memorial, delayed distributions of millions in donations, the return of Tops and the neighborhood's plans moving forward.This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

Rev. Andy Bales has  fought to end homelessness in Los Angeles County for more than three decades.  His tales of life on the streets of Skid Row illustrate the emergency situation in which Los Angeles has found itself. An average of 5.5 people die daily in LA County when they are  unhoused. Bales and his team at Union Rescue Mission have provided housing, counseling, job programs and much more. Seniors end up homeless for a variety of reasons. When they do they find themselves in a situation that is said to reduce life expectancy by nearly 30 years.  This episode is a frank discussion with someone who has literally given his life to this cause--losing both legs in the process. Hosts Nicole Franklin and Bryant Monteilh were honored to spend this time with someone who knows first-hand--and who tries to implement when he and his team can-- the steps needed to put an end to this growing human tragedy.To volunteer and/or donate, please visit Union Rescue Mission @ urm.org.This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles.

When searching Richard Press Online Gallery be prepared to experience a powerful variety of an artist's rendition of humanity on canvas. Mr. Press is a renowned artist located in Hampton, VA. This lifelong painter, muralist and educator is busier than ever with his contributions to community. Mr. Press' painting "Here Today Gone Tomorrow" is featured in  documentary produced by USA Today. His murals have also captured the attention of the masses.Before You Go hosts Nicole Franklin and Bryant Monteilh take listeners on a detailed tour of his artistic journey.This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

At the time of this recording, the Port of Los Angeles has 45,000 jobs available. Working for the Port means being in the company of a business that pulls in $1.5 billion per day. Hosts Nicole Franklin and Bryant Monteilh have an eye-opening chat with Joe Gatlin about the Port and the close-knit community that borders it, San Pedro, CA. Gatlin is a member of the family who sued the Port in the 1970s for equitable hiring. The Port--often referred to as the country's economic engine--is a union-led opportunity for numerous careers and for day workers as well. In this interview audiences may be surprised at how this community provided paths toward racial harmony just by being good neighbors.   Special shoutout to KBLA host and colleague Najah Roberts for the introduction to Mr. Gatlin and this compelling story.This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

Robert Branscomb is a veteran, pilot and for a number of years--and still today in his 80's--a generous, experienced financial advisor with a specialty in insurance offerings. How do you make financial planning purposeful and profitable? And how do you avoid embarrassing the family when it comes to end of life decisions? Mr. Branscomb, a Purple Heart veteran, speaks candidly on all with Nicole, Bryant and to audience members in need of advice. And Mr. Branscomb's travels in a very special pilot-for-a-day program for children will warm your heart.This episode premiered on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.

This episode follows days after a tragic event in the United States--in Buffalo known as the City of Good Neighbors.  Eva M. Doyle writes her column of 44 years "Eye On History" for the nearly 100-year-old Black newspaper The Buffalo Criterion. Ms. Doyle--known as Mother Doyle--happened to change her plans from her routine 2pm Saturday grocery run to Tops Supermarket  and picked up her dry cleaning instead. She avoided death that day. But her colleague, fellow writer Katherine "Kat" Massey, did not. At the time of this recording, Mother Doyle published a column remembering Ms. Massey and the nine other community members fatally shot at the hands of a white supremacist.Mother's Doyle's work as a writer and historian may be  found at Evamdoyle.com. This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles.

Isaac Turner, Jr. was introduced to our program Before You Go by KBLA Talk 1580 host Najah Roberts. This 98-year-old war veteran appears with daughter Julia Hardman and recalls war stories from five invasions. Mr. Turner entered the Navy as a cook under Generals Eisenhower, MacArthur and Nimitz and when under attack, all hands were on deck. During one direct hit to their naval ship, Turner survived, but lost five of his best friends all at once. After the war ended Mr. Turner moved his young family from Shreveport, LA to Los Angeles where he at one time held two jobs while fighting for fair wages for women as a member of the UAW union. Mr. Turner also built the rocket booster used in the early years of the space shuttle program. He worked on commercial jets and other aerospace projects while establishing a good life for his wife of 71 years and their four children.This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles.

When news personalities such as Ted Koppel and Walter Cronkite delivered news from overseas, broadcast audiences probably were not aware of who was manning/woman-ing the foreign desks of network newsrooms at the Big Three:  ABC, CBS and NBC. Eric V. Tait, Jr. and Stephen C. Miller give the inside report on how they made decisions--decisions for which they often had to fight to cover--that brought diverse story coverage into the living rooms during the early years of television news. These two and their African American colleagues played a big role in some exceptional reporting.Stephen C. Miller went on to write for the New York Times and is now authoring a number of books. Eric V. Tait, Jr. still produces and hosts a weekly series, Media Watch, to monitor the standards of African American present-day coverage. We also acknowledge the incredible storytelling brought to us by Eric's award-winning documentary, Then I'll Be Free To Travel Home hosted by the late Lena Horne, which features the uncovering of the African Burial Ground in Manhattan--one of the largest archeological discoveries on the planet. Be sure to visit www.evted2.org for viewing.This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles.

The LAUSD has been blessed with numerous dedicated educators, one of whom is Caldwell Williams. Mr. Williams was referred to Before You Go hosts Nicole Franklin and  Bryant Monteilh by a listener and fellow veteran friend of his, Farron Dozier, who considers Mr. Williams a mentor. We quickly learn why.This 88-year-old educator and mental health expert is very sharp as he carefully recounts his detailed journey through several teaching assignments as a Black male educator in the public schools of Los Angeles. His work--and success--with the "troublemakers" in the classroom quickly lead him to the role of guidance counselor where his students sought out the "cool former athlete" to help make it through the day. It worked. Students excelled, and their confidence soared. Soon adults requested Mr. Williams' meditation and counseling sessions and, as a former veteran, Mr. Williams recognized how he could get through to those military men and women who had closed themselves off after a tough tour of duty.An episode with Mr. Williams taught us lessons everyone can use for a lifetime.Before You Go:  Lessons in the LAUSD first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles.

When Nicole Franklin first met Adger Cowans years ago in New York City she knew other being an extremely talented artist and photographer, he has a welcoming spirit that has put thousands of his subjects through the years at ease. With Adger on the mic, both Bryant and Nicole have a wonderful time recalling his childhood in Columbus, OH, weekend trips to New York to hear jazz greats eventually moving in with his mentor Gordon Parks, and falling out of his seat twice when it was time for a gorgeous nude model to disrobe. From encounters with the Fondas on the set of Golden Pond, to Sidney Poitier running out of the room when setting eyes on Adger's photograph of Diahann Carroll in a bikini, to punching a colleague in the face just to turn around and ask for a signature making Adger the first Black photographer in International Cinematographers Guild Local 600.  Adger Cowans is the supreme example of a life well lived and now, in his mid-80s, he's busier than ever.  For more with Adger, visit his website @ AdgerCowans.com and pick up his book Art in the Moment: Life and Times of Adger Cowans.This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.Welcome to Before You Go Season 3!

Early in life things seem to have come easy to military veteran Frank Coats. When drafted to the front lines of the Korean War, Coats was promoted to sergeant within a year. But he quickly found out racism often puts African Americans in harm's way. Staying employed and living life responsibly had  its difficulties--even grave ones--but Mr. Coats and his never-give-up attitude came through. Hosts Nicole Franklin and Bryant Monteilh are reminded of life's solid principles during this conversation with Mr. Coats who  had to do a deal under the table when purchasing his home as only the second African American family to settle in Compton, CA. This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580.

Carmen de Lavallade grew up in a Mexican neighborhood in East Los Angeles and started dancing as a teenager. It was her time with Lester Horton that inspired her teaching and choreography career.  She was so inspired she invited her junior high school friend Alvin Ailey, to study dance with Horton as well. Both dancers moved to New York to star in an all-star cast of the Broadway show "House of Flowers." On this show she met her husband, Geoffrey Holder who was "always chasing after me." Their love story of 60 years captured our hearts. Ms. de Lavallade is also the first cousin of Janet Collins, the first Black ballerina to perform at the Metropolitan Opera. When Ms. Collins retired from her position, Ms. de Lavallade was her replacement. Dance under Ms. Carmen de Lavallade's influence became a celebration of Black talent in a variety of spaces. She's got the Kennedy Center Honor to prove it!Brava, Ms. de Lavallade!This episode first aired on KBLA Talk 1580, Los Angeles.