This week’s topics:

• Devastation in Oklahoma
• As the Supreme Court considers challenges to same sex marriages, parallels have been made to the Supreme Court case in 1967 that ruled that states could not prohibit two people from different racial backgrounds from marrying.
•  Parents are outraged after Walmart security allegedly suspected father of kidnapping his biracial daughters
  

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

A work of art is no longer confined to paintings on a wall. It is now quite common to see art proudly displayed on the human body.  A recent poll revealed that 32 percent of people ages 30 to 45 have at least one tattoo. Sixty-one percent of human-resource managers said a tattoo would hurt a job applicant’s chances.

What do you think? How do you feel about tattoos in a professional work setting?    

Tanya Free and Friends Extra!

“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

 

Living Life With A Purpose! Congratulations!

Dorian Joyner Sr. and Dorian Joyner Jr. discuss their experiences at school and plans after graduation.

This week’s topics:

• Mother’s Day shooting rampage in New Orleans
• Boston shooting suspect’s burial raises the ire of Virginians
•  Recent polls reveal Americans have lost cofidence in the President's ability to get things done.If you had the opportunity to sit down with President Obama, what advice   would you give him to “get some things done” despite the opposition.
•  Is the military’s decision to force feed the hunger strikers at Quantanamo Bay a violation of medical ethics?  

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

The heroic rescue of three women held in captivity for almost ten years in a Cleveland neighborhood has revealed just how little many of us know about our neighbors and how unwilling many of us are to get involved.
How well do you know your neighbors? Would you contact the authorities if you noticed anything suspicious?

Tanya Free and Friends Extra!

“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

 

Wishing everyone a Blessed Mother's Day!

Moses Fleetwood ″Fleet″ Walker is credited with being the first African American to play Major League Baseball. Walker played one season as the catcher of the Toledo Blue Stockings, a club in the American Association. Toledo joined the American Association in 1884 which was a Major League at that time in competition with the National League. Walker made his Major League debut on May 1 against the Louisville Eclipse. He then played in the minor leagues until 1889, when professional baseball erected a color barrier that stood for nearly 60 years. After leaving baseball, Walker became a businessman and advocate of Black Nationalism.
 

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy of Moses Fleetwood Walker.

Watch as Charles Ramsey describes how he heard screams coming from a neighbor's home and went to investigate -- a decision that led to the discovery of three women missing for years.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics:

• Charles Ramsey heard screams coming from an Ohio home and went to investigate -- a decision that led to the discovery of three women missing for years in Cleveland
• Is the military’s decision to force feed the hunger strikers at Quantanamo Bay a violation of medical ethics? 
• Should Jason Collins be considered the “Jackie Robinson” of 2013?
• We will take a look at the real “firsts” in professional sports. Have you heard of Glen Burke and Moses Fleetwood Walker
• Our "take" on the movie 42. The Jackie Robinson Story

Scotty Reid from Black Talk Radio News in Charlotte,NC. joins the panel this week!

Dr Art Rocker Board Chairman of Operation People For Peace and Dr. E. Faye Williams, National Chair of the National Congress of Black Women and member of the National Leadership team of Operation People for Peace will join the conversation to give us a three year update of their work in the gulf after the horrific BP oil spill.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

Many of us will take the time to honor our mothers, grandmothers and other mother figures this weekend. Gifts, cards, flowers, candy, and meals are just some of the ways we will show our love and appreciation.Have you made plans for that special Mother in your life for this Mother’s Day?

Tanya Free and Friends Extra!
“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News! 

Much can be learned from these two students.Imagine the possibilities if politicians on both sides of the aisle exemplified just a bit of kindness.

This week’s topics:

• U.S. officials have reported that the Syrian government has “probably” used chemical weapons.
  
• Utah has become the first state to explicitly permit general prisoners to donate organs if they die while incarcerated.
  
• Boston bombing update: Female DNA found on bomb fragment.
  
• Georgia High School holds its first racially integrated prom.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

1.4 billion people around the world live on less than $1.50 per day. A group of Hollywood celebrities are participating in the “Live Below The Line” campaign, a challenge to live on $1.50 a day for five days. Could you meet the challenge?  

Tanya Free and Friends Extra!
“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News  

 Listen to today's show on Demand!

We will not be in the studio live this week. We invite you to listen to the much requested repeat broadcast of our Trayvon Martin update which originally aired April 3rd 2013.

Trayvon Martin Foundation

Attorney Benjamin L. Crump ,principal with the Tallahassee Florida Law Firm of  Parks and Crump, LLC joins the conversation to give us an update on the case of 17 year old Trayvon Martin who was killed in Sanford Florida last February at the hands of neighborhood watch coordinator George Zimmerman.**


TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

The recent terrorist bombings in Boston have renewed security concerns in public settings around the country. How will the recent events impact your decision to attend public events that involve large crowds?  


Tanya Free and Friends Extra!

The "SIP" with Coffee Black !
 

Have You Had Your "SIP" For The Week?

This week’s topics:

• Terror Strikes Boston. Deadly explosions rock the Boston Marathon Monday.
•  Pentagon’s intelligence arm has concluded for the first time, with “moderate confidence,” that North Korea has learned how to make a nuclear weapon small enough to be delivered by a ballistic missile. Director of National Intelligence, James R. Clapper Jr., released a somewhat contradictory statement saying that “North Korea has not yet demonstrated the full range of capabilities necessary for a nuclear armed missile.” Considering the mixed messages from the intelligence community, do you believe North Korea is a serious threat?
•  The unemployment rate fell last month from 7.7% to 7.6% in despite the fact that there were only 88,000 jobs added, far short of the anticipated 200,000.  The results also revealed that approximately a half million people have dropped out of the job market.
•   Coffee Black joins us live to discuss the controversial new cut “ Accidental Racist” by LL Cool J and Brad Paisley and “Open Letter,”  from Jay-Z ,his response to criticism regarding his recent trip with wife Beyonce to Havana.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

Many women and men alike are quick to claim that “age is nothing but a number.” Why do you think many of these same people will deny their age or lie about it when questioned? How open and honest are you about your age?


Tanya Free and Friends Extra!

“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

 

Many women and men alike are quick to claim that “age is nothing but a number.” Why do you think many of these same people will deny their age or lie about it when questioned? How open and honest are you about your age?

Join the Conversation!

 

           This week’s topics:

• 88 percent of Americans surveyed said they favored universal background checks while only 10 percent said they were opposed including 85 percent of gun owners.  Why do you think Congress seems to be so out of step with the majority of Americans?
• A Federal Judge in New York ruled that the FDA must make the morning-after pill available to women of all ages.
•  Does teen pregnancy cause poverty or is poverty at the root of teen pregnancy?
         
  TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

Imagine finding the home of your dreams at an unbelievable price. But just before you sign your name on the dotted line, you learn someone died in the house of unnatural causes. Would you purchase a house where someone died as the result of a suicide or crime?

Tanya Free and Friends Extra!

“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

Have You Had Your Sip For The Week?

At 17, Brian Banks had what high school juniors dream of. Ranked 11th nationwide as middle linebacker, the Californian had committed to play football at the University of Southern California after a series of offers from other Division 1 schools.All of that went away the day he was wrongfully convicted of rape.
Now, at age 27, after spending five years in prison, five on probation and receiving an exoneration, Banks revived his dream and signed on to the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday. Read the rest of the story HERE!

Snoop Lion ft. Drake and Cori B. - "No Guns Allowed"

Join the Conversation!

Attorney Benjamin L. Crump ,principal with the Tallahassee Law Firm of  Parks and Crump, LLC joins the conversation to give us an update on the case of 17 year old Trayvon Martin who was killed in Sanford Florida last February at the hands of George Zimmerman.

This week’s topics:

• Three dozen educators are indicted  on charges of racketeering and corruption in Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal.
• Justices Scalia and Thomas broke ranks with fellow conservatives last week when the Supreme Court ruled that police could not bring drug-sniffing police dogs onto a suspect's property to look for evidence without first getting a warrant for a search, a decision that may limit how investigators use dogs' sensitive noses to search out drugs, explosives and other items hidden from human sight, sound and smell.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

Do you like adventure? How about gold, diamonds and gems? Well, a multimillionaire want to make it all come true in a real life treasure hunt. Find the nine clues and the secret treasure hidden a few years ago could be yours.  Are you game? What do you think are the chances of anyone finding the treasure?

Tanya Free and Friends Extra!

“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News 
 

Do you like adventure? How about gold, diamonds and gems? Well, a multimillionaire wants to make it all come true in a real life treasure hunt. Find the nine clues and the secret treasure hidden a few years ago could be yours. 

Are you game? What do you think are the chances of anyone finding the treasure?

Join The Conversation!

Kathleen Day from The Center for Responsible Lending joins the conversation this week to share information on bank payday loans. These loans are the same as regular payday loans, designed to trap the borrower in debt by forcing them to take out the same loan over and over again-----with triple-digit interest rates.

This week’s topics:

• Congressional Black Caucus Chairwomen Rep. Marcia Fudge and NY Representative Charlie Rangel are among those voicing concerns about the absence of diversity in President Obama’s cabinet.

• Basketball is in the air and on the airwaves. TV ad revenue alone for the 2012 NCAA Basketball tournament reportedly surpassed the $1 billion mark second only to the NFL in terms of ad sales for a postseason sporting event.With millions made in ads and seven figure salaries for top tier coaches, has the time come for student athletes to be compensated for their efforts and receive what many perceive as their fair share of the pie?

• It is about two years before the Iowa Presidential caucuses, but prognosticators are already laying odds on who will be the eventual Democratic and Republican nominees for President.How would you vote if the elections were held today?

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

Have the Recent Problems Aboard Cruise Ships Deterred You from Considering Taking a Cruise?

Tanya Free and Friends Extra!

The "SIP" with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

Listen to an encore presentation of our February 13 broadcast  today @ 2pmET on WCLM1450AM and Tanya Free and Friends Radio on LIVE365.com and ON DEMAND HERE @ TanyaFree.com

ACTIVIST, PHILOSOPHER, ANTI-DRUG CRUSADER, COMEDIAN, AUTHOR, ACTOR RECORDING ARTIST, NUTRITIONIST AND FRIEND DICK GREGORY RETURNS TO THE TANYA FREE AND FRIENDS TALK SHOW THIS WEEK

This week’s topics:

• The State of the Union and the State of Black America
• Drone strikes on U.S. citizens abroad is approved.

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics:

Maria Foscarinis, Founder and Executive Director of The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty  joins the conversation this week to discuss her latest Huffington Post article ” Domestic Violence, Housing, and a Human Rights Win for U.S. Women”.

• Kentucky Republican Senator Rand Paul spoke for 13 hours last week in a filibuster of John Brennan’s confirmation as CIA Director. He stated “I wanted everybody to know that our Constitution is precious and that no American should be killed by a drone without first being charged with a crime.
•  The European horse meat scandal has caused many to question whether food products tainted with horse meat could end up on our dinner tables here in America. Many countries including Belgium, Japan and Scotland are reported to include horsemeat as a part of everyday diet. The survey also found that more Americans would rather eat ostrich or alligator than horse.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

Fewer Americans reported having employer-based health insurance in 2012 than did in 2008, 2009, and 2010. At the same time, MORE Americans continue to report having a government-based health plan -- Medicare, Medicaid, military or veterans' benefits.
How about you? What type of health insurance, if any do you have?

Tanya Free and Friends Extra!

“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News


 

Join the Conversation! 

This week’s topic:

How Much Does Race Still Matter?

Hannah Emple, Policy analyst from the New America Foundation in Washington DC and author of “Bad To Worse, America’s Racial Wealth Gap” and  Mark Potok, Senior fellow and editor of the “Intelligence Report” from the Southern Poverty Law Center will join the conversation this week.

•  A recent report has revealed that despite the fact that President Obama won a higher percentage of the White vote than any Democratic nominee since 1976, racial resentment has in fact increased during his first term.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

A recent poll has revealed that the majority of Americans favor stricter laws regarding gun sales. How about you? Do you own a firearm? Do you think the laws covering the sale of firearms should be made stricter, less strict, or kept as they are now?

Tanya Free and Friends Extra!

“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

 

This week’s topics:

• The NRA has launched a national program that they claim will help protect schools from future incidents of violence by utilizing armed resource officers in every single school in the city.
• The Obama administration has urged the Supreme Court to strike down the Defense Of Marriage Act which defines marriage as between one man and one woman
• President Obama urges Congress to stop the sequester -- the automatic cuts that threaten thousands of jobs and affect our national security from taking effect on March 1.
• As we approach the end of another Black History Month, we will revisit the relevance of Black History Month. Is Black History Month Still Relevant?

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

The “Tebow bill” — named for quarterback Tim Tebow, who was home-schooled in Florida but was allowed to play football at his local high school failed to pass in the Virginia senate last week.
Should home schoolers be allowed to play in public school sports?

Tanya Free and Friends Extra!

 “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News  

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics:

• The Christopher Dorner case has resulted in emotions ranging from fear to outrage and even sympathy for Dorner. What’s Your Take? Do you agree with those who condemn the killings, but  sympathize with his motives?
• The City of Los Angeles along with other jurisdictions, groups and private donors put up a $1 million reward for information leading to the capture of ex-LA Cop Christopher Dorner. Who, if anyone should be entitled to the reward money?
• NY Congressman Charlie Rangel believes for real equality, the US should reinstate the draft and open it up to women.
• John McNeil who was convicted of murder in 2005 for the shooting death of Brian Epp, the contractor who worked on McNeil’s home walked out of a Georgia Courtroom a free man last week.
  
  TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll
  
  It’s official! Saturday mail delivery will be a thing of the past in a few months. Just 34 percent of Americans say they use the Post Office all the time for correspondence and bills. The percentage of respondents that never use the Post Office has more than doubled since last year. How often do you use the US Post Office? How do you feel about not receiving mail on Saturday?
  
  Check out The "SIP" with Coffee Black!
   

Join the Conversation!

DICK GREGORY

ACTIVIST, PHILOSOPHER, ANTI-DRUG CRUSADER, COMEDIAN, AUTHOR, ACTOR ,RECORDING ARTIST, NUTRITIONIST AND FRIEND RETURNS TO THE TANYA FREE AND FRIENDS TALK SHOW THIS WEEK!

This week’s topics:
 

•  The State of the Union and the State of Black America
•  Drone strikes on U.S. citizens abroad is approved.
•  Spike Lee has a problem with the movie Django. Tanya Free and Friends went to the movies and will share our thoughts.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

The theme of Black History Month 2013 is “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality” marking the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.  African Americans continue to make groundbreaking strides in all major and minor industries in both the United States and abroad-- inspiring change and giving life to change agents.

Name three Modern Day African American trailblazers in your community.

Tanya Free and Friends Extra!

The "SIP" with Coffee Black. Visit Coffee's new web page @ thesipwithcoffeeblack.com!  

 Watch this week's Black History Month Video and share your comments and opinions here on TanyaFree.com.

 Join the Conversation! Today @ 2pmET!

• The theme of Black History Month 2013 is “At the crossroads of Freedom and Equality” marking two important anniversaries in the history of African Americans; the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Does Black History Month need a second look? Is Black History Month relevant in 2013?
• Tavis Smiley and Cornel West lashed out at President Obama recently for using Dr. King’s bible at the inauguration.
• Should the Boy Scouts lift the ban on gays?
• How do you feel about the President’s proposals for gun reform?

Join the Conversation! 

• President Obama agreed to have DC license plates bearing the phrase “Taxation Without Representation” on his limousine during last week’s inaugural celebrations. Will DC become our 51st State?
• Outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta lifted the military ban on women in combat last week. How do you feel about women on the front lines?
• President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sit down for 60 Minutes.
• Immigration Reform is on the front burner
• Super Bowl XLVII ads and predictions

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics:
 

•   We remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
•    President Obama begins a second term. What will be the legacy of the Obama administration and who will be positioned to carry the torch?
•    Leader claims Gun Appreciation Day honors Dr. King.
•    Westboro Baptist Church is at it again, but its 'Obama Antichrist' Inauguration Protest Fails.
•   NRA President reports death threats and blames President Obama.
•   Smoking in the car with young children may soon be prohibited if lawmakers are successful in Virginia.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

Flu season is here! Experts say the best defense against the virus is getting a seasonal flu shot. Reports by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that only a third of people have been vaccinated this season.
How about you? Have you received a flu shot this year?
 

We Celebrate The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr.

Watch the President's Weekly Address and post your comments and opinions here on TanyaFree.com.

President Obama reiterates his commitment to do everything in his power to implement a series of commonsense measures that would reduce gun violence in America. The President started off that effort with 23 concrete actions his Administration is taking immediately under its existing legal authority. But to have a lasting impact, Congress must join the administration by passing commonsense laws like requiring a universal background check for anyone trying to buy a gun, and restoring a ban on military-style assault weapons and a 10-round limit for magazines. If they do that, we can respect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens while helping to keep the irresponsible few from causing massive harm.
 

Join the Conversation!

 
WCLM1450AM in Central Virginia and streaming LIVE on www.tanyafree.com
Join the Conversation! Studio Phone Lines will be open @ (804) 321 1010

Can’t listen Live? No problem! The podcast will be posted by 6pmET tonight.

Listen on the go. Download the FREE LIVE 365 app for smartphones.


This week’s topics:

• Why is the discussion of Black on Black crime almost nonexistent even in our own community? How should the issue of violence in our communities across the country be addressed?       Father George Clements, Civil Rights activist and freedom Fighter, will join the conversation to this week to give us his observations on the escalating violence and murders in his home town of Chicago. Father Clements has been involved in the struggle since the sixties and is the founder of One Church/One Child, One Church/ One Addict/ and One Church /One Inmate. Fr. Clements is also known for being the first Catholic Priest to adopt a child back in 1981 and was the first Black Pastor of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Chicago’s south side.

• The number of women serving in the U.S. congress is growing. 
  

• Do you think Congress would be more productive if women were in the majority?
•  President Obama has promised a crackdown on military assault-style weapons as part of a plan to reduce gun violence. Do you think a ban on assault weapons has a chance of passing Congress?
• Conservative Group announces Gun Appreciation Day January 19th.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

There is an old saying that “a little bit of kindness goes a long way” and could make the world a better place. Has kindness been lost in our fast paced hustle and bustle world?

How about you? On a scale from 1 to 10 (ten being the best) how kind of a person are you?

Tanya Free and Friends Extras!

 “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

Join the Conversation! Today @ 2pmET!

This week’s topics:

• The Sandy Hook tragedy and recent mass shootings and incidents of gun violence have kept the issue of gun control and reform on the front burner. The President has promised to support renewal of an assault weapons ban, restrictions on the size of ammunition clips, and improved background checks on gun owners.
• We will take a look at the case of unarmed Sammie Davis, Jr killed by Macon, GA police. Macon City Councilman and retired police captain Henry Gibson joins the conversation this week.

• The 112th Congress will go down as the least-productive  in modern history after passing 80 bills — fewer than any other session since year-end records began being kept in 1947.In the midst of the fiscal cliff  debacle President Obama exercised executive authority to give Congress a small increase in pay along with other federal workers.
• Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her agency are at the center of a scathing report about bloody attacks on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya.
• New Trend: Job terminations by email

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

Reusable grocery bags have become commonplace and now a coffee chain is offering reusable plastic cups for about a buck. The new cups will be cleaned with boiling water each time customers bring them in. How do you feel about reusable cups in coffee shops?

Tanya Free and Friends Extras!

“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

 

Washington DC's News4's Jim Vance shares his thoughts about the gun debate following the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and why he's reminded of the death of Emmett Till.

View more videos at: http://nbcwashington.com.

Thanks to everyone for their love and support for the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show. To put an end to the rumors on social media, the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show has not been cancelled.  Tanya Free and Friends will return from the holidays on Wednesday January 9th and will be on, now, for two hours (2 pm to 4pm) for more political and social straight talk.  We look forward to everyone joining us and sharing their thoughts and comments on next week.

Again, thanks to everyone for the love and support.

Tanya        

We continue our break this week and look forward to continuing the conversation LIVE next week.We will air an encore broadcast of our Holiday Special today @ 2pm on WCLM1450 in Central Virginia and HERE on Tanya Free and Friends Radio on LIVE 365.com. 

Have you had your "SIP" for the week?

Wishing You And Yours A Happy,Blessed and Prosperous 2013!

Check out our Holiday Special @2pm on WCLM 1450AM in Central Virginia and Tanya Free and Friends Radio on LIVE 365.com.

Peace, Blessings and Merry Christmas from everyone here at TanyaFree.com!

Join theConversation!

This week’s topics:

•  The recent mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut and the mall in Oregon have renewed the national debate over gun control. Is it time for comprehensive gun control?
•  ESPN commentator Rob Parker made headlines after his suspension for questioning the “Blackness” of Washington Redskin quarterback Robert Griffin III in an interview. What’s your take? Were the comments worthy of suspension

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

A recent survey revealed that most Americans didn't give 2012 a good rating, but they have higher hopes for 2013. How about you?   Do you expect the year 2013 to be one of the best years ever?


Tanya Free and Friends Extras!

  “Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker
  “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

 

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topic:

• The Supreme Court has agreed to consider challenges to same sex marriage on two fronts next year. The first questions the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, testing whether the federal government can deny federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples--- benefits automatically granted to heterosexual couples. The court will also hear challenges to Proposition 8, the ballot measure approved by California's voters in 2008 that defined marriage as between a man and a woman, overturning a state high-court ruling earlier that year that had permitted gays and lesbians to wed.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

A recent poll reveals that a majority of Americans prefer to be greeted in stores with “Merry Christmas” rather than “Happy Holidays”.
How about you? Do you prefer “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”?

Tanya Free and Friends Extras!

“Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker

 “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

 

Join the Conversation!

 

This week’s topics:
 

• A Florida gun collector has pleaded not guilty and is considering invoking Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law to a murder charge alleging that he opened fire on a car full of unarmed teenagers, killing 17 year old Jordan Davis, in an altercation that police say stemmed from loud music. The fact that the shooter drove off after the shooting has been labeled as "unconscionable" by Jordan’s mother. The shooter, 45 year old Michael Dunn was reportedly arrested a day later 173 miles away from the shooting. His lawyer stated that Dunn felt “threatened” by the kids who were blasting loud music, blaming his fear on the lyrics of the music.
•  Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher committed suicide in front of the team's coach and general manager at the training facility Saturday after killing his girlfriend in a separate shooting.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

Tis the season for the Holiday Office Party! A recent survey reveals that more than half of offices aren’t planning holiday parties this year. Many companies are keeping an eye on the bottom line and others fear potential legal repercussions. Ten percent of workers know of a colleague who has been disciplined for their behavior at a holiday party. How about you? Do you know of someone who was disciplined for shenanigans at a company holiday party?



Tanya Free and Friends Extras!

“Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker

 “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

 

AIDS IS GOING TO LOSE!

On this day in history, Dec. 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, a black seamstress, refused to give her seat at the front of a public bus in Montgomery, Ala., to a white man. Parks was arrested for her personal protest of bus segregation laws.

Join the Conversation! Today @ 2pmET!

This week’s topics include:

• Speculation that President Obama may tap Ambassador Susan Rice as Secretary of State has raised the ire of 97 members of the House of Representatives and Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain.
• Over 650,000 people have signed a petition urging Macy’s to cut ties with Donald Trump
• Bush era tax cuts and hundreds of millions of dollars of spending cuts are due to expire at year’s end. A recent report revealed that the looming financial cliff would boost taxes by $500 Billion in 2013 with 90 % of Americans paying more taxes. Worst case scenarios indicate the average household could owe the government an additional $3500 a year.
  
  TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll
  
  The Powerball jackpot is expected to exceed $425 million, the largest jackpot ever for the game. How often do you play the lottery? What would be the first thing you would do if you hit it big?
  
  
  Tanya Free and Friends Extras!
  
  “Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker
  “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News 

Thanksgiving - it’s a day off from the hustle and bustle and all that’s going on in the world. It’s a big Family and Friends day that will have many traveling near and far to be with loved ones and to eat like it’s the last supper. But before we pass the turkey along with all the fixings, let’s all take a moment to reflect on the original intent for this day and give thanks.

Since 1621 when the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast as a symbol of cooperation, the pilgrims gave thanks to God for a successful bounty of crops. Likewise, we all have something to be thankful for whether the bounty is plentiful or sparse.

Revive that spirit of cooperation and gratitude by being a blessing to someone else. Help someone that is less fortunate and can’t afford a turkey and all the fixings. Visit, call or invite someone to dinner that may otherwise be alone or less fortunate.

With a heart of gratitude and the lyrics of William DeVaughn, “…be thankful for what you got.”

Live Life with a Purpose!

Have a Safe, Enjoyable and Meaningful Thanksgiving!  

The Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show is taking a break this week.Tune in  @ 2pm for the best of The Tanya Free Experience Destination Jazz. streaming HERE!

We may be on break ,but the conversation continues 24/7. Join the conversation! Your Destination For Social and Political Straight Talk, Headline News and More!

!

VIRGINIA STATE CONFERENCE
NAACP

NAACP: 77-Years of Success through Service!


The Honorable Robert McDonnell, Governor
Commonwealth of Virginia
P.O. Box 1475
Richmond, VA 23219

Re: Affordable Health Care in VA

Dear Governor McDonnell:

The Virginia State Conference NAACP calls on you to expand the Medicaid Program in Virginia.  It would not be in the Commonwealth’s best interest to default to a federal exchange.  The taxpayers in Virginia support the expansion of Medicaid so that low-income families may have access.  In our September 12, 2012 meeting you were adamant that you would not implement the Affordable Health Care Act.  At that time you had not developed an alternative state- based health benefits exchange program.  The deadline of November 16, 2012 looms near.

The U.S. Supreme Court paved the way for expanding Medicaid as an option for states by its ruling this year.  There are at least 400,000- low-income Virginians who will go without health insurance otherwise.  You expressed to the NAACP your opposition to expanding the Commonwealth’s Medicaid Program but we would like you to consider that the law commits to full federal funding for at least 3-years.  Governor McDonnell, the citizens are aware of your commitment to fiscal conservatism and reducing the national debt.  The citizens of low-income need to know that you are committed to their acquiring health insurance and access to affordable health care.  The citizens will support you on this!

Sincerely,

King Salim Khalfani
Executive Director
Virginia State Conference NAACP

Please support this effort to expand the Medicaid Program in Virginia by emailing martin.kent@governor.virginia.gov. 

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics:

• Layoffs and threats of employees follow the reelection of President Obama.
• Will Republicans and Democrats be able to negotiate a compromise to avert a financial disaster?
•  Colorado and Washington approve the use of marijuana for recreational purposes.

Tanya Free and Friends Extras!

“Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker

“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

We salute our veterans and active military personnel!

Join The Conversation!

Tanya Free and Friends 2012 Election Wrap Up!

This week’s topics will also include:

•    Key election results from around the country and here in Virginia
•    What is the one issue you want President Obama to tackle on day one?
 
Tanya Free and Friends Extras!

“Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker

 “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News
 

Our right to vote has been an arduous and painful struggle. The not so distant memories of poll taxes and literacy tests, Black Codes and Jim Crow should never be far from our mindset. This past year’s voter suppression and Voter ID laws across the country should be just the reminder we need that “OUR” vote is highly valued by those who don’t have our best interest at heart. Efforts to mislead, intimidate and pressure minority voters are at an all time high this year. Florida, Virginia and Indiana voters have reportedly received phone calls that wrongly told them there was no need to cast a ballot in person on Election Day because they could vote by phone.

Apathy is rampant in some segments of our community and those who want to take this country back are spending billions of dollars to silence our voice and lull us into complacency. Why would a people who have been the most disenfranchised and victimized of any people in the history of America not embrace the opportunity to exercise their civic duty to vote? I agree with former U.S. Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill who coined the phrase “All politics is local”. It is our job to separate the pretenders from the contenders. Know who and what is on YOUR ballot. Don’t allow any single issue to sway your vote for or against any candidate. We have far too many issues facing us to make this year a single issue decision. The economy, education, health care, jobs and the future of the middle class are just a few of the many issues that affect us here in our communities.

This race is predicted to be one of the closest in recent history. You may be asking yourself if your vote matters. Your vote matters so much that millions of dollars are being been spent to keep you away from that ballot box. My charge is not to tell you how to vote, but to let you know how precious your vote really is.
I believe we have a moral obligation to continue the legacy of those who fought for the precious right to vote.

Live Life With A Purpose!

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics include:

•    The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy
•    Presidential Campaign updates
•    Do you know who and what will be on your ballot this year? We will take a look at Virginia’s Constitutional Amendments on this year’s ballot.


TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

Recent Presidential polls reveal a dead heat between President Obama and Governor Romney. Voter turnout may be the key to the eventual victor. Are you planning to vote November 6th?
Who do you think will benefit the most from early voting? President Obama or Governor Romney?


Tanya Free and Friends Extras!

“Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker

 “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News
 

Thanks to Citizens United, the landmark Supreme Court case that declared corporations as people, some employers are taking it a step further and flexing their political muscle within the workplace. A billionaire CEO in Florida has threatened his approximately 7000 employees with termination if President Obama is re-elected.

Join the Conversation!

This week's topics will include:

• A recap of Monday’s night's final Presidential debate of this campaign season
• Scientists are reportedly closer to a Male Birth Control Pill. The new drug’s fertility - fighting effects have been shown to be completely reversible just like the female version.
• A Florida judge has ruled that defense attorneys for admitted killer George Zimmerman have the right to subpoena the social media accounts and school records of Trayvon Martin. Martin’s parents feel that school records are not relevant and Martin family attorney Martin Crump called what Zimmerman’s lawyers were doing so doing as “the old classic method of attacking the victim.”

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Poll

A recent survey revealed that a majority of smokers feel that second hand smoke is not very harmful despite the fact that studies continue to suggest that exposure to secondhand smoke increases an Views Weekly Poll the risk of developing many of the same fatal illnesses as smoking.
Are you a smoker? How comfortable are you being around second hand smoke?

Tanya Free and Friends Extras!

Who was known as the “Mother of Civil Rights”?
Find out during the TanyaFree.com Living Life with a Purpose* 365 Moment

“Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker

“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News 
 

Join the Conversation!

This week's topics  include:

• A recap of last night’s Presidential Debate.Who do you think did the best?
• The Supreme Court heard arguments last week on the constitutionality of the consideration of race in college admissions. A white female alleges in the case of Fisher vs. University of Texas that she was denied admission to the university because of her race. Fisher wants college admissions to be “completely race neutral”. This case has renewed the debate over whether affirmation action is necessary in 2012.

Tanya Free and Friends Extras!

“Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker

 “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

 

Join the Conversation!

This week's topics include:

•   President Obama’s less than stellar debate appearance last week has been the buzz of the political pundits the past few days. The spin doctors have offered a litany of excuses; the latest excuse blamed his lackluster performance on the altitude. Mitt Romney has been hailed the victor despite the fact that the fact checkers reveal that a lot of what he espoused was untrue. He seemed to contradict most of what he had built his “conservative” platform around. Many have hailed his shift back to the middle as a brilliant campaign strategy.
•    A recent poll indicates that roughly 6 percent of the electorate is still undecided. Among poll respondents who answered 10 on a 1-to-10 scale of their intention to vote, the undecided group was more likely to chose "none," "other," "don't know" or "refuse to answer" on a broad range of questions about the presidential candidates and national political issues. 
  
•    Recent numbers from the Commerce Department and the US Census Bureau reveal the number of African American-owned firms in the United States

Tanya Free and Friends Extras!

“Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker

“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News 

Join the Conversation! 

This week's topics include:

• A preview of tonight's first Presidential Debate of this campaign season.
• The mix of religion and politics is nothing new but seems to have taken a more prominent role in this year’s presidential campaign. The curiosity surrounding Mitt Romney’s Mormonism and the persistent questioning of whether President Obama is really a Christian seems to continue to be a major sideshow distraction. President Obama has even been labeled the anti-Christ by a national televangelist. Pastors around the country have reportedly been weighing in from the pulpit urging congregants to either vote for or against a candidate and in some instances advising them to stay home on Election Day.

Tanya Free and Friends Extras!

“Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker
“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

 

Join the Conversation! 

• Church and Politics
• A Georgia couple is building a $3.5 million indoor shooting range that will feature a full bar, serving alcohol to its patrons.
• An American University professor is facing backlash for her decision to not only bring her infant child to the first day of her “Sex, Gender Culture” class but to openly breastfeed the child during class in front of the 40 or so students in attendance.
• Duct Tape used by teacher to silence 4th grader?
• York City's Department of Education has begun offering "morning after" contraceptive pills to students in a pilot program at 13 of the city's high schools.
• Mom is angry that a male vice principal spanked her child.

How often do you exercise?

A recent poll revealed that Americans are exercising more frequently. More Americans reported exercising three or more days per week than did so in each of the past four years. Are you working out more frequently?

Diplomat and statesman Ralph Bunche has the distinction of being the first person of color to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950 for his mediation in Palestine in the late 1940s. Bunche wrote A World View of Race in 1937.He served in the office of Strategic Services from 1941-1944 and the State Department from 1944- 1977. Ralph Bunche was notably involved in the formation and administration of the United Nations and for receiving the Medal of Freedom from President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy and contributions of Ralph Bunche.

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics include:

• Mitt Romney’s recent comments attacking the Obama administration for what he described as “apologizing” instead of condemning recent attacks on Libya and Egypt have left Republican and Democrats condemning the politicizing of a tragedy that left an American Ambassador and three others dead.
• A recent bill in California requiring parents to discuss vaccinations with a pediatrician or school nurse is drawing mixed reviews from parents.
• A group representing Atheists are upset that the word “God “was reinserted into the DNC platform. How should political parties address the rights of non believers?
• Some health care advocates and politicians are pushing to discontinue food stamp purchases for items high in salt, fat or sugar. Should the government limit consumer decisions in the grocery store? Will excluding unhealthy choices make participants healthier?
• Jesse Jackson believes President Obama should address poverty and violence.
   

Tanya Free and Friends Extras!
“Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker
“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

Who was the first person of color to receive the Nobel Peace Prize?
Find out during the “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”
 

We are taking a break this week but the conversation continues 24/7 @ here onTanyafree.com.
Check out a special installment of The Tanya Free Experience Destination Jazz today @ 2pm on WCLM 1450AM in Central Virginia and streaming on Live HERE!

Greenwood,a prominent African American enclave in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early 1900’s known as the Negro Wall Street, is now remembered as the Black Wall Street.  Greenwood was home to more than 10,000 African Americans in one of the most successful concentrated African American communities in America. The Greenwood community had their own grocery and clothing stores and shops along with doctors, lawyers and other professionals. Black Wall Street was also home to two African American newspapers, “The Tulsa Star” and “The Oklahoma Sun”. May 31, 1921 marked the date of one of the worst race riots in history. Reports reveal that up to 300 were killed and 8000 left homeless, destroying the entire Greenwood community..

Tanya Free and Friends Radio pays tribute to the African Americans of Greenwood, Oklahoma, the “Black Wall Street.

 Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics include:

• Are you better off now than you were four years ago?
• Democratic National Convention updates and a look back at Clint Eastwood’s “Empty Chair” speech at the Republican National Convention last week.
• A recent poll recently placed Mitt Romney’s statistical share of the Black vote at zero per cent. Why is the GOP banking on apathy among African Americans to actually help Romney/Ryan?
• Our resident financial advisor Sonji Rollins Tucker “The Boss” joins the conversation us to break down the Romney Ryan budget.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll
Are you ready for some football?
Professional football fans are counting the hours to opening day of the 2012 NFL season. A recent players poll has picked the Green Packers to win Super Bowl XLVII. Let’s get you on record now! What team are you picking to win the big game at the Superdome in February?
 

Tanya Free and Friends Extras!
“Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker
“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

What Oklahoma community is remembered as one of the most successful and wealthiest African American communities during the early 20th century?
Find out during the “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment” 

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics include:
 

•  A group of former US intelligence and Special Forces operatives that claim to be nonpartisan has launched a media campaign that criticizes President Obama for leaks and what they describe as taking too much credit for the raid resulting in the killing of Osama bin Laden.
•  In another of a string of outlandish and in this case ,racist comments this campaign season, a Texas judge, yes a Republican elected judge, is under fire for suggesting that the nation could experience civil unrest, civil disobedience, possibly civil war if President Barack Obama is re-elected.
      
• 13 people were shot and wounded in a 30-minute spate of violence in Chicago, including eight gunned down on a single street. A Chicago community organizer voices disillusionment with former ally and friend, President Obama.
  
  
  TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll
  
  A Good Samaritan returned over $300.00 to a woman who mistakenly left an envelope of cash belonging to a program for the homeless on the trunk of her car. This Good Samaritan stopped to pick up as much cash as he could find and then tracked down the 77 year old volunteer to return what turned out to be only half of the cash that went blowing in the wind. But the story does not end there! Are you a Good Samaritan? When is the last time you went out of your way to assist a complete stranger?   
  
  
  Tanya Free and Friends Extras!
  
  “Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker
  
  “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

Who was the civil rights activist whose death sparked the march from Selma to Montgomery that became known as “Bloody Sunday”?
Find out during the “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”      

A Good Samaritan returned over $300.00 to a woman who mistakenly left an envelope of cash belonging to a program for the homeless on the trunk of her car. This Good Samaritan stopped to pick up as much cash as he could find and then tracked down the 77 year old volunteer to return what turned out to be only half of the cash that went blowing in the wind. But the story does not end there! Check out the rest of the story HERE !

Are you a Good Samaritan? When is the last time you went out of your way to assist a complete stranger?

Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. born November 29, 1908 in New Haven, Connecticut --- grew up in New York where his father Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. was the prominent pastor of the well- known Abyssinian Baptist Church. Earning a M.A. in religious education from Columbia University, Powell assisted his father in the ministry and later took over the reins as pastor. Powell used the pulpit to address social and political issues that affected the predominately Black community. He pressed for change calling for jobs with the organizing of boycotts demanding businesses hire black workers and organized rent strikes demanding affordable housing.  Powell continued his political fight in Washington, becoming the first African American Congressman from New York.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy and contributions of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.         

Join the Conversation!

 
This week’s topics include:

•  Rep. Todd Akin, GOP Senate nominee in Missouri, said in an interview last Sunday that “legitimate rape” rarely causes pregnancy.
  

• Did Joe Biden’s comments go too far? In an interview with People magazine on Wednesday, President Obama said Vice President Biden's remarks that the GOP would “put y’all back in chains” meant consumers would be worse off if Republicans succeeded in doing away with new restraints on financial institutions."In no sense was he trying to connote something other than that". What’s your take?  Do you think African Americans would be as forgiving if these same comments were made by GOP VP hopeful Paul Ryan?
  
  TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll
  
  We’ve all heard the phrase “love is in the air”, well now, love is being found by many via the internet. Online dating and matchmaking sites have made meeting that special someone as easy and convenient as shopping for a new pair of shoes. What do you think about online dating? Would you use an online dating service?
  
  
  Tanya Free and Friends Extras!
  
  “Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker
  
  “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News
  
  Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”    
   Who was the first African American from New York elected to Congress?    

Mamie Johnson, born September 27, 1935 in Ridgeway, South Carolina displayed a passion and talent for baseball at an early age. Growing up during segregation, Johnson was rejected by the white female baseball league. Determined to allow nothing to keep her from playing baseball, she was recruited and went on to become the first female pitcher in the Negro Leagues. She got the nickname “peanut” after being challenged by a batter that yelled to her “What makes you think you can strike a batter out? Why, you aren’t larger than a peanut!” Johnson never said a word but responded by striking the batter out. She played in the Negro Leagues with the Indianapolis Clowns for three seasons with a 30 to 8 win/loss record with a batting average ranging from .262 to .284.    

Tanya Free and Friends honors the contributions of 

 Mamie “Peanut” Johnson-Goodman  

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics include:
 

• Mitt Romney introduced his running mate, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, as a man with "unbounded optimism in America's future" at a rally in Norfolk,Virginia.What do you think of the decision? Will Ryan help Romney's numbers?

• President Obama’s recent interview with Black Enterprise Magazine has renewed the criticism that he has fallen short when it comes support of the African American community. His statement that he is “not the President of Black America” and that he is “the President of the United States of America” begs the question whether he has done enough to justify the overwhelming support he continues to enjoy from the Black community even in the midst of an ever growing list of unique concerns including a disproportionate number of unemployed African Americans, rising crime in urban settings and failing schools.How do you feel about the criticism that our President has fallen short and should be doing more to address a Black agenda?

 Tanya Free and Friends Extras!

"Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker

Coffee Black calls in with a LIVE "Sip” Update The latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

Who is the legendary African American woman who played professional baseball for the Clowns of the Negro Leagues from 1953-1955 ?

Find out during the “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”    

President Obama’s recent interview with Black Enterprise Magazine has renewed the criticism that he has fallen short when it comes support of the African American community. His statement that he is “not the President of Black America” and that he is “the President of the United States of America” begs the question whether he has done enough to justify the overwhelming support he continues to enjoy from the Black community even in the midst of an ever growing list of unique concerns including a disproportionate number of unemployed African Americans, rising crime in urban settings and failing schools.

How do you feel about the criticism that our President has fallen short and should be doing more to address a Black agenda?

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics include:

•    An African American State Senator from Wisconsin made national news last week when she told supporters “to vote for someone who looks like you.”

•    Arkansas police claim man shot himself in head despite handcuffs

•    The gunman linked to the killings at a Sikh temple near Milwaukee had ties to white supremacists.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll
More than 30% of eligible African Americans are not registered to vote according to a recent report. Are you registered?


Tanya Free and Friends Extras!
“Money Message” from financial advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker
“The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

 
Who was the first African American to represent New Jersey in Congress?
Find out during the “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”     

Join the Conversation !

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This week’s topics include:

• The issue of perceived racist comments by African Americans has caused many to question whether so called political correctness has gotten out of control. What is YOUR  definition of racism and does a Black person really have the ability and power to be racist?
  

• A recent report reveals that the average millionaire is about 60 years old and  86% of them describe themselves as “self made.” Most of the respondents felt that $1 million is not really enough money to feel wealthy and they would need an additional $5 million to be comfortable.

 

Financial Advisor Sonji “The Boss” Rollins Tucker joins the conversation this week to debut her Money Message Segments on WCLM and Tanya Free and Friends Radio.
   
Check out our new segment “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

NBC is reportedly shelling out $ 1.3 billion to broadcast the Summer Olympics and is expecting to increase its brand via a huge captive audience. Are you a part of the audience? How many hours of Olympic coverage have you watched?

Living Life With A Purpose!

 Who was the first African American to serve as United States Secretary of Commerce?
 Find out during the TanyaFree.com Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment    

Martin Robison Delany was born free in Charles Town, West Virginia on May 6, 1812. During his childhood, his family fled north when his mother faced prosecution for educating her children, an act that was prohibited for blacks in what was then known as Virginia. During his adult years, Delany became very active in the black nationalism movement.  Delany published a weekly newspaper advocating abolition, but later joined efforts with Frederick Douglass to become co-editor of Douglass's newspaper, North Star.   In response to the growing health crisis of the time, Delany apprenticed under several physicians. With letters from local doctors attesting to his skill, he applied to and was admitted as one of the first few black men to attend Harvard Medical School in 1849. However, shortly thereafter his admission was rescinded due to outrage from the white community.  Following medical school, Delany wrote The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States, Politically Considered, the first widely read call for black nationalism.  After a long trip to Liberia, Delany eventually resolved himself to remaining in the United States to work for the emancipation of slaves, rather than creating a colony in Liberia. Delany went on to become the first black line field officer in the U.S. Army and achieving the highest rank an African American would reach during the Civil War.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy and contributions of Martin Robinson Delany.

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics include:

• One of the weapons used in last week’s horrific Colorado massacre was banned in the United States from 1994 until 2004 under the Federal Assault weapons ban. The military style semi automatic AR-15 assault rifle can carry a magazine with more than 30 rounds. Politicians including former PA Governor Ed Rendell and NY mayor Michael Bloomberg are urging legislators to revisit the gun-control debate.
• What role should gun control play in the Presidential election?
•  Reportedly 9 to 10 percent of likely US voters are undecided. Who are these undecided voters and what do they need to hear or see to make their decision.

Check out “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News.

Living Life With A Purpose!

Who is known to some as the first radical proponent of American Black nationalism?
 Find out during the TanyaFree.com Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment    
 

Have you had your "SIP" for the week? The latest in Sports,Celebrity and Entertainment news! Check out "The Sip " Wednesdays on the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show 

Horror in Colorado

Eugene Bullard born October 9, 1895 in Columbus, Georgia fled the United States at an early age after witnessing his father’s near death experience by an attempted lynching.  Bullard wandered aboard a ship bound for Scotland at the age of twelve in hopes of reaching France. He entered the world of boxing at age 16. Bullard fought as a lightweight in Britain and other parts of Western Europe, but eventually settled in France, finding what his father said to be true --- “in France a man is accepted as a man regardless of the color of his skin.” 

Bullard joined the French Foreign Legion at the start of World War I in 1914. Twice wounded, he was removed from infantry duty and was awarded for his bravery. Despite not being able to return to infantry duty, he joined the French Flying Corp. Bullard became the first Black military pilot. He flew twenty missions shooting down two enemy aircraft.

Bullard was seriously wounded after rejoining the French Army. Escaping the Germans,   he fled to the United States. The American Air Force recruited air pilots when the United States entered the war, but Bullard’s application was ignored.  He was posthumously commissioned a Second Lieutenant the United States Air force

Tanya Free and Friends honor the life and contributions of Eugene Bullard.  

Join the Conversation!

 This week’s topics include:

• The US Olympic Committee’s decision to dress TEAM USA in Ralph Lauren Chinese manufactured gear has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Sen.    Bob Casey stated "The U.S. Olympic Committee was 100 percent wrong to outsource the manufacturing of U.S. uniforms for the opening ceremony to China."
  
• Chicago’s murder rate is reportedly up 38% compared to this time last year, with the majority of the 270 murders described as gang related. Mayor Rahm Emanuel said “It’s not about crime, it’s about values.”

Check out “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

A recent report revealed 70% of African American children cannot swim and that African American children between the ages of 5 and 14 are three times more likely to drown than white children in the same age range.Has your child taken swimming lessons?

Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was the first Black military pilot?

Find out during the TanyaFree.com Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment    

Breaking both gender and color barriers, Yvonne B. Miller was the first African American woman elected to the Virginia State Legislature. Born July 4, 1934 in Edenton North Carolina, Miller grew up in Norfolk, Virginia where she graduated from the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College. A career educator, Miller taught in Norfolk Public Schools. She earned her Master’s degree from Teacher’s College of Columbia University followed by a doctorate in Education from The University of Pittsburgh. Miller was a professor and served as head of the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Norfolk State University where she later retired Professor Emeritus in 2000.
 
Miller was first elected to serve in the Virginia House of Delegates in 1984 and was elected to the Virginia Senate in 1988. Senator Miller has been at the forefront of the fight to make Virginia a better place for children and their families. Miller was the longest serving female in the legislature.

It is important for our children to understand just how valuable they are. They have been made in the image and likeness of God. And, because he makes no junk, we have to let them know that they all are very special. We also need to let them know that they are gorgeous... they are smart... they are talented. They can do anything they set their minds to. I can't help but to remind them of that. Why do I do that? Because it is important to me to serve people.

- Senator Yvonne B. Miller


Tanya Free and Friends Radio honor the life and legacy of – Senator Yvonne B. Miller

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics will also include:
 

• A Florida lifeguard made the news last week when he was fired for saving a life. That’s right, saving a life! He admittedly disregarded rules and policy by leaving his zone to save the life of a man drowning in unprotected waters. Six of his fellow lifeguards were also fired for saying they would have done the same thing.

• The US unemployment rate continues to hover around 8%. Only 80,000 jobs were added in June which was the third consecutive month of less than projected job growth. The President stated that “businesses have created 4.4 million jobs over the past 28 months and 500,000 new manufacturing jobs “and “that’s a step in the right direction.”

• President Obama sets the stage for new Bush tax cut debates

Check out our new segment “The Sip” with Coffee Black" for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was the first African American woman elected to the Virginia State Legislature?
Find out during the TanyaFree.com Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment    

The Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show will be taking a break this week. As America celebrates Independence Day, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on what freedom means to you.

How do you define freedom? What does it mean to be truly free?

Share your comments with us @ tanyafree.com or leave your answer on my voice mail @ 804 321 1010.We will share your responses when we return to the studio July 11th @ 2pm for the NEW expanded 90 minute Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show.

Have a safe holiday from all of us @ Tanya Free and Friends Radio!

Click to enjoy the best in Straight Ahead,Bebop,Blues and Classic Jazz All Day on Tanya Free and Friends Radio!

Mary Eliza Mahoney – born May 7, 1845 in Dorchester, Massachusetts was the first African American registered nurse. Prior to being accepted into nursing school, Mahoney worked at the New England Hospital for Women and Children for fifteen years as a cook, janitor, washerwoman and unofficial nurse’s assistant.She enrolled in the hospital’s nursing program at the age of 33.Mahoney earned her nursing diploma, and worked many years as professionally trained nurse. In 1896, Mahoney became one of the original members of the predominately white Nurses Associated Alumnae of the United States and Canada and was co-founder of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses. Mary Eliza Mahoney was inducted into the Nursing Hall of Fame fifty years after her death.    

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy and contributions of Mary Eliza Mahoney. 

Join the Conversation!

 

This week’s topics will include:

• Attorney General Eric Holder has testified eight times on Capitol Hill and provided over 7500 pages of documents related to Fast and Furious, a Mexican drug war operation that began in 2009,that he admits went terribly wrong resulting in the lost of illegal firearms ,two of which have been connected to the death of a federal agent. Now, he has been cited for contempt by a congressional panel, thanks to Republicans, for failing to release materials related to an on-going investigation and court sealed wiretap applications.

•  The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of President Obama’s Affordable Healthcare Act this week which could affect the lives of millions of Americans and have profound legal and political implications in this already volatile Presidential election cycle.

•  Supreme Court strikes three provisions of Arizona’s immigration law.

• Politico suspends Joe Williams for stating that Mitt Romney appears “very comfortable” around “white folks” when asked why Romney has trouble connecting with Hispanic voters.

Check out our new segment “The Sip” with Coffee Black for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News

Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was the first African American to study and work as a professionally trained nurse in the United States?
Find out during the Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment     

Listen weekly for the latest in Sports, Celebrity and Entertainment News from Coffee Black. 

Many Americans celebrate July 4th  as the nation’s Independence Day, but for many African Americans, Juneteenth is the holiday that celebrates freedom and emancipation from slavery. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, with an effective date of January 1, 1863, however the official end of the Civil War was not until April 1865. In light of the slow methods of communication and minimal number of Union troops to enforce Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Texas slaves continued to live in bondage until June 18, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 troops arrived in Texas to enforce the emancipation of slaves. On June 19, legend says that General Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation to everyone while standing on a villa. That day has since become known as Juneteenth, a combination of the word June and nineteenth. Former slaves in Galveston, Texas rejoiced in the streets with jubilant celebrations that became the start of the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery. As of 2011, 40 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation to officially recognize Juneteenth. Today, many continue to work to pass legislation in the U.S. Congress to establish Juneteenth Independence Day a National Day of Observance.

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics will include:
 

• The centerpiece of the GOP’s strategy to blame President Obama for a failing economy seems to be falling on deaf ears for the majority of Americans. A recent poll has revealed that more than three years after President Obama took office, a majority of Americans still believe former President Bush deserves more of the blame for the struggling economy than President Obama.

•  President Obama has given major attention to the agendas of the LGBT and Latino communities over the past weeks. Do you think the agenda of the African American community will receive similar attention considering the vast majority of African Americans are likely to support the President anyway?
  

• Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has been condemned by some and labeled as a racist by others for tweeting the “N”word while attending a concert with friend Jay-Z  in Paris last week. She was actually tweeting the name of the song by Kanye West and Jay Z entitled “Ni**as in Paris”. Those offended by her use of the word reveals the contradiction of its use and acceptance from many in the Black community. The question is “Is it ever OK for a White person to use the “N” word.

Living Life With A Purpose!
Tanya Free and Friends Radio celebrate Juneteenth!
 

Happy Father's Day from all of us at Tanya Free and Friends Radio and TanyaFree.com

Check out this story of perseverance. Brian Banks spent 62 months in jail for a crime that he didn't commit.Feel free to post your comments or opinions!

Join the Conversation!

•  The 2012 Presidential campaign is heating up with attention grabbing TV and radio ads. According to the Washington Post, TV ad buys are typically the single largest expenditure of a presidential campaign. A reported 162 million dollars has been spent so far just on television with 63% of those ads defined as negative. 

•  The dream of space travel for the masses will soon become a reality for anyone who can afford a hefty $200,000 price tag. A group of 500 celebrities are slated to pioneer space travel soon in Richard Branson’s new Virgin Galactic space program. Several states are now in the process of developing space ports for commercial suborbital and orbital spaceflight operations.

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

Sunday, June 17th is Father's Day, a day of celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of our father figures in society.  Being a Father is a lifelong role and responsibility that deserves the red carpet treatment every day. How do you plan to celebrate Father’s Day?   

Living Life With A Purpose!
Tanya Free and Friends Radio celebrate Black Music Month!
 

Sunday, June 17th is Father's Day, a day of celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of our father figures in society.  Being a Father is a lifelong role and responsibility that deserves the red carpet treatment every day.   

How do you plan to celebrate Father’s Day?

Jupiter Hammon became the first African-American writer to be published in the United States. Hammon was born on October 17, 1711 on Long Island, New York and lived his life in slavery having never been emancipated as property of Henry and Rebecca Lloyd. Hammon lived with his parents on Lloyd Neck in the Manor house with the family. The Lloyds allowed Hammon's father, Obadiah, to learn to read and write and later allowed Hammon to attend school with the Lloyd children where he also learned to read and write. Hammon worked as a domestic servant, clerk, farmhand, and artisan in the Lloyd family business. He was often sent to New York City to negotiate trade deals for Henry Lloyd. The Lloyds practiced Christianity and introduced Hammon to Christianity which became the inspiration for many of his poems and sermons. Hammon also participated in new Revolutionary War groups such as the African Society in which he delivered what is known as the Hammon Address. Hammon also supported gradual emancipation as an end to slavery. At the age of seventy-six years old Hammon said, "If we should ever get to Heaven, we shall find nobody to reproach us for being black, or for being slaves." He also said that, while he personally had no wish to be free, he did wish others,especially “the young Negroes, were free." Hammon's first work was published in 1761 and was titled, "An Evening Prayer". Hammon is considered one of the founders of African American literature. Hammon died sometime around 1806 and was buried in an unmarked grave.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the contributions and legacy of Jupiter Hammon.

Ervin Clarke, Publisher of Urban Views Weekly joins the conversation this week to tell us about  ShopBlackBusiness.com and ShopBlackBusiness.com TV .

 
This week’s topics include:

•  Two white Richmond, VA policemen are reportedly under investigation for alleged threatening comments concerning President Obama during his recent re-election rally visit to Virginia.

•  Bond has been revoked for George Zimmerman, admitted killer of unarmed 17 year old Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman and his wife have been accused of lying to the court about how much money they had available when bond was set at $150,000 in April. Prosecutors say they had $135,000 available and that Zimmerman also failed to surrender a second passport.The defense says the finances are an innocent misunderstanding.
  
  
  TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll
  
  How well do you like facebook? The social media network giant has been testing a new “Highlight” feature that will offer users a chance to boost the visibility of their updates for a fee.
  
  How do you feel about paying for social media? Would you pay to increase your visibility on facebook?  
  
  Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was the first African-American writer to be published in the United States? Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”

Join the Conversation!

This week’s topics will include:
 

• Some GOP operatives have decided on a campaign strategy that includes the contention that President Obama was never fully vetted prior to his election. Stories of old girlfriends, clips of Jeremiah Wright and birther conspiracies are all being thrown in the pot to muddy the waters to distract from the real issues facing America today.

• Thanks in part to the proliferation of Super PACS, the 2012 presidential race is predicted to be the most costly ever. President Obama and Mitt Romney have both raised millions and are on track to exceed a billion dollars by November.

Urban Views Weekly Poll
 

• Glory Foods, Sylvia’s, Carol’s Daughter and Sean John all have something in common. They are all examples of successful African American owned enterprises competing on a national and global platform. Many locally owned African American owned businesses unfortunately seem to have a more difficult time gaining the support of our community.      

           How many times a week do you make an effort to support a Black owned business?


Living Life With A Purpose!

• Who was the black cowboy and author nicknamed Deadwood Dick, known for his superior roping, shooting, and wild horseback contests ? Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”

 We join President Obama in honoring our fallen heroes.

Join the Conversation

This week's topics include:

• All felons in Virginia are banned from voting for life unless the governor restores their rights. Many states have some structure in place for automatic restoration, in particular for non violent offenders. Virginia ACLU Executive Director Kent Willis joins the conversation to discuss Virginia Governor McDonnell’s decisions on restoration of rights for felons and the new Virginia Voter ID law.

• Unmanned military aircraft known as “drones” used usually on foreign soil are now being used domestically in the United States.  Congress has passed legislation permitting the FAA to expedite delivery of these drones to law enforcement agencies.

Living Life With A Purpose!

What saxophonist is considered by many to be the founding father of smooth jazz?

Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”

Listen on the go. Download the FREE LIVE 365 app for smartphones.

Unmanned military aircraft known as “drones” used usually on foreign soil are now being used domestically in the United States.  Congress has passed legislation permitting the FAA to expedite delivery of these drones to law enforcement agencies.

What do you think about the use of drones in law enforcement? What about private use? Do you have concerns about privacy and rights?

Tanya Free and Friends Radio remembers  "The Godfather of Go-Go", Mr. Chuck Brown.

Join the Conversation!

This Week's Topics Include:

• President Obama’s endorsement of the right of same sex couples to marry has dominated the news cycle for days. A recent poll has revealed that 53% of Americans agree that same sex marriages should be recognized by law.
  

• A recent cover of Time Magazine featuring a mother breastfeeding her three year old son shown standing on a small chair to reach her exposed breast has sparked a media frenzy and national debate on attachment parenting.

Weekend Happenings in Central VA!

King Salim Khalfani , Executive Director of the Virginia State Conference NAACP stops by to share the details of the play “My Son John” which will benefit the Virginia State Conference NAACP.
Tiffany Johnson Womack, President of Your Eyes Are Your Heart ,Inc. joins us to invite s to her upcoming Brain Tumor Awareness Walk.

Living Life With A Purpose!

Which African American female screenwriter, director, and producer was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 people who help shape the world?

Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment 

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Tanya Free and Friends Radio and TanyaFree.com

American author, poet, and activist, Alice Malsenior Walker, continues to grace the world with her strong spirit and literary works. Born into poverty,Walker's father was a sharecropper and her mother worked as a maid.Despite the family's economic barriers, education was highly valued. She entered Spelman College on a full scholarship in 1961, where she participated in civil rights demonstrations and participated in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. After two years at Spelman, Walker received a scholarship to Sarah Lawrence College near New York City.  Even while participating in civil rights, Walker continued publishing numerous literary works, including the critically acclaimed novel The Color Purple, for which she won the Pulitzer Prize.She gave her papers including 122 boxes of manuscripts and archive material to Emory University's Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library in 2007.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the contributions of Alice Walker.

Watch the President's statement and share your comment or opinion here on TanyaFree.com!

Join the Conversation!

We will take a look at the case of Marissa Alexander, who is facing a twenty year mandatory term on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. A judge in Florida has denied her a new trial despite her Stand Your Ground claim against an admitted abusive husband.

Raoul Jenkins, the father of Marissa Alexander, joins the conversation this week.

Get involved. Visit Marissa's website!

This week's topics will also include:

• Recent polls indicate President Obama’s approval ratings are improving and but he is only slightly ahead of Mitt Romney in some key swing states.
• What does it say about our society when elementary school children as young as kindergarten age are arrested and/or handcuffed by law enforcement? Just recently a first grader was suspended for alleged sexual harassment.

Living Life With A Purpose!

What African American author and activist, born into poverty, went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1985?
Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”
 

Join Tanya Free and Friends Radio in support of Brain Tumor Awareness in Central Virginia! 

Join the Conversation!

Recent reports of seafood deformities including eyeless shrimp and fish with lesions in the Gulf have raised questions from scientists and fisherman about poisoning of the food chain and the overall safety of the seafood. BP and the government maintain that Gulf seafood is safe.  

 
Art Rocker ,Chair of Operation People for Peace joins the conversation this week to discuss the effects of the BP oil spill and the RESTORE ACT which would require 80% of the BP fine money to go to the Gulf Coast for restoration.

This week’s topics will also include : 

• Mcdonalds, Taco Bell and Burger King have all decided to stop using pink slime in food, but reports indicate that the “slime” will continue in school lunch programs.
•  How often do you use a residential landline?

Living Life With A Purpose!
What is YEAH?
Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”

 

Join the Conversation! Listen to the podcast on demand!

Jesse Lava Campaign Director for Robert Greenwald’s new movie “Koch Brothers Exposed”  joins  the conversation this week to share the story of the billionaire  Koch Brothers and how they bankroll a vast network of organizations that work to undermine the interest of the 99%.

 This week’s topics will also include :

•    Zimmerman apologizes and set free on $150,000 bond.
•    Ted Nugent’s threatening comments! Why is Mitt Romney silent?

Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was the first woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?
Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”

Check out today's Wassup video.What do you think about this railroad altercation caught on tape?

Post your comments and opinions here on TanyaFree.com

Join the conversation! Check out this week's show! Post your comments and opinions!

Brendan Fischer , Law Fellow  and reporter for the Center for Media and Democracy joins the conversation to  EXPOSE ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council .Find out which politicians and corporations support ALEC  and what legislative bills they support.

This week’s topics will also include :

• Stand Your Ground’s Double Standard. We will explore the case of John McNeil, an African American from Georgia who defended himself from great bodily harm and is in prison for the rest of his life.
  
• What do you think are the chances that George Zimmerman will be convicted of second degree murder?

• Have “Stand Your Ground “laws made America less safe?

Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was the first African American news anchor on a major television network?

Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”

Join the Conversation! Leave your comment or opinion here!

Roberto Guzman, Senior Legal Assistant for The People's Task Force to Free the Wrongfully Convicted joins the conversation this week to discuss the case of Davontae Sanford. A judge refused to throw out this teenager's guilty plea to four slayings in a Detroit drug den, despite the confession of a hit man in prison for other murders who said he never used the learning disabled youth as an accomplice.

What does it say about our society or our country when the President of the United States is referred to as a “thug” by right wing conservatives?

Living Life With A Purpose!
Who was civil rights leader Jimmy Lee Jackson ?
Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”   

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, born free in Maryland in 1825 was a noted anti-slavery lecturer and poet whose work was largely neglected and forgotten until she was "rediscovered" in the late 20th century. She had a long and prolific career, publishing her first book of poetry at twenty and her first novel at age sixty-seven. She lectured frequently on abolitionism in New England, the Midwest, and California, and also published poetry in magazines and newspapers. Harper worked for women’s rights and civil rights after the Civil War and helped to organize the National Association of Colored Women in 1896.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy and contributions of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.

Join the Conversation! Post your comment or opinion here on TanyaFree.com! Listen to today's show on demand!

 

      Based on the information as you know it, do you agree there is sufficient probable cause for an arrest?

•    We have all demanded justice in the Trayvon Martin case. But just what is your definition of justice? What end result would be justice served as you see it?

Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was the African American anti-slavery lecturer and poet who worked worked for civil rights after the civil war?
Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”  

Join the Conversation! Post your comments here!
Listen to the Podcast!

 This week’s topics include:

• We will take a look at the Stand Your Ground Law in Florida, the second amendment and the national response of outrage over the slaying of Trayvon Martin.
• Update of the case and we question why admitted killer George Zimmerman has not been arrested.
• Scotty Reid of Black Talk Radio News is the first to report that the Sanford Florida responding police officers wanted to charge George Zimmerman with homicide/negligent manslaughter.
  
• What’s going on? Violent weekend in Chicago : 10 dead and at least 40 wounded.

Living Life With A Purpose!

Trayvon Martin is  our TanyaFree.com “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”
 

Thousands of people in cities across the country have marched and attended rallies calling for justice in memory of Trayvon Martin. Many others have signed petitions and written letters demanding justice.

Has your voice been heard?

The Freedom Riders were civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segragated South in 1961 and subsequent years to test U.S. Supreme Court decisions banning segregation laws. The Freedom Rides followed lunch counter sit-ins and boycotts of retail establishments that maintained segregated facilities.  The court's decision in Boynton v. Virginia supported the right of interstate travelers to disregard local segregation ordinances.  Boynton outlawed racial segregation in waiting rooms, restaurants and bus terminals serving buses that crossed state lines.  Prior to Boynton the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) made a ruling explicitly denouncing the Plessy v. Ferguson doctrine of separate but equal in interstate bus travel, however the ICC failed to enforce its ruling, so Jim Crow laws continued throughout the South.  The first Freedom Ride left Washington, D.C. on May 4, 1961.  The violence, unlawful arrests, and inhumane treatment endured by the The Freedom Riders sparked national media attention which bolstered support and credibility for the Civil Rights Movement. In commemoration for their brave efforts, a museum was dedicated to the Freedom Riders on May 19, 2011, in the old Greyhound Bus terminal in Montgomery Alabama.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the contributions and legacy of the Freedom Riders

Join the Conversation! Post you comment or opinion here!

 This week’s topics include:

• A bill proposed in Arizona would allow employers to deny health insurance for contraceptives based on religious objections. Women who wish to have their contraceptives covered would have to prove that they are using the pills for non reproductive reasons. Employers would have the right to fire women that wish to exercise their right to be sexually responsible with the use of contraceptives.
  
• We will take a look at the killing of Trayvon Martin in Sanford,,Florida by Neighborhood Watch Captain George Zimmerman. Self Defense or Racism?

What group of men and women boarded buses, trains and planes in 1961 headed for the deep South to test the 1960 Supreme Court ruling outlawing segregation in all interstate public facilities?

Find out during the TanyaFree.com Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment!

Should the Pro-Obama Super PAC Priorities USA Action return Bill Maher’s donation of $1 million?

Donald M. Payne, an alumnus of Seton Hall University, pursued successful careers as a teacher and as an executive at Prudential Insurance Company. His accomplishments included being the first Black president of the National Council of the Y.M.C.A. Payne defeated Republican opponent Michael Webb in 1988 to become the first African American from New Jersey to be elected to the United States Congress. Payne stated at the time, “I want to be a congressman to serve as a role model for the young people I talk to on the Newark street corners.”
Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the contributions and legacy of US Representative Donald M. Payne.

Listen to today's show ON DEMAND HERE!

This week’s topics include:

• What could have caused an American soldier to go on a killing spree  in southern Afghanistan?
• A Montana federal judge’s racist email that included a joke involving bestiality and President Obama’s mother has drawn outrage and calls for him to step down amid questions of judgment, credibility and impartiality as a judge.
  
• Rush Limbaugh’s recent sexist three day tirade against a law student and the GOP presidential hopefuls failure for the most part to distance themselves from the comments have reinforced Democratic assertions of a GOP “war against women.”
  

”
Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was the first African American representative from New Jersey to be elected to the U.S. Congress?
Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment”  

Rush Limbaugh's recent  three day sexist tirade against a law student and the GOP presidential hopefuls' failure for the most part to distance themselves from the comments have reinforced Democratic assertions of a GOP “war against women.”

What do you think? Will Limbaugh’s comments cost Republican votes in November?

Dr. Robert Tanner Freeman, born the son of former slaves from North Carolina, was the first African American dentist to receive a degree in the United States. He graduated from the Harvard University Dental School in 1869.   As a young man Freeman worked for a local dentist and was encouraged to pursue a career in the field of dentistry. After being rejected by other colleges, Freeman was finally accepted, in 1867, as one of the sixteen members of the inaugural class at Harvard Dental School.  Upon graduation in 1869 he returned to his hometown of Washington, D.C. to practice dentistry.  Unfortunately, Freeman died four years later.  In honor of Robert Freeman, The National Dental Association’s organization in Washington, D.C. is named The Robert T. Freeman Dental Society.

Join the Conversation! Leave your comment or opinion here on TanyaFree.com.

Dr. Bob Holsworth, Founder of Virginia Tomorrow.com and Managing Principal of DecideSmart joins us this week to discuss some of the campaign promises of the GOP presidential hopefuls and assist in discerning fact from campaign hype. Dr. Holsworth’s observations on National and Virginia politics have appeared in the Wall Street Journal,Washington Post, New York Times and all of the major television networks.

This week’s topics will also include:

•    The auto bailout initiated by President Bush in 2008 and completed by President Obama in 2009 is back into the national conversation due to the recent Michigan GOP primaries. U.S. automakers have made a strong comeback and most of the money has already been repaid to the government. Considering the revitalization and jobs saved, in hindsight, do you think the bailout was a good idea and worth the risk?

•   Economic indicators and U.S. public perception about the health of the economy have been improving since last fall according to a recent poll. With unemployment hovering between 8 and 9% and rising gas prices, I would like to find out how you feel about the economy. Are you better off economically than you were at this time last year?

Living Life With A Purpose!

•   Who was the first African American dentist to receive a degree in the United States?

Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment”  

The auto bailout initiated by President Bush in 2008 and completed by President Obama in 2009 is back into the national conversation due to the recent Michigan GOP primaries. The automakers have made a strong comeback and most of the money has been repaid to the government.

Considering the revitalization and jobs saved, in hindsight, how do you feel about the bailout?

Economic indicators and U.S. public perception about the health of the economy have been improving since last fall according to a recent poll. With unemployment hovering between 8 and 9% and rising gas prices, I would like to find out how you feel about the economy.

Are you better off economically than you were at this time last year?

It is most fitting that we honor the father of black history, Dr. Carter G. Woodson.  Historian, author, journalist and Virginia native, born ten years post slavery, Dr. Woodson’s life marks great strides in our history. Beating the odds of oppression and poverty, Dr. Woodson carried the torch of higher education, being the second African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University. Passionate about the preservation of African American History, Dr. Woodson, the founder of the Journal of Negro History, dedicated his life to the study and celebration of black history. Dr. Woodson’s contended that African American contributions “were overlooked, ignored and even suppressed by the writers of history textbooks and the teachers who use them.” Let us ensure that the rich legacy of African American history is never lost, minimized or marginalized.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the contributions and legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
 

 

Join the conversation !  What's your take?
WCLM1450AM in Central Virginia @ 2pmET and  ON DEMAND HERE @  www.tanyafree.com

Tanya's Black History Month Special

This week’s topics include:

• New voter ID laws in Virginia have been described as a throwback to Jim Crow era politics. Voters who fail to bring required ID will receive a provisional ballot that will be vetted AFTER the election.  Preventing voter fraud or suppressing the minority vote?
•   Has integration hindered Black business and prosperity?
•   Country Music DJ Hall of Fame and WCLM Radio Morning radio host Big John Trimble joins the conversation to share the contributions of African Americans in the history of country music.

Living Life With A Purpose!

• Who is the father of Black History?

 Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment”

 

GOP presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich has criticized President Obama for his formal apology after copies of the Quran were found burned in a garbage pit on a US airfield in Afghanistan stating “he is consistently apologizing to people who do not deserve the apology of the President of the United States period”.

How do feel about the apology?

Nikki Giovanni, born in Knoxville Tennessee is an American poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. Her primary focus is on the individual and the power one has to make a difference in oneself and in the lives of others. Giovanni’s poetry expresses strong racial pride, respect for family, and her own experiences as a daughter, civil rights activist, and mother. She is currently a distinguished professor of English at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg Virginia.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the contributions of Nikki Giovanni.

Listen to the Podcast Here on TanyaFree.com!

This week’s topics include:

• Santorum describes President Obama's "Phony Theology"
• FAIR AND EQUAL?
  The State of Virginia, on the heels of a bill that would require women to undergo an invasive vaginal ultrasound prior to an abortion is also considering the granting of personhood to fertilized eggs and rights to “unborn children at every stage of development”
• LINSANITY
  Boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr recently tweeted  "Jeremy Lin is a good player but all the hype is because he's Asian. Black players do what he does every night and don't get the same praise.
  

 Living Life With A Purpose!

• Who is the acclaimed poet and activist whose primary focus has been on the individual and the power to make a difference in the lives of others?

 Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment” 
 

The State of Virginia, on the heels of a bill that would require women to undergo an invasive vaginal ultrasound prior to an abortion is also considering the granting of personhood to fertilized eggs and rights to “unborn children at every stage of development”

What do you think? Regardless of your opinion of abortion, are women’s rights being trampled in the goal to provide equal rights for the unborn?

An American singer, actress, producer, mother and model, Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born on August 9, 1963. She began singing in church at an early age, and as a teenager  worked as a backup studio singer and featured vocalist with acts including Chaka Khan and the Neville Brothers. It wasn't long before Whitney's talent was brought to the attention of Clive Davis.  Her accolades include two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, thirty Billboard Music Awards, and twenty-two American Music Awards. Whitney was one of the world's best selling music artists, having sold over 170 million albums, singles and videos worldwide.  Houston will forever be remembered for her majestic voice and regal image.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy and contributions of Whitney Houston.

Join the Conversation! New Time! Listen to the podcast HERE on TanyaFree.com

What's your take? Leave us your comment here.

This week’s topics include:

•    How do you feel about Actor Samuel L Jackson’s claims that he voted for President Obama in 2008 "because he was black?" Jackson argues that Obama's positions on issues were not a factor in his choice.

•    New voter ID laws in Virginia have been described as a throwback to Jim Crow era politics. Voters who fail to bring required ID will receive a provisional ballot that will be vetted AFTER the election.  Democrats have challenged the evidence of substantial voter fraud. What do you think? Preventing voter fraud or suppressing the minority vote?

•    President Obama announced a policy shift Friday that religious employers would essentially be exempt from the requirement to offer free contraceptives to workers. Insurance companies would now be required to reach out and offer contraceptive care to employees of religious institutions free of charge. How do feel about the compromise?

Living Life With A Purpose!

•    Who was the American singer and actress cited by Guinness World Records as the most awarded female act of all time? Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment”

 

President Obama announced a policy shift Friday that religious employers would essentially be exempt from the requirement to offer free contraceptives to workers. Insurance companies would now be required to reach out and offer contraceptive care to employees of religious institutions free of charge.

How do feel about the compromise?

In Remembrance

Check out today’s ‘Wassup’ story and share thoughts and comments. www.tanyafree.com

Ronald Harmon "Ron" Brown  was born in Washington, D.C. and was raised in Harlem, New York. Brown attended Middlebury College where he became the first African-American member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, a national men's collegiate fraternity. Upon graduating, Brown joined the army and later obtained a law degree from St. John's Univeristy.  In 1988, Ron Brown headed Jesse L. Jackson's convention team at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta and the following year, Brown was elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee. In 1993, Ron Brown was appointed by President Clinton to the position of Secretary of Commerce and became the first African American to hold this position.  Unfortunately, in 1996, Ron Brown along with 34 others were killed in a plane crash in Croatia.  Many awards, academic scholarships and programs have been established to honor Ron Brown including the Ron Brown Award for corporate leadership and responsibility.

  This week’s topics include:
 

• Here we go again! The United States has imposed sanctions against Iran over their nuclear program. In addition, the U.S. along with international allies called for Syria’s President to step down. When did we become the international police? Where does it all end?
  

• US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has revealed a “strong likelihood” that Israel will attack Tehran sometime this spring. Should the US engage militarily to support an Israeli attack or should America continue on a course of diplomatic sanctions?    
  
• President Obama says he deserves re-election. What do you think?   
  
  Living Life With A Purpose!   Who was the first African American to hold the position of United States Secretary of Commerce?
  Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment”     

What is the single most important issue facing America in your choice for president?"

Rahsaan Roland Kirk was born Ronald Theodore Kirk but later transposed two letters in his first name to make Roland. Kirk later added "Rahsaan" to his name. Kirk became blind at an early age and was educated at Ohio State School for the Blind. He played saxophone and clarinet with a school band from a young age and it wasn't long beforehe was leading his own band in the Ohio area. At age sixteen, Kirk experimented with playing three instruments at once, and this later became his trademark. One of his best-known recorded performances is the lead flute and solo on Quincy Jones' "Soul Bossa Nova" a 1964 hit song repopularized in the Austin Powers films. Kirk was renowned for his onstage vitality, improvisation, and the ability to play several instruments simultaneously.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the contributions and legacy of Rahsann Roland Kirk.

Check out today’s ‘Wassup’ story and share thoughts and comments. www.tanyafree.com

 This week's topics include:

• Can a Black person really be a racist?
• Florida Primary Update
• Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and President Obama.
  

Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was jazz innovator  known for his ability to play several instruments simultaneously?

Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment”
 

Vocalist Etta James, born Jamsetta Hawkins, best known for her signature hit , ”At Last” had a musical career  that spanned Blues, R& B, Rock and Roll, Gospel and Jazz. She was the recipient of six Grammys and 17 Blues Music awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll, Blues and Grammy Hall of Fames.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the accomplishments and legacy of Ms. Etta James.

Listen to the Podcast Here on TanyaFree.com.

This week’s topics include:

•  State of the Union Address Recap
• Santorum does  it again
• Mitt stumbles during debate
• The Southern Republican Presidential Debate in South Carolina got off to a rocky start when CNN’s John King asked Newt Gingrich about his second ex-wife’s ”Open Marriage” allegations.Should allegations and questions of personal character be fair game during a debate?

Living Life With A Purpose!

• Who was the iconic singer that was inducted into the Rock and Roll, Blues and Grammy Hall of Fames?

 Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment”
 

There’s an app for that?!!

In the wonderful world of technology there is an app for almost everything.  Want to steer clear of the “ghetto”? There is an app for that. An app designed to help travelers avoid unsafe neighborhoods has sparked controversy dubbed as the “avoid ghetto” app.  
      
What do you think?  Is this app really about safety or is there something a lot more sinister behind it?  

Join the Conversation! Check out today's show and post your comment here!

 This week’s topics include:

• Tanya Free and Friends Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
  
• Occupy The Dream Movement
  
• Scott sisters seek justice in aftermath of Barbour Mississippi pardons
  
• U.S. Marines joking and urinating on the bloody dead bodies of Taliban soldiers, “What were they thinking?”  Obviously, not about any sense of core values, respect and how these actions could jeopardize US –Afghan relations.  What disciplinary actions do you think should be levied?
  

Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was the Tuskegee airman credited with downing two German fighter planes that attacked the US bombers he was escorting?
Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment”
 

Members of the African-American faith community have joined forces with Occupy Wall Street to launch a new campaign for economic justice inspired by the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Faithful to its philosophical origin, the "Occupy the Dream" coalition has called for a National Day of Action on Martin Luther King Day – Monday, January 16, 2012 – to focus attention on the gross injustice visited upon the 99% by the financial elite.

Thanks to my friend Nate Hicks for this link!

A freedman his entire life, Hiram Rhodes Revels was the first African American to serve in the U.S. Senate.  Hiram Rhodes Revels was born to free parents of mixed ancestry in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on September 27, 1827. In an era when educating black children was illegal in North Carolina, Revels attended a school taught by a free black woman and learned to read. In 1844, he moved north to complete his education.  In 1845, Revels was ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Revels is quoted as saying, "at times, I met with a great deal of opposition, I was imprisoned in Missouri in 1854 for preaching gospel to Negroes, though I was never subjected to violence." As a chaplain Revels helped raise two black Union regiments during the Civil War in Maryland and Missouri, and took part of the battle of Vicksburg in Mississippi. With his oratorical skills honed from years as a preacher, Revels filled a vacant seat in the United States Senate in 1870. He represented Mississippi in 1870 and 1871 during Reconstruction.  As of 2011, Revels is one of only six African Americans ever to have served in the United States Senate.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the contributions and legacy of Senator Hiram Rhodes Revels.

Occupy The Dream In Richmond,VA 

 January 16, 2012

   10:00 a.m.

    at

    Kanawha Plaza 

Join the Conversation! Listen to the podcast here on TanyaFree.com

This week’s topics include:

 Thomas Haynesworth was released from a Virginia prison after he spent 27 years behind bars for crimes he did not commit.

How much is a life worth?

Race and Politics

The 2012 presidential campaign is in full swing.

Code words and racial baiting are once again dominating our political landscape. 

Who was the first African American to serve in the United States Senate?

Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment 
 

The girl who later would become the first  African American woman lawyer in the United States was given the name Charlotte E. Ray, on January 13, 1850, in New York.  Charlotte E. Ray's father was a prominent minister and abolitionist. Ray's family was dedicated to having their children educated so despite the common stereotypes at the time about women and Blacks becoming educated, Ray attended the Institution for the Education of Colored Youth in Washington, D.C. which was one of the few schools African American women could attend. In 1869, Charlotte E. Ray became a teacher at the prestigious Howard University in Washington, D.C., which was established in 1867 to educate emancipated slaves and their decedents. While teaching at Howard, she registered in the Law Department under the name of "C.E. Ray" in spite of  the school's reluctance to admitting women, and was admitted.  Ray was the first woman to graduate from Howard University School of Law in 1872.  Ray was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar on April 23, 1872 and opened a law practice, specializing in commercial law. However, due to race and gender discrimination, Ray was unable to maintain her practice, so she returned to New York in 1879 to teach. She was active in the women's suffrage movement until her death at age 60.  Despite considerable odds due to her gender and race Charlotte E. Ray became not only the first female African American lawyer in the United States but also the first practicing female lawyer in Washington, D.C.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy and contributions of Ms. Charlotte E. Ray. 

 This week’s topics include:

A  Federal Court decides that it’s not racist for a White employer to call a Black employee “Boy”

African Americans are the most unmarried group of people in our nation. Black women are more than three times as likely as white women never to marry. Why, amid rising rates of interracial marriage, do so few black women wed someone of a different race?

What would you rank as the top news story of 2011?

Who was the first black woman certified as a lawyer in the United States?

Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment

Every New Year’s Eve, I breathe a sigh of relief when the clock strikes twelve ringing in the New Year. Exhaling with gratitude, the leap into a New Year is definitely a blessing considering the alternative.  So if you’re reading this - Happy New Year!
Depending on whom you ask, 2011 was a turbulent year, to say the least. I believe 99% of us would agree and stand ready to start anew. Keeping with ritual, many of us will make New Year’s resolutions vowing to lose weight, quit smoking, find a job, and get out of debt. Whatever the goal, change is seldom easy, especially when it comes to self improvement. Personally, I am enthusiastic and anxious to get started with shedding several pounds. If Jennifer Hudson can do it, I can too. She inspires me every time I see her strut her new look. But it’s going to take more than a feel good moment to keep me eating right and working out regularly. I like the old adage, “birds of a feather flock together.” Connecting with like minded individuals that work out and eat rabbit food  works better for me. Whatever your New Year’s resolutions are, have a plan. Without one, the resolution will likely be short lived and a resolution once again in 2013.              
There is an old cliché that I often say to young people as they embark upon life and their endeavors, “the sky is the limit.” I further encourage them to – “grab as many stars as they can. It’s a new year and this expression is fitting for “All” ages. So, in 2012 “the sky IS the limit. Despite all of the turmoil in and around the world, always aim high. Remember turmoil is nothing new. It’s a part of life. So, grab as many stars as you can in 2012 then let them illuminate the path for others.

Live Life with a Purpose!

 

Join the Conversation!

The Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show
Social and Political Straight Talk

Listen to the podcast HERE on TanyaFree.com

Join us for a special “Message in the Music” 2011 edition of The Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show.

We invite you to sit back and enjoy as we highlight some of our most popular and requested message songs from our shows this year.

 TanyaFree.com Weekly Poll

The death of Osama bin Laden was selected as the top news story of 2011 in the recent Associated Press' annual poll of U.S editors and news directors. Time magazine gave the nod to the Occupy Wall Street Protests. Global economic concerns, congressional fiscal showdowns and the Penn State sex scandal all made it to the top ten of various lists.
What would you rank as the top news story of 2011?

Join us when return LIVE next Wednesday January 4th at our NEW TIME 2:00pm ET
 

Season's Greetings
Peace and Blessings to you and yours from Tanya Free and Friends Radio and TanyaFree.com.

Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks was born the youngest of 15 children on Nov. 30, 1912, in Fort Scott, Kansas.  Motivated by his mother’s strong conviction that dignity and hard work could overcome bigotry, Parks used his largely self-taught talents to pursue careers as a photographer, filmmaker, writer and composer.  In 1938, Mr. Parks purchased his first camera at a Seattle pawn shop and within months Parks’ pictures were being exhibited in store windows.  By 1962, at the suggestion of a fellow Life Magazine photographer, Mr. Parks began to write a story based on his memories of his childhood in Kansas. The story became the hit novel and movie "The Learning Tree".  The success only continued when Mr. Parks created his widely known second hit film, "Shaft," released in 1971.   The man who never finished high school was a recipient of 40 honorary doctorates from colleges and universities in the United States and England and a National Medal of Arts award from President Ronald Reagan. Mr. Parks said in an interview in The New York Times in 1997, "I'm in a sense sort of a rare bird I suppose a lot of it depended on my determination not to let discrimination stop me." 

Tanya Free and Friends Radio Honors the Legacy and accomplishments of Mr. Gordon Parks.

 Listen to the podcast HERE on TanyaFree.
Check out our Holiday Good Cheer Edition of The Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show

Check out some of our Good News Holiday Links!

Troops Come Home!

Healthy Baby!

Good Samaritan

Police issue gift cards!

Secret Santas!

Diamond Ring in Salvation Army Kettle!

Dancing Santa!

This week's topics:

Question of the Week

The National Transportation Safety Board recently recommended a nationwide ban on the use of cell phones while driving. According to the safety board, distracted driving is becoming the new DUI.   
What do you think? Should talking on cell phone while driving be prohibited?        

 Poll Question

The yearly debate over whether to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” is upon us again this season.
Which greeting of cheer do you prefer?

Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was the first African American to work as a staff photographer for Life Magazine?

Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment
 

 Living Life with A Purpose!

Max Robinson – a native of Richmond Virginia – began his career in journalism reading news stories at a Portsmouth, VA station with him hidden behind the slide of the station’s logo. Robinson was fired after he requested the slides be removed, revealing his face. Robinson went to Washington, D.C. where his career soared, winning six journalism awards. Robinson earned national prominence as the first African American anchor of a major television news program when he joined ABC World News Tonight in 1978. 

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the contributions and legacy of Max Robinson.  

 Listen to the podcast HERE on TanyaFree.com

This week’s topics:

 

Washington DC Attorney Debbie Hines joins the conversation to discuss her Huffington Post commentary,”New Republican Data Shows No Need For Voter ID Laws”.
Ms. Hines is a trial lawyer, former prosecutor and legal/political commentator based in Washington, DC. She found Legalspeaks.com, a progressive blog, on law, race, women and politics.

Two thirds of State legislatures have introduced new voter ID laws and elimination of early voting and same day registration. A 2006 Brennan Center Study revealed that 25% of African Americans are without an ID. What do you think? Are the new voter ID laws and restrictions an effort to suppress the African American vote?

Latest GOP Presidential Polls seems to have narrowed the race to frontrunners Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney after the exit of Herman Cain.
Who do you think will be the eventual nominee?
 

Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was the first African-American broadcast network news anchor in the United States?

Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment
 

Known as a legend in Black golf, Charlie Sifford became the first African American golfer to be honored at the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004.  Charlie Sifford  is considered by many to be the “Jackie Robinson” of professional golf.  Sifford was born and raised in Charlotte, NC.  He spent his youth as a caddy at the Carolina Country Club.  Sifford was  later dismissed from the country club, when his talent as an excellent young golfer started to be noticed by many of the club’s white patrons.  Sifford would be 40 years old before the PGA allowed racial integration. Despite harassment and bureaucratic obstacles from segregationists intent on forcing him from the PGA ranks Sifford proved himself to be a formidable opponent, leading many tournaments and winning the Hartford Open in 1967 as well as the Los Angeles Open in 1969.  Sifford continued to compete well into his 70s.  He is known for saying, “Only the strong can survive out here. They counted me out 25 years ago, but I'm still here.”

Join the Conversation!
Listen to the podcast LIVE HERE on TanyaFree.com

Check out the Buddy Roemer for President Website

GOP Presidential Candidate Buddy Roemer joins the conversation this week to talk about his candidacy and his fight against special interests and the corrupting influences in Washington and Wall Street. Governor Roemer served four terms in the United States Congress from 1981 – 1988 as a conservative Democrat and was Louisiana Governor from 1988-1992 as both a Democrat and Republican.

The National Defense Authorization Act has come under fire from the White House for provisions that would allow the indefinite detention of Americans suspected of terrorism arrested within the US.How do you feel about the Act? Are we sacrificing too much in the name of national security?

Raha Wala joins the conversation to discuss the implications and possible ramifications of this act. Rala is the Advocacy Counsel representing Human Rights First a non-profit, nonpartisan international human rights organization based in New York and Washington D.C.

Tanya’s Poll Question

Allegations of infidelity and moral lapses continue to plague politicians on both sides of the aisle.
Will issues of infidelity affect your decision at the ballot box?

Living Life With A Purpose!

Who is the first African-American golfer to be honored at the World Golf Hall of Fame?
Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment

 

Join the Conversation!
Listen to the PODCAST HERE on TanyaFree.com!

 W. Kent Ruffin,Publisher of Soul of Virginia Magazine joins the conversation this week!

This week’s topics include:

The GOP “No Tax Pledge”and the mastermind behind the movement, Grover Norquist.

Florida A&M Band rocked by a suspected hazing death.
Question of the Week

The Occupy Wall Street Movement continues to raise questions and add to the public debate over whether 24/7 camps in public spaces is protected freedom of assembly. Recent rulings in New York and other cities have resulted in restrictions and evictions.

How do you feel about the evictions and do you think they are an infringement of the protesters’ First Amendment rights?
Poll Question

The failure of the Super 12 Debt Committee was hardly a surprise, considering the steadfast political gridlock in Washington. The sticking point continues to be the need for continued tax breaks for the wealthiest of individuals.

Should tax breaks for millionaires be allowed to continue?
Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was the American singer and bandleader known for his hit “I Apologize”?

Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment

 

The failure of the Super 12 Debt Committee was hardly a surprise, considering the steadfast political gridlock in Washington. The sticking point continues to be the need for continued tax breaks for the wealthiest of individuals.

Should tax breaks for millionaires be allowed to continue?

Be Safe and Enjoy!

The Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show

Listen to the podcast HERE on TanyaFree.com

This week’s topics:

Thanksgiving Day, celebrated in America since 1863, is a time set aside for reflection and giving thanks for our many gifts and blessings, even in these times of strained resources and economic uncertainty.
What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving? 

Many families have been forced to scale back Thanksgiving plans and travel this year due to economic conditions. Has the economy affected your plans this year?

Living Life With A Purpose!

Vickie Neilson joins the conversation to extend an invitation to the less fortunate, elderly and those who would otherwise spend Thanksgiving alone in Central Virginia to attend the Giving Heart Community Thanksgiving Feast this Thursday.

Authors Carol Griffin, Keith Houchen and Anthony Singleton stop by to discuss their new book CornerStories, a place where tales of horror, Sci-Fi, suspense and fantasy are weaved to entertain, delight and scare you.

Virginia born Bert Jackson was a winner.  With knee injuries, collegiate athletics weren’t an option for Jackson.  Fortunately, he always had an affinity for cars, especially 1967, 68, and 69 Camaros.  For two decades, while operating Bert’s Towing, Jackson maintained Teal Green Racing, before joining the E Love Racing Team in 2004. Bert became a trailblazer in the American Drag Racing League.
 

Known for its signature professional paint jobs, the cars were immaculately painted purple.  On September 9, 2011, Bert Jackson started what would be his final race.  He died as a result of an accident on the track at the Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina.

Bert Jackson is remembered for more than just his competitive prowess on the track.   Fellow racers and crew members remember him for his great smile…win, lose, or draw…his positive spirit, and his contagious generosity.  

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy of Bert Jackson.

The Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show

This week’s topics:

Our legal consultant Attorney Alex Taylor joins the converstion this week to discuss the ramifications of the Penn State Child Sex Abuse Scandal.

Thousands of supporters of Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno have protested his firing, despite the fact that he  failed to report allegations of the rape of a young boy to police in 2002.The State Police Commissioner has described Paterno’s actions as a lapse in “moral responsibility”.

How do you feel about the University’s response to the scandal so far?
Penn State made the decision not to cancel the final football game of the season after the revelation of alleged child sex abuse and cover up by university officials and athletic staff.

Was business as usual the correct response? 

Listen to a rebroadcast of today's show HERE on TanyaFree.com!

Living Life With A Purpose!

Who was the Virginia born race car driver known for his success in the American Drag Racing League?

Find out during the TanyaFree.com “Living Life With a Purpose 365 Moment

Richard Claxton “Dick” Gregory's early surroundings of poverty and violence influenced him to stand up for civil rights.  Beginning in the mid sixties, he became more involved in struggles for civil rights, economic reform, and anti-drug issues, just to name a few. Dick Gregory used his comedic gift and social satire to change the way white Americans perceived African American comedians, resulting in compliments from some of the highest leaders in the world.  He is known as one of the first comedians to successfully perform for both black and white audiences.  Dick Gregory expanded the title of African American comedian, by running for public office including running for mayor of Chicago in 1967 and running for President of the United States in 1968.  Gregory's devotion to revealing truths helped moved the U.S. Assassinations Committee to investigate the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy.  Gregory continues his fight for truth and justice with wit and comedy as his sword and shield.

Tanya free and Friends Radio honors the contributions of Mr. Richard Claxton “Dick” Gregory.

Comedian and Civil Rights Activist Dick Gregory  joins the conversation this week for another installment of Ask Dick Gregory!  Mr. Gregory will give us a preview of what we can expect when he heads to Richmond Friday for his performance at the Historic Byrd Theatre.

Listen to today's show on demand HERE  @  www.tanyafree.com

Can’t listen Live? No problem! A podcast of each week’s show is available @ TanyaFree.com by 9pmET every Wednesday night. 

The Urban League of Greater Richmond is proud to announce “An Evening with Dick Gregory”.  This unforgettable evening, produced by Freedom Marketing, will benefit the Urban League’s Professional Development Programs with a portion of the net proceeds.  Dick Gregory, activist, philosopher, comedian, and author will perform at the Historic Byrd Theater on November 11, 2011 at 7:30pm.  
Dick Gregory is eternally relevant and a beacon for social justice.  He personifies resilience in the fight for equality and has been steadfast in his commitment to change the racial and economic climates in America. Dick Gregory was on the frontline in the sixties during the Civil Rights Era; today he continues to be a "drum major for justice and equality."
Like Mr. Gregory, the Urban League of Greater Richmond serves as an advocate for all underserved individuals, families, and communities.  Where there are service gaps in our communities, the Urban League strives to fill those gaps.

Tickets available online @ www.freedommarketingevents.com.

Dorothy Irene Height was an educator and leader of the African American and Women’s Rights Movement. Ms. Height, born in Richmond Virginia , had a career in civil rights that spanned over 80 years, from anti-lynching protests in the early 1930’s to the inauguration of President Obama in 2009.Considered to be one of the “Big Six” ,and only woman of the civil rights movement, with Dr.King, James Farmer, John Lewis, A. Philip Randolph, Roy Wilkins and Whitney Young.
Ms. Height served as National President of Delta Sigma Theta from 1947-1957,President of the National Council of Negro Women from 1957 -1997 and founded the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971 alongside Shirley Chisolm, Gloria Steinham and others. She received numerous awards in her career including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.
Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy of Ms. Dorothy Irene Height.

Listen to the podcast HERE on TanyaFree.com! 

 This week’s topics:

Michele Nash-Hoff, author of “Can American Manufacturing Be Saved? Why We Should and How We Can” joins the conversation to answer our question of the week:

Despite the number of American jobs lost as a result of previous U.S. trade agreements, Congress has recently passed free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama in what Washington believes will stimulate the economy and have a favorable impact on the job market.  
What do you think? How do you feel about these free trade agreements?       

Ever feel as though someone is watching you? Well, a recent patent application could lead to mini cameras installed in your car’s highway toll EZ passes. How concerned are you about Big Brother?

Who was the Richmond Virginia native who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and  Congressional Gold Medal?

The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, organized in 1925, was America’s first African American Labor Union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor. The Brotherhood was formed when a small group of porters went to A. Philip Randolph and sought his help in the creation of a union of porters. Randolph was the publisher of The Messenger, a newspaper that campaigned for black rights. The union struggled for twelve years, even threatening a strike, before forcing the Pullman Company to agree to a labor contract in 1937.
99 year old retired Pullman porter, Linus J. Scott stated “We went through miles of smiles and years of struggle.”

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy of the “Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters”

Listen to the podcast HERE!

This week’s topics:

Is It Time?

On the heels of the demise Muammar Qaddafi, President Obama announced the planned withdrawal of troops from Iraq by year’s end. Republican Senator Lindsay Graham has stated that the decision to pull out of Iraq is a serious mistake.

What do you think?  Is it time to bring the troops home?
The consumer price index continues to rise with escalating gas and food prices according to the National Labor Department. Unfortunately, reports indicate the same cannot be said about wage increases.
When was the last time you had a salary or wage increase?

Check out Michael Lind's article "Iraq War:Mission Failed"
 

Join the conversation!
What was America’s first African American Labor Union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor?
Find out during the Tanyafree.com 365 Moment!

Listen to Tanya Free and Friends on the go! Download the new LIVE365 App Today!

Alabama native and civil rights activist, Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth was born Freddie Lee Robinson, later taking the name of his stepfather William N. Shuttlesworth. Shuttlesworth is credited as one of the co founders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Despite the bombing of his home, beatings and being a victim of police brutality, Shuttlesworth was relentless in leading the fight against segregation and racism in Alabama.

Shuttlesworth vowed to “kill segregation or be killed by it?”

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy of Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth.

Jazz pioneer John William Coltrane, also known as Trane pioneered the use of modes in jazz and was at the forefront of free jazz after dominating the world of bebop and hard bop earlier in his career. He was prolific, organizing at least fifty recording sessions as a leader during his career, and appeared as a sideman on many other albums including sessions with Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.
Born September 23, 1926 in Hamlet, North Carolina, John Coltrane was always surrounded by music. His father played several instruments sparking Coltrane’s study of E-flat horn and clarinet.
The John Coltrane Quartet created some of the most innovative and expressive music in Jazz history including the hit albums: "My Favorite Things," "Africa Brass," " Impressions," " Giant Steps," and his monumental work "A Love Supreme" which attests to the power, glory, love, and greatness of God.
 

Tanya  Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy of John Coltrane.

Reserve your seat today!

Ella Jo Baker , born December 13, 1903, in Norfolk, Virginia developed a sense for social justice early in her life while listening to her grandmother tell stories about slave revolts.  Baker studied at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she challenged unfair school policies.  After graduating in 1927 as class valedictorian, she began joining social activist organizations committed to economic justice for all people including the NAACP, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee . She was a behind-the-scenes activist whose career spanned over five decades. She worked alongside some of the most famous civil rights leaders of the twentieth century, including: W.E.B. Du Bois, Thurgood Marshall, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy of Ella Jo Baker.

Join us as we welcome Dick Gregory to the Historic Byrd Theatre in Richmond Virginia!

Barbara Clementine Harris  was the first woman to become a bishop in the Anglican Church. Prior to joining the ministry, Harris was a corporate public relations executive in Philadelphia.  Despite her corporate job, Harris was very active in civil rights issues, and traveled to places like Mississippi to participate in freedom rides, marches, and voter registrations in the sixties.  In 1979, Harris was ordained a deacon and later a priest in 1980. Harris was ordained Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts on February 11, 1989 and was met with wide news coverage and controversy. Harris received constant death threats and despite being urged to wear a bullet-proof vest to her ordination, she refused.   As an African American woman, Harris was outspoken on issues of race and gender in church and society however, she made it clear that her work and ministry would  not be limited to just those issues.   She retired in 2002 and served part-time on the staff of the Diocese of Washington, D.C.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the accomplishments of Barbara Clementine Harris

Walter Mosley----- Born in 1952 to a Jewish mother and African American father,  grew up in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The high racial conflicts flaring though L.A. during Mosley's childhood would later motivate him to speak out about racial inequalities in the U.S. through his fiction novels.  Mosley's fame increased in 1992 when President Bill Clinton named Mosley as one of his favorite authors. Known for more than 34 critically acclaimed books, Mosley has had enormous success, two of his books have been made into films or television specials including his first published book, Devil in a Blue Dress, which was the basis of the1995 movie starring Denzel Washington.   

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the accomplishments of Walter Mosley.

Fannie Lou Hamer, the granddaughter of slaves and the youngest of 20 siblings, worked in the cotton fields of Mississippi at the age of 6.  

Hamer became involved in the fight for political and social justice in the early sixties with the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee. Despite the risk of jail or even death, Hamer continued to speak out and register people to vote. She once reflected in her later years, "The only thing they could do to me was to kill me, and it seemed like they'd been trying to do that a little bit at a time ever since I could remember."

Her accomplishments included co founding the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party in 1963 and mounting a Congressional campaign in 1964.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy of Ms. Fannie Lou Hamer.

Nelson Mandela – raised by royalty, was groomed at a young age for leadership. Being the first member of his family to receive a formal education, Mandela became active in the fight against racism while attending college. Leading the charge of an anti apartheid movement resulted in Mandela serving 27 years in prison in South Africa. After release, Mandela led the negotiations to a multi-racial democracy that resulted in his election as their first Black President.      

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy of Nelson Mandela.     

Kenneth Chenault, President and CEO of American Express became the third African American CEO of a Fortune 500 company in 2001. As the head of American Express Company, he reenergized his company's brand, increased its market share, and won back many of the merchants who had abandoned the firm because of its high fees.He is currently co-chair of the Business Roundtable, a director at IBM, and a member at the Council on Foreign Relations. Ebony  Magazine listed Chenault  as one of 50 "living pioneers" in the African-American community.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the contributions of Mr. Kenneth Chenault.

Radio Host of “OldSchool TrueSchool” and Hip Hop Historian ElBravador is our guest host of this week’s TanyaFree.com “Living Life With A Purpose 365 Moment.”

Singer, songwriter, musician, pianist and civil rights activist – born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, took an early interest in music learning to play the piano at age 4 and studied at the prestigious Julliard School of Music.By the 1950’s, Simone became known as the voice of the civil rights movement. She wrote “Mississippi Goddamn”after the assassination of Medgar Evers and penned “The King is Dead” after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. She will forever be known for her activism as well as her signature anthem, “Young Gifted and Black”

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy of Ms. Nina Simone. 

Regarded as one of the revolutionaries in jazz music, Grover Washington, Jr. was and is considered one of the greatest saxophone players in modern jazz history and has been considered by many to be the founding father of smooth jazz and a master of the jazz-funk genre. Washington’s most memorable hits, include his anthem "Mr. Magic", "The Best is Yet to Come" and "Soulful Strut." Grover Washington Jr.'s  legacy lives on in the futures of up-and-coming jazz artists, and his life is celebrated from college campuses all around the nation as well as his adopted hometown of Philadelphia.

Celebrating Black Music Month on Tanya Free and Friends Radio!

Shirley Caesar, the “First Lady of Gospel” has released over 40 albums and participated in sixteen collaborations and three gospel musicals in a career that has spanned six decades.  Her numerous awards include eleven Grammy Awards, thirteen Stellar Awards, an NAACP Achievement Award and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Ms. Caesar continues to serve as co pastor of Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raleigh NC with husband Bishop Harold Williams.

 Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the contributions and career and of Evangelist Shirley Caesar.

Gil Scott-Heron – composer, muscian, poet and author was known for his outspoken lyrics and poetry of the social and politcal realities of the times. Tackling issues like apartheid and nuclear arms, Gil Scott-Heron took a bold stance against injustice and inequality with edgy songs like “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.”

Gil Scott-Heron - influential musican and poet passed away on May 27th, 2011 at the age of 62.

Tanya Free and Friends honors the legacy of Gil Scott-Heron

For a variety of reasons, reportedly the number of married couples in the U.S. has declined. Do you think marriage is becoming obsolete?

Please record your vote to the poll in the column to the left and  post  your comment here on TanyaFree.com

Joe Williams , described as the last great big-band singer, was a smooth baritone who graced the  Count Basie Orchestra during the 1950s and captivated audiences well into the '90s. His first LP, Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings, contained his signature version of Memphis Slim's "Every Day I Have the Blues" that reached number two on the R&B charts in 1955.  Williams received a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocalist in 1985.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy of Mr. Joe Williams

John T Mitchell, Jr., long-time editor of the Richmond Planet, an African American newspaper had a long list of accomplishments including a successful boycott of Richmond Virginia’s segregated trolleys and founding the Mechanics Savings Bank. Mitchell also ran for the governorship of Virginia as part of the “Lily Black” Republican ticket in 1921. Efforts are under way in his home town of Richmond to erect a statue in his honor.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio Honors the legacy of                John T. Mitchell,Jr.

 Mae Carol Jemison displayed a passion for science and the arts at a very young age. When faced with whether to attend medical school or to become a professional dancer – she wisely accepted her mother’s advise that “You can always dance if you’re doctor but you can’t doctor if you are a dancer.” 

Happy Mother's Day!

Mary Ellen Pleasant was an abolitionist that played a prominent role in the growth of the Underground Railroad in the 1860s across many states and helped to bring it to California during the Gold Rush.
A successful entrepreneur, Pleasant is reported to have financially supported John Brown’s rebellion at Harper’s Ferry.
Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy of Mary Ellen Pleasant, also known as ”The Mother of Civil Rights “

With a career spanning six decades,Miles Dewey Davis is widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Miles was at the forefront of bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, fusion, acid rock, funk and even hip hop over his career. Launching the careers of artists too many to list, the legacy of Miles Davis continues to influence jazz and popular music today.

Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the legacy of the master, Miles Davis.

Have a Good One!

William Clarence ‘Billy‘ Eckstein was an American singer and bandleader, whose smooth baritone broke down barriers during the 1940s,first as leader of his own bop big band and then as a romantic popular singer. Billy’s big band served as a haven for young musicians including Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, Art Blakey and Charlie Parker.
Later known for his romantic ballads, he recorded more than a dozen hits in the forties including “My Foolish Heart” and “Bing Crosby’s hit, “I Apologize”. Quincy Jones once said that he looked up to Billy Eckstein as an idol. “I wanted to dress like him, talk like him; pattern my whole life as a musician and as a complete person in the image of dignity that he projected...”
Tanya Free and Friends Radio honors the contributions and legacy of  Mr. “B” Billy Eckstein.

Known for a vocal range spanning three octaves, Newport News VA, born Ella Fitzgerald  was the winner of thirteen Grammy awards over her 59 year recording career and the recipient of both the National Medal of Art and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ella sold more than 40 million albums in a stellar career with a voice described as flexible, wide ranging and ageless. Tanya Free and Friends salute the contributions and legacy of  Ms. Ella Jane Fitzgerald

Singer,storyteller,composer,guitarist,banjo player and Grammy Award winner Libby Cotten worked as a houskeeper for decades before beginning a performing carrer at age 67.Her many works,including the folk classic"Freight Train" have been recorded by groups as diverse as the Greatful Dead and peter Paul and Mary. This icon of folk music continued to perform until her death at age 95.

(Courtesy) Lanker, Brian (1999). I Dream a World: Portraits of Black Women Who Changed America. New York: Stewart, Tabori and Chang. ISBN 1556709234