In construction, a plumbline is a weight suspended from a string used as a tool to find the true reference line. A plumbline will always find the vertical axis pointing to the center of gravity, ensuring everything is right, justified, and centered. Pulling from a library of more than 3,000 shows from his storied career in broadcasting, Shelley's Plumbline leads us in a search for the truth, opening the channels of communication and understanding on tough social topics that are as relevant ...
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Preaching and thoughts from a current missionary in Africa!
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A Decade at a Time: Shelley Learns About Life from Clyde Smith
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In this episode, Shelley continues sharing the profound influence that Clyde Smith had on his life while he was growing up in segregated Birmingham. Mr. Smith, a white man, took Shelley into his home when he was a young child. Mr. Smith taught Shelley some key secrets to life and that to be respected, one had to give respect first. Follow us and co…
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A Decade at a Time: More About the Smith Family
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In this week’s episode, we continue sharing Shelley’s life story a decade at a time leading up to his 90th birthday. Today, Shelley tells us about his life with the Smith family, how he lived in a basement and continued his studies at Irondale Elementary. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.…
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A Decade at a Time: Shelley leaves the Stables
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Today we continue telling Shelley’s life story, one decade at a time. Let’s head out to the back porch and head back to the 1930s and 40s in Birmingham, Alabama and talk about Shelley’s life with the Smith family. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.By Shelley Stewart
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A Decade at a Time: Shelley's Life in the 1930s
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Hello, Plumbliners, and welcome to Season 7 of Shelley’s Plumbline. So Shelley and I looked at the calendar, and we realized that by the time we finish this season, we will be close to Shelley’s 90th birthday. So, in season seven, we will take you to the back porch and take you through Shelley’s life, one decade at a time. Today, we’ll look at Shel…
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A. H. Parker High School 100th Anniversary Dedication Speech
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Hey, Plumbliners. In the year 2000, Shelley gave a speech at AH Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama, on the occasion of the school’s 100th anniversary. This is the very same school that Shelley graduated from. This is the school where Shelley began his career in journalism, broadcasting, and performing. Today we feature a recording of that sp…
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A meeting with a Grand Knight of the KKK, A Minister of the Nation of Islam and the Executive Director of the National Conference of Christians and Jews
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In 1993, Shelley hosted the Shelley Stewart Show, Survival in the 90s. It was a talk show on television that ran for 13 episodes. Today, we feature the audio from an extraordinary episode that featured a conversation with three very different people on the same stage. The discussion featured Lamarse Washington, Executive Director of the National Co…
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Hey, Plumbliners. This is Mark Jamroz, producer of Sheley’s Plumbline. Today, Shelley and I sit down for another edition of the “Back Porch.” Think of it as “Shelley Unplugged” as we discuss a few of our experiences learning about race and racism. Then we touch upon the topic of happiness. Stayed tuned. I think you’re really going to like it. Follo…
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Today, Shelley takes on the tough topic of black participation in politics as he interviews Raynard Jackson. At the time of the interview in 1998, Mr Jackson was Chairman of the Americans for a Brighter Future and an outspoken black Republican. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.…
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Freeborn Slave: Diary of a Black Man in the South
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Today, Shelley shares an interview with Birmingham resident Karen Ameen. The interview took place in 1996, shortly after Ms. Ameen published the book Freeborn Slave, Diary of a Black Man in the South. The book is a collection of memoirs dictated by her great-grandfather, Jasper Rastus Nall, an individual who was born at the end of the Civil War. Fo…
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Hey, Plumbliners... Shelley was feeling a bit under the weather this week, so he asked me to find one of your favorite episodes of Shelley's Plumbline and rebroadcast it. Well, it turns out our very first episode was one of the most popular, and we released it a little over one year ago. Happy Anniversary to us! Please enjoy -- and be informed! Thi…
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Today, Shelley shares a very special interview from 1991 with the one-and-only Fred Shuttlesworth. Reverend Shuttlesworth co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and was instrumental in the 1963 Birmingham Campaign with Martin Luther King. Shuttlesworth participated in the sit-ins against segregated lunch counters in 1960 and took p…
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This week’s episode draws on an interview from 1991 with playwright Edward McRay. He goes deep into the finer points of African culture, history, and the limits of the American educational system. Cultures must share their histories to increase understanding. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.…
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Today we have a very special edition of Shelley’s Plumbline. In 2002, Shelley visited two prisons in Alabama and spoke with inmates about their stories and turned it into the documentary Inside Out. And those stories speak for themselves. They are powerful. They are moving. They are profound. Stay tuned. Follow us and continue the conversation on F…
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The Back Porch: Instinct and the Inner Voice
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Hello, Plumbliners, and welcome to Season 6 of Shelley’s Plumbline. Shelley and I have been talking about changing the format of the Plumbline for some time, so we thought today we would give that a try. We call this format The Back Porch. Think of it as “Shelley Unplugged.” Today, Shelley and I are going to discuss instinct and the inner voice tha…
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Your Vote is Your Voice. Are You A Republican or a Democrat?
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So here we are – another major election is just half a year away. Today’s podcast features a show from 1996. Stay tuned as Shelley explores the questions that remain the same then as they are today: What do you believe? Who do you support? Who will you vote for? Your vote is your voice. If you do not speak, someone else will. Follow us and continue…
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An interview with Park Scott on the Bahai Faith
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Today, Shelley shares an interview from 1991 with Park Scott, Senior. He discusses the Bahai Faith and how it seeks the oneness of humanity, the elimination of prejudice and a harmony between science and religion. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.By Shelley Stewart
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By popular demand, Shelley and Teddy Pendergrass continue to share the message: Wake Up, Everybody. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.By Shelley Stewart
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Today, Shelley shares a simple message. Wake up everybody. It’s time to think ahead. Wake Up, Everybody. The time is now. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.By Shelley Stewart
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Did Malcolm X Teach Us Something or Are We Doing the Same Thing Now?
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Today, we share Malcolm X's famous Ballots or Bullets address. The message rings true: The key to freedom lies in economic prosperity. Economic opportunity for all is the tide that will lift all boats. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.By Shelley Stewart
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Shelley's Plumbline: Celebrating Powerful Women
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Today Shelley celebrates National Women’s Month with some personal reflections on the strong women he has known in his life, from his mother Mattie C whom he saw murdered when he was five years old, to Oprah and Kamala Harris. Stay tuned as we celebrate the power of women. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn…
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Hey, Plumbliners… Shelley has been in the hospital the past couple of weeks, so he asked me to rebroadcast a previous episode. I looked back in the archives at one of my favorites. It’s from episode 5 of season 1 and it features an interview with attorney Rodney Max discussing Hate Crimes. Please enjoy. And if you’re so inclined send your thoughts …
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Shelley's Plumbline: Shelley Reflects on Black History Month and Racism in America
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As we come to the end of Black History Month, Shelley looks back on the last three episodes and shares his personal insights on the overt and not so overt signs that racism are still evident in America today. Stay tuned as the plumbline seeks the truth. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.…
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Shelley's Plumbline: Excerpts from "Remembering Slavery"
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Today we continue telling more stories of Black history, as we share an excerpt from the recording, “Remembering Slavery: African Americans Talk About Their Personal Experiences of Slavery and Emancipation,” published by The New Press, in conjunction with the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution. Stay tuned and you’ll hear the words …
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Shelley's Plumbline: Early Slave Rebellions
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Hey, Plumbliners. Before we begin with this week’s episode, we’d like to thank you for the emails! We received an email from a teacher in Washington state. She says, … My class has been learning about the Children's March recently, and one student asked whatever happened to Shelley the Playboy after watching the documentary "Mighty Times." That led…
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Shelley's Plumbline: Horace Huntley and the Dangers of Cultural Annihilation
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Here at the beginning of Black History Month, we welcome you to season 5 of Shelley’s Plumbline. Since it is Black History Month, Shelley and I did some research. According to a recent article in Axios, “…lawmakers in 30 states have proposed new restrictions during the past year on what schools can teach about the nation's racial history…” Accordin…
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Shelley's Life in Music: Stories About The Godfather of Soul, James Brown
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Today we bring Season 4 to an end as we shine the spotlight on the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. James was a controversial character to be sure, but he became good friends with Shelley and always admired Shelley’s belief in the power of education. When James released the song Don’t Be A Dropout, he couldn’t wait to play it for Shelley and Shelley…
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Shelley's Life In Music: Stories About...Guess who?
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Since Shelley was a DJ and radio personality, he was instrumental in helping grow the careers of numerous well-known talented singers and musicians. During Season 4 we have covered stories about many of these musical giants who started as business associates of Shelley’s and blossomed into deep friendships. We shared stories about BB King, Sam Cook…
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Shelley's Life in Music: "The Big O," Otis Redding.
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On today’s episode we continue sharing stories from Shelley’s fascinating life in music as he tells us about his personal and professional relationship with Otis Redding. Otis was a chauffeur for another band when he was discovered during a break at the recording studio in Muscle Shoals. Shelley was fortunate enough to be the first DJ to play Otis’…
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Hosea Williams: Did the Dream of Dr. King Become A Nightmare?
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Hey Plumbliners. The theme of Season 4 has been about Shelley’s life in music. But this week, to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, we’re going to rebroadcast our podcast from Season 1 on Hosea Williams. Hosea Williams was a very close friend and associate of Dr King and was instrumental in organizing the Movement. Please enjoy this special …
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Shelley's Plumbline: Shelley's Reflections on Rosa Parks and the Rosa Parks Day Award.
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On December 1, 2023, Shelley received the Rosa Parks Day Award for Leadership, Commitment to Civil Rights, Voting Rights, and Civic Service. Rosa Parks Day is December 1st because that was the day, in 1955, when Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus. In today’s podcast, Shelley reflects on the award and on his…
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Shelley's Life in Music: Bobby "Blue" Bland
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In this week’s episode, we continue exploring Shelley’s friendship with another major blues artist – Bobby “Blue” Bland, or “Blue” as Shelley called him. Like many blues, soul and R&B artists, Shelley traces Blue’s work back to his Gospel roots. In fact, there are hints of those notes in many of his most popular songs. Stay tuned and learn how Blue…
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Shelley's Life in Music: Lou Rawls, Did You Pray Today?
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Today we continue to explore Shelley’s life in the music world as we take a look at Lou Rawls. Lou, like Sam Cooke, was born and raised in the Chicago area and crossed paths with Sam Cooke as they sang in gospel groups before moving into R&B, Jazz, and Soul. Since Shelley was a popular radio personality, he had a hand in promoting the careers of bo…
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Shelley's Life in Music: A Slice of Soul Heaven with Johnnie Taylor
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Today, Shelley talks about his personal and professional friendship with the Philosopher of Soul, otherwise known as Johnnie Taylor. As the PR director for Redwal Music Company, Shelley had the opportunity to spend time with Johnnie, as well as other music greats on that label, including Otis Redding. We’ll get to Otis in a future podcast. Both Joh…
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Shelley's Life in Music: Unknown Stories About Ray Charles
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We continue to explore Shelley’s life in music, as Shelley shares stories about his relationship with Ray Charles. Ray is definitely an icon in the blues world, known for his trademark Ray Ban sunglasses. In fact, it’s generally acknowledged that Ray was the first blind musician to wear sunglasses, setting a trend for future musicians. But Ray will…
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Shelley's Life in Music: Stories About Riley "B.B." King.
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Two of the most popular episodes of Shelley’s Plumbline were Episode 1 of Season 2, "The Final Interview with Eddie Kendricks." A lot of folks also liked Episode 2 of Season 2 … about Shelley’s life scouting for musical talent on the Chitlin' Circuit. So to kick off Season Four, we’re going to give you more stories about Shelley’s life in music – t…
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Shelley's Life in Music: A Conversation About Sam Cooke
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Today as we continue to explore Shelley’s life in music, we feature a conversation about Sam Cooke, one of Shelley’s dear friends. In fact, Shelley was so close to him that Sam was the godfather to one of his children. Aside from being a very good friend, Sam and Shelley shared the same mission: to use the power of music to bring people together. T…
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Shelley's Plumbline: An Open Forum Discussion on William Raspberry, Racism and Economic Power
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From time to time, Shelley would conduct an open forum during his show, and listeners would call in. Today’s episode features a discussion from 1996 with Shelley and a listener regarding a speech given by William Raspberry, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for the Washington Post. The discussion focuses on how racism is often used as an excuse o…
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Shelley's Plumbline: An Interview with Tommy Wrenn, Foot Soldier in the Movement.
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Today we continue our exploration of one of the many organizers in the Movement who had great influence but were not as well-known. This episode features an interview from January of 1998 when Shelley sat down with Tommy Wrenn. Active in the movement in both Birmingham and Selma, Wrenn worked as a field staffer for the Dr King's Southern Christian …
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Shelley's Plumbline: Yvonne Willie, Author of The Boy Who Didn't Want to Be Black
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Today’s episode features an interview from 1998 with the author of The Boy Who Didn’t Want to Be Black, Yvonne Willie. She and Shelley discuss the role of racial identity and self-worth, revealing that internalized racism is a learned behavior. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.…
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Shelley's Plumbline: James Armstrong and His Story of the Integration of Graymont School
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Today we continue to share little-known stories of the struggle during the early 60s with an interview with James Armstrong. He recounts the many artificial obstacles city officials presented him when he attempted to enroll his children in Graymont School in Birmingham, Alabama, at a time when it was segregated. He prevailed, however, and his sons …
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Shelley's Plumbline: Dr. Vincent Harding Discusses the True Meaning of the Struggle
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Today, we feature an interview with author and historian Dr. Vincent Harding. A social activist, he was perhaps best known for his work with and writings about Martin Luther King Jr., whom Harding knew personally. In this episode, Dr Harding sits down with Shelley and talks about not only the Black struggle – but how several different vectors of so…
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Shelley's Plumbline: Mayor Ford Talks about Redistricting in the 90s
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Today, we share an interview with Johnny Ford, the first African-American mayor of Tuskegee, Alabama. He served five terms from 1972 to 1996 when he won a seat in the Alabama House of Representatives. He was re-elected mayor of Tuskegee in 2004, and he served until 2008. This interview touches on the issues of gerrymandering and how it unfairly aff…
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Shelley's Plumbline: Uncovering The Movement: An Interview With Rev. N. H. "Fireball" Smith
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In this episode, Shelley shares an interview from January 1993 with Rev. Nelson H. Smith, also known as "Fireball" Smith. Smith was another unknown yet highly influential foot soldier in the fight for human rights for all, participating in The Movement before the 1960s and marching side by side with Dr. King during the '60s. Throughout his ministry…
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Shelley's Plumbline: Shelley's 89th Birthday Celebration!
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Happy 89th Birthday to Shelley Stewart! Today, we celebrate Shelley's 89th birthday with a recording of a speech Shelley made when he was 63 years old at Friendship Baptist Church. This Church plays a special role in Shelley's life. As a boy of five, he saw his mother murdered just a few blocks away. In spite of growing up without his parents, he w…
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Shelley's Plumbline: Yvonne Turner: One of Freedom's Foot Soldiers
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This week, Shelley continues to explore some of the lesser-known yet powerful foot soldiers in the Movement. One such person is Yvonne Turner. Who is Yvonne Turner? Well, well before the Human Rights Movement of the 60s, the true Movement began in the mid-1950s, and people like Yvonne Turner, Georgia Price, and others were instrumental in organizin…
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Shelley's Plumbline: Rare Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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To kick off Season 3 of Shelley's Plumbline, we went through his archives, and Shelley rediscovered some rare recordings of #MLK that he had forgotten about. These are speeches MLK made in Birmingham! Why are they rare? Because for his protection and to keep Bull Conner guessing, Dr. King would often show up to churches unannounced to make speeches…
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Shelley's Plumbline: The Plantation Ghost
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Today Shelley shares an interview from 1995 with Ezekwa Abdullah. Ezekwa argues that Blacks still repress themselves and suffer a form of psychological slavery in the collective subconscious psyche because attitudes of repression have been preserved and passed from one generation to the next. The ghost of the plantation exists today because not eno…
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Shelley's Plumbline: Free By Choice Inmates Share Their Stories
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Today, Shelley replays an interview from the Free By Choice program, which brought inmates from Alabama prisons on the air to speak openly about their crimes and the decisions which led to them. These Free By Choice inmates had a strong desire to share their stories so their suffering could serve to help others avoid making the same mistakes. Follo…
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Shelley's Plumbline: The Persistent Problem of Colorism
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Today, Shelley reaches back into his archive to an interview with Mariam McClendon. They discuss colorism, that is, the differences in perception between light- and dark-complected blacks and the challenges darker-complected blacks encounter – even from members of their own race. Even though the interview is from 1991, the problem of colorism still…
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Shelley's Plumbline: From Running Track to Running Drugs. An Interview with Orlando Jones
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Today’s episode of Shelley’s Plumbline features an interview from 1989 with Orlando Jones, a one-time track star at the University of Alabama. Orlando shares his story of how he went from running on a track as an All-American scholarship athlete to running drugs across the border in Mexico, eventually getting caught and landing in prison. He shares…
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