Frustration, outrage and passion fuel this week's Open Line in light of the recent Sean Bell verdict. In the first hour, Rev. Al Sharpton of National Action Network and Noel Leader of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care join the crew to engage in a critical discussion of how the prosecution, Judge and the system at large failed Sean Bell, his family and friends. Representing the Bell family, attorney Neville Mitchell also weighs in on the plethora of inconsistencies in the case from his own first hand experience in the famed Queens courtroom. Both Sharpton and Mitchell urge folks that there will be much more peaceful dissent to come - including a visit from a famed Congressman . . . are the Feds going to get involved??
The second hour continues to focus on NYPD departmental flaws, the Judge's prejudicial ruling and the people's utter disgust at this most recent slap in the face. NY State Senator Eric Adams and Congressman Gregory Meeks join the hosts as they discuss the role of Black elected officials along with Neville Mitchell and Noel Leader who remain on the broadcast. Why has the leadership been so silent? And more importantly, what will they do? Everyone says the battle is only beginning
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May 04 , 2008
Still coping with the Sean Bell tragedy, the crew opens this week’s show with Rev. Al Sharpton of the National Action Network joining the broadcast. In addition to sharing the Bell family’s sentiments and current condition, Sharpton outlines vital next steps in the victim’s quest for justice – including planned acts of civil disobedience. This first hour also focuses on the ongoing Rev. Wright controversy, its affect on Obama and the African American reaction. The phone lines are also wide open as the audience shares its varying viewpoints and vents some of its frustration.
Our second hour of programming begins with SEIU organizers joining Slade in a discussion focusing on the rights of security guards around the city. They highlight an upcoming protest and rally scheduled for May 8th, and urge folks to support better wages and contracts for security guards. And the remainder of the show is dedicated to the listeners to air out their concerns ranging on a whole host of issues.
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May 11, 2008
Politics, politics and more dirty politics. Kicking things off for this first hour of broadcasting, Bob Slade and Bob Pickett put Hillary Clinton on blast as she continues to tear down the Democratic Party and injects race into the candidacy. When will she call it quits? Is she race-baiting out of desperation? The crew urges listeners to remember her actions when she returns to NY, while the phones light up with both Hillary and Obama supporters.
The second hour of the broadcast moves towards police brutality around the nation. The crew discusses Sharpton’s pray-in and ongoing efforts to seek justice for the Bell family, the recent ‘gang-style’ police beating in Philly and several other issues of concern to the community. Marquez Claxton of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care joins the show to highlight the unwarranted harassment of NY Police Chief Ziegler at the hands of street cops. Bilal Quyyam of the Department of Commerce in Philly also joins the panel to help analyze the troubling situation in the city of brotherly love … Is it time for community patrols?? The audience chimes in.
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May 18 , 2008
Congressman Gregory Meeks joins Bob Slade, Mtume and Bob Pickett during this first hour of programming to discuss the ongoing crisis in Haiti.
Meeks highlights the dire situation in Haiti, including massive starvation and poverty following his recent trip to the region. The crew also tackles Edward's endorsement of Barack Obama, Hillary's recent win in West Virginia and the near end of the Democratic race. And of course the phone lines open up to the dedicated listeners to vent their thoughts on the days issues...
In the second hour, it's all about local news and mishaps. Legendary news anchor Carol Jenkins and news vet Felipe Luciano join the guys to analyze WNBC 4's Sue Simmons and her recent slip of the tongue ... has the media taken the situation out of context and too far? Should Sue be forgiven? Should she be fined? Did she realize the cameras were still rolling when the infamous curse took place? The phones are open to the public to weigh in, as the panel shares its insights and personal experiences with Sue, Channel 4 and the news business.
