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Tangazo is a meeting place where we share ideas and explore efforts to improve our human conditions and quite simply make our lives better. All are welcome, none will be judged, but all are challenged to look beyond ourselves and our notions of how others think about issues of cultural​,​ political and social significance. We are building bridges of communication between the many groups that make up the St​. L​ouis Metropolitan Region by sharing and reflecting on the stories and lives of a diverse group of guests.

Host and Producer: Hank Thompson
Guest Hosts: Tim Person, Rev. Darryl Gray & Mike Jones
Technical Producers: Kevin Melter, Frankie Meixner, Ryan Voelkel, Jeron Wilson, Matt Patston, Jon Valley

Aug 5, 2024

The 168th episode of Tangazo - a Podcast from KDHX, was something very special that caused me to think long and hard before making this post.
The easiest part of the show was the first 30 minutes spent with St.Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell, who showed some fatigue from his 24/7 campaign, for the Democratic nomination for Congress, representing the 1st Congressional District of Missouri, on the August 6th Democratic ballot -----

We talked about the fact that both candidates, he and the incumbent were funded millions of dollars by outside groups. ------

We both agreed that’s it’s a false narrative, for black voters especially in the 1st Congressional District that boasts the highest crime rate in the state, where half of the worst schools in Missouri,are found in St. Louis City and County and that the 1st District, has one of the highest poverty levels in the state of Missouri. ------

We agreed that because of the importance of addressing those critical issues,his priorities should be improving the quality of life, in the 1st Congressional District and that’s what black voters should be most concerned with, when casting their ballot in August 6th primary elections. -----

There is a well known adage that says “all politics are local”, meaning you vote for your best interests,for you and your family and your Community. That’s just common sense and has absolutely nothing to do with who is funding a campaign. -------

Before we go any further I think it’s important for you to know, incumbent Congresswoman Cori Bush, has been invited to be a guest on Tangazo, throughout her 2 terms in the US Congress, as she was invited for this pre election special episode.-----

Although there is no requirement from the FCC to offer candidates equal time, it has always been my policy to provide airtime to serious candidates for public office,whether I agree with their positions on issues or not!
Former State Senator Maria Chappelle, also a candidate for that seat in Congress, was invited and responded by coming in to kdhx to share her thoughts, on why she was running against incumbent Congresswoman Bush.
Needless to say Congresswoman Bush has shown absolutely no interest whatsoever, in appearing on the show. They went from acknowledging receiving my email request, to just ignoring them and me too. -----


All we can do is ask, I might add that Cori Bush the candidate, did drive 25 miles to the SIUE Edwardsville campus, to be a guest on our Voices program. But since being elected, absolutely nothing. County prosecutor Bell, has been just the opposite since his election, as the first black St. Louis County Prosecutor. He has made himself available to discuss issues of concern to the African American community, virtually every time that I requested, either by phone or in person, when possible. -------

Next we are joined by metro East Attorney,  Marlena Suarez and her client Keanna Miller, mother of 4 years old son Terrell Miller,who was shot and killed, by a policeman responding to a domestic dispute in her home in MaComb Illinois. This is a compelling story that might move you to tears, as told by the mother who describes how this tragic incident occurred in graphic detail. ------

We conclude this two hour episode with a 30 minute discussion on the  August 6 primary election, with political consultant and Tangazo commentator, Tim Person and activist attorney Jerryl Christmas, also a frequent Tangazo Commentator. The conversation was candid and passionate, as we discussed who would serve the needs of black voters and union workers in the U S Congress, representing the 1st Congressional District in Missouri. -------