We’ll be out in the Community asking you to participate or you can send your “WBLK Singers & Stars” Video performance to us (via e-mail) at wblksingersandstars@gmail.com.
We look forward to highlighting you in this fun-filled segment whether your just a “bathroom” singer or possess a star talent in any area… we’re excited about seeing and hearing you!

Here’s our VERY 1st WBLK SINGERS & STARS performer “Robin G” having fun with us fron Downtown Buffalo:

There are just 3 days left to upload your dance video for a chance to be the fifth MB member and perform live with the guys on Jun 16th in New York City!

In other MB News:

Mindless Behavior just announced their largest headlining U.S. tour to date, “The #1 Girl Tour.”

Prodigy, Princeton, Ray Ray, and Roc Royal will play shows in New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and D.C, with more to be announced. Lil Twist and Jacob Latimore will join them as supporting acts, with Kayla Brianna on select dates.

“This tour will be our biggest and best yet. We can’t wait for all of our Mindless fans to see all of the surprises we have in store” said Ray Ray.

“The #1 Girl Tour” Dates

July 5 – Richmond, VA – Carpenter Theatre
July 6 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center
July 7 – Washington, D.C. – Constitution Hall
July 12 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
July 13 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion
July 14 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
July 15 – Norfolk, VA – NTELOS Pavilion
July 18 – Louisville, KY – Palace Theatre
July 20 – Nashville, TN – Municipal Auditorium
July 21 – Southaven, MS – Landers Center
July 22 – St. Louis, MO – Fox Theatre
July 26 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theater
July 28 – Chicago, IL – Arie Crown Theater
August 1 – Birmingham, AL – TBA
August 2 – Augusta, GA – TBA
August 3 – Columbia, SC – TBA
August 4 – Atlanta, GA – TBA
August 9 – Baton Rouge, LA – TBA
August 10 – New Orleans, LA – TBA
August 11 – Houston, TX – TBA
August 12 – Dallas, TX – TBA
August 16 – Las Vegas, NV – TBA
August 17 – Los Angeles, CA – TBA
August 18 – Oakland, CA – TBA

Insiders say she wanted to keep the disease quiet, and a friend said that as recently as two weeks ago, Summer seemed okay and was even finishing up work on a new album.

Summer was also the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach No. 1 on the US Billboard chart.

On November 11, 2008 the CD “Soul” was released by Seal. The London born artist first emerged from Britain’s house music scene in the early 90’s providing vocals and lyrics for a number of different artists. He is best known for songs like: “Kiss From A Rose”, “Fly Like An Eagle”, and his top 10 release “Crazy”.

The “Soul” CD contains a number of covers by James Brown, Sam Cooke, Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes and more.

Here’s his version of “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World”.

philly.com

John Gassew, 25, was convicted in February on two counts each of robbery and possession of a firearm in connection with robberies in 2007 and 2009. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Anita Brody sentenced him to 37 years, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $7,194 in restitution.

After 25 years on earth and 43 arrest you would think John would say enough is enough. Nope, he kept on going for that 44th arrest that would finally get him some time. Well congratulations John you have finally achieved the goal you set out to achieve 43 arrest ago. John Gassew lives by the motto quitters never win. For the next 35 years he will be sitting in prison because he didn’t know when to quit. Welcome John Gassew to the BIG DUMMY FILES.

Pastor Winans hosts a Sunday morning show in the Clear Channel Detroit building, where I also hosted a weekly radio show for 4 years. Every Sunday he greeted me with a warm hug and a smile and encouraged me to be inspiring! It pains me to know that 4 thugs in Detroit disregarded this man of God and decided he was just some “nigga” standing in the way between them and their new joy ride!

Thank God Pastor Winans lived to tell about the story himself. Watch the interview below

In a series of viral commercials, comedian/actor Tracy Morgan introduces the world the new Spicy Buffalo Wheat Thins — the salty snack that helps fuel your day to “Do what you do.”

Have you tried these spicy crackers? Are they truly “BUFFALO”

Amazon.com

Sherrick’s “Just Call” takes me back to my days when I lived in Los Angeles. It is truly amazing how when you hear a song (from back in the day) and it can literally transport you to a particular time in your personal history.

The year was 1987 and this was a top 10 hit for Austin Texas native Sherrick!

With the two senseless shootings in our city this past weekend, we are once again faced with the silence of those who may have witnessed the crimes coming forward and identifying the person or persons involved in the crimes.

In 2004 the term “stop snitching” gained national recognition when Rodney Bethea released a DVD on the subject and in the video there were so called drug dealers on camera trying to frighten individuals who may have information going to public officials, law enforcement and media with information.

What concerns and troubles me more than anything are the innocent children that are being birthed in these negative and psychologically traumatized environments; some with no hope for a bright future because the things that were once the right thing to do are now totally dismissed with no value for human life!

I was interested in a particular FaceBook Page today, and once I found it; I was very impressed with the owner… Samantha Cothran.  I don’t know her personally but I think I have a pretty good idea…which is worth sharing with you.

WBLK.com

Samantha Cothran seems to be from Buffalo, NY (from what I can tell on her FB Page) and attended Nardin Academy.  I looked up Nardin (http://www.nardin.org/index.php?dir=6 ) and quickly recognized that it is not “any old school”… it’s a College Prep School, which tells me something about Samantha’s upbringing.  Samantha was enrolled in Nardin because her parents wanted more for her than just the average, and see great potential in her.  They person is right on the money!!!  … Because as I continued to look over Samantha’s FB Page, I discovered a drive and determination equivalent to that of a student taking full advantage of a “Nardin type of school” education.

FaceBook

Samantha’s FB Page exudes a passion for Music, Books (reading), Basketball, Movies, Dancing, Television…and interestingly, she likes cuddling, work, and SUCCESS!

As I read further I understand that Basketball is her passion.  Her idol and favorite athlete is (right on target with the NBA’s choice) this year’s NBA MVP… LeBron James.  Samantha even shows some interest in Coaching basketball and working with girls as noted on her page showing that she mentions the Guide To Coaching Basketball as well as an interest in the G.I.R.L.S. Sports Foundation.

Samantha has another Role Model she adores, more closely related to her gender,…and it’s not the usual young female notable like a Nicki Minaj, Mary J. Blige, etc… rather it’s a Woman of Political Stature… Michele Obama.

Samantha reveals an affiliation with the Alpha’s and Sigma’s and expresses a yearning for a meaningful and good relationship, while vowing to “never cheat in a relationship”.

Samantha is obviously very Career Oriented and chose to continue her education at one of the most notable and leading Black Universities in the United States, and follow in the footsteps of former students, the likes of W.E.B. Du Bois and Co-Founder of the NAACP, Booker T. Washington.  I’m talking about a 1ST Class Education (Academically and Socially) at Fisk University in Nashville, TN.

And as I dug a little deeper I noticed that Samantha was a member of the Fisk Women’s Basketball Program… I went to the Fisk University Website and typed in “SAMANTHA COTHRAN” … and this came up:

http://www.fisk.edu/SupportPages/Results.aspx?IndexCatalogue=All%20Content&SearchQuery=Samantha%20Cothran

…it shows the Fisk Women’s Basketball Roster and lists SAMANTHA COTHRAN as a 5’10″ SENIOR.

Samantha Cothran is a young Black Woman, who is employed by Rite Aid as a Certified Pharmacy Technician… a position earned after completing her studies at Fisk University.  Samantha aspires to be a Pharmacist and who knows what that will lead to.  Samantha is well on her way to a life representative of greatness as a successful, influential Black Woman.

Samantha Cothran is the prime example of success… and her drive, determination, aspirations, and values epitomize how “LIFE” should be lived…. as revealed in her Facebook Page URL…http://www.facebook.com/samantha.WATCHHERDOIT

Is it just me or does today’s announcement of the Artpark Concert Series Lineup send a subliminal message to a certain cultures that “we don’t care about you”?  Let me ask a different question and help with some Artpark marketing at the same time…here’s this years “Artpark Concert Lineup”…which, by the way, (according to the Buffalo News) Artpark President George Osborne says is “VERY STRONG”….AND….Artpark & Company Chairman Christopher H. Brown says is a “nice mix” of music.  Tell me if you, a listener of WBLK and the music we play that represents the African-American culture, are excited about this lineup:

June 19: Kansaas

June 26: Foreigner

July 3: Huey Lewis & The News

July 10: Sublime with Rome

July 17: YES with Procol Harum

July 24: Heart

July 31: The Steve Miller Band

Aug 7: Peter Frampton

Aug 14: Sheryl Crow

Aug 21: Roger Hodgson, the voice of Supertramp

Aug 28: The Machine performs Pink Floyd

Sept 4: The Charlie Daniels Band

OH WAIT!!!!  MAYBE THERE’S HOPE….In addition to the Thursday shows there are some FREE Wednesday shows…let’s see!!!!

June 20: Ziggy Marley (WOW!…here we go)

June 27: Tokyo Police Club

July 11: Lowest Of The Low (now this could have ironically been a date something representative of a minority culture could have been scheduled since “The Lowest Of The Low” has been booked)

July 18: The Trews with illScarlet

July 25: Citizen Cope

Aug 1: OAR with Rebelution

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I tried to reach some other groups “THIS MORNING” to get their reaction to not being booked… but it was probably too early and there wasn’t enough notice to get in contact with Earth, Wind & Fire, The Temptations, Maze, The Whispers, Keith Sweat, Buffalo’s Own Brian McKnight,……….. Oh let me Stop!  You get the jest.

Is it just me or shouldn’t the Artpark Concert Series have at least ONE CONCERT that Clearly Targets the African-American Community as well as the Hispanic Community…both  cultures which make up a significant portion of the Cultural Mix in Buffalo, NY.  Is it just me?

Mondays headlines were crowded with stories of the MLK Park shooting that left 4 men and woman wounded. But a less publicized story happened later Saturday night at a Graduation Party on Minnesota Ave.

Samantha Cothran was enjoying her birthday weekend at home on Butler Ave when the shooter open fired at the family BBQ taking place at Martin Luther King park. After hearing the news from an eye witness, her sister, Samantha prayed for the victims with her family. Later that night Samantha was leaving a graduation party on Minnesota, when a gunman opened fired on the house. And just like that, Samantha’s life came to an end.

There was so much blood coming out of her. I said, ‘Samantha, wake up, just get up. Let’s go home,’ but she wouldn’t,” Merisha Cothran said.

Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda made a public statement about the shootings. “They are tragic, senseless and cowardly acts,” Derenda said. “We’re working around-the- clock to bring these criminals to justice.”

But exactly what kind of justice is being served?

Samantha’s grandma, blamed the shootings on repeat criminals aka “young thugs” who have no respect for life. “It’s not the fault of the police, but the judges who keep letting these people back out on the streets after they spend a few months in jail. There should be no getting out of jail when they commit crimes like this. They aren’t going to change.”

Do you agree?

YouTube

Rapper Freeway is tonight’s Big Dummy of the night. Jay-Z was in Philadelphia with Mayor Nutter and several other business men/women to announce the Made In America concert coming to Philadelphia. Jay-Z was on the stage doing his thing showing love to the city of Philly when Freeway decides to come up on the stage with Jay-Z. Jay-Z politely patted him on his back and whispered in his ear sit yo a$$ down. That’s exactly what Freeway needed a good dose of sit yo a$$ down.

Those days of Roc-A-Fella are over, that was was great time in music history but Jay-Z has moved on to do other things. Those things don’t include anybody who he was on Roc-A-Fella records with (Kanye West excluded). If Jay-Z wanted the pople who he signed to his label from Philly up there on the stage with him I’m sure he could’ve got in contact with them. This is hilarious to watch Freeway play him self in front of an audience you can almost see the emberassment on Jay-Z’s face. Welcome Leslie “Philadelphia Freeway” Edward Pridgen into THE BIG DUMMY FILES.

Fast forward to 5:52 to see Freeway make a fool out of his self.

wblk.com

Tears, Smiles, and loss of words is what you seen and felt if you were in the Northland Neighborhood around 11:00 am Tuesday May 15^th.  We witnessed a blessing happening right before our eyes with the conclusion of the WBLK/Chef’s Choice “Full of Food Contest.”With cameras and news crew’s right there alongside WBLK & Chef’s choice, we gave Deborah Allen a brand new freezer filled with over $1,500 worth of high quality meats, veggies and more . Channel 2, channel 7 & YNN were live on the scene to watch Ms. Allen accept her grand prize which was brought over to her Northland house and set up right in front of her.

Her mother, son, friends and neighbors were all there to watch this event unfold to the pleasure of all who attended. It was an event that made you thankful that you could be there to see such an amazing and deserving person accept this prize as a THANK YOU TO DEBORAH for all of the many things that she has done for the neighborhood and not ask for anything in return.

Ms. Allen couldn’t believe that she had won, she didn’t even knew that she was nominated for this. When we (WBLK) read the letter on air submitted to us by Tiffani Hall we could see the passion and the appreciation she had for one of her neighbors, Ms. Allen, better known to her neighbors as auntie, suffered a stoke 3 years ago and was paralyzed on her right side and was scared she wouldn’t be able to cook for the neighbors again. Although it was hard for Ms. Allen to cook, though physical therapy she regained feeling in right hand and was able to serve her community again. You could hear it in Ms. Allen voice when she spoke of how much she loves what she does and the community. Tears of happiness filled her eyes as she watched the men bring in her new freezer and all of the food inside of  it. Top gourmet steaks and veggies, seafood and cheesecake as dessert, (who doesn’t love cheesecake) were all inside of the new freezer.

The People’s Station 93.7 WBLK  and Chef’s Choice wants to congratulate Deborah Allen and thank Tiffani Hall for the nomination of an inspiring person.  For more information on how you can use the services provided by Chef’s Choice of Buffalo call 716-651-0419!

We gonna celebrate all the May Birthdays this Sunday night at 6 Degrees night club in Toronto! It’s the WBLK Reunion party hosted by yours truly, Jazzy T and DJ Stoney