Dear WBAI Family,

We wish you well. Please feel free to share these community and station updates with family and friends.

‘TIS THE ANCESTORS’ BREATH

Nomsa Brath

It is with praise that we observe the transition of Nana Nomsa Brath–a remarkable woman, mother, activist, and original Grandassa model who affirmed that Black Is Beautiful. She was also the life partner of the late Elombe Brath.

HOMEGOING SERVICES WILL BE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2-5PM. Unity Chapel is at 2352 Frederick Douglass Blvd near West 127 Street in Harlem.

More about Sister Nomsa:

Video: Nomsa Brath aka Helene Brathwaite a Pioneer of her time

Amsterdam News: Helene ‘Nomsa’ Brath, freedom fighter and companion to Elombe Brath, passes at 81

William Heerwagen

With heartbreak, we say so-long to our beloved and irreplaceable William-not Bill-Heerwagen.

A BAI listener since the 1970’s, he hosted the overnight program “Jazz and Things” until it was cancelled by internal censors citing the rebroadcast of a news report about the Pacifica National Board.

William volunteered in the Tally (phone) room and at events, and served on the Local Station Board and the national board. A man of numbers–accounting and auditing–he was well-read and knew lyrics for every situation and emotion.

Robert Sims

Rob Sims–the Big Boss with the hot sauce–was the former senior producer and engineer of “On the Count”. Like all the show’s staff, he spent time in the criminal justice system. He was in prison 15 years for a crime he did not commit.

While inside, he studied, then worked as a Peer Counselor and in Transitional Services. Once home, he counseled people with substance use problems and helped justice-involved young people positively reconnect with their families.

He made a difference.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Yusef Salaam won the primary in June but on November 7, it became official when he was elected New York City Councilperson for District 9.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things do not go well for our children. Congratulations, Sister Sharonne, on having reared some fine human beings in the face of “ordinary” US-brand racism and the conspiracy to imprison your teenaged son, Yusef, and his co-exonerees.

We are proud of them and happy to have you among us.

Esquire: Yusef Salaam and the Act of Forgiveness

Cover Illustration: Norman Jean Roy

LOCAL STATION BOARD ELECTIONS

Thank you for your support in the recent Local Station Board (LSB) election! Half of the 12 open seats were won by Justice & Unity members and candidates we recommended.

After not having LSB/Delegate elections in 2022 and choosing to illegally extend board member terms instead of seating runners-up as our bylaws require, the Pacifica Foundation held elections this year.

The process was bad from beginning to end with many violations of policy and process. From gifting the job of National Election Supervisor without a search or Request for Proposals, to changing the length of service during the election, to moving goalposts for some candidates, to increasing penalties after punishments had been applied, to retroactively disqualifying a candidate after the election without previous notice, incompetence, partisanship, and corrupt behavior ruled.

The new LSB sits on Wed., Dec. 13 at 7pm. Please be there:

ZOOM WEB:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9224572995?pwd=RzFFVzZkTlNtVzlxTzZQeVRKUW9RZz09

Meeting ID: 922 457 2995

Passcode: 99599599

ZOOM PHONE: +19292056099,,9224572995#,,,,*99599599# US (New York)

CONTINUE THE FIGHT

Despite or because of what is happening in the world, our fight for justice and peace must continue.

WBAI is precious to us because of the knowledge we have garnered, the relationships which it introduced, and for its role as a megaphone for movements to unwind hatred and discrimination and to increase peace and justice.

Let’s keep it!

Stay strong and pay close attention.

WBAI Justice & Unity Campaign