Naba'a Muhammad: Editor, analyst, broadcaster
Kopano Muhammad performed Sept. 8 in Grant Park for Taste of Chicago
Kopano Muhammad performed Sept. 8 in Grant Park for Taste of Chicago
Kopano Muhammad performed Sept. 8 in Grant Park for Taste of Chicago
Kopano Muhammad performed Sept. 8 in Grant Park for Taste of Chicago
Kopano Muhammad performed Sept. 8 in Grant Park for Taste of Chicago
Kopano and an incredible band performed live at the 2024 Taste of Chicago in Grant Park Sept. 8, on the Goose Island Stage.
It was incredible! See more photos and videos in Newswire below.
Kopano, born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, is a special and committed artist.
A multi-instrumentalist and song-writer, Kopano has been a pas
Kopano and an incredible band performed live at the 2024 Taste of Chicago in Grant Park Sept. 8, on the Goose Island Stage.
It was incredible! See more photos and videos in Newswire below.
Kopano, born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, is a special and committed artist.
A multi-instrumentalist and song-writer, Kopano has been a passionate musician since the age of 4, transitioning from violin to jazz voice & piano at age 15.
In 2022 they obtained their degree from Oberlin College & Conservatory in Musical Studies, with a semester abroad at the University of Cape Town.
Kopano has performed in venues from Chicago to Los Angeles to New York and in South Africa. Kopano has been a favorite in Chicago at concerts, competitions, talent shows and jam sessions.
Kopano's performances are soul stirring, audience engaging, professional, and fun. She has sang in churches and during programs for Black icons like Angela Davis.
She has also shared the stage with notable artists like Madison McFerrin, Kassa Overall, and Ernest Dawkins.
Perhaps most of all she loves sharing her gifts and it shows every time she takes the stage.
Kopano Muhammad performed Sept. 8 in Grant Park for Taste of Chicago
Naba'a Muhammad: Editor, Analyst, Broadcaster
Relevant information, riveting analysis and defending Farrakhan Tuesday nights. Tune in! “Straight Words with Naba’a Richard Muhammad, Bj Murphy and James G. Muhammad” airs on WVON AM 1690 in Chicago, streaming live at I Heart Radio app, www.wvon.com. and the WVON AM 1690 Facebook page. You can also get our audio archives on this page and playback shows at your leisure.
Relevant information, riveting analysis and defending Farrakhan Tuesday nights. Tune in! “Straight Words with Naba’a Richard Muhammad, Bj Murphy and James G. Muhammad” airs on WVON AM 1690 in Chicago, streaming live at I Heart Radio app, www.wvon.com. and the WVON AM 1690 Facebook page. You can also get our audio archives on this page and playback shows at your leisure.
Relevant information, riveting analysis and defending Farrakhan Tuesday nights. Tune in! “Straight Words with Naba’a Richard Muhammad, Bj Murphy and James G. Muhammad” airs on WVON AM 1690 in Chicago, streaming live at I Heart Radio app, www.wvon.com. and the WVON AM 1690 Facebook page. You can also get our audio archives on this page and playback shows at your leisure.
We are devoted to the rise of Black people and defending the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam.
In video link below, BJ Murphy, show co-host and Black Radio Hall of Fame 2023 honoree, runs through some broadcast operations with WVON chief engineer Titus.
https://clipchamp.com/watch/sOwbKR2y7bz
Our show, Black, stron
We are devoted to the rise of Black people and defending the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam.
In video link below, BJ Murphy, show co-host and Black Radio Hall of Fame 2023 honoree, runs through some broadcast operations with WVON chief engineer Titus.
https://clipchamp.com/watch/sOwbKR2y7bz
Our show, Black, strong and undeniably “Pro-Farrakhan,” kicked off May 2, 2023. Each week we do a major segment and deep dive into #DefendingFarrakhan hurling truth at falsehood 'til it knocks out its brains. Join us for accurate information, important conversation and a big dose of self-determination.
Every Tuesday night 9pm to Midnight CST, we’re bringing light, life and power! Show begins May 2! We’ve got a special show planned for May 9!
Want to help us? Join us as a patron, or reach out to Naba’a Richard Muhammad about partnerships, sponsorships, commercials and on air promotions at straightwords4@gmail.com.
For Patron Ad support send funds to:
Cash App: $StraightWords
Zelle: 312 480 9775
PayPal: straightwords4@gmail.com
We Need Your Help! Give today!
Relevant information, riveting analysis and defending Farrakhan Tuesday nights. Tune in! “Straight Words with Naba’a Richard Muhammad, Bj Murphy and James G. Muhammad” airs on WVON AM 1690 in Chicago, streaming live at I Heart Radio app, www.wvon.com. and the WVON AM 1690 Facebook page. You can also get our audio archives on this page and playback shows at your leisure.
Relevant information, riveting analysis and defending Farrakhan Tuesday nights. Tune in! “Straight Words with Naba’a Richard Muhammad, Bj Murphy and James G. Muhammad” airs on WVON AM 1690 in Chicago, streaming live at I Heart Radio app, www.wvon.com. and the WVON AM 1690 Facebook page. You can also get our audio archives on this page and playback shows at your leisure.
Keep us going. Give today, $20, $30, $50, $100 or more—or whatever you can spare.
Ø Donate via Zelle:
312-480-9775
Cash App:
$StraightWords
PayPal: straightwords4@gmail.com; Apple Cash:
312-480-9775
Questions? Text 312-480-9775.
Straight Words audio content on Spotify & videos on YouTube! We have weekly live radio, internet show and podcast bringing light, life and power to our people.
Relevant information, riveting analysis and defending Farrakhan Tuesday nights. Tune in! “Straight Words with Naba’a Richard Muhammad, Bj Murphy and James G. Muhammad” airs on WVON AM 1690 in Chicago, streaming live at I Heart Radio app, www.wvon.com. and the WVON AM 1690 Facebook page. You can also get our audio archives on this page and playback shows at your leisure.
Straight Words audio content on Spotify & videos on YouTube! We have weekly live radio, internet show and podcast bringing light, life and power to our people.
Click links enjoy our content according to your schedule. On Spotify visit & subscribe:: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KLwFPwapRTNUR6Fa18cxg
On YouTube visit & subscribe:
www.youtube.com/@straightwordsmedia
Naba'a Muhammad: Editor, analyst, broadcaster
Happy 91st Birth Anniversary Minister Farrakhan!
"The Weaponization of Hip Hop:" Straight Words from Dr. Wesley Muhammad of the Nation of Islam
"The Weaponization of Hip Hop:" Straight Words from Dr. Wesley Muhammad of the Nation of Islam
Straight Words: Black. Strong. Unapologetically
Pro-Farrakhan. Check Out Our Special 91st Birth Anniversary
Broadcast Tribute to Min Farrakhan! Happy Birth Anniversary Min. Farrakhan, may Allah continue to bless you and your family!
—Naba'a Muhammad, Bj Murphy, James G. Muhammad, hosts of Straight Words on WVON AM 1690 Black Talk Radio
Straight Words: Black. Strong. Unapologetically
Pro-Farrakhan. Check Out Our Special 91st Birth Anniversary
Broadcast Tribute to Min Farrakhan! Happy Birth Anniversary Min. Farrakhan, may Allah continue to bless you and your family!
—Naba'a Muhammad, Bj Murphy, James G. Muhammad, hosts of Straight Words on WVON AM 1690 Black Talk Radio Chicago
Listen to Happy 91st Birth Anniversary Min. Farrakhan! Full 3 Hour Tribute on Straight Words -- Defending Farrakhan.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/.../Happy-91st-Birth... (https://podcasters.spotify.com/.../Happy-91st-Birth...)
Listen to Happy 91st Birth Anniversary Min. Farrakhan! Ishmael Muhammad Bears Witness on Straight Words -- Defending Farrakhan.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/.../Happy-91st-Birth... (https://podcasters.spotify.com/.../Happy-91st-Birth...)
Happy 91st Birth Anniversary Min. Farrakhan! Jamil Muhammad Bears Witness on on Straight Words -- Defending Farrakhan.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/.../Happy-91st-Birth... (https://podcasters.spotify.com/.../Happy-91st-Birth...)
Happy 91st Birth Anniversary Min. Farrakhan! Willie Muhammad Bears Witness
on Straight Words -- Defending Farrakhan.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/.../Happy-91st-Birth... (https://podcasters.spotify.com/.../Happy-91st-Birth...)
"The Weaponization of Hip Hop:" Straight Words from Dr. Wesley Muhammad of the Nation of Islam
"The Weaponization of Hip Hop:" Straight Words from Dr. Wesley Muhammad of the Nation of Islam
"The Weaponization of Hip Hop:" Straight Words from Dr. Wesley Muhammad of the Nation of Islam
Nation of Islam Student Minister Wesley Muhammad joined our “Straight Words With Naba’a Richard Muhammad and BJ Murphy” broadcast on WVON-AM 1690 Black Talk Radio in Chicago, I Heart Radio and the WVON AM 1690 Facebook Page to talk about “The Plot Against Hip Hop,” and explain how hip hop, a global music and cultural force, has been “we
Nation of Islam Student Minister Wesley Muhammad joined our “Straight Words With Naba’a Richard Muhammad and BJ Murphy” broadcast on WVON-AM 1690 Black Talk Radio in Chicago, I Heart Radio and the WVON AM 1690 Facebook Page to talk about “The Plot Against Hip Hop,” and explain how hip hop, a global music and cultural force, has been “weaponized” against Black people.
He uncovers those who have controlled, manipulated, redirected and corrupted the art form and why it matters. Listen as he connects the assault to challenges facing Ja Morant and young Black males, how hip hop has been made into gun and gun worshipping culture, and the images the record industry, and powerful Jewish figures, have created, and promoted. Such as the “ignorant Black brute” for Black men, and the rude and rachet “Jezebel,” sexually out of control, false image of the Black woman. He imparts plenty of knowledge during his time with us. Listen to part one here.
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/eUeFHS6VOAb
See our archive for part two and a full catalog of our show, which airs Tuesday nights 9pm to Midnight CST.
Support strong Black Media and Preserve, Protect & Defend the Black Nation
"The Weaponization of Hip Hop:" Straight Words from Dr. Wesley Muhammad of the Nation of Islam
Support strong Black Media and Preserve, Protect & Defend the Black Nation
Black. Strong. Unapologetically Pro-Farrakhan! Passion, vision, commitment drive our weekly radio show, "Straight Words With Naba’a Richard Muhammad, Bj Murphy and James G. Muhammad.” We broadcast over WVON AM 1690 in Chicago, a top 3 market city, and the internet. Chitown has one of the few Black talk radio stations in the US.
We highlig
Black. Strong. Unapologetically Pro-Farrakhan! Passion, vision, commitment drive our weekly radio show, "Straight Words With Naba’a Richard Muhammad, Bj Murphy and James G. Muhammad.” We broadcast over WVON AM 1690 in Chicago, a top 3 market city, and the internet. Chitown has one of the few Black talk radio stations in the US.
We highlight our stories and our struggle. We #DefendFarrakhan and the Nation. Help us. Send donations and contributions or purchase an ad. To give go to:
$StraightWords on Cash App
312 480 9775 on Zelle
312 480 9775 on Apple Pay
straightwords4@gmail.com on PayPal
Naba'a Muhammad: Editor, analyst, broadcaster
Call 844-WATER-07 (844-928-3707)
Feds Flop? Charging activists as Russian agents doesn't yield results govt expected
Hot off the digital & physical press!
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Call us 844-WATER-07 (844-928-3707)
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Hot off the digital & physical press!
Feds Flop? Charging activists as Russian agents doesn't yield results govt expected
Hot off the digital & physical press!
Feds Flop? Charging activists as Russian agents doesn't yield results govt expected
Feds Flop? Charging activists as Russian agents doesn't yield results govt expected
ChiTown come out, support this amazing effort with Pastor Victoria Brady of ABJ Civic Arts Center on the South Side.
Straight Words deals with the case of the Uhuru 3 and how a major federal case that charged activists with acting as illegal foreign agents for Russia was a flop. The activists were acquitted of that major charge Sept. 12, 2024. Check out Naba'a Muhammad's special audio report :
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/farrakhan-defense-l9
Straight Words deals with the case of the Uhuru 3 and how a major federal case that charged activists with acting as illegal foreign agents for Russia was a flop. The activists were acquitted of that major charge Sept. 12, 2024. Check out Naba'a Muhammad's special audio report :
You can read his report below in our Newswire.
Our live show airs Tuesdays, 9pm to Midnight Central Time, on WVON AM 1690 Black Talk Radio Chicago and livestreams at the I Heart Radio app and WVON.com.
ChiTown come out, support this amazing effort with Pastor Victoria Brady of ABJ Civic Arts Center on the South Side.
ChiTown come out, support this amazing effort with Pastor Victoria Brady of ABJ Civic Arts Center on the South Side.
ChiTown come out, support this amazing effort with Pastor Victoria Brady of ABJ Civic Arts Center on the South Side.
ChiTown come out, support this amazing effort with Pastor Victoria Brady of ABJ Civic Arts Center on the South Side.
Mike Brown's Assassination 10 Years Later: Healing the Hurt of Fathers and Others in Pain
https://youtu.be/i35KFgztsnE?si=YxRHky8Tn1waoBOi
Before the killing of Mike Brown, Jr. on August 9, 2014, it would have been hard for anyone to know anything about Ferguson, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. But White Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson’
Mike Brown's Assassination 10 Years Later: Healing the Hurt of Fathers and Others in Pain
https://youtu.be/i35KFgztsnE?si=YxRHky8Tn1waoBOi
Before the killing of Mike Brown, Jr. on August 9, 2014, it would have been hard for anyone to know anything about Ferguson, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. But White Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson’s fatal shooting of the Black teen sparked one of the most important Black rebellions in U.S. history.
And a grieving father and his wife Cal stepped in and created a non-profit, the Michael Brown, Sr. Chosen For Change Organization, that provides holistic grief support and outreach programs to families who have experienced a traumatic loss.
This year marked the 10th year after assassination of the 18 year old and the beginning of an All American tragedy that ignited greater Black resistance across the country and throughout the Black World.
Cal Brown, wife of Mike Brown, Sr., provides vital insights into their important work over the past decade and how Black fathers often are erased when these killing happen. Activist and Muslim Anthony Shahid, who was with initial protests for justice and stayed involved with the Brown family from the beginning, and Final Call writer J.A. Salaam, who has been covering this story for the last decade, also speak on “Straight Words With Naba’a Richard Muhammad, Bj Murphy and James G. Muhammad.” The August 13, 2024 show was amazing.
Get more at chosenforchange.org.
We also heard from Carmen Muhammad, who shared more about the 3rd Annual Modest Fashion Weekend set for the weekend of Aug. 31, 2024. The hosts bookended the conversation by chopping things up about topics in the news at home and abroad. Check it out!
To donate:
Cash App $StraightWords
Zelle 312 480 9775
PayPal, send donations to straightwords4@gmail.com
News & Views From Brother Naba'a, Brother Bj & Brother James
Order my book: Dopebusters
Bio: Naba'a Richard Muhammad, committed Black journalist, truth teller
Bio: Naba'a Richard Muhammad, committed Black journalist, truth teller
At the height of the crack cocaine crisis Black men in suits and bow ties and unarmed ended open air drug dealing at a Washington, DC apartment complex. Residents were being held hostage and asked the nearby Nation of Islam mosque to come help.
We did.
Life changed and the peace effort eventually opened the door to millions in redevelopme
At the height of the crack cocaine crisis Black men in suits and bow ties and unarmed ended open air drug dealing at a Washington, DC apartment complex. Residents were being held hostage and asked the nearby Nation of Islam mosque to come help.
We did.
Life changed and the peace effort eventually opened the door to millions in redevelopment.
Read real #BlackHistory in "Dopebusters: Farrakhan Fanatics Or Saviours?" It's the true story of Nation of Islam successful anti-drug patrols in Washington, DC, which spread to housing projects around the country before Jewish groups and congressional members killed the effort. How? Why? Who was hurt by it?
It's in the book, order via Cash App at $RMfinalcall for $27, includes shipping.
Make sure to send me your Cash App handle, phone number, email address and mailing address at straightwords4@gmail.com.
Also order using straightwords4@gmail.com using Paypal.
This is a really incredible narrative, complete with color photos and the stories of the brothers who put their lives on the line and why they did it. It's an easy, enjoyable read too.
Bio: Naba'a Richard Muhammad, committed Black journalist, truth teller
Bio: Naba'a Richard Muhammad, committed Black journalist, truth teller
Bio: Naba'a Richard Muhammad, committed Black journalist, truth teller
Naba'a Richard Muhammad is the editor-in-chief of The Final Call, a highly respected nationally distributed weekly newspaper and a favorite of Black America.
The Final Call – http://www.finalcall.com– is published by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam and follows in the tradition of Muhammad Speaks, the gr
Naba'a Richard Muhammad is the editor-in-chief of The Final Call, a highly respected nationally distributed weekly newspaper and a favorite of Black America.
The Final Call – http://www.finalcall.com– is published by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam and follows in the tradition of Muhammad Speaks, the groundbreaking newspaper published by the Nation in the 1960s and 1970s. He is also founder of StraightWords.com.
In addition to his skill as a writer and editor, Muhammad is a powerful speaker, media trainer and self-published author.
Muhammad became editor of The Final Call in 2009. He is a former managing editor and opened The Final Call East Coast Bureau in Washington, D.C., in the 1980s. The late Abdul Wali Muhammad, who served as editor of The Final Call and whose demand for excellence and accuracy remain hallmarks of the publication, was his mentor.
The Final Call has won national awards for writing, design and photography under his leadership.
The Final Call is the largest national Black print weekly newspaper in America with some international distribution.
In February 2020 in Detroit, he was given the Islamic holy name Naba'a Muhammad by Minister Farrakhan.
Muhammad, with some 40 years’ experience as a media professional, has served as a consultant and communications director for national non-profits, an advocate for independent media, and freelance writer.
He has worked with the LISC Community Development Corporation, the Chicago Rehab Network, Veterans for Peace, National People's Action, the National Training and Information Center, Interfaith Worker Justice, the Environmental Leadership Project and other organizations. He has conducted training sessions for the Gale Cincotta Leadership Institute, the Chicago-based Community Media Workshop, the National Association of Black Journalists, the Nation of Islam and the Black Press of America. He has presented at national conferences devoted to worker rights, community housing and banking issues, and independent publishing.
He has spoken in schools, colleges, jails and on street corners. He has traveled internationally and covered uprisings in Washington, D.C., Ferguson, Mo., after the death of Mike Brown in 2014 and in Baltimore after the 2015 death of Freddie Gray from injuries sustained in police custody.
Muhammad played significant roles in the historic Million Man March, March anniversaries, major mobilizations related to immigrant rights, and highlighting the plight of Hurricane Katrina survivors and other important stories.
He has served as a board member for the National Newspaper Publishers Association, which represents over 200 Black-owned newspapers across the country.
His award-winning Straight Words column began in November 1999. His work has been carried by leading newspapers, and Internet sites in the U.S. and Canada. He has been featured on internet, radio, television shows and comments on current events, race and society, and provides media analysis. Muhammad has been a guest lecturer for a graduate course on media bias, race, the Nation of Islam and alternative media. An essay and photographs by Muhammad are included in "Million Man March/Day of Absence, A Commemorative Anthology " edited and published by Haki Madhubuti, and Dr. Maulana Karenga.
He published his first book, "Dopebusters: Farrakhan Fanatics Or Saviours? The True Story of the D.C. Crack Cocaine Crisis and Successful Muslim Anti-Drug Patrols," in 2018.
Muhammad grew up in Baltimore, Md., and graduated from Morgan State University, earning a BA in English. A proud father of six, he lives in Chicago and can be reached via email at nabaa@straightwords.com, or straightwords4@gmail.com.
Find him on Facebook and follow @RMfinalcall on Twitter and Instagram.
Bookings, Speaking Engagements
Bio: Naba'a Richard Muhammad, committed Black journalist, truth teller
20 Minute Morning Show With BJ Murphy
Naba'a Richard Muhammad, editor-in-chief of The Final Call, is available for speaking engagements and media appearances.
He has appeared on as well as television, radio and online outlets in the United States, including the Roland S. Martin Show, the Carl Nelson Show, a nationally syndicated radio show that is part of the Radio One Networ
Naba'a Richard Muhammad, editor-in-chief of The Final Call, is available for speaking engagements and media appearances.
He has appeared on as well as television, radio and online outlets in the United States, including the Roland S. Martin Show, the Carl Nelson Show, a nationally syndicated radio show that is part of the Radio One Network, WEAA Radio in Baltimore, the Perri Small Show and Elevated Talk on Chicago’s WVON-AM and other platforms. He has appeared on South Africa Today and national radio in Johannesburg and international media.
His topics can include current events and analysis, the Nation of Islam, the Black liberation struggle, urban issues and solutions, mentoring, journalism, media bias, urban rebellions in 2014 in Ferguson, Mo., after the police killing of Mike Brown, Jr., the 2015 insurrection in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Grey after injuries sustained in police custody, the need for Black-owned and independent media, freelance writing, column writing, media strategy and press relations, working with non-profits and community groups, Black fatherhood, the historic 1995 Million Man March and subsequent March anniversaries, Minister Farrakhan and his mission—or subjects that are of interest to you, your organization or your audience.
He has also spoken to public school students from grades K-12 about their history, their potential greatness and their place in the world. He has spoken to students at major universities, including Morgan State University in Baltimore and graduate students at the University of Chicago. He is an avid advocate for teaching and training the next generation of Black journalists and media makers.
Muhammad has an essay and photographs published in “Million Man March/Day of Absence, A Commemorative Anthology” edited and published by Haki Madhubuti, and Dr. Maulana Karenga. He can also talk about his book and experiences captured in his first book, "Dopebusters: Farrakhan Fanatics Or Saviours? The True Story of the D.C. Crack Cocaine Crisis and Successful Muslim Anti-Drug Patrols," published in 2018. He can be reached at 312-480-9775 or via email at nabaa@straightwords.com. Find him on Facebook and follow @RMfinalcall on Twitter and Instagram.
20 Minute Morning Show With BJ Murphy
James G. Muhammad: Passionate journalist, consummate media pro and show co-host
20 Minute Morning Show With BJ Murphy
20 Minute Morning Show is an opinionated driven show with three host who present their ideas in a bold new refreshing way. They take a no holds bar approach with each other and not be offended.
BJ Murphy: A Radio Legend
James G. Muhammad: Passionate journalist, consummate media pro and show co-host
James G. Muhammad: Passionate journalist, consummate media pro and show co-host
Since 1984, B.J. Murphy has been behind the microphone.
His lifelong aspiration has been to talk to people, entertain them and educate them in his own unique way.
B.J. is a beloved resident of the state of North Carolina, and well-respected broadcaster in the radio industry.
He is embarking on another aspect of his impressive career and soo
Since 1984, B.J. Murphy has been behind the microphone.
His lifelong aspiration has been to talk to people, entertain them and educate them in his own unique way.
B.J. is a beloved resident of the state of North Carolina, and well-respected broadcaster in the radio industry.
He is embarking on another aspect of his impressive career and soon in a new partnership.
Thousands of listeners already enjoy daytime information and discussion as B.J. touches thousands of listeners through online radio and an independent network of stations that are blessed to feature his magnificent voice and gifts. Check out his 20 Minute Morning Show!
A young man with a vision develops a voice
Born and raised in Goldsboro, N.C., from the 10th grade he knew he wanted a career in radio. At his home he built a makeshift radio station in his bedroom, where he would lock himself in for hours practicing on how to become a disc jockey.
From there he attended Shaw University after high school graduation in 1983 and majored in Radio and Television.
While in college he worked at 3 radio stations at the same time and became popular in the Raleigh-Durham market winning several awards.
B.J. always saw himself as a big-time morning deejay working in the big city. “I always saw myself as living and working in Chicago or New York and talking to millions of people in the morning. That was my drive.”
B.J. has been on air in small to medium to major markets during his 40-year career.
Those cities include Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Columbia, S. Carolina; Greensboro, N.C., Baltimore, Md., Kansas City, Missouri; Charlotte, N.C.; Washington, D.C.; Dallas, Texas and Chicago, Ill.
“One of the greatest highlights in my career was filling in for my iconic hero Donnie Simpson on WPGC 95.5 in Washington D.C. When Donnie and I both worked for CBS Radio, I would fill in for Donnie while he was on vacation. I was in Charlotte and got to come to Washington and sit in his seat,” he says.
A high quality, committed radio voice,
B.J. is known in the industry as one of the Elite Morning Men of Urban Radio. The late Jerry Boulding always placed B.J. in the ranks of radio’s “Top Urban Morning talent.”
Here is an excerpt: “Making Mornings Work One is of the on-going axioms of our industry is ‘as mornings go, so goes the station.’ Yet while most formats have developed either a local or syndicated morning show, the blueprint or personality archetype for urban radio is still developing. In other words, we have not yet developed a complete system for developing strong local morning shows for the future. Like those in other formats, urban programmers continue to say things like, ‘The music is really the product. We'll get the music right and let it do the talking. We can hire or import a morning show and we'll be all right.’
That philosophy and attitude in a world with no competition might have been able to generate some numbers in the past, but for those of us dealing with the real world where there are strong, well financed stations hammering at us from all sides, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that you got to have a ‘killer’ morning show to be competitive. And not all morning shows work in all markets.
There's really no question about the power of a strong morning show on urban radio, though. But what changed this year was the recognition that morning humor really comes from character. Nationally syndicated morning shows from Tom Joyner, Doug Banks, Russ Parr, B.J. Murphy and now Steve Harvey have proven this.
B.J. Murphy spent the greatest amount of his radio career in Charlotte. N.C., for 9 years producing most lucrative shows in the station’s history.
“At one point we were helping the station generate $1 million a month in revenue before the market dropped around the time of ‘9-11.’ Radio and Records Magazine in 2002 named his show the No. 1 up and coming Urban Morning Show in America.
B.J. has also done morning syndication under the brand “B.J. in the Morning” with Syndicator SupeRadio back in 2005. In 2004, a poll was done among Urban programmers and they were asked which morning show they felt would be the next successful show in syndication? Thus the B.J. in the morning show was launched in 2005 out of Dallas, Texas.
“We were poised to be the younger version of what Tom Joyner was doing in morning syndication. If it were not for the 800-pound Gorilla in the form of Steve Harvey, I am confident that we would be on in 30 or more cities across the US Today.”
B.J. has a strong work ethic in preparing for his daily show and has been known to arrive at the station at least 2 hours before his 6 a.m. morning show.
His passion for helping the community is well noted, particularly working with young Black males. B.J. is caring and sincere in his efforts to make a positive change wherever he goes. B.J. has given up his income tax checks to help people stay in their homes and countless other acts of kindness with those less fortunate in our community.
“I am a servant DJ for the people of God, to serve them is to serve him. I believe when you put good before you, it always comes back,” says B.J.
B.J. is also a recipient of the Tom Joyner Personality of the year award. The National Black Programmers Personality of the year Award. Billboard Magazines #1 Up and Coming Urban Morning Show. B.J. has been written of in numerous trade publications and has been a featured panelist at many radio industry events.
B.J. Murphy will be officially placed in the National Black Radio Hall of Fame 2023 during an induction ceremony in Atlanta on Oct 7, 2023.
James G. Muhammad: Passionate journalist, consummate media pro and show co-host
James G. Muhammad: Passionate journalist, consummate media pro and show co-host
James G. Muhammad: Passionate journalist, consummate media pro and show co-host
James G. Muhammad, who completes the show’s Black Press trio, has some 40 years of press, media and photography experience. A former editor in chief of The Final Call, he guided and helped develop the newspaper into the respected and trusted journal it has become. He served directly under Min. Farrakhan and traveled around the world with
James G. Muhammad, who completes the show’s Black Press trio, has some 40 years of press, media and photography experience. A former editor in chief of The Final Call, he guided and helped develop the newspaper into the respected and trusted journal it has become. He served directly under Min. Farrakhan and traveled around the world with the Minister and on behalf of Black people and the Nation of Islam. In addition, he has an incredible background in Black, social, labor, economic, business and other issues through his work with major labor unions and work as an independent media consultant and owner of Sunrise Communications.