Wall St. And Business Wednesdays: "Suffering, Hate And The Black Economy" - A Conversation Between Star and Tavis Smiley

On Wednesday, March 1, 2006, on the Star and Buc Wild Morning Show, the show’s host Star, and guest, Tavis Smiley, had one of the most interesting conversations I have heard in some time regarding the state of Black America and some of the cultural, economic and political factors impacting it and its future. With seriousness, respect and a provocative sense of humor, the two 41-year old businessmen and broadcasting giants discussed Tavis Smiley’s "State of The Black Union" Forum and new book, "The Covenant"; the reality or illusion of a Black economy; the impact of Hip-Hop culture; Hurricane Katrina; and the role that hate and suffering play in motivating action.

The unorthodox and stimulating near 25-minute conversation embodies a distillation of many of the factors and confluence of forces affecting Black America - some of which are rarely discussed on forums that have the wide appeal of The Star and Buc Wild Program (the show is listened to by over 5,000,000 people each morning.)

It is refreshing to hear two men that most would not consider ‘leaders’ by traditional standards, comfortably challenge those traditions; articulate their respective worldviews; and massage and dissect a controversial topic – all with confidence, authority and humility. There is something intriguing about the fact that two men who reach more people each day than possibly any Black leader(s), are not considered in that category in the minds of most. I think that perception is gradually changing.

Some may of course have problems with the business-minded, self-promotion strategy that both men have executed in their respective paths. But their success and the influence that both men have on the thinking of many is so pervasive, that it is more than appropriate, in my view, that the personalities of both men be intertwined with the message(s) they promote and discuss. If only more of our leaders were as willing to talk about, look at, and laugh at themselves before the masses, in such assertive and aggressive ways.

While the interview does not represent an exhaustive engagement (hopefully Tavis will return for a more in-depth interview or invite Star on his program), it does represent a snapshot, I think, of the type, quality, and spirit of lawful dialogue that must exist and spread if the Black community is to peacefully rise to a higher level of consciousness through reasoning. If we are going to talk about the most serious matters, in a way that leads to effective action, perhaps we can all learn something from Star and Tavis, individually, and collectively in their interaction.

BlackElectorate.com and StreetandIndustry.com are honored to have the exclusive privilege of offering the entire audio of this interview, courtesy of The Star and Buc Wild Morning Program. Here is:

Part One.

www.streetandindustry.com/interviews/Tavis-Star_03-01_pt1.mp3

Part Two.

www.streetandindustry.com/interviews/Tavis-Star_03-01_pt2.mp3

Enjoy.

Cedric Muhammad

Wednesday, March 15, 2006