WGRL NYC

We were so excited to have Kaash Paige stop by our WGRL studios recently. In addition to having a hit single out, Kaash did radio as a teen as well so she made us totally comfortable behind the mic with some pro journalism tips. Thanks Kaash for a great interview!

During our trip to Montgomery, Alabama earlier this year we got a special treat when we stopped by the roadside restaurant Martha’s Place. The owner, author and chef, Martha Hawkins, opened up to us about marching with Dr. King, her personal struggles and her ultimate triumph starting her own restaurant. We had a great interview and a delicious meal! Please make Martha’s Place your go-to spot when in Montgomery and support this amazing woman and get a real taste of the South!

Que lo que Dani Leigh! Super proud of this Dominican dancer, singer, rapper and choreographer and her recent success (after a lot of hard work). The busy musician was kind enough to swing by the WGRL studios awhile back and spent some time with our middle school journalists. Thanks Dani for a great interview and we can’t wait to hear even more great music from you!

Earlier this year soulful songtress Madison McFerrin swung by the WGRL studios  to demonstrate her unique approach to music and opened up about her journey in the music industry. So grateful to Madison for sharing her magical music and story with us!    

As the final interview of the Nessa scholarship in radio journalism for the class of 2019, our young reporter Nylia Chiquito, an aspiring educator herself,  reached out to Maria Bautista, Campaigns Director for The Alliance for Quality Education.  One of the most important steps we can take in creating change is the education of our youth. We spoke to Maria about her vision and some of the challenges in implementing policies that could impact our world in a positive way. “The Alliance for Quality Education is a coalition mobilizing communities across the state to keep New York true to its promise of ensuring a high quality public education to all students regardless of zip code. Combining its legislative and policy expertise with grassroots organizing, AQE advances proven-to-work strategies that lead to student success and ultimately create a powerful public demand for a high quality education. Founded in 2000, AQE quickly became New York state’s lead community-based organization in the fight for high quality public education.”

A huge shout-out to our friends and supporters at the Know Your Rights Camp (KYRC) and of course our big sisters in journalism Nessa and Katrina B who made it possible for us to spend a few minutes with Nick Cannon this spring.Nick was supporting the KYRC movement in Baltimore when our WGRL reporter Shandra Rogers had an insightful exchange with him on positive change for the community.Thank you Nick Cannon for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation and thank you to Know Your Rights Camp Baltimore for an incredible day with youth — the heartbeat of the city of Baltimore.Photo courtesy Tony Ng, @djtonedef 

In this second of our series done by our HOT97 Nessa show interns, we interview the unstoppable Ms. Patricia Robinson of Emmis Communications and The Know Your Rights Camp. Ms Pat, as she is affectionately known, is proof positive that superheroes don’t always wear capes — sometimes they sport 6-inch stiletto heels and leopard print! Patricia Robinson is a trailblazing leader who is highly recognized for her contributions in the media industry, community and social activism engagement. We are so proud of LESGC member Zipporah Najar for taking the lead on an informative interview on career, community and making those difficult life decisions.

The first in our series of interviews conducted and edited by our 2019 interns in our radio mentor and big sis Nessa’s scholarship program at HOT97! In this episode Aicha Sacko and Cleo Wade discuss how self love sets the foundation for how we successfully navigate the world. In this radio journalism intensive, each of Nessa’s interns chose a guest and topic they were passionate about, composed questions, conducted the interview and then edited the final podcast using professional audio editing software. In Aicha’s words: “The peak of the Nessa internship was definitely interviewing one of my good friends, author Cleo Wade, on the importance of self love and self care. A lot of times we forget what it means to love ourselves and take care of our bodies while we are busy working, studying and trying to make a difference in the world. In this interview I learned that it is okay to step back and put yourself first. As Cleo would say – I love you. “ Enjoy this excellent and informative interview!

It was an incredible treat to welcome Nigerian born artist Wunmi into the studio with us to elaborate on all the cool stuff she does – music, dance and incredible style and fashion. Thank you Wunmi for sharing your culture, artistry and energy with us!

Through our internship with HOT 97′s Nessa, we had the opportunity to meet talented East Harlem rapper, singer and songwriter Melii! We got to share a bit about the Girls Club programs and speak about Meliis new project phAses. We were a little nervous but we found the bilingual entertainer to be so sweet and down to earth. Thank you Melii for taking the time to speak with us – we are so excited and happy about your success and hope you will come and visit us at Girls Club soon!

Our fave music superhero Dai Burger stopped by the studios for an interview on music, life as an independent artist and created a brand new WGRL theme song with us!

Music is a great way to relieve stress and since National Record Store Day is right around the corner on April 13th, we decided to find out all about this Holiday. What is a record? Why are records so cool they deserve a Holiday? Do people actually listen to records in 2019? Tune in to find out!

One of the highlights of our Civil Rights trip to New Orleans and Montgomery, Alabama last year was meeting Mrs. Leona Tate, one of The McDonogh Three. Ms. Tate was one of three African-American girls, who, at the age of six, were the first black students to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans! We met Mrs. Tate at the Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum, where she is a board member continuing the activism and work for her community that she started as a small child. 

It was an incredible honor to be welcomed warmly into the home and studio of master beader Big Chief Demond Melancon of the Young Seminole Hunters while in New Orleans this summer. He and his partner Alicia gave us a glimpse into the beautiful traditions and culture of New Orleans. “With a career spanning almost three decades, Melancon is well-known for his meticulous hand-sewn beadwork used to create massive Mardi Gras Indian suits which are composed of intricately beaded patches depicting actual and imagined events from African and American history. His complex and multidimensional portrayals draw inspiration from indigenous people in America, enslaved Africans, and inspirational leaders from history. His work draws from a broad variety of stylistic influences, features imagery rich with symbolism and meaning, addresses stereotypical representations of black people, and tells powerful stories from his experience of the African diaspora.” Listen in, as the charismatic Big Chief gives us yet another reason to love the incredible culture and people of New Orleans.

We were so excited to interview Ralph from the Good Dog Foundation to talk about all the benefits of therapy dogs. Since Ralph is a dog his owner Anne Cohen did most of the talking.