By Dr. Mariah Bond

Black Power 96 Radio entered 2025 facing profound challenges but emerged stronger, louder and more deeply rooted in the community. From cultural coverage and powerful new programming to a historic legal fight for democratic rights, this year affirmed Black Power 96 Radio’s role as a vital institution in the struggle for independent Black media.

Strengthening the Airwaves: New Voices, New Shows

Early in the year, Black Power 96 Radio expanded its programming lineup, reaffirming its commitment to diverse, community-centered voices.

The Simone Durant Show joined the station, bringing thoughtful commentary, cultural insight and dynamic conversation to listeners. Later in the year, Black Power 96 Radio welcomed additional shows including Keep It Moving with DJ A+ and The Konscious Hour with DJ Supa Dave, further strengthening the station’s music, political education and movement-focused programming.

During 2025, the One Africa Worldview podcast also officially joined the Black Power 96 Radio lineup, expanding its reach from digital platforms to community radio. The addition reinforced Black Power 96 Radio’s African community support, anti-colonial mission and deepened political education for listeners locally and worldwide.

Together, these shows ensured more consistent, high-quality programming while creating space for Black voices often excluded from corporate media.

Listener Support Funded Essential Equipment Upgrades

Throughout 2025, listener support played a critical role in keeping Black Power 96 Radio on the air and technologically strong. Contributions from the community helped fund essential equipment upgrades needed to maintain reliable broadcasting, improve sound quality and expand Black Power 96 Radio’s ability to cover live events, emergencies and on-the-ground reporting. These listener-funded improvements ensured that Black Power 96 could continue operating as a professional, resilient and independent Black community radio station—proving that when the people support the station, the station can continue to serve the people without compromise.

Black Power 96 Radio called on listeners to support the station during our February and July on-air fund drives. This year listeners answered the call, funding the station’s operations and making it possible to upgrade our Emergency Alert System equipment.

Then in October, when the station’s broadcast board broke down,a local tv station covered the story and community members generously stepped forward to contribute funds, a replacement mixing board and even more equipment!

Community Education in a Time of Crisis

On February 5, Black Power 96 Radio hosted the online event “Weather the Storms Together.” The webinar educated the public on the critical role of local community radio during hurricanes, storms and other emergencies—especially for Black and working-class communities often left behind by mainstream emergency communication systems.

This event highlighted Black Power 96 Radio not simply as a cultural station, but as a lifeline— one that provides reliable information when it matters most.

On March 23, Black Power 96 Radio organized “Media Shake Up: Defend and Grow Independent Black Radio,” a powerful online forum addressing escalating attacks on anti-colonial and Black radical media. The event contextualized Black Power 96 Radio’s struggle within a broader pattern of political repression and underscored why independent Black radio is essential to democratic discourse.

Celebrating Black Culture, Faith and Music

Black Power 96 Radio remained deeply engaged in uplifting Black culture throughout the year. In February and again in July, the station hosted gospel concerts in St. Petersburg, providing a platform for local gospel artists and strengthening spiritual and cultural ties within the community.

In May, Black Power 96 Radio participated in Music Biz 2025, gaining valuable opportunities for education, networking and exposure to evolving trends in the music industry, all resources that directly benefit independent artists and community broadcasters.

On the Ground: Festival Coverage Across the South

A major highlight of 2025 was Black Power 96 Radio’s extensive cultural journalism and on-site reporting. Throughout the summer and fall, Black Power 96 Radio reporters brought listeners into some of the most important Black cultural gatherings in the country.

From July 4 through July 6, Black Power 96 Radio covered Essence Festival 2025, delivering interviews, fashion, music and community perspectives from one of the world’s largest celebrations of Black culture.

In September, Black Power 96 Radio reporters provided coverage of Black Americana Fest 2025, followed by on-the-ground reporting from NOLA Funk Fest from October 17–19. These efforts ensured that listeners who could not attend still experienced the richness, creativity and political spirit of these events.

Fighting Back: Lawsuit Struggles for Democratic Rights

One of the most consequential involvements of 2025 was Black Power 96 Radio’s ongoing lawsuit against Pinellas County for the revocation of previously awarded grant funding.

On August 7, Black Power 96 Radio hosted the online event “Stop Defunding Public Media! Support Black Community Radio Fightback!” The event provided a critical update on the lawsuit, featuring political analysis from Uhuru Movement leader, Chairman Omali Yeshitela and legal insight from the station’s attorney Luke Lirot. The discussion made clear that this case is not simply about funding, it is about defending freedom of association, opposing racial discrimination and protecting the right of Black institutions to exist independently.

DJ Eddie, attorney Luke Lirot and others also won support for the case by presenting at events throughout the year including at the Grassroots Radio Conference held in Spokane, Washington, and at meetings of the Ida B. Wells Media Defense Network.

The struggle came to a pivotal moment on November 6 when Black Power 96 Radio staff and volunteers traveled to Jacksonville, Florida to attend oral arguments in federal court appealing the dismissal of the lawsuit. Our presence in court symbolized a broader fightback for democratic rights that affects not only Black Power 96 Radio, but all community-based and movement-aligned media.

Honoring the People Who Make It Possible

Black Power 96 Radio closed the year by honoring the collective effort that sustains the station. On December 7, the Uhuru N2U Volunteer Program’s Heart and Soul Awards event celebrated the dedication, labor and love poured into keeping Black community radio alive. Three Black Power 96 volunteers took home awards: 

Chris Williams won the Dedicated Service Award, Talmadge Wells won the On the Spot Award, and Dr. Mariah Bond won Volunteer of Year! In case you missed the event, you can watch the recording to learn more about all the nominees and winners.

Looking Ahead

In 2025, Black Power 96 Radio proved that independent Black media is not only necessary, it is unstoppable. Despite political repression, legal battles and systemic challenges, Black Power 96 Radio expanded its programming, educated the community, documented Black culture and stood firm in defense of democratic rights.

As Black Power 96 Radio moves into the next year, our goals remain clear: grow our reach, defend independent Black media, amplify community voices, and continue serving as a cultural and political voice for Black people locally and globally.

We’re not just explaining the world, we’re changing it. Support Black community radio. Support Black Power 96!

Help Black Power 96 Radio start the new year strong! Make a tax-deductible donation. Go to BlackPower96.org/Donate or CashApp $BlackPower96.