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After a 12-year run, Tavis Smiley gave his last commentary on the "Tom Joyner Morning Show." In summing up what Tavis meant to the TJMS, Tom Joyner wrote:Before Tavis came on board, I was happy with almost every element of our show, but something was missing. I had the vision of educating and empowering our listeners, and Tavis helped me make that happen. ... Tavis called it radio activism. I called it a party with a purpose. It gave our show the balance of music and comedy it needed.A search is underway for the next voice "to elevate, educate, entertain and inform Black America." I am honored to be one of eight candidates who will compete to be the next Commentator. ...
Joyner's "party with a purpose" is heard by over 8 million listeners in 115 markets. It's also available live at BlackAmericaWeb.com.
The order of on-air auditions was determined by lot. So my tryout is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15 at 8:10 am ET. The winner will be announced in September.BTW, it's not a popularity contest. Instead, finalists will be rated on, among other things, the topicality of their five minutes of commentary.
The TJMS is building a Web page for each finalist where you can go and weigh in on who should be the next Commentator. The site will be up next week. In the meantime, please forward this post to your friends and leave a comment with suggested topics.
Back in the day, the Temptations sang, "Vote for me and I'll set you free." Now I ain't promising all that. But as a lifelong activist, I promise thought-provoking commentary that will empower listeners to "get up offa that thing" and get involved.
Comments: (68)
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By: Corie on 7/02/2008 10:32PM
Over the years, it seemed as though Tavis started talking about himself more than anything else. I was disappointed over his attack on Barack simply because he didn't give Tavis the time he felt like he was entitled to. Tavis is bright, outgoing, creative and a great speaker but sometimes we can get a big head and I believe he did.
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By: lloyd mallory on 7/02/2008 11:24PM
mOST OF YOU DON'T KNOW OR UNDERSTAND ANYTHING About politics and when you wake up it will be too late. Infact it is already too late as I think McCane will win the election which means more right wing judges. Even if Obama wins and he has my vote we will gain very little. The court dicisions which come down will impact MORE on the black population than you could ever imagine and we will lose the gains made over the last 50 years. Remember you heard it here first. When was the last time you saw a black face on any of the Sunday morning talk shows that said anything for US? In short we have no clout anymore and Obama is singing the mantra of Bill Cosby and Nick Romney as per his Fathrer's day speech. Blame the victim. Travis was right.
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By: Healthybrown on 7/03/2008 12:25AM
I had great respect for Tavis Smiley until he started bashing Obama. He's always stressing the important of black unity but then turn and cut Obama down like nothing in front of the white , green and purple man. THAT says a great deal about Mr. Smiley.
So Long and Best Wishes
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By: Stefan Fisher on 7/03/2008 1:33AM
When Tavis first became a regular on the TJMS, I felt his commentaries were sincere and thought provoking. However, as time went on he seemed mostly interested in self-promotion, having endless discussions that provided no impetus for action and in selling his books. Obviously, I am not really feeling that brother anymore.
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By: IPress on 7/03/2008 2:57AM
I like Michael Eric Dyson, or Hill Harper. Maybe even Bruce Gordon.....hmmm, interesting to see.
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By: mzztlove on 7/03/2008 3:32AM
WELL I CAN TELL YOU THIS.. I'M DEFINITELY GONE SEARCH HOW TO SUBMIT MY AUDITION, BECAUSE PERSONALLY I FEEL LIKE THIS.. IF YOU TELLING THE TRUTH BUT YOU NOT WILLING TO SUGARCOAT IT FOLK ESPECIALLY BLACK FOLK GONE HATE FIRST SECOND AND CLOSE TO LAST. BUT IF THE TRUTH IS SO OFFENSIVE, WHY IS IT ONLY LAWYERS GET TO SLING THE DIRT? THEY ARE NOTHING MORE THEN PAID MOUTH PIECES TO TALK LOUD AND NOT SAY NUFFIN BUT WHAT THEY ARE PAID TO SAY!!! SO IF TJMS REALLY WANT TO GET TO THE TRUTH THEN TELL ME WHERE TO SIGN UP BECAUSE I KNOW THAT I KNOW THAT I KNOW THAT I KNOW AND I DON'T NEED THE POWER'S THAT BE TO VALIDATE MY FEELINGS.. I KNOW POLITICS JUST NOT THE EDUMACATED TYPE OF PULL N LIC THAT THEY BE LOOKING FOR IN MAINSTREAM TV.. OH PLZZZZZ TJ BRANG THE TRUTH TO FLORIDA!!!!
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By: Bridget W. on 7/08/2008 6:13PM
Although Tavis DID take his disagreement(s) with Senator Obama a bit too far for MY taste, I still am NOT going to wish him any 'ill will' like SOME of the rest of you posters on here are are doing, because I KNOW that what you wish negativity on someone ELSE will come back on YOU! It's one thing to disagree with someone, and Lord KNOWS I haven't been 'feeling' Tavis lately, but to WISH something negative on someone? Like I said, it ALWAYS comes back on YOU.
I wish Mr. Smiley the best, and thank him for his service throughout the years.
Peace Out.
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By: Cecil Jones on 1/14/2010 6:32PM
What Black Commentator is taken seriously by us or America? Dr. Boyce and Rev. Sharpton have done some good work, but don't think my comments are being ignored. My work is known and respected by some of the top commentators and all media outlets. Look at the work as a whole and I can't be denied. Hate me all you want for 19.95. Buy the books? Isn't that what it's all about? Precious is Porn. Who's gonna tell the truth like that? Black America Daily, The Citizen's Journal, Twitter? I love you all, but sometimes I write to make you think differently.
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