Media Take Back

It’s the little things.

In the words of Stephanie Scelza:

“We were doing our normal 10am-12pm segment on air, last Wednesday, December 2, when the news came about San Bernardino. With another shooting on the heels of the Paris tragedy, it almost seemed too much to handle”.

The heaviness was real, and seemingly unshakeable. The reminders were persistent. For myself, any whimsical notion I had about hope for change was stomped on with every visual reminder. I almost felt arrogant for being so foolish as to think I could do something or even be a part of something that could make things better. It wasn’t just on my social media, or television. I couldn’t even walk into any room or place, without hearing paranoia flood even sidebar conversations.

I was encouraged by Stephanie and Daniel, to consider how to make use of our platform with the next week’s segment. For those of you who know me, you can only imagine the gears that started spinning. That was when I typed up a plea and sent it to the powers that be over at Portland Radio Project. Click HERE to read the email that started it all. My mind and I battled it out quite a bit before hitting the send button. You may understand why if you read it.

Stephanie sums up what each one of the people who joined in made possible here:
“Instead of giving into despair and negativity we decided to rally and counteract the violent images bombarding us every day.  There were tears shed in the studio in response to the heartwarming performances by Haley Johnson and Dirty Revival. Farnell Newton called in from his tour with Jill Scott to recount his blessings. The talkboard was jumping and local artists stepped up to share their poetry and music in support of taking back the media”.

“It was a simple call to action during heartbreakingly cold times. Each person that got involved, even just by liking and sharing, brought this thing, the action that fear told me was useless, each person involved brought it to life.”.

Without hesitation, we had incredible artists join in for this media take back. Some with a commitment to post on their platforms, and a few even made their way over to the studio for live performances in solidarity with the #hatefree #mediatakeback. It was a simple call to action during heartbreakingly cold times. Each person that got involved, even just by liking and sharing, brought this thing, the action that fear told me was useless, each person involved brought it to life.

Below we have some video highlights of our in studio moments. You can also listen to the the full segment by clicking HERE

Sarah Clarke, and Evan Simko, members of Dirty Revival spoke their truth on empathy. We looked at the ways we are all being hit with the same images, but have our own experiences within that. They sang their hope for change, covering Sam Cooke’s powerful, “A Change is Gonna Come”.

Dirty Revival– (Cover) “A Change Is Gonna Come”

Trumpeter, educator, music activist, Farnell Newton joined us soon after over the phone from the road and spoke his truth. We got a chance to here a brief update on his adventures on the current Jill Scott tour he’s on, and hear his heart for all those around the world. Starting off with a bold track, his original, “Human Race” featuring Cleveland Jones on vocals. “We are the human race. Let’s show some love today. Make this world a better place. Love is the answer.”

Farnell Newton– “Human Race”

And finishing with another gorgeous original “Peace & Love” feat. Jarrod Lawson and Tony Ozier. “I don’t know what else to do. Keep on spreading peace and love through music…”.

Farnell Newton– “Peace & Love”

Our final visitor came in and brought tears to our eyes. It was a combination of all of the overwhelming response from the previous interviews, the posts from each person that interacted on social media showing us their #hatefree #mediatakeback posts. Finishing the performances with this song and hope for mankind from the heartfelt voice of Haley Johnsen herself was the perfect finish to the first efforts. Her cover of Eva Cassidy’s cover, “Oh I Had A Golden Thread” was the perfect finish to a powerful two hours.

Haley Johnsen: (Cover) “Oh Had I A Golden Thread”

“What we don’t appreciate on a day to day level are the small things. The good natured person….is just not glorified.”

Stephanie and I had to take a moment to recap on all of the absolutely beautiful interaction. Feel free to skip forward about a minute to get to the heart of this segment. “I think small changes are always hard for people. It’s human nature. It’s part of our culture. We like to see something big. We like to see something major. That’s what effects us….what we don’t appreciate on a day to day level are the small things…the smiles…that we are able to say something positive instead of something negative…The good natured person….is just not glorified.”

Listen in here below:

What made this day exponentially powerful, was the core of it all. Each and every single one of you who posted. If you are having a low day, a day filled with fear or anxiety. Even an average day, or great day. Do yourselves a favor and take a look at the light you all shined together. It’s not that we shouldn’t do this every day. I hope we do. It’s the idea that, no matter how great the obstacle may seem, yes you….simple you, creative, insecure you. Fearful or bold and blatant you. You absolutely can shine a light and reduce the stain of tyranny. If you need a reminder, or if you’re a skeptic or critic and need proof, please look below. This was just a one off. More of this is done every day. So in your hunt for a solution, first, look within. Look right next to you. Every life counts. Every life matters. There is room at the table for everyone.

I celebrate each one of these moments as victories (click on the dates to see actual posts):

Experience Music. #hatefree #mediatakeback #PeaceTrainEveryDay @sarah_billings @PDXRadioProject art by #RonvanKleef pic.twitter.com/IEt91feAkr

— Michele Van Kleef (@Michelevankleef) December 9, 2015

In honor of our #HateFree #mediatakeback on @PDXRadioProject w @sarah_billings @Michelevankleef sings WonderfulWorld https://t.co/QvRzaphzhu — Michele Van Kleef (@Michelevankleef) December 9, 2015

//

Elke Robitaille sharing here ‪#‎mediatakeback‬ with her ‪#‎hatefree‬ creativity! heart emoticon Join us! Now til 12pm PST!!

//

//

Acoustic Minds: Inspirational Quote (photo)

//

Norman Sylvester: Redemption Time (video)

//

Sarah Vitort: “Young Love” Studio 839 jam session. (video)

//

Joe Mengis: “What can I do to change the world?” – “Horns” Climber (music video), Book: The Book On The Taboo Of Knowing Who You Are by Alan Watts

//

Jon Davidson: Song link: “Never A Metaphor”. Inspirational Quote: (photo)

//

Ric Johnson: “Love’s In Need of Love” Stevie Wonder song link

//

Sarah Vitort: “Renaissance Woman” Mad Gallica (Song Link)

//

Elke Robitaille: “Imagine” John Lennon cover

//

Lexi Tucker: “Love Is Free” Song link

Arietta Ward: “Transformation” Janice Marie Scroggins

//

Norman Sylvester: Poem/Photo

//

Ron Braithwaite: Promotion/support

//

Tahirah Asha Memory: “Pride” Music Video

//

Robert Parish- “Love, Peace & Happiness” Music Video

//

Heather Hanson: Bus photo, Love poem

//

Aron Schur: “Can’t Give Up” Live performance video

//

Michele VanKleef: “Wonderful World” Live video cover performance

//

Michele Van Kleef: Original artwork by Ron Van Kleef

//

Redwood Son: Photo by Mercy McNab

//

Haley Johnsen: “How Can I Help” Blogpost

//

Michele Van Kleef: “DANCE” Original Artwork by Ron Van Kleef

//

Veronica Medici: “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/ The End” The Beatles video

//

Liz Vice – “Take On Me” Aha Video

//

Michele Van Kleef: Mr. Rogers Quote/Photo

//

Michele Van Kleef: Sing your heart out. Original Artwork by Ron Van Kleef

//

This was beauty brought back to the center. Humanity is not as lost as we may think. You all were reminders of this hope. Look at the warm fire we all started…now let’s fan the flames. Onward and forward. More to come…

-Sarah Billings

//

• Author
• Recent Posts

PRP

Streaming radio station in Portland, Oregon delivering a commercial-free eclectic blend of music carefully curated by our on-air talent, local news and community events.Please feel free to contact us with suggestions. Listen to PRP

Latest posts by PRP (see all)

• A Very New Pickathon in 2022 - August 13, 2022
• Pickathon returns to Pendarvis Farm! It’s not just the artists that’ll be new. - August 3, 2022
• July is BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color) - July 14, 2022