FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 18, 2021 – New York) – Legendary hip hop and R&B brands, HOT 97 and WBLS make history and go back in history this February recognizing Black excellence through their Future Black Leaders Speaker Series and multi-platform content during the month-long celebration. Luminaries Busta Rhymes, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Jemele Hill, Rotimi, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, and Queen Naija will address the most relevant issues facing the Black community. Station jocks will kick off the programming on Martin Luther King Day with an exclusive tribute to Dr. King.
Exclusive panels will highlight how Future Black Leaders are making a difference to the Black experience through their ingenuity across politics, sports and entertainment, and business. As Ron deCastro, Market Manager for HOT 97 & WBLS, says, “We are ecstatic to honor Black History Month with inspirational and actionable content from some of the most successful African American Leaders. We have an incredible and diverse lineup of successful black community leaders to both educate and inspire our future leaders.”
Headlined by Ebro Darden from the Ebro in the Morning show, the Back the Vaccine panel welcomes Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the preeminent expert on COVID-19. The panel will pose tough questions and foster necessary dialogue surrounding vaccine adoption within the Black community during these unprecedented times.
Explore the evolution of Black music through the decades as award-winning, on-air personalities look back at some of music’s most iconic moments. This series of talks will highlight the strength and perseverance of Black women, provide paths to
Hot 97 and WBLS Announce 2021 Black History Month Speaker Series: A Celebration of Future Black Leaders
success for Black men and charter the course for Future Black Leaders. “We are at a pivotal moment in history and are extremely excited to add such powerful discussions to further the conversation and continue as the voice for our communities,” according to the WBLS Program Director, Cynthia Smith.
Professor Michael Eric Dyson will wrap up the final week of programming with his Master Class on Making Big Moves. Dyson will outline strategies for expanding a brand, leading with integrity, and making big moves from risk management to the art of negotiation. All programming will be available across all HOT 97 and WBLS platforms.
2021 Black History Month schedule of virtual events:
- Back the Vaccine with Dr. Fauci and Dr. Corbett – Thursday, February 4, 2021
- Black Men Rise – Thursday, February 11, 2021
- Black in Business – Thursday, February 18, 2021
- Black Girl Magic – Tuesday, February 23, 2021
- Master Class – Thursday, February 25, 2021
Beginning February 1, check HOT97.com/blackhistory or WBLS.com/blackhistory for the latest news and up-to-date schedule and information. For inquiries and requests for interviews, please contact Alissa Marti at amarti@hot97.com or (631) 542-2418.