[grc] Statement on KLEK-LP withdrawing from consideration of hosting GRC 2020

Thu Oct 10 13:08:28 PDT 2019

I would like to congratluate Rashida Burch-Washington
<https://www.facebook.com/rashida.burchwashington?fref=gs&__tn__=%2CdK-R-R&eid=ARDYtmGRpFiUkRy83NZhfL9lh5Kpg5Bhm4NGPPcp5J5cYPONDdWKE2gOa9AL6ene6wiR0LDbqf9i6fsS&dti=594144637328049&hc_location=group>
and
the team from WXIR, WAYO, and PODER for a great GRC 2019. As with each
conference, I always enjoy meeting new people, connecting with old friends,
sharing new ideas, and elevating the spirit of community radio.

After much prayer and consulting with my spouse, pastor, and Board of
Directors I would also like to inform everyone that KLEK 102.5 F.M. is
officially withdrawing from consideration for hosting the 2020 Grassroots
Radio Conference.

This was not a decision that was made lightly. Several people fought hard
for us. Many of my volunteers and supporters already had begun preparations
for the conference going as far back to when Rashida and I made the
agreement that I would withdraw from consideration from the 2019 conference
with the understanding KLEK would host the 2020 conference. Some wanted us
to continue the fight. Some even wanted us to host a conference anyway
regardless of how the vote turned out. One thing that was made perfectly
clear to me is that people that support us are very passionate.

And to everyone that believed in what could have been I say to you THANK
YOU for believing in not just me, but in KLEK and what a KLEK hosted
conference would look like.

I do believe that a potential KLEK conference would have produced magical
moments in the true spirit of community radio. One goal I was working
towards was making it the FIRST EVER (as far as I know) conference where
ALL registrations , activities, and communal lodging would be absolutely
FREE.

However, what is more important to me is something I’ve always tried to do
through KLEK.

That is to BUILD BRIDGES and BUILD COMMUNITIES.

I truly believe we have a community within the grassroots radio movement.
However, that community risks being torn apart at the worst and at best
endure the effects of the seeds of division. Some of those seed were
planted this weekend and in good conscience I would bear the ultimate
responsibility if those seeds sprouted into hatred and distrust among each
other when our collective voices are needed more than ever.

Again this was an extremely difficult decision to make but at the end of
the day I believe it is best to continue to lead by the example I set in
Jonesboro of being willing to step aside and to sacrifice for the greater
good of the community.

By withdrawing from consideration for 2020 I hope this will lay the bricks
to BUILD a BRIDGE in our COMMUNITY where despite our differences we can
walk hand in hand across this bridge leaving behind conflict and strife as
we march towards our goal of using our collective voices to make this world
a better place.

Not everyone will agree with this decision. To those I let down I sincerely
apologize. I believe we have so much more important things to fight for
than who hosts a conference. As for me, we’re doing exciting things at KLEK
and I look forward to placing 100% of my efforts into making Jonesboro a
better place. I will do nothing else regarding a conference at this time
and the foreseeable future.

Finally I would like to extend my sincerest best wishes to Sharon Scott
<https://www.facebook.com/sharonscott502?fref=gs&__tn__=%2CdK-R-R&eid=ARDYv3V6MoMfoMSJQzu6YcXSCDZ44vhIW9mZk99rL6J74RF9bRumkEymzo9vUq9iTunQc9eUYIocm7UW&dti=594144637328049&hc_location=group>
and
everyone at WXOX. Please support them as I know they’re going to work
extremely hard to put together a great conference. I’ll be there and ready
to help if asked. I hope you will too.

-- 

*KLEK-LP 102.5 FM*

The Voice of Arkansas Minority Advocacy Council

1411 Franklin St.

Jonesboro, AR 72401

Phone:  870-203-9951 | Fax: 870-738-9393 | KLEKfm.org <http://klekfm.org/>

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