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

[Rashida Burch-Washington]

LaGanzie, you continue to be an inspiration to me. Much of what you
have done at KLEK has inspired what we do at WXIR. I hope we can join
you Jonesboro for a conference soon.

Sent from my iPhone
Please excuse my brevity.

> On Oct 10, 2019, at 4:08 PM, KLEK 102.5 F.M. LaGanzie Kale - General Manager via grc <grc at maillist.peak.org> wrote:
>
> 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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