yo!” I never thought that I would be a radio personality. I tell my radio professionals that I always looked at it as a hobby, but when it became a career decision I was humbled and blessed to be a Programmer in my hometown. IM: Can you explain your responsibilities and where they have taken you over the years. What accomplishments you have made and led you to your current position of program manager today? BH: Well, as a PD I program all the music that you hear on Coast 97.3 as well as make sure my staff is equipped with the tools they need to have successful shows and put the station in the fore front of our community as the leader. I was proud to win the SMES Program Director of the Year. I also am humble to be nominated in the SC awards as Radio Personality of the Year….and of course we stay #1 in our demo (18-34) here in Wilmington. IM: Teaching was your day job & music disc jockey became your night job how have the two careers inspired you? BH: While I was teaching, I was the night DJ. When I was offered the job as PD I did step down from teaching, but I still go into the schools for certain issue and rallies. Both jobs have inspired me to encourage positive change and progress to our youth. I can do it on such a larger scale while I’m on radio.
IM: I have noticed over the years your contributions to your city. What were some of the events that you were involved in that made a big impact on the city of Wilmington?
BH: Don’t worry about the getting signed part yet...brand your name in your city, region, state, etc...make the industry come look for you...get yourself hot...Radio is so different now...don’t wait for someone to make you hot...go get in the streets, clubs, djs ear and get your song poppin... excuse me...A good song...you determine how far your career will go...
BH: Oh wow...I along with my coworker The Mid-Day Miss (Sandra) started the Teen Summit because of the violent crime amongst our teens here in the Port City, I am also an Alum of the Community Boys and Girls Club and I serve on the Black Arts Alliance Board as well...Teen
“Both jobs have inspired me to encourage positive change and progress to our youth. I can do it on such a larger scale while I’m on radio.”
Summit is the baby that really started me super being involved in the community and then the African American Heritage Festival along with anything that keeps kids out of the streets because I was one of those street kids... IM: In the independent music industry over the years I have seen that you have participated in some of the events supporting underground music. What is some advice that you can give these artists trying to get signed or to further their career?
IM: Who are some of the mainstream artist that you might have interviewed or met a long your career that have left a great impression on you? BH: I met Jay-Z in the first part of my career...amazing thinker and business man even at that time when he was independent...yes Rock-A-Fella was indie...but if I could choose just one...Me meeting and interviewing DJ Kool Herc was the biggest for me...if it were not for him I wouldn’t even have a job..a lot of us wouldn’t...”I salute the Father of Hip Hop!!” IM: If you could tell the youth of today one thing they should do in their life time what would that be? BH: READ!!! And Travel!! If you get the opportunity to go somewhere you have never been do it! Exposure teaches us so much...and of course reading is fundamental!! If you can read well you can do anything.... ANYTHING!!! My message to youth would be don’t settle for less...”If Better Is Possible, Good is Not Enough!
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