MLK Day Was Educational and Memorable
By LaDonna Raeh
MLK Day isn’t supposed to feel quiet. It’s supposed to move.
And this year, it did exactly that.
We took The Afternoon Show on the road and broadcast live from the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, and what unfolded wasn’t just a radio show — it was a living, breathing example of Dr. King’s vision of Beloved Community in motion.
Before the microphones even went live, the day had already started pouring into us.
I ran into Tennille and Celeste, and we grabbed a picture together — one of those small moments that ends up meaning more than you expect. They showed love to our Relationship Thursday conversations and told us how much they appreciate the honesty we bring to that space. That mattered. So shoutout to Tennille and Celeste for seeing us, hearing us, and affirming the work. Community feedback is fuel.
They also said, “Bring back KB Lewis.”
Now… I’m not saying yes. I’m not saying no.
But I will say this: I’ll put in a request. The people have spoken.
As we moved through the museum, I connected with Raymond Ward from media relations at the DuSable — one of those behind-the-scenes professionals whose work quietly keeps the story aligned and amplified.
Then came the real acts of service — the kind that don’t make headlines but make a difference. At the Gift of Hope table, Cleonna graciously handed me ChapStick at exactly the moment my lips needed mercy. Beloved Community sometimes looks like organ donation education… and sometimes it looks like lip care. Both matter.
Right next door, the Monarch Awards Foundation table was fully stocked with information and intention. They sent me off prepared — hand warmers, ChapStick, and a bag to carry it all — because somebody understands that care is both emotional and logistical. Miss Rhonda, in particular, was just as sweet as she was thoughtful. That kind of kindness stays with you.
On the mic, the conversations went deep and stayed grounded.
At 4:30 PM, we were joined by Imara Canady, National Director of Communications, Community Outreach, and Engagement, and National Director of the Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Her presence reminded us that health justice is civil rights work. She spoke with clarity about the continued impact of HIV/AIDS on Black communities, the importance of Black-led advocacy, and the urgency of breaking stigma with truth, access, and compassion. Dr. King talked about justice as love in public — and that conversation lived squarely in that tradition.
We also spoke with Anthony Beale, who shared how $53 million was secured for the Indian Trails Apartments — an investment that will materially improve the lives of families by providing stable, affordable housing. That wasn’t abstract policy talk. That was Dr. King’s Chicago fight showing up in real time: economic justice, fair housing, and dignity rooted in place.
And then there was Mama Dee.
One of our frequent callers. One of our constants. One of our truth-tellers.
Mama Dee didn’t come with talking points. She came with lived wisdom and a voice shaped by time, experience, and love for the community. Her words reminded us that the Beloved Community isn’t only carried by institutions and leaders — it lives in the people who keep calling in, keep caring, and keep holding the line for the next generation.
That’s what this day was about.
Not just speeches — people.
Not just history — hospitality.
Not just legacy — care in real time, whether that looks like housing dollars, health advocacy, or hand warmers in January.
This is what MLK Day looks like when it’s alive.
And as we closed out the broadcast, the truth remained steady and clear:
In order to change our narrative, we must learn, speak and teach our greatness.
— LaDonna Raeh
