(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- In celebration of Black History Month, Seton Hall’s WSOU 89.5 FM announced a series of special programming and digital events to celebrate and highlight the many contributions of African-American students, staff, alumni, and memorable individuals.
Throughout the month of February, WSOU will honor Black History Month by shining a spotlight on black artists through its regular on-air programming and social media. Some of the black musicians to be featured are: Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, guitarist Will Swan, and singer Corey Glover, among many others.
In addition, on Saturday, February 20 at 8:30am, WSOU’s public affairs programming will host notable Seton Hall individuals such as Dr. Shawna Cooper-Gibson, who is the university’s Vice President of Student Services. Dr Cooper-Gibson, who co-chairs the University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, will be the guest on “Thank God For Monday” for a conversation about Black History Month and Seton Hall’s recently enhanced diversity efforts.
“I am Black History. We are Black History,” said Cooper-Gibson. “February is set aside to focus on the global contributions of people of African descent, whose culture, impact, history, relevance, innovation, and beauty is something all people should actively acknowledge and celebrate, throughout the month and all year long.”
Also, on February 13, “Leadership with Darrell Gunter” will present “Diversity and Inclusion: A Frank Discussion” with the following notable guest speakers: United Healthcare’s Tiffany Mack, Jamie Axelrod from the University of North Arizona, and Sonia (Rodriguez) Spicehandler, who is Vice President of Human Resources at TenFour. This unique one-hour talk show will discuss diversity and equity with these industry leaders.
During February, WSOU will profile various African-American Seton Hall students such as Jorie Mickens, Christian Gardner, and Wilnir Louis, who was named one of Radio’s Future African American Leaders by Radio Ink magazine. The station will highlight on air and through social media the students’ significant contributions to WSOU and the university.
“WSOU has been instrumental for my career, giving me opportunities to broadcast games at Seton Hall and covering some of the biggest news stories in the tri-state, including on election night last year,” Assistant sports director Christian Gardner (’22) said. “This has been a place that has made me grow professionally. WSOU brings a sense of community that will catch you when you fall and help you reach new heights.”
WSOU’s celebration of this Black History Month aims to spotlight the accomplishments of diverse individuals that have greatly influenced the radio station and Seton Hall University throughout the years. Through its programming, the station supports the university’s efforts to cultivate and nurture a trusting and collaborative University community that educates and empowers all its members to advance equity, inclusion, and social justice on campus and throughout the world.
WSOU 89.5 FM, which began broadcasting in 1948, is the student-run radio station of Seton Hall University. Celebrated for its loud rock format and coverage of Seton Hall athletics, WSOU’s signal reaches all five boroughs of New York City and much of northern and central New Jersey and is available on iHeartRadio. WSOU was the 2016 winner of the National Broadcasters Association’s Marconi Award for Noncommercial Station of the Year and a 2019 nominee for the Marconi Award for Best College Radio Station.
