Talking politics almost always has the potential to incite an argument. But for one Youngstown State University couple, political dissent is what brings them together for two hours every Friday morning.
Terence Langston, a freshman international business major, and Sheneefah “Sha-Sha” Johnson, a freshman business management major, host Rookery Radio’s “Southside T Blaze Morning Show” on Fridays between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
The couple’s show focuses on politics.
“We want to educate people about their rights and what’s going on in the world because it affects them,” Langston said. “People aren’t as educated as they need to be on politics.”
In addition to political content, the hosts plan to dedicate the “Doing Good in the Hood” segment to anyone helping the community or environment.
“People are trying to step up, and we want them to be known,” Johnson said. “There is good being done, but you’re just not hearing about it. We hope that if we praise them, more will do good.”
Johnson had the same mindset to “do good” when she started a record label, Stacked Up Ent, which she created for her 16-year-old son.
She wanted the label to provide an alternative to violence for Youngstown’s youth, but said it was a bonus when her son actually sounded good while rapping.
“I made it for my son, but also for a lot of young boys so that they would keep out of trouble,” Johnson said. “I wanted people to see that talented rappers aren’t bad people.”
Johnson said she hopes the label will be able to provide employment. Established in May, it employs four artists. With time and development, she said she hopes that number will grow.
The “Southside T Blaze Morning Show” debuted Nov. 19. Johnson and Langston said they have high hopes for its future.
“We’re trying to do everything internationally,” Langston said. “We want to take business, music and radio internationally. They listen to music everywhere, not just here.”
Langston said he hopes to expand to Africa.
While business expansion remains Langston’s long-term goal, the expansion of knowledge is Johnson’s priority. She wants her voice to be heard — and said that radio is a great way to do so.
Johnson said she didn’t come from a rich family, or even a family who had a lot. These roots motivate her future. Her main goal in life involves helping her son be the best person he can be.
“I want to improve myself while bettering young kids,” Johnson said. “I want them to know that it’s possible to get an honest paycheck and that people do want to hire young minorities. I aim to build better self-esteem and morals.”
Langston and Johnson plan to use the show to help with the present.
“Our mission is to educate,” Langston said.
Johnson said that regardless of the number of listeners tuned into their show, she hopes people hear their message.
“If 10 of those people can gain knowledge and pass it on to somebody else, that’s 20 people who learned something,” Johnson said. “As long as we’re putting our voice out there, people are learning.”
