Local callers will have an opportunity to question Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan next month.
Ward 5 Councilman Kabir Karriem will host Farrakhan on his radio program, Karriem & Co., Feb. 9 on WTWG AM 1050. Farrakhan will participate in a telephone interview during which callers to the show will have the opportunity to pose questions.
The program will broadcast at noon. It will also be available online at www.wtwgam1050.com.
Karriem said Tuesday he doesn”t know how many questions will be taken from callers, but phone lines will be open.
For his part, Karriem intends to ask Farrakhan his views on President Barack Obama, who distanced himself from Farrakhan”s support during his presidential campaign, and inquire about Farrakhan”s life since organizing the Million Man March in 1995 and the Million Family March in 2000.
“There”s a whole plethora of questions out there that can be asked,” said Karriem, who will be joined in-studio by a panel of guests to ask questions of the controversial minister.
Farrakhan has long been a polarizing figure, eliciting accusations of racism and anti-Semitism through his public remarks while championing self sufficiency among African Americans.
“There”s no question the cat is very controversial,” said Karriem. “But I think he has something to say. It”s not every day we get to talk to someone like him.”
Over the past four years Karriem”s show has hosted notable guests such as former U.S. House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., former cocaine kingpin “Freeway” Ricky Ross, and R&B great Bobby “Blue” Bland.
“My show is no different than any syndicated show. We have a wide variety of guests. They say what they have to say whether I agree or not. We don”t all think the same,” said Karriem.
WTWG is a community radio station and does not pay its hosts. Karriem said he uses the show to draw attention to important issues and “to be a catalyst for change in the community.”
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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