Michael Baisden to make appearance

In two weeks, the historic Crenshaw Blvd. will be on fire! With some of the community’s prided food vendors, information and clothing booths, the list of attendees from entertainment to community organizers keeps growing. Famed radio personality, motivational speaker, and author Michael Baisden will host a town hall panel discussion on October 18, at the third annual Taste of Soul. The panel discussion will highlight the importance of voting, pertinent Black issues, and the representation of African American people in the media.

He is making a special appearance in Los Angeles to encourage last minute voter registration. The following day, Baisden will host a ‘Get Out the Vote’ rally, sponsored by the Sentinel and 93.5 “The Beat” FM.

Baisden, the self-proclaimed “Bad Boy of Radio”, is the host of the nationally-syndicated radio show The Michael Baisden Show on 93.5 “The Beat”, which can be heard from 4:00 to 8:00pm. The show has been criticized by listeners for its edgy style, but has been praised for its content and attention to issues that affect the Black community. Baisden began his broadcasting career in 2003 when a New York City radio station offered him the afternoon drive-time host position. Within six months, his fast-talking personality and dedication to pertinent issues helped move the station’s ratings from number nine to the top seat.

Baisden’s successful broadcasting career led to his groundbreaking television show “Baisden After Dark” on TV One that debuted last year. Comedian George Wilborn, and bandleader Morris Day add to the high-energy show where Baisden speaks about a range of issues from sex and infidelity to politics and the economy. Featured segments are Feel Good Fridays and “The B-Side” where he introduces up-and-coming musical artists.

The Chicago native is perhaps best known for his spearheading local support for the Jena Six last year. The six Black teenagers were charged with attempted murder after beating a White classmate in a racially motivated fight in Louisiana that began when White students hung nooses on a tree on school grounds. Many in Los Angeles reported that Baisden’s show served as their first introduction to the case. Others stated that Baisden inspired them to journey from California to the historic September 20th rally that marked one of the largest civil rights march in decades.

Enjoying continued success in both radio and TV, Baisden catapulted onto the best-sellers list in 1995 with his first book, “Never Satisfied: How and Why Men Cheat”. Despite having little to no experience, the self-publisher sold over 400,000 copies. During the next seven years, he would pen and publish three more best selling novels: “Men Cry in the Dark” (1997), “The Maintenance Man” (1999), and “Gods Gift to Women” (2002).

Baisden’s candidness, encouragement, and honesty have made him a fan-favorite amongst Angelenos. His personal touch and commitment to the community makes listeners feel as though they are a part of his “family”. In a city known for its sunshine and sheer electric energy, Baisden is sure to energize and enliven Taste of Soul.

Published in : 2008 Taste of Soul, Artists & Performers