Anti-Racism at WRFI
Since the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless other Black, Indegenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and the recent mass mobilizations for racial justice, WRFI’s Board of Directors recommitted the organization to diversity and inclusion and pledged that all board and staff members would engage in anti-racism trainings in order to further develop our skill sets in taking on the work of using radio in service of building racial justice. The station has also launched a series "Which Way Forward" offering conversations on systemic oppression and exploring avenues toward racial justice featuring host Godfrey Simmons and other local leaders of color.
We are eagerly exploring ways more ways further prioritize the voices of BIPOC on our airwaves. Look for some exciting collaborations this fall and, as always, please be in touch and let us know how you can help and what we can do better!
Forums, initiatives, and more
July 20, 6-7pm on WRFI
Which Way Forward: Conversations on Systematic Oppression
Hosted by Godfrey Simmons; Featuring panelists Fabina Benites
The coronavirus crisis has highlighted and exacerbated long-standing, racial and social inequities. Now, the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others have ignited renewed outrage and mobilization against systemic racism, oppression, and police violence.
What can we learn from past struggles, and how can we build a strategy for dismantling the systems that kill black, brown, and indigenous people and perpetuate racial injustice?
June 15, 6-7pm on WRFI
Which Way Forward: A Black Lives Matter Forum
Hosted by Godfrey Simmons; Featuring panelists Nia Nunn, Taili Mugambee, Michelle Courtney Berry, and Jason Corwin
The coronavirus crisis has highlighted and exacerbated long-standing, racial and social inequities. Now, the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others have ignited renewed outrage and mobilization against systemic racism, oppression, and police violence.
What can we learn from past struggles, and how can we build a strategy for dismantling the systems that kill black, brown, and indigenous people and perpetuate racial injustice?
We stand in solidarity with those who resist the systemic racism that has plagued the lives of Black and Indigenous people and people of color in this country for hundreds of years. And we affirm our support for those who are working for racial, social, and economic justice, and we affirm our core belief that Black Lives Matter.
In keeping with WRFI’s mission to promote peace, justice, and cultural diversity, we vehemently condemn all racially motivated violence–especially when perpetrated by those entrusted to protect and serve. We support the abolition of institutions that perpetuate these injustices.
- We renew and strengthen our commitment to amplifying the voices of the oppressed, and the work of those fighting against oppression.
- We commit to allocating significant financial and staff resources to the recruitment and retention of people of color, and to ensuring that every aspect of our operation is in keeping with the principles of anti-racism, inclusion, and equity.
- On June 9, 2020, WRFI’s Board voted in favor of requiring anti-racism training for the Board and all members of station management, and to make anti-racism training a priority for everyone on our volunteer and on-air staff. The board and staff of WRFI will begin ongoing anti-racist training within the next 60 days, working in manner that ensures safety in the context of COVID-19, and we will require anti-racism training of all new staff and employees.
-WRFI Board of Directors, June 9, 2020
WHAT CAN WE DO TO BETTER FULFILL THESE COMMITMENTS? If you have ideas, or would like to be involved in anti-racism work at the station, please leave a message on our comment line at 607-319-5445 ext. 6 or contact us here.
August 13, 2pm on WRFI
WRFI joins stations nationwide to broadcast Breonna Taylor memorial
"On August 13, 2020 radio stations across the country will unite to commemorate the life of Breonna Taylor and the many female victims of American police brutality. This date will mark the five-month anniversary of Breonna’s passing, still with no arrests or any restitution served.
On this day, we will pause our broadcast to recognize the women who were stolen from their families and loved ones far too soon. Together we will celebrate the lives of these unique individuals -- recognize the pain their loss has caused their communities and use our voices to demand the justice they deserve."
Read more from the Facebook event description, on USA Today, and on WXOX ARTxFM's website.
June 9, 3pm on WRFI
WRFI joins nationwide observance to honor George Floyd
RadioSurvivor: "The National Association of Community Broadcasters organized a nationwide observance of the life of George Floyd. Mr. Floyd was laid to rest at a private ceremony on June 9 at 2 PM CDT in Houston, Texas. At that time over 100 community radio stations played Sam Cooke’s 'A Change is Gonna Come.'"