Imani Henry (organizer, International Action Center; Program Coordinator, TransJustice, Audre Lorde Project-LGBTST people of color organizing center; playwright/performer)

Click here for candidate statement.

Imani Henry

WBAI Candidate Questionnaire

1. Why do you want to be on the Local Station Board?

WBAI is a struggle-oriented station. It has staved off a takeover by forces hostile to the historic role Pacifica has played. It has shifted gears and fundraised itself out of the hole left by the hijackers. It has fought to keep itself in the hands and under the control of progressive forces—while still providing quality programming. I have benefited from all of this, all these years. It is now time to give back. Three years is not a long time to give to such an important resource a ’BAI. It would be an honor to serve on the board.

2. How do you envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation, WBAI and the community?

I envision the LSB doing everything in its power to strengthen the work of WBAI and Pacifica, especially by bringing in more community people as members, whether as financial supporters or volunteers. The bigger our listener base, the more money. Our relationship with the Pacifica Foundation should be one of mutual respect and consultation, without any imposition of decisions on WBAI that affect the local character of our station.

3. How could the station better serve its listeners?

Justice and Unity is committed to grassroots, activist-oriented programming. The more programs we have that cater to as many different communities—spoken in the languages of that community where possible—the more young people that are on the air, the more shows that report on local community struggles from all parts of the tri-state area, the better for the entire political movement. We will all be more informed, more able to provide solidarity. More solidarity and working together mean more victories we can win.

4. Describe some actions you would take to increase the influence of the station in underrepresented communities and to increase the diversity of the listening audience.

Justice and Unity members have consistently done outreach for WBAI at community events to promote the programming and expand the listener base. I would love to support and expand WBAI’s promotional efforts both by getting more volunteers to go out to events as well as developing stickers, palm cards, and other materials.

I am also aware of the tremendous work that WBAI has done to expand its coverage of lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT) issues in recent years. The station built a wider base of activists and journalists who produce the LGBT show and included LGBT issues in a whole spectrum of programs. This has sent a clear message to the progressive LGBT movement of the tri-state area that WBAI is committed to better inclusion of the struggles of LGBT people. I would support similar efforts for deeper WBAI service toward Black, Latin@, Asian/Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, indigenous, youth, and other working class communities.

5. What sources of funding, other than listener donations, do you feel WBAI should solicit?

There are plenty of progressive musicians, spoken word artists, and other performers who would gladly do benefit concerts and events for WBAI. We should do more systematic outreach to them.

I am excited by Justice and Unity’s support for the idea of developing a Pacifica record label. This could raise funds for our stations, while also giving much needed exposure to progressive artists excluded by the corporate sector.

I believe it’s important for the LSB to work with the station to launch a capital campaign to purchase our own studios, so we can get out from under the gigantic rent that we pay on Wall Street. This will eventually allow the station to put more money into buying better equipment, hiring more staff, and strengthening its programming ability.

6. Please state briefly the skills, experience, educational background, work history, organizational affiliations, areas of community service, areas of interest and expertise that you would bring to the Pacifica network as a member of the Local Station Board.

Through the International Action Center, I have the tremendous opportunity to be a lead organizer, responsible for the coordination of logistics, security, police negotiations, media, and other aspects of large-scale demonstrations, in-door rallies, mass civil disobediences, conferences, and international delegations. In my professional, paid life, I have directed AIDS prevention programs for homeless and street populations, at major agencies in Boston and New York City for over 10 years. I also have a background in development and special events management that complements my logistical experience with large-scale anti-war demonstrations. I’m generally known as a hard worker and a team player. I also want what’s truly best for ’BAI and will do all that I can to help make that happen.

7. Do you anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings due to family- or job-related problems or inadequate transportation?

I do not anticipate missing meetings.

8. On which Local Station Board committees are you interested in actively serving?

I am interested in serving on the Membership, Outreach, and Fundraising Committee.

Contact: imani@justiceunity.org