Join ARM in protesting Lonsberry's/WHAM's sponsors!!!

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July 2, 2008 (Update) New information is in Red

PRESS RELEASE

From: Rochester's Anti-Racism Movement

As we promised during our press conference on Friday, June 27, 2008 (following our meeting with representatives of WHAM'S management), we are going to take our protests directly to businesses that sponsor the Bob Lonsberry show. Our first action is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 3, 2008. We are requesting that those who plan to join in our protest, meet us at the Downtown United Presbyterian Church (directly across the street from City Hall) at 5:00 PM promptly on Thursday, July 3, 2008. We need as many people as possible to drive, so that all who may need rides will have them. We are intentionally not disclosing the particular business or location until Thursday.

Contact: Myra Brown @ Myrab@rochester.rr.com; mbrown@choiceonemail.com

http://www.whec.com/article/stories/S492905.shtml?cat=566

By: Ray Levato

Anti-racism group to boycott Lonsberry

A Rochester anti-racism group met with WHAM radio (1180) for almost an hour and-a-half Friday morning but emerged saying they feel the station was not responsive to their demands regarding radio talk show host Bob Lonsberry.

Earlier this month, Lonsberry made derogatory comments about girls in the city school district's young motherâ€™s graduation program, and also students recognized by the Urban League's Black Scholars program.

The leaders of Anti-Racism Movement, or ARM, say it was formed to fight institutional racism. And that Lonsberry's comments reinforced the stereotypes many white people have of African-Americans. They say his comments were also sexist and classist. And they demanded Lonsberry be taken off the air. At Friday's meeting, they asked WHAM management if the station thought the remarks were racist and sexist, and were told no. The group said they were told by WHAM that Lonsberry's remarks were just strong opinions.

The group met with station manager Jeff Howlett and other station management but not with Lonsberry.

The group is calling for a city-wide boycott of the sponsors of Lonsberry's mid-day talk show. And they promises protest actions at the business locations of the sponsors.

WHAM had no comment on the meeting.

*current list of sponsors*
Horizon Group

Wells Fargo Bank

Monroe County Republican Committee

"Labron" Toyota (Canandaigua)

Red Wings

UPS

Toys R Us

Comfort Windows

Rowe Photo

Sears Carpet Cleaning

Johns Restaurant (Park Avenue)