Bob ‘The Tall One’ transitions to the ancestral realm

A Black radio legend died at age 86.
The announcement was confirmed on social media in a statement from his beloved family: “It is with broken hearts that the family of Bob Law, legendary radio broadcaster, community activist and entrepreneur, announces his passing on Monday, March 30.”

The news sent shockwaves throughout the diaspora, particularly resonating most with conscientious radio listeners from the Black community.
According to reports, Law passed away after enduring declining health challenges and daily dialysis treatments.
“I know I haven’t heard him on WBAI for some time, but I can’t believe he’s gone forever,” Lister Hewan Lowe, producer of “Burn, Baby, Burn” (a weekly, early morning show at the progressive radio station) lamented.

Nationally regarded as a giant in the industry for simplifying complex matters of interest, Law stood 6 feet 5 inches tall and was acclaimed for achieving Civil Rights victories over half a century of cultural connections with listeners.
His pioneering colleague Gary Byrd — who hosts the Gary Byrd Experience from WBLS-FM and WBAI-FM — dubbed him the ‘tall one.’

Given his height and lean measurements, their shared status and longevity, and their opinionated twin views, this seemed an appropriate distinction.
“My brother, the tall one, broadcast activist, father, husband, author, filmmaker, and friend, was dedicated to our people until the very end,” Byrd said.

Law was a revered, veteran radio griot whose nationally syndicated overnight broadcast informed a specific community, a cultural, political, and impactful audience.
“Though he towered over many who listened and also those he saw, his gift was his love for our people,” Byrd added.
“Now he becomes an ancestor who fills us with pride.”

Law’s height was not his only advantage in seeing past mountains of misinformation, piles of mainstream malignment, and bias related to undermining Black imagery throughout the world.

From his vantage, he was able to separate fact from fiction by carefully reading between the lines of newspaper coverage.
NY1 described Law as a “ferocious advocate for justice.”

Following his death, the primary video source of news and information for New Yorkers devoted ample time to memorializing the even-tempered, unhurried personality who revolutionized the WWRL programming format.
In an audio epitaph, the medium recapped a legacy defined by Law’s midnight to 5 a.m. formula, which fed the appetites of hungry listeners yearning for more than “all the news fit to print.”

A co-respondent’s reveal explained that, from his elevated perch at the flagship Black radio station, Law launched “Night Talk” in 1981.
Apparently, he joined the station in 1973 when high ratings branded it the sole soul station at the end of the dial.
Building on its reputation, Law amplified the 1600 frequency. He endeared himself to listeners by encouraging them to stay up late to glean alternative opinions on current events.

Loyalists might recall the memorable conversation with Rev. Jesse Jackson, who launched his presidential campaign on his program.
Many more could reflect a dialogue with Pan-Africanist, Nation of Islam, and Muslim leader Malcolm X.
But, truth be told, insider stories about celebrities Richard Pryor, Sister Souljah, Whitney Houston, James Brown, and others were on his radar as topical commentary.
Face it, Law focused on the diversity of his community.

He was instrumental in aiding NOI Minister Louis Farrakhan’s call for Black male atonement in Washington, DC, in 1995.
Credited as a key mobilizer in the convergence of masses from all over the country, Law used his platform as a sounding board for an invitation to the Million Man March.
“He provided the political grapevine of Black America,” Rev. Al Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network, said.
“He was a true representative.”

Add to that, Law’s determined effort on reporting often-overlooked details surrounding cases like the Central Park Jogger, the Bensonhurst Murder trials, and alleged police informant Larry Davis. He also covered the murders of graffiti artist Michael Stewart, home-bound senior Eleanor Bumpers, unarmed Queens resident Sean Bell, Bronx resident Yvonne Smallwood, Florida’s Trayvon Martin, and many more police brutality victims who were allegedly denied fair news coverage.

The tall one also seemed to immerse himself in disclosing many of the intricacies of Black employees in the music industry.
Whether related to Motown Records’ Berry Gordy, SONY Music’s Clarence Avant, or trailblazing Atlantic Records’ female boss, Sylvia Rhone, Law’s insightful disclosures enhanced understanding of the behind-the-scenes practice.

On one occasion, this Insider recalls a dialogue with the legend, when he boasted of the pride of the singular power-broking female.
It was following my lengthy exaltation of a growing presence of Black publicists, promotion personnel, A&R executives, and numerous niche music signees to record labels.

Pausing to absorb my naivete, Law responded, saying:
“Sylvia Rhone is the only Black, female executive able to sign checks. That makes her more than a figurehead.”
Right then and there, I realized a lesson in perceptions, corporate facades, and the importance of money management.
He was not always subtle.
Neither was he deluded, jaded, or impressed with popular perceptions.
“He was in a league of his own,” Village Voice reporter Peter Noel said.

Law was not acknowledged during the Easter Sunday television memorial listing previous death passages. However, to a population of more than 50 million African Americans, he remains a national treasure.
“Gone but not forgotten,” Noel added.

Funeral viewing begins from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 9 at Frank R. Bell Funeral Home, 536 Sterling Place in Brooklyn.”City Lights” dim for Jeanne ParnellAnother veteran radio personality departed recently. Jeanne Parnell, the popular hostess of “City Lights,” died on March 16.

She was a retired assistant principal and devout Harlem personality whose entertainment programs on WWRL, WLIB, WBLS, and WHCR enticed listeners to visit clubs, theatres, cinemas, and hotspots throughout the tri-state area.

Many who were privileged to hear her spotlights lit candles in remembrance of the socialite.
In honor, a great many even dimmed the glow.
She was 89.
A May home-going rite is planned.

Harris, Jeffries & Crump represent NAN 35

Three reputable attorneys are among the distinguished speakers scheduled to address National Action Network’s conventioneers, invited to attend a free, three-day gathering at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel from April 8.

From a long list of dignitaries asked to participate in the annual confab, the three represent the legal profession and are likely to attract the largest crowds.
Credentials may factor, as may name recognition, but nostalgia permits recalling a statement from a California senator who declared aspirations for a presidential candidacy, saying, ‘Kamala Harris for the people.’
She was denied victory in that case but ultimately won historic notoriety by claiming a win that led to the election of the first Black female vice president of the United States.

Another proponent of due process is Democratic House minority leader Cong. Hakeem Jeffries. Early in his career, he worked as a corporate lawyer.
That the New Yorker once represented corporate entities Viacom and CBS could be perceived as a capitalist ambition for advancement.
He is now the Democratic House minority leader and considered an agitator against unreasonable Republican policies.

Redemption might be evident with a recurring appearance from Civil Rights attorney Benjamin Crump.
Invited again following the travesty surrounding the death of George Floyd, his name indelibly imprints persuasive legal arguments concerning racism in America.
His consistent attention to duty has surpassed skepticism for his sustainability.
More than a mouthpiece and advocate for justice, he qualifies as an asset to any practice, having served as a partner in the law firm Harris, Jeffries & Crump.

Perhaps an unlikely union, though, the three diverse advocates of America’s jurisprudence are among clergy, activists, politicians, entertainers, dignitaries, and ordinary citizens slated for independent appearances at the Manhattan landmark.

Together, they will also mark the 35th anniversary of the founding of the national advocacy Civil Rights organization by activist Rev. Al Sharpton.
While workshops, panel discussions, and open forums are billed, the celebrated three legal wizards will likely attract the lion’s share of participants.

Catch you on the Inside!