WCPN probes Oberlin history

Radio examines the African American experience at Oberlin

WCPN, Cleveland's public radio station, was looking for a few good Black History Month segments. When the editorial board heard about Oberlin, they liked the sound of it.

The sounds of Oberlin are now being broadcast over WCPN, 90.3 FM. The station produced a three-part series entitled "The Future of Oberlin's Past." The episodes address Oberlin's history, town-gown relations and tourism. The final segment airs tonight at 9:10 p.m.

"We thought it was perfect," News Director Dave Pignanelli said.

The first segment, entitled "Gown," teased listeners with tales of the Amistad and the Wellington Slave Rescue. But in the body of the report, producer Karen Schaefer said, "The reality is that, for many black students, Oberlin College has been less than perfect."

Schaefer spoke with Professor of African-American Studies Yakubu Saaka, Associate Director of Admissions Tammy Dowley-Blackman and Lecturer in African-American Studies Adenike Sharpley.

Saaka said, "When I got here in 1972, the numbers, believe it or not, were a lot larger than they were today."

Sophomore Honora Collins listened to the early morning broadcast of the second segment, "Town."

"I wasn't expecting Oberlin to be on the radio," Collins said.

"Town" featured interviews with town residents and Oberlin faculty members.

"It seemed pretty fair," Collins said. "I have to admit I don't know too much about the town. It was more enlightening than anything else."