Chris LaFrance Gatlin Candidate Statement

Hello, my name is Chris LaFrãnce Gatlin, and I am running for a staff position on KPFT’s Local Station Board. Being involved with KPFT in many facets over the past few years, I have been honored to serve such a community of individuals connected to its mission statement of service to underserved individuals.

Vote for me, Chris LaFrãnce Gatlin, and provide our board with a young man dedicated to serving both KPFT and the Pacifica Foundation for years to come.

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clgatlin: Great Job Casey

Greetings Case: Continued success on focusing on developing a solid network for our Pacifica community. I will attempt to blog as much as possible, as I find it frees the soul in positive ways. Can not wait until we we host an online Pacifia Collective Summer Bash. Constructing new ways to connect us across our varied stations can be challenging and exciting. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance in the future...Respectfully Chris G...

May 09, 2008

clgatlin: Re: Visions of Inclusion are True

Greetings TilMaya: This comment and response is by and large tardy by modern bluetooth standards; however, I must respond in kind. I am very familiar with the language of our times which many consider offensive and ostensibly derogatory. Programs such as "Connect the Dots", have become the live version of KPFT's mission statement. It is not, nor has it ever been a goal of KPFT to exclude any sector of our collective community...Meaning the varied programs and voices you hear on air and off, diligently work as a unit to secure that inclusion..As far as the language is concerned, a term as "Shanghai'd" becomes derogatory when used out of context. I am certain the host of that program was attempting paint a picture of the level of torture suffered by the founders of KidCare. We must be certain, through our language, to not only clearly define our meaning(s), but to not fail in our duties as voices for the voiceless. The Asian, Asian-American community is not left out in any way at KPFT. We honor anyone seeking to make a positive difference. As far as the etiquette of the phone volunteer who fielded your call, I do believe that the level of professionalism at KPFT must continue to improve in all areas, especially in-studio. I am certain you will not find that the constant mode of operations for all programs at KPFT, and I will work to implement comprehensive training in all aspects of operating a viable community, listener-based radio station. I would also like to thank our current General Manager, Program Director, News Dept., Events Coordin., and Sister Oseye...the the scores of passing souls at KPFT, for the energy your provide to Houston and abroad...Keep up the good work...The best in still yet to come...Big up S.O.S. Radio.

May 09, 2008

tilmaya: ...

I am deeply concerned about the increasing exclusion of "other" communities by KPFT's programming. Specifically, I was listening to Connect the Dot today (November 28, 2007) and the host made a racial slur against Asians (referring to KidCare as having been "Shanghai'd") right after talking about the racism that the black community faces from HPD. This statement is clearly derogatory and it is truly disappointing that the person answering the phone calls at KPFT during the show didn't bother to address my concern. I fear that KPFT is going down a path that is increasingly excluding persons outside of the black/African-American communities. What are your plans or vision to make KPFT more inclusive and balanced?

November 28, 2007

21st Century Blog: Testing, Testing, 1 - 2 - 3, Testing

Howdy, Chris.
This is Casey, the National Elections Supervisor for the Pacifica Foundation. I have randomly selected your space to try out the new blog system for our Local Station Board candidates and voters.
Much thanks to Pacifica Web Worker Pete Korakis for his diligent efforts in making this plan for improved communications in the Pacifica elections a reality!
-- Casey

October 22, 2007

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