Sara Flounders Candidate Statement

Because WBAI is such a vital resource, it’s hardly surprising that there are continuing efforts to undermine the Pacifica Mission by a grouping trying to take the station in a wholly different direction. This group organizes smear, fear, and slander campaigns to sow divisions and discourage activists from donating or volunteering at the station.

I’m proud to be part of the WBAI Justice and Unity Campaign slate (www.justiceunity.org), which has been endorsed by Larry Hamm, ACT UP, and many other activists and progressive organizations. I share their strong commitment to keeping WBAI connected to communities of color and grassroots movements for progressive action. I urge you to vote for me and all eight of our candidates:
Omowale Clay
Tibby Brooks
Lisa Davis
Marianela Tricoche
Marian Borenstein
Wellington Echegaray
Bok-keem Nyerere

I’ve helped obtain station premiums at low cost and, working with other Justice & Unity members, have raised thousands of dollars to keep WBAI on the air. I’ll continue to work cooperatively with management and staff, rather than harass, attack, and undermine their work as the opposition does. Commitment to both unity and diversity based on race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, and disability is essential for the station staff, the LSB, and its committees.

I bring to the board 40 years of experience and consistency in many movements against racism, war, political repression, and attacks on immigrants. I also bring my enthusiasm and deep optimism that people’s movements are the only force capable of making historic and fundamental change.

I am a long-time resident of Jersey City and I’m politically active locally, in New Jersey, in NYC, and nationally.

I’ve called into WBAI from the rubble of U.S. and Israeli targets in Beirut, Jenin, Yugoslavia, Sudan, and Iraq. I’ve been an organizer of major rallies against the war on Iraq. I’ve worked actively in defense of many political prisoners, especially Mumia Abu-Jamal and Leonard Peltier, and now the Jena 6. I’ve been a consistent activist on issues of affirmative action and reparations.

As co-director of the International Action Center for 15 years, I’ve gained invaluable experience in mass mobilizations, working collaboratively in pressured situations, organizing education and research, volunteer recruitment, and working with incredibly tight budgets. I’m well aware of the stresses that places on organizations. All these skills will continue to be helpful on the LSB.

WBAI is the only radio station in the area that has consistently given honest and thorough coverage to political crises as they unfold. It’s essential that we increase the slim anti-racist Justice and Unity majority on the board to continue working cooperatively with management, staff, listeners, and all our vibrant communities. It’s vital that we strengthen and improve our station, not tear it down.