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by JR Valrey, The Minister of Information
The Both Sides of the Conversation podcasts are powerful and very much needed platforms in the Black communities of San Francisco. Jon Henry is the pioneer who is and has been leading this effort since its inception. He is somebody who is not just active with the camera, but he is somebody that you can catch at City Hall lobbying at the Reparations rally showing his support, or at the local event tabling. So he is definitely outside and accessible and that is important when you make indy Black media for the grassroots.
We must remember all of the Black people who used their platforms for good like Muhammad Ali, Kyrie Irving, Mahmoud Abdul Raauf, 2Pac, Kanye, Mumia, Imam Jamil Al-Amin and more. Jon Henry is in that line of making media for the people. Check him out in his own words, then go subscribe to the YouTube channel.
JR Valrey: Can you talk about how Both Sides of the Conversation was conceived? When?
Jon Henry: I saw a need to provide a platform that addresses the issues that are negatively impacting the Black and Brown communities with a focus on changing the narrative.
I have first-hand insight into the issues at hand and how to best address these problems and have developed trust among community members to influence positive behaviors with an open line of communication and strong participation in our programs. BSOTC was founded in August 2020.
JR Valrey: What void is BSOTC filling in the local Black media space? What makes this show unique?
Jon Henry: There was a disconnect between community resources and people receiving information about how to receive resources. We help bridge the gap. We live-stream three digital podcasts a week. Our Sunday conversation highlights important topics that affect our community. We have panelists come on to share their side of the conversation. Our “Hidden Gem” show spotlights Black and Brown community members, organizations and businesses.
Our Educational Thursday show provides a space for professionals to share their expertise with the community via PowerPoint presentations and live Q&A. We use our social media to post announcements and flyers about city meetings and events that take place through partnering community-based organizations. We also live-stream at community events. This provides real-time access for community members who might not otherwise have the ability to attend.
JR Valrey: Can you name some of your more prominent guests and what did yall talk about?
Jon Henry: We believe that all community members should be uplifted. One of our most recent Sunday chats discussed the relationship between community violence and trauma. This topic led to a deep discussion among panelists and also the community members that were viewing. Moments like these are where you can see the power in talking through the collective challenges we face on a daily basis.
JR Valrey: What effect has BSOTC had on the community?
Jon Henry: I would like to highlight our recent event that took place during Black History Month. On Feb. 18, we held our Second Annual African American History Bowling Event at Sea Bowl in Pacifica, Calif.
The event was held in loving memory of my mother, Jeralene L. Henry, and cousins Bonnie Franklin and Jeremy Gordon. We also recognized community members and sponsorship partners. This was a free event for the community. Five hundred community members were impacted by that event. Event attendees had an opportunity to bowl, eat, win cash prizes and receive branded merchandise in a safe and fun environment. We also showcased some of our talented youth writers and praise dancers.
JR Valrey: I have seen BSOTC tabling at a number of events. Where will y’all be in person this spring and summer?
Jon Henry: We are always out in the community supporting other events. Our next event will be our un-housed feed serving our un-housed community across the Bay in Oakland. You will also see us tabling and outreaching around San Francisco for the Juneteenth weekend.
JR Valrey: How do you feel about how Black residents have organized themselves in San Francisco to demand reparations?
Jon Henry: I feel proud of the work that has been done towards demanding reparations in the City and County of San Francisco. The rally at City Hall on March 14 was indicative of how we can come together to support a common cause. I was also proud to see all of the community members that showed up to speak during the Board of Supervisors meeting that same day. We will continue the fight with the Reparations Advisory Committee to get long overdue reparations for residents in the City and County of San Francisco.
JR Valrey: The head of the NAACP in San Francisco recently did a dynamic speech at the last reparations rally at City Hall, then turned around and wrote a press release that seemed to contradict what he said on the podium on the same day. What are your thoughts on this controversy?
Jon Henry: There is no controversy. We want to hold all community leaders accountable for their role in hindering the socioeconomic standing of individuals and families in our communities. BSOTC stands firm on doing what it takes to get effective leaders over our organizations.
JR Valrey: What’s next for BSOTC?
Jon Henry: We will continue to advance our mission and vision. The mission of Both Sides of the Conversation is to analyze the needs of the Black and Brown community, criticize any barriers that impact the advancement of the community and then mobilize to support the community in overcoming these barriers.
We achieve this through open dialogue and community outreach. Our vision: A place for open dialogue and conscious community outreach and engagement dedicated to providing love, sustenance, educational resources, centralized communication, community resources and information to individuals who need it the most.
Both Sides of the Conversation will continue to stand in solidarity with the great work the Dream Keeper Initiative continues to do to help the dreams of Black folks become a reality. We will continue to serve the Black community in the San Francisco Bay Area.
JR Valrey: How can people tune in and stay in touch online?
Jon Henry: You can reach out on Facebook. The Instagram is bothsidesoftheconversation. Twitter: @BothSidesofthe5. YouTube: Both Sides of the Conversation. Our website is bsotc.org.
JR Valrey, journalist, author, filmmaker and founder of Black New World Media. He is also the editor in chief of the San Francisco Bay View newspaper. He teaches the Community Journalism class twice a week at the San Francisco Bay View newspaper office.
