Read About It: You Should Listen to Tavis Smiley

Syndicated radio and TV host Tavis Smiley is leading a free event on financial empowerment today at the Charlotte Convention Center. The Nationwide On Your Side Tour event starts at 10 a.m. and will include guest speakers and seminars aimed at educating you on how to make good decisions regarding your finances (click here for more info on the event).


Last week, I got the opportunity to interview Smiley for Creative Loafing. If you've ever heard him speak, then you know he's a fast-talking (not Michael Eric Dyson fast, though), truth-telling, politically active, and socially conscious man who doesn't bite his tongue. I didn't even have to ask him many questions, because he knows what he's trying to convey, particularly to African-Americans. He's bringing a message of accountability. And unlike many African-Americans, he has no qualms about criticizing President Barack Obama. But like it or not, Smiley is fair and rather objective in his criticism. He would probably congratulate Obama on winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Click here to read my interview with Smiley on Charlotte's Creative Loafing website.