Shelley’s Plumbline

Shelley Stewart

In construction, a plumbline is a weight suspended from a string used as a tool to find the true reference line. A plumbline will always find the vertical axis pointing to the center of gravity, ensuring everything is right, justified, and centered.  ​ Pulling from a library of more than 3,000 shows from his storied career in broadcasting, Shelley's Plumbline leads us in a search for the truth, opening the channels of communication and understanding on tough social topics that are as relevant today as they were 40 years ago.   Join us as we explore the past, compare it to today, and craft a better future.

  1. 2D AGO

    The Rapid Decline of Education in America

    Send us Fan Mail In this week's podcast, Dr. Ricky Jones calls out modern efforts to roll back Civil Rights gains. The discussion highlights the systematic underfunding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the use of anti-affirmative action and anti-DEI movements to restrict Black student access and support at predominantly white institutions.  We discuss how the real value of education is not economic profit, but rather its power to create critically thinking individuals who are capable of examining and challenging the society in which they live.  The segment concludes with a consensus that the current lack of critical thinking, fueled by miseducation, is allowing the media to manipulate the masses. Support the show Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and  LinkedIn.

    32 min

  2. 6D AGO

    What Have We Done Wrong?

    Send us Fan Mail This episode of Shelley's Plumbline explores the question of what we, as Black men and a people, have done wrong in the ongoing struggle for equality?  Stewart frames this introspection with painful memories of childhood segregation and being told he was "wrong" simply because of his color. Dr. Jones refines the query into two parts: "What is wrong with blackness" that the country treats Black people the way it does, and what tactical mistakes have been made in addressing these issues, such as the push for integration or traditional politics.  Shelley also recounts his experience as a broadcaster confronting racism, often facing criticism from others in the Black community who accused him of "stirring up trouble" or being wrong for speaking his mind. The conversation emphasizes the critical difference between external criticism and self-critique, with Dr. Jones warning against the narcissism of people who only discuss wrongs done to them, not wrongs they have committed.  Stewart shares a powerful personal story illustrating his decades-long commitment to justice: he was so disturbed by a white preacher using the radio airwaves to promote segregation, arguing that "black birds and white birds" don't fly together, that he eventually bought the station to take the message off the air.  The co-hosts connect this generational struggle to modern challenges, noting that the community solidarity seen in the Civil Rights era has fractured, attributing the decline in part to Black people buying "lock, stock, and barrel into American individualism." Support the show Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and  LinkedIn.

    35 min

  3. APR 22

    Shelley Shares Stories About the AG Gaston Motel

    Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and  LinkedIn.

    33 min

  4. APR 16

    War. What is it Good for?

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Shelley's Plumbline, we look into the true meaning of war, questioning the moral center of American conflicts, and suggesting that the biggest challenge today is simply survival in America.  The discussion exposes America's "masterful lie" of liberty and justice for all, highlighting the historical and ongoing racial injustice faced by Black veterans returning from conflicts.  The speakers assert that white supremacy has created a generation unaware that America is currently losing a race war. Listen as the hosts warn that the failure of leaders to confront these terrifying realities is a danger we can no longer afford to deny, leading to the philosophical question: "If you knew better, would you do better?" Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and  LinkedIn.

    36 min

  5. APR 8

    Interview with Music Writer Candis Bonner, Pt 2

    Send us Fan Mail In this week's podcast, we continue our interview featuring Candis Bonner, a top writer for the major magazine Black Radio Exclusive. We focus on the history and evolution of the Black radio industry. Bonner explains that Black radio was not homogeneous across the US, and her publication was often ahead of the curve in predicting music trends because it was dedicated to the industry when general trades neglected it.  We discuss the historical power of influential local Black radio personalities, who could previously mobilize thousands of people for community action. However, this local power ultimately diminished because syndicated shows, driven by money, diluted the influence of these strong local voices. Support the show Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and  LinkedIn.

    40 min

  6. APR 1

    An Interview with Music Writer Candis Bonner (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail This week's podcast features guest Candis Bonner, who shares a conversation about lifelong friendship and the evolution of Black media. Friendship Loss and Reunion We discuss the pain of losing friends and the rarity of true friendship. Shelley recounts the emotional reunion with his lifelong friend, Jimmy, after 10 years of separation following his homelessness at age 7. Black Radio Industry History Candis Bonner, Jimmy’s daughter, shares stories of her career path from Michigan State to a top writer for Black Radio Exclusive in Los Angeles. The episode discusses that syndicated shows, driven by money, ultimately dilute the power of influential local Black radio personalities who could mobilize cities. Current State of Black Media Shelley and Candis Bonner agree that effective Black-owned media is virtually nonexistent today because Black-owned media cannot secure financial support or advertising from the business community. Ricky Jones expressed concern that the ongoing struggle is terrifying due to the absolute collapse of Black institutions and shrinking attention spans in younger adults. Support the show Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and  LinkedIn.

    40 min

  7. MAR 25

    Has Civil Rights Lost Its Bite?

    Send us Fan Mail This week's episode of Shelley's Plumbline explores the opposition to Human Rights progress, including the anti-DEI movement and the inaction of the Black bourgeoisie, prompting a call for a desperate resurgence of the movement for freedom.  Shelley and Ricky emphasize the crucial role of education, advocating for widespread reading and critical thinking as a necessary exercise to counter the shallowness of social media content.  Shelley recounts a striking personal story about openly engaging with members of the Ku Klux Klan in their hometown. Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and  LinkedIn.

    35 min

  8. MAR 19

    Has the Role of Black Churches Changed?

    Send us Fan Mail This week Shelley's Plumbline covers a debate on the Black Church's role in community unity and institutional strength, questioning if its historical influence on the community and youth still remains strong today.  Shelley shares his concern about whether Black institutions like the church that once helped navigate racial struggles have weakened in that role.  The discussion then addresses the ongoing fight for equality, emphasizing that awareness and responsibility are needed to address current racial conditions. Support the show Follow us and continue the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and  LinkedIn.

    35 min
See All (155)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

In construction, a plumbline is a weight suspended from a string used as a tool to find the true reference line. A plumbline will always find the vertical axis pointing to the center of gravity, ensuring everything is right, justified, and centered.  ​ Pulling from a library of more than 3,000 shows from his storied career in broadcasting, Shelley's Plumbline leads us in a search for the truth, opening the channels of communication and understanding on tough social topics that are as relevant today as they were 40 years ago.   Join us as we explore the past, compare it to today, and craft a better future.

Information

  • Creator
    Shelley Stewart
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    155
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shelley’s Plumbline
  • Show Website
    Shelley’s Plumbline

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