“Black Music Month” with Rev. LaDana Clark aka LADYJAM and DJ J Easy aka Jonathan Brooks, Whitney’s Music Fest, History of Fireworks 6-30-25

On this week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday, we celebrate Black Music Month by exploring the cultural, spiritual, and social impact of Black music with two powerful guests: Reverend LaDana Clark (aka LADYJAM), a Black lesbian Christian musician and minister, and DJ J-Easy (Jonathan Brooks), 95.5 FM DJ and sound engineer for the show. Together, we reflect on music’s ability to heal, uplift, and spark dialogue in the face of hate and division. Reverend Clark shares her moving journey from addiction and industry exploitation to a spiritual awakening that now fuels her ministry and music. Meanwhile, DJ J-Easy and I delve into the realities of creating meaningful work and establishing a media presence in a smaller market, as well as how we each define success and fame on our own terms.

This episode centers on transformation, resilience, and the responsibility artists bear in using their platforms for good. Reverend Clark’s song “Hateration” calls out hate in all its forms, urging community engagement and honest dialogue as a path to healing. Our conversation emphasizes authenticity, growth, and the unifying power of music. Plus, we bring you highlights from Whitney’s Music Fest, and Lily Christopher uncovers the surprising history of fireworks, along with a guide to where you can catch local displays this Fourth of July.