I am sooo happy to hear that my friend and high school alum, award-winning radio and TV personality Monique Caradine recently returned to the airwaves at 1690 AM WVON, the station that launched her broadcast career. She was one of the first personalities to invite me on her show to discuss my views on current events.

With a mission to challenge the status quo and ignite what she calls a "new revolution," The Monique Caradine Show airs every Friday at 9 am (CT).

Caradine admits the crowded media marketplace made her reluctant to make a comeback, but ultimately she decided the timing was right.

"From a media standpoint, we need fewer political juggernauts leading the American people to believe they are powerless against the oppressive circumstances our communities face," Caradine said.

"Instead we need shows that offer hope and clear cut strategies on how to reclaim our families, create our own opportunities and improve our schools while holding the powers that be accountable," she added.

Referring to some of the popular reality shows that portray black women as hyper-sexual and overly-aggressive, Caradine prompted a flurry of responses from her social media followers when she said, "For the life of me, I want to see some sane, loving, self-confident, non-hating, non-back-stabbing, non-violent, beautiful, smart, God-loving Black women on TV...but then again, nobody would watch that, would they...."

Monique Caradine interviews Rev. James Meeks

Caradine first gained notoriety at the age of 26 when she became the youngest host ever to host a daily talk show on WVON. While many of the station's long-time listeners were at first skeptical about her ability to hold her own, Caradine quickly proved herself and gained a loyal listener base. She went on to win awards and national recognition for her provocative programs and fresh perspective.

After the birth of her son in 2003, Caradine left WVON to pursue opportunities in television. She also started Momentum Media Group, Inc., a media consulting and production company. Currently, Caradine's company co-produces Perspective, a weekly TV show which she also hosts. The show airs on FOX affiliate My50 Chicago. 

Over the years, Caradine has interviewed a diverse cadre of guests, from notorious gang bangers and mothers who have lost children to violence to some of America's most notable people, including Queen Latifah, Patti LaBelle, Magic Johnson, Steve Harvey, Maya Angelou, Al Sharpton, Tom Joyner, Al Gore, Barack Obama, Iyanla Vanzant and others.

She speaks regularly on the secrets of highly successful women and she is the author of a new book entitled "Bold, Fearless & Fabulous," due out later this year. Momentum Media Group is working on two new television projects set to debut this Fall.

Monique Caradine with Dr. Ian Smith