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

Desiree Rogers To Keynote Second Installment Of Acclaimed Women’s Empowerment Retreat and Series

(CHICAGO, IL) – Former White House Social Secretary Desiree Glapion Rogers, now a special consultant at Johnson Publishing Co. of Chicago, is on tap to join a star-studded lineup of speakers for the second installment of the three-part “Take Back Your Life, Mind Body & Soul” women’s retreat series.  The summer event, being hosted July 17th at the Tinley Park Convention Center beginning at 8:00 a.m., will bring together career women from throughout the Midwest for a day of “pampering with a purpose.”

WVON-AM Radio, “the talk of Chicago,” will take talk to new heights as it joins forces with the Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (BMOA), the COMPASS personal development network, Spann Development and an array of sponsors and partners to host a rare lineup of noted luminaries.  Among the presenters are best-selling author Lisa Nichols, noted life coach Sheree Franklin, Connie Lindsey of Girl Scouts USA, financial coach Lynn Richardson and motivational healer Dr. Dierdre Burrell.

Rogers is on program to keynote the daylong event, along with Nichols, who will speak to “The Power and the Process of Forgiveness.”  Rogers, a Chicago native who is best-known as the former public relations executive who emerged to become President Barack Obama's White House Social Secretary, made history as the first African American to serve in that function. Late in February of this year, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that she planned to step down from the lofty post.  This engagement marks her first public appearance and address since leaving Washington and returning to private life in Chicago.

The days’ fare also features sessions promising personal and spiritual pampering, health and financial advice, plus employment and career guidance—all tailored specifically to women of color.  “We’re elated to be able to present the second installment in the well-received the “Take Back Your Life” women’s retreat series to Chicagoland,” states LaTrice Levitt, the annual event’s organizer and visionary.  “Ours is a distinctive series that allows women to get away, let their hair down, fellowship with their peers and truly examine the most significant facets of their lives.  It’s a much needed departure from the day-to-day stresses of being a woman, wife, mother, sister, friend and, yes, even an executive,” Levitt adds.  “We welcome, and offer something for women from all walks of life.”

Upwards of 400 women are anticipated to attend the second “Take Back Your Life” women’s retreat, after the first event attracted more than 300 in March.  The event touches every attendee, providing them authentic case studies and experience to draw upon, and enabling them to move forward in their personal and professional lives.  The final “Take Back Your Life” event is slated for this fall, and will spotlight Chicago’s very own popular music legend Chaka Kahn, among others.

Tickets for “Take Back Your Life” are available now, and can be purchased online by visiting the station’s web site, at:www.WVON.com.