G-Town Radio’s homebase on Maplewood Mall. (GIH | Rasheed Ajamu)
Aligned with its mission to strengthen community voices and connections, G-Town Radio launched its newest podcast, Neglected Stories: People, History, Movements, in late November to reveal the sometimes unheard.
Hosted by longtime Germantown resident and president of the organization’s board, Pedro Rodgriguez dives into and spotlights stories and leaders of historical movements that you may not always find in a textbook.
As a seasoned community and political activist, Rodriguez sees the value of studying history so communities can learn from it and better plan for the future.
“We are providing an outlet for those stories not to be forgotten and their lessons to be learned by new generations. Some of those lessons can serve us well in today’s world,” says Rodriguez.
Each Neglected Stories episode centers on an individual’s life and experience and the respective event/movement that has influenced and shaped history — locally and nationally. Thus far, two episodes have aired.
The premiere episode explored the life and work of Angel Luis Ortiz, who passed away in 2021. Ortiz served on the Philadelphia City Council for 19 years as the first Latino to do so. Rodriguez calls Ortiz a champion for working-class communities, women, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The episode follows Ortiz’s journey, from coming to Philly from Puerto Rico in the mid-1970s to working as a public interest lawyer and all else after.
The second episode featured Mark A. Torres, the author of Long Island Migrant Labor Camps: Dust for Blood. The episode focuses on the exploitation faced by migrant workers, mainly from Mexico, Jamaica, and the American South, in Long Island’s labor camps between the 1940s and 1980s.
While there aren’t any definitive plans for Germantown-specific movement or figure coverage, Rodriguez is confident there will be some sort of appearance in the future, as he has been reaching out to folks.
The host reiterates the importance of this work, saying, “[It’s] not just about the past. It’s about understanding the systems that shaped it and still affect us today.”
Tom Casetta, the Station Manager at G-Town Radio, expresses his gratitude on behalf of the station, highlighting its mission.
“I think the show is a perfect example of what community radio does. We amplify those narratives that are often not given a voice. These stories allow us to learn from the histories of others and build a stronger community connecting us all,” Casetta says.
Neighbors can join in on these critical conversations about the country’s past, present, and future–and the people and movements that influence and shape it–on Saturdays at 10 a.m. You can listen to it on 92.9 FM via the radio or stream online at www.gtownradio.com.