Percy Bartelt, staff writer 

Augsburg’s very own radio, KAUG, hosted various Black History Month-related shows on Twitch from Feb. 20-24, which consisted of thoughtful talks and important discussions as well as the topic of music with rich and historical ties to the Black community.

Starting on Monday, Bre Roseman, who helped revamp the KAUG radio in 2020, hosted a Twitch stream titled “Dear White People,” unpacking misguided activism and injustices within the Black community. First and foremost, I have to point out how engaging Roseman was as a host! She talked and asked questions with the audience, engaged with topics as well as inserting her own opinion on the topics at hand, and answered questions in such an effective and powerful way, so I encourage you to keep up with the KAUG radio! 

The first and most interesting discussion that happened was about misguided and performative activism, especially on social media. Roseman discussed the points of people being all for protests and supporting communities on their social media, then the next day it’s like nothing ever happened. They don’t seem to care or even follow up with their activism. “Protest shouldn’t be aesthetic,” Roseman stated. When asked what is considered true and effective activism, both on social media and in real life, Roseman explained that you not only show your support through fighting for disenfranchised communities but also support those communities through healing and prosperity. It was also stated and especially emphasized that you should connect with the communities you intend on helping. You can’t help a cause if you don’t know who or what’s being affected. When asked about a good first step in helping communities, Roseman concluded the stream with key pieces of advice: “Have the mental capacity for seeing beyond your own beliefs or experiences” and “find commonalities, put yourself in their shoes.” 

The next steam on this celebration was titled “Protesting the System Through Music,” which talked about notable and influential pieces of music throughout history — their ties and effects to not only the Black community but to a changing society in the 50s and 60s. The song lineup consisted of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” by Sam Cooke, 1961; “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by John Rosamund Johnson, 1900; “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday, 1939; “A Change Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke, 1964; “Mississippi Goddam” by Nina Simone, 1964; “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” by Gil Scott-Heron, 1971; and lastly “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye, 1971. 

The lineup was absolutely gorgeous. The intuitive talks and poignant analysis of the songs and their history, meaning and influence was truly engaging to reflect on. KAUG deserves way more recognition for providing Augsburg with not only a musical connection to various communities but also captivating Twitch streams for anyone to interact with. Props to our fellow Auggie Bre Roseman for hosting and boosting KAUG as a whole. KAUG Radio is available to stream at twitch.tv/kaugradio, and you can follow the student-run radio station on Instagram @kaugradio.