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10 Questions with ... Belinda "BP" Parker
May 16, 2023
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
With a career that has spanned for more than 25 years she often jokes as "Having Worked Every Job in Radio" Beginning her journey at the age of 15 as "the weekend angel" at WBAW in Barnwell SC and then after high school gracing the Airwaves at WSSB & WQKI in Orangeburg, SC while matriculating at South Carolina State University, and then continuing in radio at WMNX Coast 97.3 Wilmington, NC, WFXC Foxy 107.4 Raleigh, NC, WFXE Foxy 105.5 Columbus GA and then off to Columbia, SC to WWDM 101.3 The BIG DM as Co-host for the "Curtis & Belinda Morning Show. She Started the 2000's off as Midday Personality and Assistant Program Director for WMGL Magic 101.7 and then promoted as Program Director for the company's WXTC Heaven 1390 in Charleston SC. Coming back to her roots of Barnwell SC to Serve as Operation Manager & Program Director for WBAW's Praise 99.1 and Then Returning to Charleston as Program Director for WJNI Gospel 106.3. After a short break from radio, she pursed a career in Funeral Service and currently serves as a Funeral Director, Embalmer, & Owner & Operator of Hope Memorial Park & Gardens. While concurrently hosting for 7 years the #1 rated afternoon show M-F from 3-7pm at WXST Star 99.7. Currently, she hosts "The Golden Time of day with BP" that airs 7p-10p on WXST Star 99.7/Charleston,SC and is the creator and host of for 9 years running, "Block Party with BP" that airs Friday Nights from 7p-10p in Columbia,SC at WWDM 101.3 and host on Saturdays 2-6p in Charleston SC at WXST STAR 99.7.
1) What are you working on these days?
Working at 2 South Carolina radio markets 6 days a week and sharing my "Soul Café" & "Block Party with BP" shows for Syndication while preparing to take over the Operation of My Family business.
2) What direction do you see radio going in the future?
Radio in the future is going to be an expansion of an implementation of digital and social media. I believe that radio is being tested for its ability to endure amongst the change with other media outlets i.e., visual media & social media. Which is not new in this business, as I and many have seen with the broadcast change from records to reels to carts to cassettes to cd's to computer automation. With time comes change. It will be necessary to always have the 101 basics of radio and its ability to bring to the listener the core values that include entertainment, information & awareness plus its ability to have relatability with the talent, while also serving as a catalyst for businesses to prosper through advertising. Recently the question of A.I. was proposed amongst my peers and our thoughts on the future of radio in its regard. Even though it is a real possibility it must include that local appeal that's necessary for market sustainability. There's nothing like being able to talk & listen to the community that supports your radio station.
3) Wasn't your family in the funeral business?
Yes, my family has been in the funeral business since 1933. My Grandfather was a Funeral Director, My Father is a Funeral Director, My Mother is A Funeral Director, and I am also a Funeral Director & Embalmer
4) What's the funniest thing that has happened to you during your career?
I would say this is more amazing than funny but at the age of 10 I saw on PBS television a live concert of Frankie Beverly and Maze I was so enthralled at what I was seeing because he was singing this song called "Southern Girl" which I am the epitome of having grown up in SC. I fell in love with his music and prayed one day I would meet him. Over the years I saw that he didn't do many interviews but that didn't discourage me because I have always believed that God will give you the desires of your heart. In 2015 I finally did and shared my story with him.
5) Would you share the names of some air personalities you grew up listening to?
"The Mighty Jody", Don" Early Bird", Vernessa Pendergrass, Doug Williams, Mel Devon, Curtis Wilson, Bobby Nichols, "Wolfman Jack", "Casey Kasem", "Delilah"
6) How did you get into radio?
When I was able to work at the age of 15 my Dad asked me what type of job did I want and I told him I wanted to work in radio he knew the owner of the local radio station so he and I together went down together to meet the owner my Dad said "All she does is talk about radio, is there a job here that she can do?" The owner gave me a Friday night shift from 8-12 and a Sunday shift running the Casey Casem Show and the name "The Weekend Angel" and a Star was born
7) Who have been some of your influencers and mentors?
My Dad & Mom were my first mentors and influencers who are both successful and celebrated in their positions. My Dad being a Sole proprietor in 2 businesses, taking over the family business from his father and starting a Perpetual Care Cemetery business of his own. In his life he has met 2 American Presidents helped to write many laws regarding Cemetery Service and being a respected member of his community and State .While now 89 years old, he still helps families during their most difficult times after losing their loved ones. My Mother worked for over 50 years as a Special Education teacher for the orthopedically and special needs children in the County, and at the age of 80 she was and still is the towns piano teacher having taught over 60 years many children and adults of all ages how to play the piano. And that includes myself, my brother, and my 3 sons. She is still sought after to play for many churches and events throughout her area. Another influencer that l watched from afar and admired for many years is Radio Icon Cathy Hughes. I had a chance meeting with her at a radio event in 2001 she was sitting on a chair doing an interview and when the interview ended, I made my way over to introduce myself and told her what an inspiration in my career she had been. Her kindness and sincerity toward me enamored me even more. She shared nuggets of knowledge with me and introduced me to Dick Gregory who did the same that I still share as encouragement to others.
8) What's something about you that would surprise most people?
"When asked where you were born?" I was born in England, adopted, and brought to the US where I grew up in SC. I get the "wow look" when they ask, "What do you do besides radio?" I am also a Funeral Director and Embalmer
9) Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _______?
Prayer, A good night's sleep, My morning coffee and some of my favorite jams from the 70's & 80's!!
10) And the best advice you've ever been given?
I've been given some great advice from others over the years that have become part of my own mantra: "To Keep God First in All Things By Putting Your Trust In Him, and Loving Others Despite-- For The Word Says So, Remain Humble, Keep Moving Forward, and Stay In Your Lane.
Bonus Questions
What thing or things you are most proud of?
Winning the Lt. Governor's award for writing in the 5th grade "What's it like to be an American Citizen," Being Chosen for Girl's State -- and then chosen by my peers and representing SC at Girls Nation, VP of My Senior Class, 1st Black Female Drum Major in High School, My Modeling Career with Millie Lewis, Serving as President of My DST Sorority Chapter in College, Graduating College, Graduating Mortuary School and giving the Graduation Commencement Speech, having my 3 sons, being in radio where my parents can still hear me, meeting some of my favorite music artists & actors, being an OM, PD, and APD in radio, working in the Funeral and Cemetery Industry, owning a Cemetery, and being chosen to be amongst the illustrious Inaugural 30 Black Women In Radio to tell our career stories to the Library of Congress.
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