Times-Journal News Editor

With a radio show reaching 21 Alabama cities, accountant Rufus Ford isn’t ready to challenge for the king of all media title.

However, he is branching out.

Beginning Monday, Nov. 22, Ford’s television show, ‘Financing the Black Belt’ is coming to life.

“The Black Belt itself needs to be financed,” Ford said. “The Black Belt itself needs to be accountable in terms of the conditions that do exist. Some of the conditions that exist in the Black Belt needs to be changed.

Through my show I bring those issues to the table in a constructive manner.”

The show will air once a week on Charter Network Channel 3 and will tape every Monday morning at 10 a.m. inside the Selma-Dallas County Public Library. Audience members are encouraged to come from 9 a.m.-until 10 a.m. because they will not be admitted once the show has begun taping.

“The purpose of the show is to educate and inform the citizens of Alabama about the critical issues that effect the Black Belt of Alabama,” Ford said. “Issues that will be addressed include healthcare, community development, politics and education

In addition to his radio and television shows, Ford works as a project manager with Public Relations.net, a public relations company that specializes in event planning and marketing.

Ford views the program as a way to continue a legacy of working within the community.

“For me, I have always done community work as a community volunteer,” Ford said. “Ever since (Selma) High School I’ve been involved in that kind of work. For me this has always been my love.”

The show will feature guests as well that will discuss various topics affecting the Black Belt.

Ron Whetstone, of Genesis Realty, is a sponsor of the show, but will also appear as a guest discussing economic development.

“Because of his level of expertise, he’ll be able to go into many areas of the Black Belt,” Ford said. “You can discuss with him crucial issues such as infrastructure and housing.”

“One facet of any economic or community development non-profit, anybody involved with helping community, no matter how large of an organization they are, there is always going to be a problem of marketing,” Whetstone said. “So when I hear somebody like Mr. Ford taking the initiative to bring a television show, in addition to what he already has going on the radio, that is like a beacon to me, a beacon of education, a beacon of knowledge to get the word out to the masses.”

Ford, a graduate of the American Management and Business Administration Institute, teaches fiscal literacy and financial responsibility on his radio show, ‘Money Talk.’

The Auburn University and Alabama A&M Extension Service of Alabama will partner with Money Talk for a 12-step program designed to educate listeners on budgeting and saving.

Ford said housing is a key to improving the Black Belt’s financial situation.

“Without housing there is no wealth and without wealth there is no disposable income,” Ford said. “Without disposable income, businesses won’t look to the Black Belt as a place to grow a business.

It’s very important that home ownership becomes a major part of financing the Black Belt.”

Ford thanked the shows’ sponsors: Omega Satellite, Dr. Bruce Taylor – Internal Medicine, All-in-One Restaurant, Genesis Realty and Computer and Data Network Services.

“We look at this as a vehicle to help us get our word out throughout the Black Belt,” Whetstone said. “Because Selma is the epicenter of the Black Belt, if anything is going to happen in the Black Belt, Selma is going to have to be the one to initiate.”