Show tries to crack diversity

Few television shows have managed to break the stereotypes of different minority groups on campus and grab the attention of the University student body. But a show on WOLV, the student television station on campus, is trying to do just that.

LSA sophomore Shomari Terrelonge-Stone and LSA first-year student Sean O'Neill began The Shomari Sean O'Neill Show in mid-October. The show has featured guests ranging from Heisman trophy-winner Charles Woodson to Harvard Prof. Cornel West. The show also has music segments featuring jazz, poetry and rap.

Terrelonge-Stone said he wants to focus on capturing a multi-cultural audience.

SARA STILLMAN/Daily LSA sophomore Shomari Terrelonge-Stone sits beside Michigan football safety Marcu Ray as he and LSA first-year student Sean O'Neill, the hosts of WOLV's Shomari Sean O'Neill Show, conduct an interview yesterday at Oasis Hot Tub Gardens.

"Our show focuses on hip-hop culture, politics and current happenings," Terrelonge-Stone said. "We are pioneers. I didn't see many shows of its kind."

O'Neill said the show's concept is unique and new. O'Neill added that it has been well-received by students on campus.

"We wanted to jump on it and get it down," O'Neill said. "There has been a lot of positive feedback."

Terrelonge-Stone said the show's purpose it to educate students about people from all walks of life and to break the stereotypes of students of color.

"Rap music is emanating from black people who have something to say," Terrelonge-Stone said. "In many ways what they have to say is important. Even if you don't agree with what is being said, it is important to listen and understand what is being said."

Michigan football safety Marcus Ray, who will appear on the show tonight, said he has a lot of respect for the Shomari Sean 0'Neill show.

"My roommate, Charles Woodson, said very good things about the show," Ray said. "They are trying to do something positive on campus."

Jeff Larson, the head editor of the show, said the issues discussed on the air are thought-provoking.

"It is one of the most quality shows WOLV has ever seen," said Larson, an LSA junior.

Larson said the show presents issues that effect students.

"They get on (a variety of the) topics important to everyone. To everyone of all different kinds of cultures such as affirmative action," Larson said.

Michigan linebacker Dhani Jones said the show has reached a broad audience with its topics and innovative ideas. Jones has his own spot on the show featuring CD reviews and poetry.

"People can understand and see it as real and happening," Jones said.

Jones added that the diverse student body at the University can learn to appreciate the show.

"The great thing about Michigan is everyone is so diverse and open-minded," Jones said. "A lot of folks come to college to broaden their horizons and broaden their minds."

The show will soon expand its audience by premiering on public access in Ann Arbor and Detroit in about two weeks.

The show airs tonight at midnight and will continue to air every four hours until Monday on WOLV, which is on channel 70 in University residence halls. Tonight, the show will feature guests including football players Ray, Jones and basketball player Robert Traylor.

02-12-98