by Jaquan “DJ Almighty” Middleton
Growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, I was surrounded by a vibrant community spirit, epitomized by an event we called Old Timers Day. It was a day when everyone, young and old, would come together, celebrating our shared history and strengthening our bonds. However, as I grew older, I noticed that this cherished event began to fade away, and with it, the sense of community started to unravel. Violence and gangs crept in, filling the void left by the absence of unity.
As a teenager, my life was a whirlwind of movement between New York and New Jersey. It was in New Jersey that I began to contemplate my future, eventually embracing the world of radio—a passion ignited by my family’s involvement in the industry, particularly an uncle who worked at WBLS in New York City. Radio became my calling, and I pursued it with fervor.
When I moved to Virginia, I was determined to make my mark in radio. I started at WNRN 91.9 Boombox and later found myself at 92.7 Kiss FM. When Kiss FM ceased operations, I saw an opportunity to fill the gap in Charlottesville’s urban radio scene. With a dedicated group of individuals, we established 101.3 Jamz, a community non-profit radio station with a mission to foster community engagement through events.
Inspired by the spirit of Old Timers Day, I envisioned the Soul of Charlottesville as a platform for community connection. Initially, it was a simple cookout, but I aspired for it to be more—a space where people could gather, socialize, and reconnect beyond the confines of social media. I noticed that as community gatherings like cabarets disappeared, so did the sense of unity. I wanted to recreate that environment, a place where we could celebrate our culture, showcase our talents, and support one another.
The Soul of Charlottesville has grown beyond my wildest dreams. This year, we introduced the Best in Black C-ville Awards, supported by the BPN Network, further cementing our commitment to celebrating our community. None of this would be possible without the incredible contributions of Kilahilah Jones, Sabrina Feggans, and the collaboration with the IX Park Foundation. Together, we’ve created an event where people can put their phones to good use—capturing memories, recording podcasts, and sharing our vibrant culture with the world.
As long as I have the privilege to serve on the panel for the Soul of Charlottesville, I am committed to ensuring its growth and success. I invite everyone, whether you’re a current resident or someone who once called Charlottesville home, to join us each year for this annual celebration. Together, we can continue to nurture the soul of our community.