Wednesday, February 25, 2009
What Happened to Ken Hamblin?
Sometime about 1988, long-time Denver area radio host and newspaper columnist Ken Hamblin, the self-styled “Black Avenger,” who was loved by many in the black community and hated by others because he wasn’t afraid to criticize black leaders for their “race pandering” that told people (falsely) that racism was still rampant in the land, disappeared. His newspaper columns stopped; his radio programs “went away.” And no one was willing to talk about it. At about the same time his web site disappeared. What happened? I haven’t seen, nor heard from, or about him since. I’d like to know what happened to him. Was he murdered by those who didn’t like his “message” or the way he delivered it? Or did he just retire and go somewhere else? (Ask.com)
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64 comments:
Interesting. I was just thinking about him today and how much I loved his show.
Queen: I know people retire, and nhe was in that age range. Whay confounds me is that he didn't "say goodbye" or do anything else to explain his absence, and nobody will talk about it. That's very suspicious, especially the way liberals operate.
This was on Wikipedia:
Ken Loronzo Hamblin II (b. October 22, 1940), the self-titled Black Avenger, was host of the Ken Hamblin Show which was syndicated nationally on Entertainment Radio Networks. His show peaked in the 1990s, but he left the air, without warning, in July 2003 due to a contractual dispute with his syndicator, the American Views Radio Network.
Anon: Thanks. But that doesn't answer the question. It says nothing abut why his web sire disappeared about the same time, and why nobody--not Ken, nor anybody else, will talk about it. He has just disappeared into thin air. Where is he now; what is he doing; and why did he just "disappear?" I wouldn't say anything if he announced his retirement and went away. But he did not. He's just gone.
I would imagine that it has everything to do with the fact that it's just not worth it any more. He had so many death threats against him, and far more importantly to him than himself, against his family.
He's one of the few people that I'd get behind 100% to get back on the air. While I will say it's not because he is black, that would be dishonest. By far and away his greatest gift is his wit, wisdom, and eloquence. But, having a black man that is unafraid to speak out on issues that go against the party line of the so-called "black voter" was a huge inspiration to me.
I refuse to believe that black people are the collective hive-mind that they are portrayed as by the media and by the shady figures that hold the reigns "Black Rights Empire".
Ken, where ever you are, come back. We need you now more than ever.
Richard: I hope he is SOMEWHERE. Seems to me there are way too many people out there willing to KILL you for your opinions. I've gotten a few threats, myself. I can't argue with anything you said. I hope he's okay somewhere. I just wish I knew he was. The liberals hate a conservative black man more than any other because they BELIEVE blacks are "monolithic" and should ALL be liberals; and they can't allow them to be anything else. Look at their treatment of Justice Thomas. There have been other conservative Supreme Court Justices, but he is the first BLACK conservative justice. I love his response to people who want him off the court: "This is a lifetime appointment." In other words, "go blow!"
I've been wondering about this for years myself. His show was great and is missed by many. Hope he comes back someday.
Anon: I wouldn't even worry about it if he hadn't disappeared so suddenly and completely, with no word about why. His radio show stopped, His web site disappeared, and no one knew where he went, And why. and nobody wants to answer questions about him.
This was in an article just last month.
"....around the time the syndication arrangement fell through, he realized that he'd tired of his combative persona. "I didn't want to sit on Fox News and try to convince people that America was a great country," he says. "And I didn't want to go on CNN and argue with people who didn't want to leave Harlem or Watts because of their own xenophobia. I reached a burnout point."
So he retired, and thanks in part to some wise investments (including a couple of Quiznos restaurants he owned and sold), he's pretty well fixed. He and his wife, who live in Frisco with their three dogs, spend much of their time traveling; they've got a trip to Paris and Rome scheduled for September. ..."
DL
DthStlkr: That's a pretty interesting story. But my concern is that nobody seems to know anything about what happened to him and aren't willing to talk about it in any case. How do YOU know this? What is his address so somebody could ask him to answer himself? Why did he disappear so completely with NO notice? It's still suspicious. America ISN'T "the greatest" any more. Mostly because of Obama's idiotic policies. But that happened way after Ken disappeared.
This is an exerpt from an article written by Ken Hamblin in September for The Dnever Post that should answer the question: Its funny, I started wondering about him after watching the Cowboys Safetly Ken Hamlin.
So he retired, and thanks in part to some wise investments (including a couple of Quiznos restaurants he owned and sold), he's pretty well fixed. He and his wife, who live in Frisco with their three dogs, spend much of their time traveling; they've got a trip to Paris and Rome scheduled for September
Paul: I've heard that before, and it might even be true. But it doesn't explain the suddenness of his disappearance and why everybody has been so secretive about it. Also, nobody has any kind of address on him so somebody could actually contact him. I just don't like it.
Anonymous: I notice you don't have the guts to use your name on this ignorant diatribe against your betters. I guess you just don't know what's going on because you only read the REAL losers. You're reading the wrong blogs for a loser such as yourself. Go read liberal blogs where they tell the lies you like. You aren't even intelligent enough to know how to spell LOSER!
I hope that is a just a troll.
Dear troll,
Please notice how your comments, no matter how hateful and non-constructive, have been posted. You will find this is a common theme with right-leaning websites and other forums/venues. This is because we tend to think objectively (not always, and not all of us, but as a rule it holds true).
You are certainly entitled to your opinions, however "crack-addled spidermonkey" they make you sound like.
I won't waste time to refute your... I guess "points" is too strong a word... but your "statement" I supposed..., and I do not even expect you to read this, I do this in order to point out the objectivity and love of freedom that the blog author has.
But Ken Hamblin is a great man. He's fallible like any other, but from every account he is a damn fine husband and made it on his own.
He is quite impervious to whatever weak disparagement that you or your ilk could ever muster.
On a better note, here is an interview with Ken on June 30, 2009... regarding the slaying of his friend and colleague Alan Berg.
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2009/06/ken_hamblin_remembers_alan_ber.php
Richard: I notice the "trolls" are afraid to even use their own names and can't even spell. We're after TRUTH, but they don't even seem to be able to RECOGNIZE truth. Notice he (she) didn't even TRY to "refute" any points. He (she) just insulted me and ALL non-lefties.
Richard. Notice they all think we're afraid to post their stupid comments like their own liberal bloggers don't if they don't agree with them.
Richard: Thanks to that link to the Westword story. It told me a lot I didn't know about Ken, AND Alan Berg. I met him once (Alan) and didn't like him since he belittled my concerns about not enough auto racing on TV. But he was right. There ARE more important things.
Ken Hamblin is a great American.
I once snored through my 15 secs
of fame. Waiting on his caller
line. Miss him..God Bless...
Ken is a great guy. He co hosted a closed circuit tv show series with me 1999 and we spent quite a bit of time together.
He is quite thoughtful and I respect him very much. I haven't talked to him since about '03 or '04 and for some reason he crossed my mind today.
I have his number somewhere at the house, I'll try to call him next week when I get home. I hope he is well.
Joe:
Let me know what you find out, and say hi for me.
I've recently been in contact with Ken. He is doing well and enjoying retirement. Traveling with his bride, enjoying his children, grandchildren and his dogs. And learning guitar. I don't know the details of why he left the air, but I've told him how much I miss his show and that it actually changed some of my opinions on a few issues.
I know that he appreciates the respect given by his former listners and readers.
I, also, have wondered about Ken Hamblin. Loved his show. Hope someday that he feels like giving those of us who loved his views aand humor a chance to share our apprecitaions of his talents. Never got my "certificate of absolution". Didn't feel like I ever needed one, but now wish that I had it just for the family album.
I also have wondered about Ken Hamblin. Loved his show. Hope someday that he feels like giving those of us who loved his views aand humor a chance to share our apprecitaions of his talents. Never got my "certificate of absolution". Didn't feel like I ever needed one but now wish that I had it just for the family album.
Ken, your voice is needed now more than ever. This "leader" in D.C. needs some opposition.
Anon: Amen.
Funny. I found myself quoting him today.
Hadn't thought of him and his column (which I loved) in the Post in years.
Ken, you need to get back on the Radio.
Scott: I did find out he is retired and living on his investments. He just "walked away" when his contract expired and he didn't like the terms of the new one. I was just concerned that neither he, nor anybody else said anything when it happened.
Ever since I heard then Sen Obama make his speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention, I have thought often of Ken Hamblin and wondered what he must have thought of this newcomer. If we ever needed Ken and his experienced wisdom it is now. I remember him encouraging us to save news articles in our BS, bovine ?, files so that we would have them later on when politicians would claim something totally different from what they had actually done earlier, hoping we wouldn't remember the past. I wish Ken and his family all the best, but sure do miss his wisdom and wit.
Tricia: Actually, you don't have to keep a BS file now, since it's so easy to look up what they said years ago. such as Sen.Obama telling a union group he was in favor of a single-payer system, then later telling the world he wasn't. Politicians today had better be careful what they say today because it will be on tape to prove them a liar tomorrow.
I have REALLY missed Ken over the years that I haven't been able to hear him. He always had me laughing or nodding my head in agreement. He left a real void when he left the air. I've thought about him often and wondered what he'd say about all the crap going on now.
Anon: He'd have a lot to say. Maybe his blood pressure was going up dangerously high, like mine, so he retired--which I'm not going to do, if it kills me.
Glad I found this thread, albeit a year or so late. Been wondering about Ken myself ever since he disappeared from the radio, website quit updating, then went dark, etc. Shortly after his disappearance I wrote a number of stations that had carried his show about his absence and got not one reply.
I also find it odd that years later he 'turns up' for a an 'interview' or two saying he just got burned out and is now enjoying the good life. Mighty suspicious. Especially the part about living in San Francisco now when he had seemed to enjoy living in Colorado so much. Move to the liberal capital of the country? Something smells.
Anyway, thanks for letting me share my thoughts. As has been stated repeatedly throughout the comments, we sure could use him now.
Whoops! Didn't realize there was a Frisco, Colorado. When I see 'Frisco' I just automatically think of the liberal bastion in California. My apologies for engaging keyboard before brain. Still think the whole thing doesn't sound right though.
Innocent Bystander: Frankly, I didn't catch it either, though I DID wonder why he would retire to California, too. I can see why he "got burned out." I'm getting somewhat frustrated, myself, with telling people things and seeing NO reaction.
Hi Ray, Just shortly after reading your reply to my comment I got this in the email, which sums it up quite well:
Some people have the vocabulary to sum up things in a way you can understand them. This quote came from the Czech Republic. Someone over there has it figured out. "The danger to America is not Barack Obama, but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency.
It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America. Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince.
The Republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president."
Nobody could have put it better. That's what I've been trying to tell people all along. One Obama we might be able to handle. A bunch of them, not so much. and that's what we'll get if people who pay no attention to politics, while wanting "bread and circuses" keep voting ignorantly.
Ken was taken off the air in Wichita after he blasted Jesse Jackson and called Jesse a racist. It wasn't long before Ken retired.
At the same time Ken was catching a lot of flack for saying bad things about Al Sharpton.
No doubt he grew weary of all the battles.
Fred in Wichita
Anon: From what I've heard from several sources, he has retired and is now enjoying his retirement, collecting rent money from several properties. As to getting flack for things he said, I'm sure he did, and I'm sure SOME radio stations "took him off the air" because of them. He was used to that, as I am. As to Jesse's "racism," that's only truth. He's not only a racist, he's using it to extort money from large corporations by threatening to call them racist if they didn't give money to one of his "charities," which have NO oversight and whose money Jesse spends to keep his women quiet.
ray, why don't you friend ken on his facebook page. i know him better than you, and I’m he will agree with your assessment of him. http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=1444760027
ray, why don't you friend ken on his facebook page. i know him better than you, and I’m he will agree with your assessment of him. http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=1444760027
Ken Hamblin is a great American. He showed what you could do with hard work and initiative. I bought several of his books "Pick a Better Country" and gave them to friends.
Ed: This post has gotten a lot of attention. What got my attention was the abrupt disappearance of everything Hamblin and the fact that no one would answer any questions about it. In a dictatorship, that happens often to those opposing the government. Usually not under our kind of government. What I found was that silence was Hamblin's wish.
Howdy Ray,
Was just catching up with the most recent comments on this post. It seems to have the durability of the Energizer bunny.
Noticed that one comment suggested 'friending' Ken on Facebook. Anthing to do with Facebook is not a good idea in my opinion. The following is a link to a British IT website's article on one of Facebook's many flaws:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/01/17/facebook_privacy/
innocbystr: Frankly I was a bit surprised myself at the many responses. But Ken was a very popular figure. As to Facebook, I don't DO "Facebook." I DO have a Facebook page, but that was an accident, caused by my family. I never go there unless something comes in from my family or someone else I know.
Just got curious what might have become of one of my favorite conservative mentors from a dacade or so ago... glad to see many more people feel the same way. Maybe with a little more encouragement Ken will come out of retirement and fill the airwaves with a little sense again. Alas
Steven: I don't think that's going to happen. He quit in the middle of a contract fight and left without telling anybody anything. I think he's fed up with the apathy.
It appears that he has messages and friend requests blocked by default, makes sense, really.
I sure hope Ken is okay and in good health.
I'm wondering what he would think or say about Dr. Ben Carson as a Republican candidate for the Presidency.
We can hope, but what we do matters more!
KEN, WE NEED YOUR VOICE!
Lets pick a day and time and all shoot out our wish to hear from him,
the universe will give us what we desire.
I'm connected to Ken on facebook. He seems in good health and good spirits. Without sharing too much, as far as I can tell from his wall he has been enjoying time traveling with his wife but has also recently been making more political comments. And as always, I enjoy his perspective.
You can follow Ken Hamblin on Twitter. @HamblinSr
He was on KHOW radio with Peter Boyles along with Rick Barber.
Anon: I know. I heard him. I listen to Boyles often on my way to work. Thanks for telling me anyway.
I used to call his show as he was the live sponsor of "free speech", and I had a blast. I was crazy john the old guard and nothing and I mean NOTHING was sacrid good by ken
Racism IS rampant in this country. What the lead cave do you live in?
So glad to hear your family is safe and sound. We listened to you on Madison radio all the time and were thrilled to see your bill-board up on the belt line in Madison,Wi. Your "Black Hat" is so you. We and many others miss you. Give us your thoughts on Dr. Ben Carson as we r praying for Americans who love America to help take our country back and we do believe that Dr. Ben is the man to accomplish this with help from people like you and us. Would love to hear u on the radio again or TV. THE FIGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM IS ON. We need the "BLACK AVENGER". THE "TWO SISTERS'
Although he is not The Black Avenger, I listen to Kevin Jackson these days and enjoy it. I will always be a Ken Hamblin fan. I would like to download or buy a copy of some of Ken's best of shows and comments.
I would like to download or buy a copy of some of Ken's best of shows and comments. These days I listen to Kevin Jackson. He's not The Black Avenger but an excellent radio show in his own right.
I too miss the black avenger!
I listened to him in my formidable years.
Thank you Ken your a wise man.
Count me among the thousands who misses the Black Avenger. My favorite of his many "shticks" was the black "sistah" who was sent to Chicago by the DNC to support "Bill Clifford".
My family and friends - to this day - call Bill Clinton "Bill Clifford".
Would one of you in contact with Ken please pass on to him our love and regard.
Gartrell Bibberts
Ken
You're never too old and the country needs you!
Do it on your terms!
Ken Hamblin has made appearances over the years. Believe it, you would not like him now. He explained that he got tired of his show, and he got tired of his on the air combative personality.
IOW, it was never the real Ken Hamblin, it was an act.
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