This past Sunday, the final episode of “Like It Is” aired. After 43 years of being on the air, the Black centered public affairs show was brought to a close with a final episode honoring Gil Noble and all his accomplishments with the show. Hosted by Lori Stokes, the show featured many notable interviewees of the famed journalist, and classic clips such as the feature Mr. Noble did on Adam Clayton Powell. Jr. Noble suffered a stroke in the summer, and has been out since. The future of the show has been in serious doubt ever since, and yesterday just confirmed it. While fortunately, Mr. Noble has survived, he is reportedly in no condition to carry on as host. It is an immeasurable loss to see a show of such importance to Black Americans just fade away in this manner.
Some of us in the community have wondered quietly why no one else was allowed to stand in Noble’s place as the years went on. Its impossible to sum up the influence and contributions of Like It Is to the Black community. One of the unfortunate things about mainstays of the Black community, is that sometimes the baton is never passed. The show did not have to end with Gil Noble, as great as his contribution was. It could have been carried on by a new person. Now, that opportunity is gone. According to ABC, a new show centered around the Black community of New York named “Here And Now” will continue Gil’s legacy. We’ll see about that.
As for the larger question, what will happen to all of the archives of Like It Is? There are so many things that are vital to African American history, and in my opinion they should be preserved somewhere like the Schomburg. While opining on this with some of my readers, it was reinforced that this will be no small undertaking. Saving four decades worth of footage is no small task, but I believe now is the time to get that needed conversation started on what it will take. I hope that this will be considered, and Black New Yorkers especially will work towards this end. The archives have a great deal of historical value. Sadly, it is the end of an era.
What are your thoughts on this issue?
I have just one lingering question about this wrap up show: why was Charles Barron cut off so abruptly?
-Marc W. Polite
Many thanks for writing this piece. I have been equally puzzled by the quiet demise of the program, and frustrated by the cryptic and lack of information. I was actually researching for a piece on Mr. Noble that I am writing for my blog, and came across your piece, thankfully. It would be wonderful to see BET, Centric, or TV1 pick up the program and air in syndication. I am really disappointed at the lack of attention this has gotten from Black media outlets. It’s sad to see how out of touch we are, collectively. Again, thank you for this piece, and very nice job on it, by the way.
Best,
Angelika
Good morning Angelika. You are welcome. In all honesty, the network has wanted this show to be off the air for the longest. This was the opportunity they needed as an excuse to take it off the air. You also may be interested in this piece from the Black Star News about the tribute: http://blackstarnews.com/news/135/ARTICLE/7717/2011-10-17.html
This piece from Black Press Radio is a good source as well: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150274207619378
Thank you. I put up this post exactly because I knew few would cover it.