Some might call him a renaissance man, while others affectionately refer to him as “The Mayor of Hyde Park.” Chicago poet, educator, activist, producer, and radio host Mario Smith has been representing the city of Chicago and, more specifically, the Southside of Chicago for the better part of two and a half decades.
You can catch Mario Smith on the airwaves as the host of ‘News From the Service Entrance‘ on WLPN-LP in Chicago. He’s also the host of the Randomly Selected podcast and is a contributor to WBEZ (NPR) and Vocalo.org.
His poetry appears in books Power Lines: A Decade Of Poetry from Chicago’s Guild Complex and The BreakBeat Poets as published by Haymarket Press.
N’DIGO recently caught up with Smith and talked about the new-look Chicago Bulls and his long-running radio show, News From The Service Entrance.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Mario Smith?
Mario Smith: He is a much smarter person than he was at 44 or 34. He continues to be a seeker of things for the greater good. At the end of the day, he is a Chicagoan.
Too many people, you are known as “The Mayor of Hyde Park“. What is it about Hyde Park that makes it so special?
I still cringe when I hear people say it but, it’s better than being the ‘Leper of Hyde Park‘ I suppose. I think Hyde Park and the surrounding communities are special because of the people in the community. I’m also going to say that about South Shore and Woodlawn, where I’m from as well. Hyde Park has always been unique in its diversity and ability to be forebearers of change across many platforms. Hyde Park is dope.
For anyone unaware, please tell us about your long-running radio program News From The Service Entrance?
My child is almost a grownup! It started 20 years ago with the idea that I could create radio that sounds like THE RADIO. Chicago radio was at one time everything for me. I wanted to take what I learned from people like Rick Party, First Lady, and the mentorship of Doug Banks and Herb Kent and try to make that a radio show. 20 years and counting, still trying to get it right.
Speaking of which, what’s it mean to you to be able to have NFTSE sustain after more than two decades?
It means that I’m still relevant and that the practice still works. It means that there is space for people like me to do what they absolutely love doing.
One of your more recent projects that you’ve taken up is a podcast with Silver Room owner Eric Williams. Can you expound on the podcast and your overall relationship with you two?
Randomly Selected is a program that extends the conversation. It’s an audio postcard from Chicago to the world. Eric Williams is an amazing cat and he’s always been innovative. He’s my brother.
What can you tell us about the recent Donny Hathaway tribute you were a part of?
I approached Corey Wilkes about doing a tribute to him 7 years before we actually did it. DCASE and the Chicago Community Trust helped in a way I can’t explain and I think Corey Wilkes and the team we assembled and the musicians who performed are among the best in Chicago. I wanted to reflect on the amazing talent that lives here and express my love for the amazing ancestor, Donny Hathaway.
You’re a big sports guy. Chicago is buzzing about the new-look Bulls. What are your thoughts on the team thus far?
They’re going to be really good as this season moves forward. I’m stupid excited about that team. I also hope people realize how amazing it is to have competent leadership on the court and in their front office. I love this team.
If you had to describe the current state of Chicago politics in a single word, what would that word be?
Fixable.
Can you name a book that really impacted you or changed your life?
Too many to name, I’m always moved by books that inspire me. “Message To The Black Man” would be at the very top of that list. Now I’m reflecting on me reading that as a teenager… This is the best question ever! HA!
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t write for the audience. Stop looking for applause, write for yourself. Write for yourself.
Any favorite quotes or affirmations?
Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. James Baldwin.
What’s next for Mario Smith?
I have a few ideas that I want to present. Music-related things. Hoping to see Chicago radio go from adversary to advocate. My overall goal is to stay active and continue to show how amazing my people are and how great Chicago can be.
For more information on Mario, please feel free to connect with him on Instagram and Facebook.
