WCLK At 50: Jamal Ahmad Remembers Ken Batie

April 15 would have been the 64th earthday of my mentor and big brother, the eternal legend Ken Batie. I hold the afternoon drive chair on WCLK he held for many years and I wouldn't be the media figure I am today without his guidance. The photo is him with Martin Lawrence right before Martin went out to Hollywood to start his show. I remember when I was his intern back in 1995 and I walked into the station to sit with him on his Saturday show(this was an additional show he did outside of his daily drive time show). I was 20 and had been his intern for about 9 months at that point. I noticed he didn't have his music out and wondered what was going on. He looked at me and said "you ready J". I asked for what. He said "the show is yours, I want my Saturdays back". I couldn't believe it and became nervous as heck. He dapped me up and said "You got it J. You're the only intern ready for the big leagues". I'm forever grateful to my big brother for believing in me enough to take that chance with me. I miss him and love him eternally. I honor him through my life and actions and I'm grateful to call him my ancestor.