“Pull Up Close and get Down With The King”.
That has been the mantra for DJ Mr. King since joining Radio One Columbus in 2014.
King, a father of three, describes himself as the ultimate hustler with multiple hats. Whether it's rocking the #7oClockSetOff or the #10Spot on Columbus' WCKX Power 107.5 every weeknight, coaching high school basketball or encouraging youth to stay the course throughout the community, DJ Mr. King is the definition of driven.
His creativity on the turntables and high energy on the mic separates him from the competition, while his desire to introduce listeners to new music and trends makes him a fan favorite among millennials and young adults in Central Ohio.
King, who began DJing at the age of 16, uses his understanding and connection of music and pop culture to relate to children on
an academic and personal level as well, serving as an Intervention Specialist and Algebra 2 teacher at Whitehall-Yearling High School. His youthful appearance is often mistaken of that of high school junior, but the respect granted from every student that crosses his path is genuinely breed, earned and reciprocated.
King also heads a non-profit organization in his hometown of Akron called the Young Black Professionals Coalition, which focuses on the personal, professional and social development of future leaders, including high school and college students through a variety of workshops, social activities and continuous education.
Many teachers and staff in Columbus City Schools are outraged after an announced restructuring for special education and gifted student programs within Columbus City Schools.
According to the Columbus Education Association, which represents the districts 4,000 plus teachers, the restructuring violates their current contract.
On Friday the school district announced that 21 of the 26 transition coordinator positions would be eliminated next school year. Transition coordinators help the special education students graduate and transition them after high school to higher education, employment or independent living.
In a report to Fox 28 Columbus, CEA said that social workers, school counselors, and teachers would be required to pick up the slack.
According to CCS, the five remaining transition coordinators will then focus on an identified 300 students with more significant cognitive delays and physical impairments.
With more restructuring in the gifted program, CEA is planning to protest at the next school board meeting next week. CEA President John Coneglio told Fox 28 they may even consider filing an unfair labor complaint with the state for changing conditions of employment.