November 02, 2025

News to Know: His book documents the lives of 52 confirmed Black and Native American whaling captains, many of whom operated before the Civil War.

28 minutes

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Skip Finley.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview serves two main purposes:

To reflect on Skip Finley’s historic contributions to Black media and his pivotal role in launching the syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show.
To discuss his book, "Willing Captains of Color: America’s First Meritocracy", which chronicles the lives of over 50 Black and Native whaling captains and their overlooked legacy in American history.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Historic Black Media Deal

In 2005, Skip Finley helped orchestrate a landmark media deal entirely conducted by Black executives and talent, including Steve Harvey and Rushion McDonald.
This led to the creation of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, syndicated from flagship station WBLS in New York.

“To my knowledge, that is the only major media deal that was entirely conducted by Black people.” – Skip Finley

2. Innovative Business Model

Skip introduced a new syndication model where stations paid licensing fees instead of just offering ad time.
This model helped fund the show and set a precedent in radio syndication.

“It was the first time the model had ever been used.” – Skip Finley

3. Legacy of Black Whaling Captains

Skip’s book documents the lives of 52 confirmed Black and Native American whaling captains, many of whom operated before the Civil War.
These men led crews on dangerous, years-long voyages and were respected for their skill, not judged by their race.

“These men lived Martin Luther King’s future dream.” – Skip Finley
“Nobody cared who the captain was if they could bring the whale ship home with a full haul.”

4. Whaling as America’s First Meritocracy

Whaling was a brutal but lucrative industry, and captains were chosen based on ability, not race.
The captains mapped oceans, discovered islands, and brought back whale oil that powered the Industrial Revolution.

“Whaling was almost identically the model of venture capital today.” – Skip Finley

5. Life at Sea Was Grueling

Voyages lasted 3–4 years, sometimes up to 11.
Crews lived in cramped quarters, battled whales in small boats, and endured horrific conditions including roaches, bedbugs, and washing clothes in urine.

“Your space was roughly the size of a backseat of an SUV for 3 or 4 years.” – Skip Finley

6. Hidden Figures of Maritime History

Many of these captains were never recognized in history books.
Skip’s research relied on seamen’s protection papers, which acted like passports and documented race and identity.

“I was astounded to find these guys… It’s one of those Hidden Figures stories.” – Skip Finley

💬 Memorable Quotes

“A slave is not an American. A West Indian is not American. But they are Black.”
“They could flog a white man on a whale ship who they couldn’t look in the eye in South Carolina.”
“Whale watching is now a bigger business than whale killing ever was.”

📚 About the Book

Title: Willing Captains of Color: America’s First Meritocracy
Focus: The untold stories of Black and Native whaling captains who defied racial norms and led crews across the globe.
Impact: Reframes American history by highlighting a merit-based system where skill and leadership triumphed over racial prejudice.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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