Crosscurrents

Judith Wilson’s family lived in a predominantly white neighborhood in Oakland, and her high school was also largely white. But during her senior year, one conversation helped her give a perspective that she wasn't getting in school. She told her story to StoryCorps’s Griot project that documented the stories of African Americans in 2008.

The Federal Government is shutting down San Francisco’s main Immigration court. Today, we hear what it means for immigrants when a court is closed. Then, a new Documentary explores how the Birth of Black Studies in the Bay Area. And a reading from the next generation of poets.

Following the firing of 17 of the 21 judges assigned to San Francisco’s immigration courts, the federal administration recently ended its lease at the immigration court at 100 Montgomery street in the City. Jesse Alejandro Cottrell has been covering the story for the San Francisco Standard. He spoke to KALW News editor Sunni Khalid.

Black Studies originated right here in the Bay Area in the mid 1960s. Crosscurrents host Hana Baba speaks with East Bay filmmaker Doug Harris - he grew up during this period and tells that story in his documentary, "Epicenter."

Now we bring you a reading from YouthSpeaks Bringing the Noise for MLK poetry slam. We hear an excerpt of the poem ”For the Black Kids in My 8th Grade Class” by Ariana Brown.

Today, in an episode of California Foodways we visit a Halal market in San Bruno that helps Bay Area Muslims with their fasts, and breaking them. Then, a taste of very specific flavors to fight homesickness.

Residents of San Francisco's Chinatown are grappling with competing concerns. Then, a Marriage and family therapist helps us get ahead of Valentine’s Day with some relationship advice. And, the magic of a classic love song with an Uncuffed My Mix Tape. Plus, a (love) poem. 

Zhe Wu is a reporter with the San Francisco Public Press, who covers Chinatown. Here, Zhe explains what’s pressing most on the minds of SF Chinatown residents as they get ready for one of their biggest holidays.

Marriage and family therapist Sinead Smyth discusses the characteristics that research shows are often present in healthier romantic relationships. And Bay Area residents around Oakland’s Lake Merritt share their thoughts on romance. KALW’s health reporter Alaa Mostafa has the story. 

A new Valentine's Day Uncuffed My Mixtape, where Eric Allen shares his favorite song: "If this world were mine," by Cheryl Lynn and Luther Vandross