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From Protests to Peace: J-MAL on Art, Activism & Oakland Legacy | A.R.T. Episode #20
In this powerful and unfiltered episode of A Regular Thing (A.R.T.), we sit down with Oakland’s own JJ—artist, photographer, documentarian, and frontline activist. From risking his life during the George Floyd protests to live-streaming conflict resolution in East Oakland, JJ’s story is a raw reflection of art, purpose, and the price of truth-telling. We talk legacy, community impact, and how sometimes, the most revolutionary act is just showing up with a camera and telling the real story.
Whether he's capturing stars like Drake and Kamala Harris or standing in the middle of protest zones with a gas mask and a shaky livestream, JJ’s commitment to his people never wavers. This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about creativity, activism, legacy, and healing.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Remembering Relationships & Boundaries
How we navigate old memories, co-parenting, and digital footprints.
2:00 – A.R.T. Officially Begins + Guest Intro
Meet JJ—activist, artist, and documentarian rooted in Oakland.
3:30 – Why JJ Deserves His Flowers
Community service without the spotlight and being overlooked.
6:15 – From Oakland Hoops to Humble OG
Growing up together and recognizing the shift into elderhood.
9:00 – Capturing Celebrity Moments
JJ talks photographing Drake, Lauryn Hill, Kamala Harris, and more.
11:00 – Protest Work: From Oscar Grant to George Floyd
The turning point that made JJ put down the day job and pick up the livestream full-time.
14:00 – Livestreams That Changed the Narrative
How Facebook Lives became tools of truth—and why his platform was ultimately suppressed.
17:10 – Shadowbanned and Silenced
JJ’s social media reach was destroyed after streaming police violence in real time.
18:30 – From Oakland to Portland to DC
How JJ was flown out to protests across the country, including the March on Washington.
20:00 – Meeting the Central Park 5 + Behind the Scenes
Raw, funny, and real stories from the frontline and backstage.
22:15 – Police Surveillance and Personal Risk
Being named by masked officers and tagged in digital databases.
24:00 – Turning Down the News
Why JJ refused to sell his footage to media outlets who wanted to spin the story.
25:15 – Arrested but Misrepresented
Out of 200+ arrests, only JJ’s face aired—showing the manipulation of mainstream narratives.
27:00 – “It Wasn’t for the Money”
Losing money and missing work to serve the truth with his camera.
28:15 – Guns Down, Gloves Up
JJ documents Rico the Kid’s boxing events in Oakland as an alternative to gun violence.
30:00 – Conflict as a Catalyst for Respect
Running fades with structure, respect, and resolution.
31:30 – Hood Diplomacy: Fight, Shake Hands, Move On
Stories of fights ending in handshakes, hugs, and deeper respect.
33:00 – The Culture of Healing Through Confrontation
Letting aggression out today so it doesn’t fester into tomorrow.
34:30 – Legacy Over Likes
JJ’s mission to capture truth, teach youth, and protect the culture by any means necessary.
View all episodes
By aregularthingpodcastIn this powerful and unfiltered episode of A Regular Thing (A.R.T.), we sit down with Oakland’s own JJ—artist, photographer, documentarian, and frontline activist. From risking his life during the George Floyd protests to live-streaming conflict resolution in East Oakland, JJ’s story is a raw reflection of art, purpose, and the price of truth-telling. We talk legacy, community impact, and how sometimes, the most revolutionary act is just showing up with a camera and telling the real story.
Whether he's capturing stars like Drake and Kamala Harris or standing in the middle of protest zones with a gas mask and a shaky livestream, JJ’s commitment to his people never wavers. This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about creativity, activism, legacy, and healing.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Remembering Relationships & Boundaries
How we navigate old memories, co-parenting, and digital footprints.
2:00 – A.R.T. Officially Begins + Guest Intro
Meet JJ—activist, artist, and documentarian rooted in Oakland.
3:30 – Why JJ Deserves His Flowers
Community service without the spotlight and being overlooked.
6:15 – From Oakland Hoops to Humble OG
Growing up together and recognizing the shift into elderhood.
9:00 – Capturing Celebrity Moments
JJ talks photographing Drake, Lauryn Hill, Kamala Harris, and more.
11:00 – Protest Work: From Oscar Grant to George Floyd
The turning point that made JJ put down the day job and pick up the livestream full-time.
14:00 – Livestreams That Changed the Narrative
How Facebook Lives became tools of truth—and why his platform was ultimately suppressed.
17:10 – Shadowbanned and Silenced
JJ’s social media reach was destroyed after streaming police violence in real time.
18:30 – From Oakland to Portland to DC
How JJ was flown out to protests across the country, including the March on Washington.
20:00 – Meeting the Central Park 5 + Behind the Scenes
Raw, funny, and real stories from the frontline and backstage.
22:15 – Police Surveillance and Personal Risk
Being named by masked officers and tagged in digital databases.
24:00 – Turning Down the News
Why JJ refused to sell his footage to media outlets who wanted to spin the story.
25:15 – Arrested but Misrepresented
Out of 200+ arrests, only JJ’s face aired—showing the manipulation of mainstream narratives.
27:00 – “It Wasn’t for the Money”
Losing money and missing work to serve the truth with his camera.
28:15 – Guns Down, Gloves Up
JJ documents Rico the Kid’s boxing events in Oakland as an alternative to gun violence.
30:00 – Conflict as a Catalyst for Respect
Running fades with structure, respect, and resolution.
31:30 – Hood Diplomacy: Fight, Shake Hands, Move On
Stories of fights ending in handshakes, hugs, and deeper respect.
33:00 – The Culture of Healing Through Confrontation
Letting aggression out today so it doesn’t fester into tomorrow.
34:30 – Legacy Over Likes
JJ’s mission to capture truth, teach youth, and protect the culture by any means necessary.