KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

In this episode, we kick things off with Treston Irby and Billy Covington of the iconic platinum-selling R&B group Hi-Five. They reflect on the group’s legacy, share behind-the-scenes stories from their chart-topping days, and talk about keeping the soulful sound of the ’90s alive for new generations.

Later, we turn our attention to one of the most influential figures in Mexican art and culture: Frida Kahlo. We explore how her bold self-expression and unyielding spirit continue to inspire Latina artists today—especially the women of The Phoenix Fridas, a collective honoring her legacy through art and activism.

In Confianza, Pulso producer Anthony Wallace brings us the powerful story of Thania Betancourt Alcazar, a member of The Phoenix Fridas. Alcazar shares how Frida’s art became a lifeline during her journey as a Mexican immigrant, helping her navigate feelings of isolation and find strength in her cultural identity. Through Frida’s lens, Alcazar finally saw herself—and began to embrace her own power.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Rhythm, Roots, and Resilience: Hi-Five and The Phoenix Fridas appeared first on KPFA.

On this powerful edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with educator, musician, and cultural worker Dani Cornejo of the group Debajito to unpack the urgency of resistance, the attack on Ethnic Studies, and the healing role of rhythm. With war, genocide, and repression defining the global moment, Cornejo delivers a timely call to action from both the classroom and the stage.

Cornejo, who teaches Ethnic Studies at Diablo Valley College, spoke candidly about the escalating right-wing assault on education, diversity, and free expression. He traced today’s backlash to a broader white supremacist backlash, pointing out how legacy media and tech platforms censor voices challenging genocide in Palestine while amplifying vile rhetoric like Ann Coulter’s “feed them to the alligators” comment about Latinos. “The quiet part is being said out loud now,” Cornejo noted, stressing that these attacks are designed to instill fear and fracture solidarity.

But Cornejo didn’t just name the problems—he brought the solutions too. Through his group Debajito, he’s helping reclaim the drum as a political and spiritual weapon. Their upcoming EP Entre Mundos fuses Cumbia rhythms, indigenous melodies, and bilingual bars, drawing a throughline between African and Indigenous resistance traditions. “Cumbia is where the Andes meets the Caribbean,” he explained, “and that fusion is an act of solidarity.”

The two also dug into the trauma of constant exposure to ICE raids and police brutality online. Dani pointed out that the oversaturation of pain and spectacle on social media creates hopelessness and passivity—something he says must be countered with education, critical media literacy, and intentional cross-racial organizing. “The right has figured out how to cherry-pick human rights,” he said. “But we can’t. You’re either down for human rights or you’re not.”

The conversation ended with a reminder: movement music must move people. Entre Mundos is built to do both—make you dance and make you think. As Cornejo put it: “You can’t have one without the other.”

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Dani Cornejo of Debajito on Beats, Borders, and Building Solidarity appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio previews the SF Hip Hop Summit with a conversation on Notes, culture, and the tech frontier

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Notes co-founder Divine and Ankh Marketing’s Kamel Jacot-Bell to preview the San Francisco Hip Hop Summit and discuss the bold new intersections between culture, artificial intelligence, and financial power. What unfolded was a powerful and deeply layered conversation about innovation, equity, and reclaiming the narrative—centered in Hip Hop and grounded in community.

Divine, a former federal prisoner turned tech visionary, is partnering with legendary MC Rakim to build Notes, a Fintech and AI-driven platform designed to empower independent urban artists. This platform goes beyond the usual music distribution services—it’s about access to capital, building financial literacy, and developing entrepreneurship skills tailored to the Hip Hop generation.

“We’re capturing the whole financial DNA of a person—not just a credit score,” Divine explained. Notes will use AI to evaluate artists’ financial behaviors and unlock new tools for funding, savings, and investing. It’s designed for those who are often overlooked by banks and investors, and it builds on the cultural currency artists already hold.

But Notes is not just tech for tech’s sake—it’s rooted in lived experience. Divine, who spent 10 years incarcerated for his involvement in the drug trade, talked candidly about how that path was glamorized in Hip Hop but never afforded the same grace as Silicon Valley’s “innovators” who broke rules and got rewarded.

“If I do it, it’s criminal. If they do it, it’s innovative,” he said. “We’re trying to flip that.”

Davey D raised a critical point: In an era where billionaires like Jay-Z and Dr. Dre dominate headlines, there’s a public perception that financial literacy is a solved issue in the culture. Divine pushed back. “It’s a myth that we’ve figured it out,” he said. “Most Americans are financially illiterate. This is bigger than just Black folks. We’re just more vulnerable because of systemic barriers.”

He emphasized that Notes isn’t just a financial tool—it’s an educational one. It’s designed to teach, inspire, and equip artists from a young age, using the culture they love. “It’s like math through gaming,” he explained. “If you love Hip Hop and want to be like Rakim, you’re going to want to learn.”

The conversation also touched on how AI is being weaponized—not just through surveillance or automation—but through exclusion. Davey D referenced a recent Afrotech article where prominent Trump-aligned tech figures openly described diversity efforts as “harmful” and vowed to dismantle them. “These folks don’t want us in the room,” he warned.

Divine responded with clarity: “This isn’t new. The tools change, but the fight stays the same. What we’re doing with Notes is building a system that decentralizes power. It puts artists in control of their own narrative and income.”

Kamel Jacot-Bell stepped in to highlight the upcoming Culture Renaissance event, which will kick off the SF Hip Hop Summit at the Midway. Scheduled for Friday, July 18th from 6–9 PM, the evening features panels on AI ethics, one-day record labels, and Hip Hop’s role in tech innovation. Panelists include Divine, Rakim, Sway, and others, with Davey D moderating key sessions.

“Being in San Francisco—next door to Silicon Valley—it’s more important than ever that our community be part of the AI conversation,” Kamel said. “We’re not just rappers. We’re strategists, builders, and creators.”

The broader weekend festival will feature performances from Digable Planets, Dogg Pound, Souls of Mischief, Rexx Life Raj, Invisible Scratch Pickles, and more. But the soul of the event, according to Kamel, is about more than performances.

“We’re talking chess tables, graffiti battles, crate-digging, and panel discussions—our full cultural expression,” he said. “We’re not just consumers of tech or culture. We’re architects.”

As the conversation wrapped, Davey D and Divine reflected on the long relationship between Black creativity and technological advancement. From Harry Allen’s early conversations about the “super information highway” to Divine’s vision for Notes, Hip Hop has always been pushing innovation.

But too often, that innovation gets dismissed. “What Rakim did with rhyme was tech,” Davey pointed out. “But folks don’t call it that. They just say it was dope. Nah—it was innovative. It changed the game.”

Divine agreed and emphasized that the future is about ownership—of tools, platforms, and narratives. “We’re not just building with AI. We’re designing it. My code, my culture, my lived experience is in the product.”

With Notes set to launch in the next 90 days, and the Culture Renaissance event just days away, this Hard Knock Radio conversation laid the groundwork for a powerful weekend—and a future where Hip Hop leads, not follows, in the world of innovation.

More Info:

 Culture Renaissance Panel

 SF Hip Hop Summit Festival

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Divine and Kamel Bell on Hip Hop, AI, and Building Power from the Ground Up appeared first on KPFA.

On today’s episode of Hard Knock Radio, we bring you two powerful segments rooted in resistance, liberation, and visionary organizing.

We begin with Part 2 of Build and Fight Formula – Episode 5, hosted by Cooperation Jackson’s Kali Akuno and journalist Thandisizwe Chimurenga. They continue their deep-dive conversation with Blair Evans of Insight Focus, exploring how digital fabrication tools—like 3D printers and CNC machines—can empower communities to build what they need and own the means of production. Evans lays out a strategic framework for developing Fab Labs as community-run hubs for ecological healing, cooperative economies, and self-governance. Together, the trio pushes back on automation fears and reframes tech as a tool for liberation, not displacement. The mantra: “Fight for what you want now—or fight against what you don’t want later.”

In the second half, host Davey D speaks with long-time Oakland-based organizer George Galvis of CURYJ. Fresh off a transformative journey to South Dakota, Galvis reflects on his visit with Leonard Peltier, newly released after nearly 50 years of incarceration. Galvis recounts the spiritual and political power of sharing Sundance with Peltier—a reclaiming of Indigenous culture and faith in the face of ongoing repression. He draws historical links between Operation Wetback, ICE raids, and algorithmic surveillance while calling for modern-day underground railroads to protect vulnerable communities. “It’s war,” Galvis says. “But Peltier’s freedom shows—we can win.”

Don’t miss this episode. These are blueprints for survival and victory in the 21st century. Tune in. Build. Fight. Resist.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Visionary Warfare: Liberation Tech & Indigenous Power appeared first on KPFA.

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Congresswoman Lateefah Simon for a timely and urgent conversation about the devastating implications of the recently passed federal spending bill”dubbed by critics as the Big Ugly Bill. Representing Californias newly redrawn 12th Congressional District, Simon pulls no punches in breaking down what she calls an insidious attack on poor and working-class communities across the nation, particularly in the Bay Area.

Simon outlines how the bill strips over $1 trillion from health care programs including Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the Childrens Health Insurance Program. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, 17 million people will lose healthcare by 2034, and 90 million dollars in Planned Parenthood funding”including Oaklands Barbara Lee Health Center”has been cut immediately. In her words, they are literally kicking women in the neck.

SNAP benefits (aka food stamps) are also on the chopping block, along with $5 trillion in tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations. The bill simultaneously boosts ICE and Homeland Security by 19%, making ICE the largest federal law enforcement agency in the country. This is no accident, Simon says. This administration wants this country whiter and more male.

Simon emphasizes that this bill directly harms people in her district. Over 35,000 residents are expected to lose healthcare, and 9,000 families may lose access to food assistance. This isnt abstract policy”its life and death for our communities, she says.

Simon points to the defunding of NIH clinical trials at Oakland Childrens Hospital as an example of how the bills cruelty extends even to children battling cancer. ICE, now armed with an expanded budget, is already escalating deportations, and Simon warns that marginalized diasporic communities”from Haitians to Armenians”are being targeted with little media attention or recourse.

With urgency and clarity, Simon stresses that the midterms are critical: If we dont win, we may not have a republic. She explains that Democrats have lost control of the House, Senate, and Executive Branch”and without the numbers, they lack subpoena power and oversight authority. Still, she remains committed to harm reduction, filing amendments (six on this bill alone), visiting detention centers, and working across the aisle when necessary.

But she also insists this cannot be a fight left to elected officials alone. Not one right was ever given to us without a fight, she reminds listeners, quoting Grace Lee Boggs and Wanda Johnson. Simon encourages folks to contact her office, stay politically engaged, and push all elected officials to be accountable.

Davey D and Simon also discuss the question of where taxpayer money goes”and where it should go. Echoing former Congresswoman Barbara Lee, they call for a peace dividend that funds education, housing, childcare, and diplomacy”not war and mass incarceration.

Simon closes the conversation grounded in faith and community: Injustice cannot stand forever. Im here every day fighting because I believe in our people.

Later on in the show we listen to Build and Fight series #5 with Kali Akuno and Thandi Chimerenga

For any listeners who need to reach out about casework or help contact Congresswoman Simon @ simon.house.gov and 510-763-0370 (Oakland office number)

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Congresswoman Lateefah Simon amd Build and Fight #5 appeared first on KPFA.

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with author, artist, and anthropologist Dr. Umi Vaughan to discuss his new book Silencing the Drum: Religious Racism and Afro-Brazilian Sacred Music, co-authored with historian Dr. Danielle Boaz. The conversation delves deep into the persecution of Afro-Brazilian religious practices and the ongoing war against Black cultural expression in Brazil.

Opening with the sound of sacred Brazilian drums, Davey D set the stage for a powerful conversation about the role of music in Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé and Umbanda. These traditions—descendants of West African spiritual systems such as Yoruba, Vodun, and Bantu practices—are rooted in rhythm, ritual, and communal healing. The drum is not just an instrument; it’s a sacred tool that calls forth spirit, memory, and resistance.

Dr. Vaughan explained how these traditions arrived in Brazil through the transatlantic slave trade, adapting and surviving under brutal repression. While Candomblé retained deep connections to African cosmologies, Umbanda blended African, Catholic, and Indigenous influences, reflecting Brazil’s complex racial and cultural dynamics. Both faiths rely heavily on music and drumming to call forth ancestral energies, heal communities, and affirm identity.

But as Dr. Vaughan emphasized, the drum is under attack. The book opens with the chilling story of the assassination of a respected religious leader in her own temple—a brutal reminder that these are not just cultural practices but life-and-death struggles. Evangelical and Pentecostal Christian groups, often aligned with political power, have been central in campaigns to demonize Afro-Brazilian religions, portraying their sacred practices as demonic or “black magic.”

From false noise pollution complaints to physical violence and state-sanctioned repression, the tactics are varied but the aim is clear: to erase African cultural memory and assert colonial religious dominance. Vaughan connects this to a longer lineage of anti-Black violence—dating back to Portuguese colonizers’ fear of African power, symbolized most vividly through the drum.

Davey D pointed out the hypocrisy in Brazil’s simultaneous commodification of Afro-Brazilian culture and its violent suppression. “People fly in to enjoy Carnival and Samba, but once the party ends, the police raid the terreiros (sacred spaces),” he said. Vaughan agreed, calling it “a schizophrenic dynamic,” where the same drumming that powers Brazil’s global cultural image is criminalized in Black communities.

The book also touches on gentrification within the religion itself—lighter-skinned Brazilians and outsiders laying claim to Afro-spiritual spaces, sometimes by traveling to Africa to study “at the source,” then returning with newfound authority, often overshadowing the Black women who have long led these traditions.

The conversation drew sharp parallels between Brazil and the U.S., where Black cultural practices are similarly policed, commodified, and distorted. Davey noted how the demonization of African spirituality echoes critiques he’s heard of hip hop or other Black expressive forms. Vaughan expanded the point: “Everywhere the drum shows up, somebody tries to silence it.”

Despite this, the resilience of the communities practicing Candomblé and Umbanda is palpable. Vaughan highlighted how some priests responded to threats from drug traffickers by blasting Christian music on speakers while continuing their drum ceremonies in private. “It’s always been a dance between survival and spirit,” he said.

Under far-right President Bolsonaro, repression intensified. Statues of orishas were vandalized while white Evangelical supremacy gained ground. Vaughan says current President Lula’s administration is more open, with cultural ministers and first lady openly honoring Afro-Brazilian religions. There is cautious hope—but as Vaughan made clear, the fight is far from over.

As the interview closed, Dr. Vaughan urged listeners to read the book not just for its history, but as a provocation: “Ask yourself—what in your culture would you fight to protect?” He reminded listeners that the struggle in Brazil mirrors battles happening globally. “If it can happen there, it can happen here.”

He encouraged folks to follow his work on Instagram (@umivon), support Brazilian grassroots collectives like Coletivo Merê, and remain vigilant against cultural erasure.

“Free Brown on Building a Wellness Oasis in Richmond”

(HKR-07-08-25) On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Free Brown—licensed therapist, cultural curator, and founder of Richmond’s Vibe Bistro—to talk about wellness, community, and creating safe, affirming spaces in a time of censorship and cultural repression.

Free Brown’s work through Live at Vibe, an initiative at her venue Vibe Bistro, goes far beyond traditional entertainment. As she explains, the space was built with “blood, sweat, and tears”—not grants or corporate backers. This intentional independence means Brown is highly selective about where funding comes from and how the space is used. “I’d rather sell mocktails than take money that controls the message,” she told Davey D. “We’re creating a gateway, a cultural landmark that belongs to the people.”

Vibe Bistro is quickly becoming a beacon in the Bay, offering a stage not just for veteran artists like Valerie Troutt, but also for emerging performers who are finding and shaping their voices. Free emphasized that it’s not about forcing a political line, but rather about encouraging honest self-expression. “Everyone’s trying to get to the same goal—liberation, love, and empowerment—but not everyone walks the same path. And that’s okay.”

The conversation touched on the ways many cultural institutions are retreating from bold content due to pressure from funders and political forces. Davey D noted that some venues now fear showcasing too diverse a crowd or content perceived as “political,” lest it jeopardize their federal support. Free responded firmly: “We’re not going to self-censor to make funders comfortable. I want a space where we can say ‘Black,’ where we can say ‘diverse,’ where we can say ‘racism’ out loud.”

She drew comparisons to historic cultural spaces like The Good Life Café and The Upper Room—spaces with community-centered ethics that helped launch socially conscious Hip Hop movements. “This ain’t just about vibes,” Brown added. “We’re about curation. There’s a line between free expression and toxic energy. And we hold that line.”

As a mental health therapist, Free highlighted how the grind culture and surveillance-like pressures of social media are exacerbating burnout, particularly for artists. “People are being consumed—literally and digitally—without getting a chance to reset,” she said. “We’re not machines. Even machines need to cool off.”

Brown and Davey reflected on the uptick in visible mental health crises within creative communities, especially in the wake of COVID and ongoing social unrest. Free spoke passionately about the need for intentional spiritual breaks. “Healing doesn’t always look like silence. Sometimes it’s dance. Sometimes it’s a dope song. But it’s got to give your brain a pause from the chaos.”

Vibe Bistro, located just steps from Richmond BART and Amtrak, is envisioned as both a hyperlocal gathering place and a global cultural landmark. Live performances are curated to set a tone of depth, healing, and integrity. While Free is already fielding offers to replicate the model elsewhere, she’s focused on making this one special. “You didn’t ask the Apollo to be in 50 states. You had to be there. That’s what we’re doing here.”

Brown closed the interview with gratitude for artists like Valerie Troutt and a vision for what’s to come: “We want listening parties. We want a stage that says you don’t have to leave home to be seen. And we want people to know this is a space where you can breathe.”

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Silencing the Drum: Dr. Umi Vaughan on Afro-Brazilian Faith, Resistance, and Repression appeared first on KPFA.

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D checks back in with journalist James Farr on the six-month anniversary of the devastating Eaton Fire that ravaged Altadena, California. The conversation opens with sharp criticism of the Biden administration’s militarized show of force at MacArthur Park—a move seen by many as a cruel distraction from the lack of federal attention and relief for disaster-stricken Black and Brown communities across the country.

Farr, host of Conversation Live: Altadena Rising on KBLA Talk 1580 and a contributor to LA Progressive, detailed the slow and burdensome recovery process in Altadena. He described how corporate developers were circling like vultures, exploiting the crisis to acquire land in a historically Black neighborhood that has already endured a legacy of displacement due to redlining and freeway construction. Despite early promises, residents have received limited financial relief, with only about 20 rebuilding permits granted and bureaucratic red tape holding back the process. Many elders and long-time residents, especially renters or those without formal lease agreements, are left with no viable path to recovery.

Farr revealed that upwards of a billion dollars has been raised through charitable donations, but most of that money hasn’t reached the people who need it. He raised concerns about nonprofit gatekeeping and how some organizations are only required to disburse 5% of raised funds annually, banking the rest. He also pointed out the emotional toll on displaced seniors, many of whom are now living in unfamiliar apartments after decades in their homes. These psychological stresses, compounded by insurance stonewalling and potential IRS entanglements, underscore the deep inequities embedded in the recovery process.

The conversation closed with a sobering reminder: “Disasters don’t discriminate, but recovery does.” Farr urged listeners not to forget Altadena or any community that suffers in silence. The story of Altadena, he stressed, is a microcosm of a broader national failure to support vulnerable communities after catastrophe.

“Free Brown on Building a Wellness Oasis in Richmond”

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Free Brown—licensed therapist, cultural curator, and founder of Richmond’s Vibe Bistro—to talk about wellness, community, and creating safe, affirming spaces in a time of censorship and cultural repression.

Free Brown’s work through Live at Vibe, an initiative at her venue Vibe Bistro, goes far beyond traditional entertainment. As she explains, the space was built with “blood, sweat, and tears”—not grants or corporate backers. This intentional independence means Brown is highly selective about where funding comes from and how the space is used. “I’d rather sell mocktails than take money that controls the message,” she told Davey D. “We’re creating a gateway, a cultural landmark that belongs to the people.”

Vibe Bistro is quickly becoming a beacon in the Bay, offering a stage not just for veteran artists like Valerie Troutt, but also for emerging performers who are finding and shaping their voices. Free emphasized that it’s not about forcing a political line, but rather about encouraging honest self-expression. “Everyone’s trying to get to the same goal—liberation, love, and empowerment—but not everyone walks the same path. And that’s okay.”

The conversation touched on the ways many cultural institutions are retreating from bold content due to pressure from funders and political forces. Davey D noted that some venues now fear showcasing too diverse a crowd or content perceived as “political,” lest it jeopardize their federal support. Free responded firmly: “We’re not going to self-censor to make funders comfortable. I want a space where we can say ‘Black,’ where we can say ‘diverse,’ where we can say ‘racism’ out loud.”

She drew comparisons to historic cultural spaces like The Good Life Café and The Upper Room—spaces with community-centered ethics that helped launch socially conscious Hip Hop movements. “This ain’t just about vibes,” Brown added. “We’re about curation. There’s a line between free expression and toxic energy. And we hold that line.”

As a mental health therapist, Free highlighted how the grind culture and surveillance-like pressures of social media are exacerbating burnout, particularly for artists. “People are being consumed—literally and digitally—without getting a chance to reset,” she said. “We’re not machines. Even machines need to cool off.”

Brown and Davey reflected on the uptick in visible mental health crises within creative communities, especially in the wake of COVID and ongoing social unrest. Free spoke passionately about the need for intentional spiritual breaks. “Healing doesn’t always look like silence. Sometimes it’s dance. Sometimes it’s a dope song. But it’s got to give your brain a pause from the chaos.”

Vibe Bistro, located just steps from Richmond BART and Amtrak, is envisioned as both a hyperlocal gathering place and a global cultural landmark. Live performances are curated to set a tone of depth, healing, and integrity. While Free is already fielding offers to replicate the model elsewhere, she’s focused on making this one special. “You didn’t ask the Apollo to be in 50 states. You had to be there. That’s what we’re doing here.”

Brown closed the interview with gratitude for artists like Valerie Troutt and a vision for what’s to come: “We want listening parties. We want a stage that says you don’t have to leave home to be seen. And we want people to know this is a space where you can breathe.”

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Disasters Don’t Discriminate, But Recovery Does” James Farr on Altadena’s Fight to Rebuild and Free Brown on Building a Wellness Oasis in Richmond, CA appeared first on KPFA.

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Dr. Noha Aboelata, founder and CEO of Roots Community Health Center, to unpack the devastating impact of a new federal law—ironically dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill”—signed on July 4. The legislation, which slashes Medicaid funding and imposes work requirements on recipients, represents what both Davey and Dr. Noha described as a deeply harmful pivot in public health policy that will disproportionately hurt low-income communities, particularly in cities like Oakland.

Dr. Noha called the bill a “huge disappointment,” warning it signals a return to the pre-Affordable Care Act days when basic healthcare was out of reach for many—especially low-income men. “It wasn’t uncommon to hear patients say the only place they could get ongoing care was prison,” she said, highlighting how dire access was before Medicaid expansion.

Roots Community Health Center was founded in 2008, right before Obamacare took effect. It was created to fill those gaps—particularly for those systemically left out of care. The expansion of Medicaid under the ACA was, in her words, a “game changer,” though not without challenges. Roots had to do deep, culturally grounded outreach to get people enrolled, many of whom had gone years without care. The results? Many patients were already suffering from advanced conditions by the time they walked through the clinic’s doors.

Under the new bill, Medicaid recipients will be required to prove they’re working a minimum number of hours—or volunteering—to maintain their benefits by 2027. Dr. Noha questioned the logic and feasibility of this, especially in urban centers like East Oakland, where jobs may be inaccessible due to prior convictions or systemic barriers.

“If we’re not removing barriers to employment, then all of this is pretty much lip service,” she said. “It’s coercion—telling people they must ‘prove they matter’ to access healthcare.”

She also raised legal red flags: forcing people to “volunteer” for 80 hours a month as a requirement contradicts California labor laws. “That’s not actually volunteering,” she noted sharply.

Beyond Medicaid cuts, Dr. Noha pointed to a broader war on public health. From anti-science rhetoric to defunding cancer research, the healthcare system is being eroded on multiple fronts. Davey brought up how right-wing influencers and politicians are not just discrediting public health measures—they’re actively undermining the work of dedicated, trusted medical professionals like Dr. Noha and her team.

With misinformation rising and trust in institutions falling, Dr. Noha underscored the need for consistent, accessible health messaging. “We’re still doing our Tuesday health briefings,” she said, referencing Roots’ public updates aimed at keeping communities informed. “This is not a time for complacency.”

The financial burden of these federal rollbacks is already being felt. “Our Medi-Cal rates are among the lowest in the country,” Dr. Noha explained. “Many providers may choose to see fewer Medi-Cal patients, if any. That puts more pressure on us.”

Without access to affordable outpatient care, treatable chronic illnesses like diabetes or asthma will land more people in overcrowded ERs. And the idea that work requirements will somehow motivate employment? “The likelihood that’s going to increase the workforce is pretty minimal,” she said bluntly.

Davey closed by pressing a vital question: “What is our responsibility as a community to make sure Roots not only survives but thrives?”

Dr. Noha’s answer was clear: “We have to pull together.” She emphasized the importance of sustained community involvement and support, especially for Roots’ next big initiative—a freestanding Young People’s Wellness Center in Deep East Oakland. “If things look bleak to adults, imagine what our youth are feeling.”

She invited listeners to stay informed, support the work, and, if they have means, contribute financially. “If folks can spend a million dollars to go to a white party in the Hamptons, maybe some of that can go to keeping community health centers alive.”

In a time of policy backslides and political posturing, both Davey and Dr. Noha urged listeners to resist apathy. “They’re banking on us tuning out,” Dr. Noha warned. “We have to stay tapped into science, truth, and each other.”

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On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with DJ, emcee, and actor Juan Amador—aka DJ Wonway—to discuss his starring role in Aztlan, a powerful new play by Luis Alfaro running at San Francisco’s Magic Theater. The conversation dives into the cultural urgency and political weight of storytelling at a time when ethnic studies and historical truth-telling are under attack.

Wonway, who plays three roles in the production—including a set of twins and the father of the main character—explains how Aslan blends mythology and modern-day realities, exploring themes of incarceration, family, and Indigenous memory. The play follows a man recently released from prison who discovers his family is connected to Aztec gods, setting the stage for deeper reflections on identity, history, and systemic injustice.

The two reflect on how plays like Aslan serve as both resistance and education—especially as ethnic studies are being defunded and banned. Wonway shares that his own academic roots in La Raza Studies at SF State inform his approach to performance and cultural work. He emphasizes that their work is not just for mainstream acceptance but deeply rooted in community empowerment and cultural continuity.

Davey D and Wonway also discuss the broader Bay Area theater renaissance, giving props to creatives like RyanNicole, Cat Brooks, and the Lower Bottom Playaz. They examine whether artists should strive to “make it” in Hollywood or stay rooted in community-controlled spaces, noting the pitfalls of commodification and the power of DIY media.

Wonway speaks candidly about preparing to portray twins live on stage, drawing inspiration from his partner’s twin daughters. He also highlights the play’s commentary on parole and the prison industrial complex, urging audiences to see formerly incarcerated people as human and deserving of care and reintegration.

The show closes with shout-outs to fellow Bay legends and a reminder that Aslan has been extended at the Magic Theater. For those struggling financially, discounted and comp tickets are available by reaching out directly. Wonway makes clear: everyone should have access to this cultural moment.

The post Dr. Noha Aboelata Sounds the Alarm on Anti-Health Legislation and Bay Area Theater as Resistance: Juan Amador on Culture, Carcerality, and Community appeared first on KPFA.

On this July 8th edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D speaks with veteran anti-fascist organizer Daryle Lamont Jenkins of One People’s Project about the dangerous political landscape unfolding in the U.S. The conversation centers on the passage of the “big ugly bill,” a federal spending package that gives more funding to ICE than to the U.S. Marines. Jenkins warns this opens the door for far-right extremists—like Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and Patriot Front—to embed themselves further in government agencies under the guise of immigration enforcement.

Jenkins and Davey D point to the silence—and in some cases, complicity—of centrist Democrats who seem more focused on crushing progressives than opposing fascist forces. They highlight how politicians aligned with AIPAC and corporate interests are working to derail movement candidates like Jamaal Bowman and Mondaire Jones, while staying quiet on policies that fuel mass surveillance, raids, and immigrant detention.

The conversation also addresses inflammatory rhetoric from figures like Laura Loomer and Ann Coulter, who’ve made genocidal statements targeting Latinos and Indigenous people. Despite their extremism, these influencers have ties to powerful players and are amplified by platforms like X (Twitter) and Facebook. Jenkins argues this unchecked speech isn’t just noise—it shapes policy and endangers lives.

Davey D and Jenkins call out attempts to divide Black communities from immigrant struggles, particularly through social media campaigns that stoke xenophobia and erode solidarity. They stress the importance of organizing, resisting ICE on the ground, and demanding transparency from those in power.

Jenkins closes with a clear message: we’re not powerless—but we do have to act. From confronting masked ICE agents in the streets to building up independent political platforms and third-party options, the fight against fascism and complicity must be bold, creative, and sustained.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post ICE, AIPAC, Centrist Democrats and the Rise of the Right: Daryle Lamont Jenkins Breaks It Down appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Hard Knock Radio – July 7, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.