KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

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 – January 20, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D spoke with Liddell Hayes, founder and CEO of Operation Flame, a nonprofit organization that provides wildfire fighting training to young adults in disadvantaged communities. Hayes, who himself fought fires while incarcerated, shared insightful perspectives on the challenges of incarcerated firefighters and the vital work his organization is doing to empower youth through firefighting skills.

Liddell Hayes’ path to becoming a firefighter began in an unexpected place: prison. Before his incarceration, Hayes had little knowledge of wildfires or firefighting. “I didn’t know nothing about wildfires before incarceration. But once I went through the training, it changed my life,” he explained. Hayes was introduced to fire camp, a program where incarcerated individuals are trained to fight wildfires. Despite his initial lack of experience, he excelled in the training and was sent out to fight actual fires.

Hayes credits this experience for opening his eyes to a new world and giving him a sense of purpose. “You learn how to save life, property, and the environment. It was life-changing,” he said. However, the challenges of fighting fires were not over when he left the fire camp. The obstacles Hayes encountered in the workforce after his release were just beginning.

Upon release, Hayes faced significant challenges when trying to transition into a career in firefighting. Many incarcerated firefighters struggle to find employment in municipal fire departments due to their criminal records, despite the rigorous training they undergo. Hayes recalled, “It was challenging to find work. Some agencies wouldn’t even consider us because of our felony background.”

This issue is compounded by the difficulty in securing a job with departments that require additional certifications, such as EMT or paramedic training. “You’re looking at counties, city departments, those that do more structural firefighting… those departments meet resistance when hiring people like us,” he explained.

Moreover, Hayes emphasized the feeling of exploitation that many incarcerated firefighters experience. “We were working long shifts, sometimes 48 hours straight, without the same benefits or breaks as others. You do feel exploited,” he said, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the work, which often goes unrecognized.

Determined to help others avoid the struggles he faced, Hayes founded Operation Flame, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching young people in disadvantaged communities how to fight wildfires. Through the organization, Hayes provides youth with firefighting skills and certificates that can lead to job opportunities. “We’re giving young adults from South Central Los Angeles the chance to learn a trade and fight wildfires. It’s a skill that can change their lives,” Hayes said.

In just one year, Hayes’ organization trained over 140 young people—far surpassing their initial goal of two cohorts. Hayes has already seen success, with several trainees receiving job offers from major firefighting agencies. “We’ve had young people get hired by the Forest Service and Cal Fire. It’s been a blessing to see them succeed,” Hayes shared.

As the organization grows, Hayes is working to establish a permanent training facility to expand their reach and impact. “We need a facility to operate full-time. Donations will help us get there and make this a sustainable resource for the community,” he urged. Hayes is also seeking funding for a down payment on the building, which would allow Operation Flame to conduct more classes and provide more opportunities for young adults.

For those interested in supporting Operation Flame, Hayes encouraged donations via their website at operationflame.org. Additionally, Hayes invites anyone in the Los Angeles area interested in learning firefighting skills to follow the organization’s Instagram page at @operation_underscore_flame for updates on upcoming classes.

In addition to providing job opportunities, Hayes emphasized the importance of making firefighting skills more accessible to everyone. He explained that climate change has made wildfires more frequent and intense, underscoring the need for more people to be prepared to respond. “Everyone should have these skills, not just firefighters. It can help save lives and property in our communities,” Hayes stated.

“Climate change has made things more difficult,” he added. “We’ve had no rain in eight months, which leads to high fuel moisture and dry conditions. When a fire starts, you don’t know how bad it could get.” Hayes believes that by teaching more people how to fight wildfires, communities can be better prepared to protect themselves and their neighborhoods.

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: Liddell Hayes on the Role of Incarcerated Firefighters and Operation Flame appeared first on KPFA.

In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Kalanji Changa of Black Power Media and activist/producer Jeanine Etter to discuss their exciting new initiative, Soul Cinema Sundays. This event seeks to spotlight underrepresented Black films while providing an educational component about activism and social justice.

Jeanine Etter, former Bay Area producer and now based in Atlanta, explained that Soul Cinema Sundays is a continuation of a grassroots initiative she started in the Bay Area years ago. Frustrated by the limited and often negative portrayals of Black people in mainstream cinema, she and her friends gathered in their homes to watch underground films. These included classics such as Chameleon Street, The Spook Who Sat by the Door, and Love, Sex, and Eating the Bones. The new series in Atlanta builds upon this tradition, bringing Black underground films to the big screen with a twist: each screening will feature an activist group discussing the themes of the film and how viewers can get involved in related causes.

The first film in the series is The Last Black Man in San Francisco, which will be shown on January 19. Following the screening, the Housing Justice League will discuss the ongoing issue of gentrification, making the event both a cultural and educational experience.

Kalanji Changa, a long-time activist and educator, shared his perspective on the importance of such a film series. As someone deeply involved in creative resistance, Changa believes that combining art with activism is essential for raising awareness and promoting social change. He emphasized that through Soul Cinema Sundays, they aim to engage people in the conversation around gentrification, imperialism, and cultural genocide—issues that are far from new but are gaining renewed relevance today.

Changa pointed out that many cities, including San Francisco, New Orleans, and even Atlanta, are experiencing similar challenges of displacement and cultural erasure. The Last Black Man in San Francisco serves as a perfect example of this phenomenon, exploring themes of belonging and loss as the Black community in San Francisco faces rapid gentrification.

Both Changa and Etter discussed how the current political climate amplifies the need for films that reflect the realities of Black life and resistance. As Changa put it, “Art imitating life and life imitating art” has never been more evident, as films like The Last Black Man in San Francisco are more than just stories—they are reflections of what’s happening in our communities today.

They also touched on the need to counteract the growing cultural censorship seen in the U.S., from book bans to attempts to silence films that highlight Black stories. The Soul Cinema Sundays series pushes back against these efforts by providing a platform for these vital narratives to be seen and discussed. As Etter mentioned, it’s not just about showing films; it’s about creating a community space for dialogue and activism.

Throughout the conversation, the topic of gentrification emerged as a central issue. Changa highlighted that gentrification is a form of cultural genocide, erasing the history and legacy of Black communities. He stressed that the displacement of Black people is not just a byproduct of rising rents but a deliberate process aimed at destroying the cultural fabric of cities.

Changa also reflected on the broader impact of systemic oppression and how artists, activists, and educators play a crucial role in resisting these forces. By creating spaces like Soul Cinema Sundays, they hope to raise awareness and inspire action among attendees.

Soul Cinema Sundays is just getting started, with more screenings planned for the coming months. After The Last Black Man in San Francisco, the next film in the series will be Spike Lee’s Bamboozled, a satirical take on the exploitation of Black culture in the entertainment industry. The film will be shown on February 9, with discussions around its themes of race, representation, and media manipulation.

Plans for March include a special screening for International Women’s Day, with a focus on films that highlight women’s voices and struggles.

For those in the Atlanta area, tickets for the screenings can be obtained through the Plaza Theater’s website, and further information can be found by following Orange Amber Productions on Instagram (@orangeamberproductionsco). The Soul Cinema Sundays initiative is not just about watching films; it’s about building a community committed to social change, making it an event worth attending for anyone passionate about activism, art, and resistance.

As Jeanine Etter said, this series is ultimately an act of love—a love for community, culture, and the fight for justice. Whether you’re an Atlanta local or someone tuning in from afar, Soul Cinema Sundays offers a powerful way to engage with important social issues through the lens of film and activism.

Soul Cinema Sundays provides a unique opportunity for film lovers and activists to come together, discuss pressing issues, and take action. With films like The Last Black Man in San Francisco and Bamboozled, the series aims to educate, empower, and inspire, while also creating a space for community building. In a time of cultural censorship and political strife, this series offers a necessary antidote—art, activism, and unity.

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D engaged in a critical conversation with Rahman Jamal, leader of Hip Hop Congress and founder of the AfroBushido Academy, and artist Dishon. The discussion delved into activism, political engagement, and a shocking case of identity theft in San Mateo County that has sent shockwaves through the community.

Rahman Jamal, a long-time community organizer, emphasized the growing need for local political engagement. His work with Hip Hop Congress, alongside the AfroBushido Academy, seeks to bridge cultural education and community activism. Recently, Jamal found himself thrust into an alarming situation that ties directly to the region’s justice system.

For over 60 years, San Mateo County has maintained a private defender system, which lacks proper oversight and fails to provide adequate legal defense to the community. This situation came to light when Jamal’s colleague, Carlos Levexier, faced legal turmoil involving his son’s wrongful arrest, stemming from what appears to be identity theft. The local justice system’s negligence and corruption have made it clear that public defenders are not the safeguard they should be.

Jamal’s work with the AfroBushido Academy, a martial arts dojo, also illustrates how community spaces can be instrumental in supporting cultural and social justice efforts. However, this case brings to light deeper issues within the legal system, where even innocent individuals can be caught up due to systemic failures.

Artist Dishon shared his personal struggle with identity theft and a false criminal case, which has kept him entangled in the justice system for over four years. In 2020, Dishon was wrongfully accused of a crime in Half Moon Bay—a city he has never even visited. The case was built on flawed evidence, including misidentified photos from social media and fabricated alibis. Despite the clear lack of evidence tying Dishon to the crime, he has faced immense pressure to take a plea deal, a common tactic used by the legal system to avoid further investigation.

Dishon’s case highlights a troubling pattern where individuals, especially Black and Brown people, are wrongfully accused and then pressured to settle for plea deals, often at the expense of their reputation and freedom. Dishon has been forced to fight for his innocence, documenting evidence and pushing for transparency, despite overwhelming odds stacked against him.

Both Jamal and Dishon stressed the urgency of getting involved in local government to prevent such miscarriages of justice. As Jamal pointed out, while national politics are often in the spotlight, the real battles are fought on the local level—where decisions are made that directly impact the community. The ongoing case of the San Mateo County sheriff, who has faced political and legal attacks for advocating police accountability, is a stark reminder of the efforts to suppress progressive leadership.

The episode also touched on the rise of authoritarianism, with Jamal noting how the national political landscape—especially with the rise of figures like former President Donald Trump—could fuel further attacks on activists and progressive movements. This makes local political engagement even more crucial to ensure that these injustices do not go unchecked.

To further raise awareness, Jamal and Dishon are organizing a Town Hall on January 18 at the AfroBushido Academy in Redwood City. The event will feature a board-breaking exhibition, an open mic night, and an opportunity for the public to hear directly from Dishon and other community members. Jamal hopes this will serve as a platform for those with similar experiences to share their stories and start building a collective case against the system’s abuses.

Event Details:

This Town Hall is more than just a gathering; it’s a call to action for those impacted by systemic injustice. Jamal encourages anyone who has faced similar legal struggles or injustice to come forward and join the fight for accountability and change.

As Jamal aptly noted, “If we can’t win in the courts because the courts are already compromised, then we have to win in the court of public opinion.” The more people speak out and support each other, the stronger the movement will become to dismantle the systems that perpetuate these injustices.

This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of how local systems, like the one in San Mateo County, can cause irreparable harm to individuals, particularly when citizens are disengaged. Dishon’s fight for justice and Jamal’s ongoing activism highlight the need for heightened awareness and proactive steps to safeguard individual rights. The time is now for communities to step up, get informed, and make their voices heard.

For those looking to get involved or learn more about the case, Jamal can be contacted at [email protected]. The upcoming Town Hall is a vital opportunity to connect, learn, and support one another in this ongoing battle for justice.

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 Discusses the Soul Cinema Series with Kalanji Changa and Jeanine Etter / Talks Local Activism, Identity Theft, and Legal Struggles with Rahman Jamal and Dishon 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 – January 15, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

In a powerful conversation on Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Cat Brooks, co-founder of the Anti-Police Terror Project (APTP), and artist Chris Burger to discuss the ongoing efforts to reclaim the radical legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The discussion focused on Dr. King’s radical views, which are often overlooked in mainstream narratives, and the importance of continuing his fight for justice and equality today.

Cat Brooks explained that many people only recognize Dr. King for his “I Have a Dream” speech, neglecting his later years when his views became increasingly radical. Dr. King began to critique not just racism, but also capitalism, imperialism, and the war in Vietnam. This aspect of his legacy is often erased or whitewashed, but it was during these years that Dr. King became a vocal advocate for systemic change.

Brooks shared that in 2009, Maurice Mitchell issued a national call to reclaim King’s radical legacy, urging activists to challenge the sanitized version of Dr. King’s life. This call led to the creation of the annual Reclaim the King Legacy week in Oakland, which has become a powerful tradition of resistance, empowerment, and joy in the streets.

The week-long celebration includes direct actions, film screenings, panel discussions, and mutual aid events. Brooks emphasized that the reclaiming of Dr. King’s legacy is not just about remembering his words but actively engaging in direct action, something King himself supported. She pointed out that King was arrested multiple times for breaking unjust laws, particularly in the fight against segregation, and used direct action as a tool for social change.

Chris Berger added that Dr. King’s legacy is about being in the streets with the people, resisting oppression through self-determination, and empowering communities to organize for their freedom. The APTP’s work today, from mental health initiatives to anti-police activism, reflects King’s commitment to justice.

As the conversation moved to the present moment, the speakers discussed the challenges of today’s political climate. With increasing fascism and systemic violence, Brooks argued that Dr. King would be engaged in organizing, shifting tactics to meet the current political conditions. The ability to adapt, to “change strategies as conditions change,” was one of Dr. King’s strengths, and it remains essential today.

Chris Berger emphasized that King would be organizing around the needs of the people, focusing on community support and empowerment, rather than relying on the state to solve issues of injustice. He shared his own experience with APTP’s efforts to provide healing, including access to mental health resources, to those affected by police violence.

A central theme of the conversation was the idea of service to the community. Both Brooks and Berger reiterated that the true work of organizing comes from meeting people where they are, understanding their needs, and working alongside them. It’s not about ego, but about serving the people with humility and dedication. They called for organizers to focus on long-term, systemic change, rather than momentary fame or attention.

Berger also discussed the importance of community-driven initiatives, such as his work with Love Phenomena, a project that integrates music with digital literacy and workforce development. These efforts reflect Dr. King’s belief in self-determination and empowering communities to shape their futures.

The conversation wrapped up with details on upcoming events to celebrate Dr. King’s radical legacy. On Thursday, January 16th, APTP will kick off its Reclaim the King Legacy Week with a fundraiser at Bamhouse, 1540 Broadway in Oakland, featuring performances by Love Phenomena, Chris Burger, Jennifer Johns, and a conversation with Davey D and Cat Brooks.

Additionally, on Monday, January 20th, the 11th Annual Reclaim the King Legacy March will take place at 11 AM starting from Oscar Grant Plaza in Oakland. This march will focus on justice, healing, and community empowerment, and is expected to be a powerful display of resistance, particularly as the country faces another presidential inauguration.

Through their conversation, Cat Brooks and Chris Burger made it clear that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is far from the passive, non-confrontational figure many people have come to know. Dr. King was a revolutionary, a freedom fighter who used direct action to confront the systems of oppression. Reclaiming his radical legacy is not just about remembering the past but about continuing the fight for justice, equality, and freedom in the present day. The events planned for this week in Oakland are an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, and take action for the future.

For more information on the Reclaim the King Legacy events, visit the APTP website or join the conversation on social media.

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 Reclaiming the Radical Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Conversation with Cat Brooks and Chris Burger 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 – January 13, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

On this episode, we speak with Bay Area based comedian Karinda Dobbins about the release of her debut comedy album, Black & Blue. In Black & Blue, Karinda shares personal stories, finding humor in the most ordinary moments of her daily life, including her girlfriend’s arbitrary policy on household pests, the changes hipsters have brought to Oakland, and a Black woman’s unique packing list for hiking.

Later Poor News Network explores America’s war against the poor.

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 Comedian Korinda Dobbins and Poor News Network appeared first on KPFA.

In a compelling episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D brings together a powerful panel to discuss the intersection of media justice, net neutrality, and the evolving role of social media. Joining him are Steven Renderos, executive director of the Center for Media Justice, journalist author Jennifer Pozner founder of Women in Media, and local hip hop artist and tech educator Chris Burger. Together, they dive into the long-term consequences of corporate control over digital spaces, the importance of net neutrality, and the ways in which social media platforms are influencing public discourse.

The episode opens with a conversation about the recent legal challenges to net neutrality, the principle that ensures equal access to all online content. Renderos explains why net neutrality is crucial for maintaining an open and democratic internet. He notes, “Net neutrality is essentially the idea that the internet should remain a free and open space where all voices, regardless of size or wealth, are treated equally.” He goes on to detail how the recent legal challenges threaten this principle, which could lead to corporations like Comcast and Verizon creating “fast lanes” for large companies while leaving smaller voices, like independent journalists or content creators, stuck in the slow lanes.

Renderos underscores the far-reaching effects these changes could have: “What we’re seeing is the slow erosion of the space that allows independent voices to thrive, making it easier for big corporations to dominate the internet. That’s what’s at stake here — and we need to protect the open internet for everyone.”

Jennifer Pozner, a veteran of the media justice movement and a strong advocate for gender equality in media, draws attention to the harmful impact of social media algorithms. She describes how platforms like Facebook and Twitter manipulate content feeds to maximize engagement, often promoting outrage and misinformation. “When social media platforms put profit over people, they amplify voices that spread hate and misinformation,” Pozner explains. “We’ve seen the rise of conspiracy theories, the spread of disinformation, and now we’re seeing platforms like Facebook remove fact-checking altogether. This isn’t just about misinformation; it’s about who gets to control the narrative.”

Pozner, who has personally faced harassment online, also addresses the gender-based and racialized violence that many women and people of color experience on these platforms. She recounts how, in the aftermath of the Charlottesville rally, she became the target of a coordinated harassment campaign simply for speaking out. “I’ve had to leave platforms because of the constant threats. But the reality is, women have been facing this kind of harassment for years before many people started paying attention,” she says.

Chris Burger, known for his work as a local artist and tech educator, brings a unique perspective to the discussion. As someone who teaches digital literacy to youth in Oakland, Burger emphasizes the importance of empowering young people to take control of their online presence. “The most important network is the human network,” Burger states. “We need to teach our youth that owning your data and understanding how tech works is just as important as creating great music or art.”

Burger is deeply involved in training young people in the ins and outs of technology, showing them how to navigate the digital world and become creators, not just consumers. He explains, “We’re teaching kids how to own their content, how to protect their data, and how to use technology to build their own platforms. This is about giving them the tools to push back against the corporations that want to control their online experience.”

Burger’s commitment to creating community-driven solutions is evident as he shares an inspiring story about building a tech center in Oakland. “We’re working on a project called the Long Community Innovative Technology Entrepreneurial Center, where we’ll be teaching digital and data literacy, but also showing how to build infrastructure that’s not controlled by big corporations.”

The conversation takes a critical turn as Davey D highlights the addictive nature of social media and the deep dependency people have on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. He explains, “People are hooked on these platforms. It doesn’t matter if they know about the manipulation — they can’t quit. It’s like a bad habit that’s hard to break.” Renderos agrees, emphasizing that this addiction to social media is part of a broader issue. “The reality is, these platforms aren’t designed for us to thrive. They’re designed to make money off our attention, and that’s why we see these manipulative algorithms.”

As the conversation turns toward solutions, Pozner emphasizes the importance of building strong, resilient digital communities. “We have to take control of the narrative, both online and offline,” she states. “We need to build media literacy so that people know how to spot disinformation and recognize when they’re being manipulated. And we need to come together to create independent platforms that prioritize people over profit.”

In closing, the guests reflect on the need for collective action to protect media freedom and create alternatives to corporate-controlled platforms. Renderos stresses the importance of community-led digital infrastructures, while Pozner emphasizes the need for continued advocacy to ensure diverse voices are heard. Burger’s message of empowerment rings loud and clear: “We have to own this space. We have to teach the next generation how to fight back, how to create their own tech, and how to push against the corporations that want to control us.”

This episode of Hard Knock Radio is a call to action for those who care about media justice, net neutrality, and the future of the internet. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that the fight for a free and open internet is far from over. But with advocates like Renderos, Pozner, and Burger on the frontlines, there is hope that we can build a more inclusive, just, and democratic digital world.

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: A Deep Dive into Media Justice, Net Neutrality, and the Role of Social Media appeared first on KPFA.

Davey D starts the show by playing Bugalooza, Louisiana by Brenton Wood, a tribute to the legendary soul singer who passed away over the holidays. Davey acknowledges Brenton’s influence on West Coast culture, particularly among lowriders and fans of rare soul.

Gary Baca’s Perspective on the LA Fires

Impact of Extreme Winds

The Oakland Hills Fire of 1991

Political and Social Impact of the Fires

Tribute to Brenton Wood’s Influence on Lowrider Culture

Gary’s Personal Connection with Brenton Wood

Final Thoughts on Brenton Wood’s Legacy

Gary’s Experience with Brenton Wood

This conversation highlights the dual significance of the LA fires and Brenton Wood’s cultural impact, painting a poignant picture of both current disasters and past musical legacies.

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 The LA Fires and Brenton Wood: Conversation between Davey D and Gary Baca, aka G-Spot appeared first on KPFA.

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio Davey D speaks with Bishop Dwight Fowler about the tragic case of Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old man serving a 12-year sentence for assault, who died in the early hours of December 10 after reportedly being beaten by correction officers at Marcy Correctional Facility, an all-male state prison in North Albany.

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 The Murder of Robert Brooks appeared first on KPFA.