On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Selena Wilson, CEO of East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC), to discuss the upcoming 4th Annual Black Futures Ball”a vibrant celebration of Afrofuturism, community resilience, and youth empowerment.
Held on Saturday, August 2 at the Chabot Space and Science Center, this years event pays tribute to the legendary Sun Ra and his 1974 cult classic film Space Is the Place, which was filmed in Oakland. The timing couldnt be more aligned, as the Sun Ra Arkestra is also set to perform in the Bay Area that same weekend. It felt like a harmonic convergence, Wilson said, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural alignment.
Wilson explained the Black Futures Balls deeper purpose: to fund college scholarships for youth served by EOYDC. The event raises more than $150,000 annually for students”providing not only financial support but also a platform to amplify imagination, creativity, and radical vision. Inspired by works like Black Panther, Ironheart, and the new Superman, the Ball offers a space for attendees to dream boldly, dress boldly, and imagine liberating futures rooted in joy and Black excellence.
Davey D and Wilson spoke about the power of Afrofuturism to nurture imagination, especially in times of political disillusionment. Theres a continuum, Wilson explained, acknowledging both despair and creativity among youth. While some are discouraged by attacks on education, climate change, and systemic injustice, many are thinking beyond the limitations of the current system building apps, designing curricula, and leveraging AI for social good.
The Ball itself promises a vibrant collision of fashion, science fiction, ancestral reverence, and dance-floor vibes. Think Met Gala meets AfroPunk meets Comic-Con. Its a space where people come in full regalia”from cosmic alien fits to ancestral robes, Wilson said. This year, EOYDC is collaborating with the Black Cultural Zone to host jewelry-making workshops and fashion pop-ups to help attendees build their look.
Wilson also spotlighted Oaklands rising representation in pop culture, celebrating creators like Ryan Coogler and Shanaka Hodge, who are shifting narratives through media and imagination. Films like Freaky Tales and the newest Superman reflect the Bays indelible imprint on futurist storytelling.
Throughout the conversation, the message was clear: collective vision, grounded in justice and creativity, is our most powerful tool. It took more than Superman, Wilson noted. It took a whole team.
For more info and tickets, visit EOYDCs social media and website. VIP doors open at 6 PM; general admission starts at 8 PM. Costumes encouraged”Sun Ra energy welcomed.
In the second half of the show, we pay tribute to the tragic loss of actor and humanitarian Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. His contributions to the arts, activism, and Black representation will not be forgotten.
Mac Mall Reflects on Legacy, Vallejo’s Impact, and the Power of Real Connection
On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, Bay Area icon Mac Mall sat down with Davey D to reflect on his legacy, the deep cultural roots of Vallejo Hip Hop, and the life lessons earned through decades in the game.
Now entering OG status, Mac Mall embraced the gray hairs and fatherhood, sharing stories from his journey that began as a teenager. At just 15, he recorded his first album Illegal Business, a record that celebrated its 30th anniversary with a live band performance at Oaklands historic Yoshis. The performance, he said, was a thank you to the fans whove ridden with him since the start.
Beyond music, Mac Mall is a self-published author. His book My Opinion chronicles the journey of chasing dreams”and what happens when you catch them. Its an American story, he said. About growing up in Hip Hop. He announced his second book, Thizz or Die, which continues where the first left off, carrying his distinct voice rooted in the tradition of Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim.
The Vallejo legend broke down the often-overlooked cultural power of his city, citing pioneers like Mac Dre, E-40, and N2Deep, and newer stars like LaRussell. We made it okay to say you’re from Vallejo and be proud, he declared. Weve been holding it down and bringing platinum plaques to the Bay.
Mac Mall also uplifted Vallejos deep musical lineage”from Sly Stone and Con Funk Shun to the church-based musicians who formed the backbone of early production. We had more live musicians than samples, he said, reminding listeners that Vallejo was incorporating live instrumentation long before it was trendy.
He paid homage to Tupac, who directed his first major video, and talked about the responsibility of paying it forward. Recognize someones looking up to you. That person might be the one who saves the world.
On writing, Mac Mall emphasized the importance of real pen game and human connection in an industry now driven by algorithms and shortcuts. We had to get out and shake hands, meet people. Thats whats missing now”human connection.
As he looks ahead, Mac Mall continues to evolve”performing, writing, and even acting. But through it all, he stays grounded in community and craft. The game is thick, the pen is thick”we still with it.
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 Celebrating Vision and Resilience: Selena Wilson Talks Black Futures Ball and Afrofuturism? and Mac Mall Reflects on Legacy, Vallejo’s Impact, and the Power of Real Connection appeared first on KPFA.