KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D spoke with Ajamu Baraka of the Black Alliance for Peace about the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly focusing on Israel’s recent air strikes across Syria. They discussed the broader geopolitical implications of these strikes, the involvement of international powers like the U.S. and Turkey, and how such military actions reflect the ongoing struggle for influence and control in the region. The conversation also delves into the humanitarian impact of these military operations.

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.

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The Long Shadow follows former CNN Senior Producer, TED contributor, and Emmy-Award winning Director Frances Causey as she traces her family’s legacy of white supremacy and privilege, investigating her own ancestor—a Founding Father whose critical role in the creation of American laws kept slavery and later the Black Codes and Jim Crow—a core element of American society for centuries to come. Director Frances Causey and Producer Sally Holst passionately seek the hidden truth and the untold stories of how the United States of America—guided by the South’s powerful, racist political influence—steadily, deliberately and at times secretly, established white supremacy and privilege in our institutions, laws, culture and economy.

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.

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On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D hosted an in-depth conversation about the ongoing prison justice issues in Virginia, specifically the disturbing conditions at Red Onion State Prison. Joined by Phil Wilayto of the Virginia Prison Justice Network and Woods Ervin from Critical Resistance, the discussion delved into the harsh realities faced by incarcerated individuals, including protests through self-immolation, systemic abuse, and the ongoing fight for prison reform and abolition.

Phil Wilayto began the discussion by shedding light on the extreme conditions at Red Onion Prison, a supermax facility known for its notorious reputation. Prisoners have been protesting their dire conditions, including solitary confinement and severe mistreatment by guards, through self-immolation. Wilayto explained that many prisoners, trapped in these conditions, intentionally injure themselves to be transferred to medical facilities, often far from the prison, in hopes of escaping the abuse they face.

The prison, which holds predominantly Black individuals, is located in a rural part of Virginia far from urban centers. As Wilayto described, the systemic racism at play, combined with a lack of adequate healthcare and human rights protections, results in an environment where prisoners’ lives are treated as expendable. The issues have been compounded by the state’s refusal to investigate allegations properly and the general public’s negligence in addressing the conditions.

Woods Ervin provided a broader perspective on the situation, contextualizing it within the larger framework of prison abolition. As a member of Critical Resistance, Ervin emphasized the importance of grassroots organizing in exposing the inhumanity of the prison system. Critical Resistance has been a consistent force in advocating for the end of solitary confinement and the dismantling of supermax prisons across the country.

Ervin noted that while some progress has been made—such as the reduction in solitary confinement numbers at Red Onion in previous years—true justice will only be achieved when the prison system itself is abolished. He also pointed to the rise of right-wing rhetoric and policies, which have made the fight for reform more difficult but not insurmountable. Organizing, public pressure, and maintaining a clear focus on abolition are key elements in shifting the political climate.

Both Wilayto and Ervin called on listeners to take action, urging them to support the ongoing efforts of grassroots organizations that are leading the charge for prison justice. Wilayto highlighted a public meeting taking place on December 7, 2024, in Richmond, Virginia, to continue pushing for investigations into Red Onion’s conditions and to maintain pressure on local legislators. At the same time, Critical Resistance is organizing a correspondence day on December 8, 2024, encouraging volunteers to write letters of solidarity to those incarcerated.

Both organizations stressed the importance of building a mass movement to combat the deeply entrenched prison industrial complex and the systems of oppression that sustain it. They also pointed out the importance of direct action, from letter writing to public rallies, as ways to keep the momentum going.

The conversation on Hard Knock Radio highlighted the disturbing realities inside prisons like Red Onion and the systemic efforts needed to address them. Wilayto and Ervin agreed that the path to true justice requires more than just reform—it requires a complete overhaul of the prison system. Abolition is the end goal, and until then, grassroots activism remains a powerful tool in the fight for incarcerated individuals’ rights.

Listeners were encouraged to stay involved, whether by attending rallies, writing letters, or contacting legislators to ensure that the voices of those suffering behind bars are not ignored. The fight for prison justice is far from over, but with continued public pressure and collective action, change is possible.

To learn more about the Virginia Prison Justice Network and Critical Resistance, and to get involved, visit their respective websites at Virginia Prison Justice Network and Critical Resistance.

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.

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On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D engaged in a compelling conversation with Dr. James Taylor, exploring the history of grassroots organizing and the complexities of today’s political landscape. The discussion highlighted the profound legacy of Fred Hampton, focusing on his visionary leadership within the Black Panther Party, his dedication to building coalitions across racial and social lines through the Rainbow Coalition, and the ways his revolutionary ideas continue to inspire contemporary movements for justice and equality.

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.

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In a powerful episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Dorsey Nunn, the co-founder of “All of Us or None,” to discuss his memoir “What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly: A Memoir of Resilience and Resurrection.” The conversation was an in-depth exploration of Nunn’s life, his activism, and the systemic issues faced by formerly incarcerated individuals.

### Discussing “The Bird That Couldn’t Fly” Memoir

Davey D began the conversation by praising the engaging nature of Nunn’s memoir, comparing its impact to Malcolm X’s autobiography. He highlighted the vividness and relatability of Nunn’s journey from East Palo Alto to prison and back, noting that it should be required reading for many. Nunn revealed that he was initially reluctant to write the book, but was encouraged by his colleague Manuel to share his story to ensure it was told accurately. He emphasized that his life has been a continuous journey of resilience, paralleling many of the themes discussed in his letters from the 1970s.

### Dorsey’s Journey to Voting Rights Advocacy

Nunn shared the profound impact of letters from a friend in prison, which discussed topics like voting rights. These letters inspired him to campaign for voting rights for people in county jail and on parole. Reflecting on his childhood in Menlo Park, a predominantly white area that experienced blockbusting due to his family’s move, Nunn emphasized the importance of sharing his story to prevent misconceptions and to shed light on the systemic issues faced by Black communities.

### Formerly Incarcerated Voices and Challenges

The conversation highlighted the importance of formerly incarcerated individuals sharing their experiences as a political force. Nunn, despite not having a law degree, was offered the role of executive director at a public legal service office. He discussed the successes of the organization he led and the need to challenge dominant narratives that defer to individuals with formal education. Davey D noted how formerly incarcerated individuals have become a significant political force, demanding the right to speak in their own voice and challenging the language used to dehumanize them.

### Discussing Michelle Alexander’s Impact and Restoration of Rights

Davey D and Nunn spoke about Michelle Alexander, a Stanford law professor, and her influential book, **”The New Jim Crow.”** Nunn shared his experiences in Alexander’s class and her recognition of his story. He emphasized Alexander’s impact on the restoration of women’s rights and her acknowledgment of Susan Burton. Nunn also discussed the importance of distributing books by Black authors in Black communities and his efforts to introduce Alexander to various communities in California. Davey D echoed Nunn’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of Alexander’s message.

### Discussing Original Sources, Transparency, and Resilience

The participants delved into the importance of acknowledging original sources of ideas, transparency in academic research, and making substantive works accessible to a broader audience. Nunn shared how recognizing structural discrimination and substantive writings impacted his life. His memoir, based on personal letters and diary entries, portrays issues related to race and policy in the Bay Area. The discussion also covered Nunn’s experiences as a young Black man incarcerated in the 1970s and the lasting effects on his life.

### Discriminatory Tactics and Black Communities

Davey D and Nunn discussed discriminatory tactics like blockbusting and redlining used by real estate agents against Black communities. Nunn shared his experience in San Mateo County, where few Black officials have been elected historically. Despite rising property values from gentrification, he held onto his home, rejecting offers that aimed to displace the Black community. Concerns about Facebook’s role in erasing Black heritage were also raised.

### Powerful Individuals, Enclaves, and Transistor Radios

The conversation touched on the impact of powerful individuals and the impoverishment of neighborhoods in the 1960s and 70s. Nunn mentioned Mark Zuckerberg as a modern example and discussed the development of the transistor radio, highlighting Hewlett Packard’s role. Nunn expressed regret for not recording a conversation with Angela Davis and Michelle Alexander, where Davis acknowledged Ruchell Magee. The discussion concluded with the concept of returning to the community as an asset rather than a liability.

### Banned Books, Prisons, and Political Education

Davey D and Nunn discussed the suppression of political education in prisons, a practice Nunn experienced firsthand, leading to solitary confinement. They drew parallels between historical issues and current efforts to remove progressive district attorneys like Pamela Price, with undercover cops and paid signature gatherers involved in the campaign against her. The conversation highlighted the legacy of slavery and questioned the persistence of rules restricting reading in prisons.

### Dorsey’s Advocacy, Civil Rights, and Creativity Discussion

Nunn shared his journey as the first intern at legal services for prisoners with children and his advocacy for restoring civil rights for the incarcerated. He discussed the success of his organization in securing voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals. The conversation also touched on the undervaluation of creativity and innovation within marginalized communities and the exploitation of such creativity by those in power, highlighting broader societal implications.

### Dorsey’s Building Purchase, Non-Profit, and Book

Nunn shared his experiences with purchasing a building, the challenges he faced, and the importance of community benefits agreements. He discussed selling part of the building to a non-profit and emphasized themes of resilience and redemption in his book. The conversation concluded with Nunn’s plans to distribute his book to incarcerated individuals and an open invitation for continued discussions.

### Key Quotes and Insights

1. **Davey D on Nunn’s Memoir:** “Remind me of Malcolm X’s book…living the things that you’re describing. It’s a remarkable one and, in my opinion, should probably be required reading for a lot of folks.”

2. **Dorsey Nunn on Writing His Story:** “If I didn’t tell my story, somebody else would.”

3. **Nunn on Advocacy:** “We demand the right to speak in our own voice.”

4. **Michelle Alexander’s Impact:** “Not only did I always respect her, but she sent me the galley copy of her book…I couldn’t get out of the room because I was so fixated by reading her book.”

5. **Davey D on Structural Discrimination:** “It’s hard to challenge a narrative if you don’t have the language in which to challenge it.”

6. **Nunn on Community Impact:** “At any given time, we could have re-enfranchised more people than were ever enfranchised since the 1964 Civil Rights Act.”

7. **Nunn on Real Estate Tactics:** “Real estate brokers telling white people they are going to lose the value of their property…at a certain point, 5 years after I was in kindergarten, they held a hearing in San Francisco that started talking about covenants.”

### Conclusion

The conversation between Davey D and Dorsey Nunn was a powerful testament to resilience, advocacy, and the importance of sharing personal stories to challenge dominant narratives and promote social justice. The memoir, **”The Bird That Couldn’t Fly,”** serves as a significant contribution to understanding the systemic issues faced by formerly incarcerated individuals and the ongoing fight for civil rights.

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 What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly: A Memoir of Resilience and Resurrection by Dorsey Nunn (Fund Drive Special) 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.

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We speak with Kassa Overall about hip-hop and Jazz music and his latest projects. Later Poor News Network explores America’s war on 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.

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Our annual Thanksgiving mix featuring the voices of John Trudell, Leonard Peltier, and Wilma Mankiller. We later speak with DJ Free Leonard and Brother Ernie about political prisoner Leonard Peltier.

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.

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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.

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In a compelling episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), for an insightful conversation on the future of public education, labor rights, and the pressing challenges facing teachers and students in the United States.

Weingarten began by examining the impact of recent elections on education policy. She raised alarms about efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, which she described as vital to securing resources for public schools, particularly in underserved communities. She pointed to the persistent political push to defund public education, which threatens programs supporting students with special needs, first-generation college-bound learners, and those pursuing technical careers.

“People didn’t vote for the destruction of education,” Weingarten remarked, emphasizing how voters in states like Colorado, Nebraska, and Kentucky recently rejected school voucher proposals that would divert funding away from public schools. These outcomes, she argued, underscore a public commitment to investing in public education.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on disinformation campaigns targeting teachers and unions. Weingarten addressed accusations that unions like the AFT obstruct educational progress, countering that corporate interests and political agendas are often the real culprits undermining public schools. “It’s not teachers who are the problem,” she asserted.

She also highlighted the growing influence of corporate-backed politicians advocating for privatization, particularly in states like Texas and Florida. Policies in these states, such as book bans, curriculum changes, and attacks on progressive educators, are part of a broader effort to erode public education. Despite these challenges, Weingarten noted examples of bipartisan efforts, where rural Republicans and Democrats have united to protect school funding.

Weingarten celebrated the essential role of teachers in shaping society, describing them as “the most incredible people.” She lauded their contributions to education and social justice, tying the fight for fair wages and working conditions to the broader labor movement’s goals of improving life for all working-class families.

“Unions protect the dignity of work,” she explained, highlighting the importance of collective bargaining in securing fair pay, healthcare, and retirement benefits. Weingarten urged working families to demand better, asserting, “The American dream should not just be available to billionaires.”

Looking to the future, Weingarten called for a renewed focus on grassroots organizing. She encouraged educators, parents, and workers to build coalitions to safeguard public education and push back against corporate influence. “We need to listen to the voices of parents and teachers and work together,” she said, underscoring the importance of community-led efforts to ensure equitable funding and protections for public schools.

Weingarten concluded with a powerful rallying cry: “We have to fight for the America we believe in. It’s a fight for our schools, for labor rights, and for a better life for every working family in America.”

This dynamic conversation between Davey D and Randi Weingarten spotlighted the urgent need to defend public education, support educators, and protect workers’ rights. Weingarten’s hopeful vision for the future hinges on continued advocacy, grassroots efforts, and collective action to ensure a fair, equitable, and thriving educational system for all.

Republicans and Democrats have successfully come together to protect public school funding.

Throughout the interview, Weingarten underscored the critical role that teachers play not only in shaping the future of education but in the broader fight for justice and equality. “Teachers are the most incredible people,” she said, praising their daily contributions and highlighting the dignity of work that unions protect. Weingarten also called attention to the value of collective bargaining, which ensures fair wages, healthcare, and retirement security for teachers and other union workers.

She stressed that the fight for better wages and working conditions for teachers is intrinsically tied to the broader labor movement, which is aimed at improving the lives of all working-class people. “The American dream should not just be available to billionaires,” she declared, urging working families to unite and demand fair treatment.

Looking ahead, Weingarten emphasized the importance of grassroots organizing. She urged teachers, parents, and workers across the country to build coalitions and fight for the educational system that every child deserves. She highlighted that organizing at the local level, much like the efforts of past labor movements, will be key to ensuring that public schools are adequately funded and protected from corporate interests.

“We need to listen to the voices of parents and teachers and work together,” Weingarten said, expressing hope that through unity and determination, progress could be made in defending public education.

In closing, Weingarten offered a rallying cry for the future: “We have to fight for the America we believe in. It’s a fight for our schools, for labor rights, and for a better life for every working family in America.”

This discussion between Davey D and Randi Weingarten highlights the urgent need to protect public education, support teachers, and preserve the rights of workers in the face of increasing political and corporate pressure. With continued advocacy and grassroots organizing, Weingarten believes that the fight for fair and equitable education will endure.

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.

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