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.

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Davey D sits with a panel of experts to discuss education inequities in Oakland public schools.

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 Soul of Oakland Panel Discussion 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 – August 1, 2024 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 31, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

In a riveting session on Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D conversed with Dr. Rosa Clemente, an activist and journalist renowned for her insights into political dynamics and grassroots activism. The conversation primarily revolved around the current political climate, the role of third parties in U.S. politics, and the challenges of fostering effective community engagement and change.

Rosa Clemente shared her concerns about the march towards fascism, noting the potential re-election of Donald Trump and its implications. “Either Trump wins and we’re gonna see fascism rise,” she stated, highlighting the stark consequences of the political directions the U.S. might take. This reflects her deep engagement with the political shifts and the critical need for preparedness and local community organizing to counter these trends.

Discussing the limitations and potential of third-party politics, Clemente expressed disappointment over the missed opportunities for growth and influence beyond the two major U.S. political parties. “I think electoral politics is always something…and I don’t think it should be the only thing we do in our community,” she remarked, pointing to the systemic barriers that prevent third parties from gaining significant traction. This frustration with the electoral system also tied into her critique of performative politics and the lack of substantive support for third parties that could genuinely represent diverse American voices.

Further elaborating on the dynamics of political engagement, Clemente critiqued the current strategies of both major parties in engaging the electorate. She underscored the often performative nature of political campaigns which fail to substantially address the needs and concerns of marginalized communities. “A lot of people might vote out of fear…that nuance is something that we should be talking about,” Clemente argued, stressing the importance of recognizing and addressing the genuine fears and concerns of voters underrepresented in political discourse.

The conversation with Rosa Clemente on Hard Knock Radio illuminated the complexities of current political strategies, the crucial role of grassroots organizing, and the challenging road ahead for those seeking to effect change through both traditional and non-traditional political avenues. Her insights offer a compelling call to action for more localized and substantive engagement in political processes.

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 In Conversation with Rosa Clemente 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 29, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

We speak with Dancin’ Doug one of the very FIRST Original B-Boy about the history of Hip-Hop dance and the break dancing being included in the Olympics 2024. Dancin’ Doug talks about Break Dancers at the very start of the Hip Hop Era at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx on August 11, 1973. With his unique break dance style, Douglas was named Dancin Doug by DJ Kool Herc and MC Coke La Rock, the Original Founders of Hip-Hop. He, along with the other Creators of Break Dancing, was officially recognized for creating Break Dancing or BBoy/Breakin by the City and State of New York in November of 2021.

After our conversation with Dancin Doug friend to Hard Knock and journalist Thandisizwe Chimurenga brings us a perspective on the murder of Yazmeen Williams. Ms. Williams body was found by NYC officers wrapped in a sleeping bag inside a trash bag. The medical examiner determined that Williams, 31, had been shot in the head and ruled her death a homicide, angering the Manhattan community where she grew up and still lived.  Chad Irish, a disabled man who lives in the neighborhood, into custody for questioning, according to ABC7.

And Poor News Network brings us a perspective on 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.

The post Dancin Doug, Violent Disabled and Poor News Network appeared first on KPFA.

In this episode of Hard Knock Davey D speaks with Dr. Garrett about the passing of Nathan Hare, The Founder of First Black Studies Program.

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 Nathan Hare, 91, The Founder of First Black Studies Program appeared first on KPFA.

In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D spoke with activist Silky Slim, who works closely with attorney Ben Crump, about the troubling case of Sonya Massey in Illinois. Massey, who called the police for help suspecting a prowler near her home, was shockingly shot in the face by one of the officers who responded. The officer involved had been previously fired from five different agencies.

Silky Slim highlighted the systemic issues that allow officers with problematic histories to continue working in law enforcement. He stressed, Were trying to stop those officers that are fired or have been let go by certain departments from being employed by law enforcement again. He expressed concern over how officers like the one who shot Massey manage to “hop across the chessboard” of law enforcement jobs, despite their records.

The conversation delved deeper into the specifics of the Massey case, where the officer not only shot Massey but attempted to manipulate the scenario by turning off his body camera. Slim explained, “This officer was a troublemaker; he had been fired for other violations.” He described the officers actions as not just troubled but evil, premeditated, and indicative of a deeper malignancy within some parts of the police force.

Addressing the broader implications, Slim criticized systemic failures that allow such individuals to cycle through various departments, endangering communities. He mentioned legislative efforts like the George Floyd policing bill aimed at preventing such officers from being rehired elsewhere.

The discussion also touched on the emotional and societal impacts of police violence. Slim shared insights from his extensive work with families affected by police violence, including George Floyd’s family. He detailed the lasting trauma these families endure, noting that the emotional scars reopen with each new incident of police brutality. Every family that Ive worked with called me yesterday. Its a trigger for them, he said, illustrating the widespread and continuing distress caused by such events.

Silky Slim called for sustained attention and reform to address these critical issues in law enforcement. He urged listeners to remain vigilant and proactive in demanding accountability and systemic changes to prevent further tragedies and ensure justice for victims like Sonya Massey and their families.

Later we speak with Zeiad Abbas Shamrouch the Executive Director at the Middle East Childrens Alliance in Berkeley about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, dismissed as utter nonsense criticisms by the United Nations, human rights groups and others that his government has committed war crimes in Gaza and derided protesters as idiots and tools of Iran.

Zeiad Abbas Shamrouch is a Palestinian refugee from Dheisheh Refugee camp in the West Bank. He is the cofounder of the Ibdaa Cultural Center in Dheisheh where he served as Co-Director from 1994 to 2008. Zeiad is also a journalist who has worked with Palestinian and international media and has participated in the production of several documentary films. He has a Master of Arts in Social Justice and Intercultural Relations from the School for International Training Graduate Institute. Zeiad is the Executive Director at the Middle East Childrens Alliance in Berkeley.

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 Sonya Massey and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Speech appeared first on KPFA.

On an enlightening episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D engaged with leading cultural advocates to discuss the transformative power of art in shaping communities and fostering political awareness. The panel featured Hodari Davis of Equity for Edutainment, Mazi Mutafa from Words Beats and Life out of Washington DC and Nataki Garrett of Arts for Everybody. This discussion was part of a broader, nationwide effort unfolding across 18 cities this weekend, aimed at elevating art and culture as mediums for healing and political engagement.

Hodari Davis highlighted the role of art in mobilizing community action, especially in Oakland, a city with a rich history of social justice movements. “In Oakland, we’ve utilized culture as a tool to galvanize, motivate, and mobilize people around critical issues, using it to inspire and open hearts to new possibilities,” Davis explained. He connected current efforts to the historical legacy of the Black Panther party, emphasizing that art in Oakland targets transformative action within the community.

Mazi Mutafa discussed the intersection of art, culture, and health through the lens of “social prescribing,” a practice where art is employed as a therapeutic medium. “Arts and culture act as medicine, necessary for the well-being of our communities,” said Mutafa. This concept is part of a larger movement recognizing the healing potential of cultural engagement, which is being championed in cities across the nation.

Nataki Garrett spoke about the Arts for Everybody initiative, which is orchestrating events in 18 cities to underscore the essential role of the arts in community health and empowerment. “This weekend, we are part of a national celebration where art is not just seen but utilized as a fundamental tool for healing and community building,” Garrett stated. She emphasized that the initiative seeks to demonstrate the indispensable nature of the arts in fostering a healthy, aware, and vibrant society.

Davey D also addressed the commercialization of culture, stressing the importance of keeping cultural expressions rooted in community values rather than seeing them as mere commodities. The discussion underscored the need to reclaim and celebrate cultural expressions as foundational to community growth and healing.

This episode of Hard Knock Radio not only highlighted the pivotal role of art in societal transformation but also set the stage for a nationwide event focused on using culture to heal and raise political consciousness across the United States.

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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