KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

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.

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In this episode Davey D speaks Mister Jahi about the 2024 Bay Area Hip Hop Archives.

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 Mister Jahi: The 2024 Bay Area Hip Hop Archives appeared first on KPFA.

In this episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D speaks with Layidua Salazar about the US Supreme Court’s ruling on the abortion pill. The Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss a challenge to the abortion pill mifepristone means the drug’s future is now firmly tied to the 2024 presidential election.  Anti-abortion groups said they were dealt only a temporary setback by last week’s ruling and are planning the path forward on how best to restrict access or get the drug removed from the market completely.

We speak with Dr. Jeffrey O.G. Ogbar the author of America’s Black Capital: How African Americans Remade Atlanta in the Shadow of the Confederacy.

MINI BIO: Layidua Salazar is an abortion storyteller with We Testify, a leadership program of the National Network Abortion Funds. She serves on the board for Access Women’s Health Justice, an abortion fund based out of Oakland, California.

Jeffrey O. G. Ogbar is Professor of History and the founding Director of the Center for the Study of Popular Music at the University of Connecticut. He is the author or editor of several books, scholarly journal articles and book chapters.

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 Supreme Court Abortion Pill Decision and America’s Black Capital: How African Americans Remade Atlanta in the Shadow of the Confederacy appeared first on KPFA.

Davey D speaks with Professor James Taylor about the history of Juneteenth and the fight for reparations.

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 Juneteenth 2024 and Reparations appeared first on KPFA.

In the Hard Knock Radio conversation host Davey D spoke with Ayanna Davis of Healthy Black Families and Michael Trujillo of the East Bay Community Law Center, about the displacement of Black communities in Berkeley due to historical and contemporary housing issues.

### **Displacement and Economic Impact**

The 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the Black community in the Bay Area, leading to a dramatic loss of wealth and the forced displacement of many residents. Ayanna Davis and Michael Trujillo elaborated on the profound economic impact and rising housing costs that have particularly hit the working-class Black community in Berkeley. They highlighted the historical context of housing policies that have contributed to this displacement.

### **Exclusive Zoning Policies**

Michael discussed the deliberate use of single-family zoning policies to create exclusive neighborhoods, effectively limiting housing opportunities for many, especially Black families. This zoning, combined with redlining, channeled resources to certain neighborhoods while denying them to others, reinforcing economic and racial disparities. Davey D pointed out that these policies have long-term effects, including preventing homeownership and generational wealth accumulation.

### **Challenges with Historic Homes and Affordable Housing**

Michael expressed concerns over the challenges in maintaining historic family homes and the lack of flexible financing options. He commended local community efforts and the East Bay Community Law Center’s support for homeowners dealing with city regulations. The conversation also addressed issues like redlining, predatory lending, and the need for affordable housing solutions to support Black families in Berkeley.

### **Demographic Shifts and Community Impact**

The conversation touched on the demographic changes in Berkeley, with the Black community experiencing a 10% population loss in each census, while other racial groups either increased or remained stable. This trend, coupled with factors like the crack epidemic and predatory lending, has led to significant devaluation and disinvestment in Black neighborhoods, impacting mental health and community resources.

### **Real Estate Investments and Predatory Lending**

Ayanna and Davey D discussed the role of large real estate investments and predatory lending practices by entities like Peachtree, Countrywide, and US Bank in exacerbating the housing crisis in Berkeley and Oakland. They noted the significant loss of Black-owned housing in Oakland and the pandemic’s influence on real estate, with rent prices staying high despite many people leaving cities for remote work.

### **Affordable Housing and Policy Initiatives**

The discussion included Berkeley’s new Affordable Housing Preference Policy, which prioritizes those at risk of losing their housing or who have already been displaced. Policies allowing tenants the right to purchase their homes or enabling nonprofits to buy properties to maintain affordability were also highlighted. These initiatives aim to reinvest in neighborhoods facing displacement and address the legacies of exclusionary policies.

### **Access to Legal and Policy Assistance**

Michael and Ayanna emphasized the availability of legal and policy assistance through the East Bay Community Law Center and Healthy Black Families. They encouraged community engagement and support for initiatives like Equity for Black Berkeley, which aims to create affordable housing and advocate for the Black communitys return to the city. They urged listeners to get involved in local issues and support upcoming city council initiatives.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 Affordable Housing 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 – June 17, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

**Hard Knock Radio: Davey D’s Conversation with Kev Choice**

In a compelling conversation for Hard Knock Radio, Davey D and musician Kev Choice delved into the significance of Black Music Month and the efforts to revive its visibility. Kev highlighted how the emphasis on Black Music Month, prominent in the 80s and 90s, waned around the 2000s, overshadowed by Pride Month. Despite this, Kev and fellow musicians are striving to uplift and celebrate the contributions of Black musicians. Kev mentioned his initiative, Oakland Black Music Week, aimed at reviving the local live music scene and reminding the community to support live music spaces.

### Exploring Music’s Historical Roots

Dave and Kev underscored the importance of understanding the historical roots of music, particularly the contributions of Black musicians. They emphasized the need to educate younger generations about the origins of genres like blues and jazz. Kev shared his transformative experiences in Cuba, noting the profound spiritual connection to music among the African diaspora. They stressed that music’s communal and uplifting aspects are often overshadowed by commercialization in the United States.

### Music as a Universal Language

The discussion turned to the universality of music as a communal experience. They highlighted how music can evoke strong emotions and unite people across different backgrounds. Kev and Dave emphasized that the essence of music lies not only in its technical aspects but also in its ability to connect people and evoke a shared feeling. Kev noted, “Our music number one is always rooted in spirituality and upliftment of a connection to a higher power.”

### The Role of Technology in Music Creation

Kev, an educator and hip-hop veteran, discussed the evolving role of technology in music creation. He emphasized the importance of respecting new forms of musical expression while also combining traditional music forms with technology to foster growth. Kev remarked, “Technology is just a new way of creating music and should be respected as a new form of expression.”

### Challenges and Authenticity in Music Careers

Dave and Kev explored the challenges faced by musicians, particularly in jazz and hip-hop, and the impact of commercialization on artistic expression. Kev shared his upcoming show at Yoshi’s Oakland, celebrating the 10th anniversary of his album ‘Riviera,’ featuring a community-based set list and an ‘Oakland Black Music Week all-star jam’. They highlighted the importance of staying true to one’s musical roots and authenticity in artistic expression.

### Upcoming Events and Traditional Rhythms

Kev shared details about upcoming events, including a performance featuring Dasa Jones from Detroit and his participation in Oakland Black Music Week. They discussed the significance of traditional rhythms in music, particularly the 3-2-5 pattern, rooted in Black music. Kev stated, “That connection of the music to me is one of the main attributes of Black music. It’s a feeling, not just something on paper.”

In closing, Kev emphasized the importance of community and the communal aspect of music, which can be lost in its commodification. He stressed the need to support live music and create spaces that foster authentic musical experiences.

**Hard Knock Radio: Poor News Network**

Poor News Network radio program is focused on providing non-colonizing, community-based and community-led media with the goals of creating access for silenced voices, preserving and degentrifying rooted communities of color and re-framing the debate on poverty, landlessness, indigenous resistance, disability and race locally and globally.

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 Kev Choice and Poor News Network appeared first on KPFA.

**The Trauma of Caste: A Dalit Feminist Meditation on Survivorship, Healing, and Abolition**

On Hard Knock Radio, host Anita Johnson spoke with Dalit American activist Thenmozhi Soundararajan about her The Trauma of Caste. Caste—one of the oldest systems of exclusion in the world—is thriving. Despite the ban on Untouchability 70 years ago, caste impacts 1.9 billion people in the world. Every 15 minutes, a crime is perpetrated against a Dalit person. The average age of death for Dalit women is just 39. And the wreckages of caste are replicated here in the U.S., too—erupting online with rape and death threats, showing up at work, and forcing countless Dalits to live in fear of being outed.

Dalit American activist Thenmozhi Soundararajan puts forth a call to awaken and act, not just for readers in South Asia, but all around the world. She ties Dalit oppression to fights for liberation among Black, Indigenous, Latinx, femme, and Queer communities, examining caste from a feminist, abolitionist, and Dalit Buddhist perspective–and laying bare the grief, trauma, rage, and stolen futures enacted by Brahminical social structures on the caste-oppressed. Incisive and urgent, “The Trauma of Caste” is an activating beacon of healing and liberation, written by one of the world’s most needed voices in the fight to end caste apartheid. Special Thank You to Making Contact for producing this interview.

Later host Davey D engaged with actors from Lower Bottom Playaz about their upcoming play, *Pac & Biggie Are Dead*. The discussion, featuring Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, Koran Street, Biko Eisen-Martin, and Stanley Hunt, highlighted the play’s unique blend of hip hop and theater. The production, directed by Nzinga, is a centerpiece for LBP’s 25th season, running from June 7 to June 30, 2024, at BAM House.

*Pac & Biggie Are Dead* presents a provocative exploration of Tupac Shakur and Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace, two towering figures in hip hop. Drawing inspiration from Tom Stoppard’s absurdist play *Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead*, the narrative situates Pac and Biggie in a metaphysical space, navigating between “ghetto heaven” and hell. Through interactions with historical figures and music moguls, the play delves into their beliefs, legacies, and enduring cultural impact.

Nzinga, Oakland’s first Poet Laureate and the founding artistic director of LBP, described the play as a meditation on the relationship between art and spectacle. She emphasized that the production examines the societal expectations placed on hip hop icons and the abstraction of their work. Nzinga noted, “This work interrogates our relationship with spectacle—the space conjured by creatives who live off our adoration as their work shapes and is shaped by our expectations and limitations.”

Eisen-Martin, portraying key characters, described the play as an “existential romp through Hip Hop and history.” He highlighted its poetic structure, focusing more on thematic resonance than a linear biography. This approach allows audiences to experience the legacies of Pac and Biggie in a multifaceted light, blending humor and politics in ways that resonate deeply with Oakland’s cultural landscape.

Koran Street, a musician and actor, discussed his approach to embodying multiple roles, emphasizing the importance of fully inhabiting each character. He reflected on the challenge of portraying iconic figures with authenticity and nuance. Stanley Hunt shared insights into the emotional and technical demands of the production, likening character preparation to the meticulous practice required for walking a tightrope.

The ensemble acknowledged the play’s significance in American theater and performance, particularly its reflection on the broader cultural impact of Tupac and Biggie. They urged the community to support this innovative production, which not only honors the legacies of these hip hop legends but also celebrates Lower Bottom Playaz’s quarter-century contribution to black theater in Oakland.

In the Hard Knock Radio conversation between host Davey D and Ayanna Davis of Healthy Black Families and Michael Trujillo of the East Bay Community Law Center, the focus was on the displacement of Black communities in Berkeley due to historical and contemporary housing issues.

### **Displacement and Economic Impact**

The 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the Black community in the Bay Area, leading to a dramatic loss of wealth and the forced displacement of many residents. Ayanna Davis and Michael Trujillo elaborated on the profound economic impact and rising housing costs that have particularly hit the working-class Black community in Berkeley. They highlighted the historical context of housing policies that have contributed to this displacement.

### **Exclusive Zoning Policies**

Michael discussed the deliberate use of single-family zoning policies to create exclusive neighborhoods, effectively limiting housing opportunities for many, especially Black families. This zoning, combined with redlining, channeled resources to certain neighborhoods while denying them to others, reinforcing economic and racial disparities. Davey D pointed out that these policies have long-term effects, including preventing homeownership and generational wealth accumulation.

### **Challenges with Historic Homes and Affordable Housing**

Michael expressed concerns over the challenges in maintaining historic family homes and the lack of flexible financing options. He commended local community efforts and the East Bay Community Law Center’s support for homeowners dealing with city regulations. The conversation also addressed issues like redlining, predatory lending, and the need for affordable housing solutions to support Black families in Berkeley.

### **Demographic Shifts and Community Impact**

The conversation touched on the demographic changes in Berkeley, with the Black community experiencing a 10% population loss in each census, while other racial groups either increased or remained stable. This trend, coupled with factors like the crack epidemic and predatory lending, has led to significant devaluation and disinvestment in Black neighborhoods, impacting mental health and community resources.

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 Exploring Hip Hop and Legacy: ‘Pac & Biggie Are Dead’ by Lower Bottom Playaz and The Trauma of Caste appeared first on KPFA.

In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, former Black Panther Tureka Lewis and actor-director Mario Van Peebles engaged in a compelling dialogue about the legacy and representation of the Black Panther Party in film and history. Tureka Lewis, noted as the first woman to join the Black Panther Party, shared her experiences and insights into the Party’s impact on activism and community organization. This conversation was enriched by the participation of Mario Van Peebles, whose 1995 film *Panther* vividly depicted the rise and challenges of the Black Panther Party.

**Revisiting the Film ‘Panther’**

Van Peebles reflected on the making of *Panther*, highlighting its groundbreaking aspects and all-star cast, including Angela Bassett, Dick Gregory, Chris Rock, Kool Moe Dee, and Bobby Brown. The film was praised for its authentic portrayal of the Black Panther Party’s fight for justice, the camaraderie among the cast, and its significant influence on the representation of Black narratives in Hollywood. Van Peebles noted how the film challenged the industry to embrace more diverse and leading roles for Black actors, which contributed to a shift in auditory culture and the portrayal of Black music and heritage in cinema.

**Bay Area Activism and Legacy**

The discussion transitioned to the historical context of activism in the Bay Area. Lewis underscored the long-standing tradition of activism that preceded the Black Panther Party, tracing back to the 1850s. She shared personal anecdotes about her family’s involvement in various movements, including the Nation of Islam and the Color Convention Movement. Lewis emphasized that the Black Panther Party’s 10-point program was not an isolated creation but a refined continuation of existing efforts toward racial justice.

**Community Engagement and the Black Panther Movement**

Lewis, Van Peebles, and host Davey D delved into the ethos of community engagement within the Black Panther movement. They discussed the importance of discipline, focus, and the role of youth in perpetuating the movement’s values. Lewis recounted her efforts in training young men from Compton, teaching them the 10-point program, and the necessity of maintaining clear-eyed dedication to community service.

**Upcoming Works and Continuing the Legacy**

Looking ahead, Van Peebles shared insights about his new film *Outlaw Posse*, featured at a local film festival. The discussion highlighted the ongoing relevance of the Black Panther Party’s principles in addressing contemporary issues, such as police brutality and community organization. The episode concluded with a strong call to revisit and share hidden histories of the Black Panther movement, celebrating the contributions of pioneers like Tureka Lewis and envisioning new ways to inspire future generations through storytelling and film.

**The Power of Representation**

Both Lewis and Van Peebles stressed the transformative power of seeing one’s culture and history represented in media. Van Peebles shared how role models and representation in films like *Panther* can bolster pride and resilience among Black audiences, encouraging a sense of heritage and potential. This episode of Hard Knock Radio not only honored the past but also sparked a vision for how its lessons could shape the future of Black activism and creative expression.

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 Tureka Lewis and Mario Van Peeples: The Making of Panther appeared first on KPFA.

In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D engaged in a lively conversation with Nicole Lee of the Urban Peace Movement and publicist Jacky Johnson. Both Oakland natives, they passionately discussed the success of the recent “Town Up Tuesday” event at Lake Merritt, which drew over 4,000 attendees and featured performances by headlining acts like Too Short and Goapele.

The discussion began with Davey D and Nicole highlighting the positive impact of the Urban Peace Movement on the Bay Area community. They noted the success of various events, including “Pound Up Tuesdays,” and celebrated the acquisition of a building by formerly incarcerated individuals. They also mentioned the recent Juneteenth parade in San Francisco and unique cultural events like “Town of Tuesdays” in Oakland. While acknowledging the challenges Oakland faces, they emphasized the city’s resilience and the intertwining of culture and social justice.

Davey and Jacky delved into the intentional planning and community-building efforts behind the “Town of Tuesdays” series. They stressed the importance of creating a welcoming, intergenerational space with a focus on artist representation and community safety. Feedback from the community highlighted a desire for more such events, recognizing the team’s efforts to foster a sense of pride and resilience within Oakland. They also discussed an upcoming fireside chat organized to continue these goals.

Nicole and Jacky spoke about an upcoming panel at Oakland Tech featuring pioneering Oakland legends Danyel Smith, Dwayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné!, and rap icon Too Short. They discussed the significant contributions of these individuals to Oakland’s culture and their national and global impact. The panel, aimed at celebrating these achievements, is set to be a free event with registration available through www.thatsOaklandbaby.com.

The conversation further explored the rich cultural history of Oakland and the contributions of notable figures to the global influence of hip hop and other cultural movements. Nicole emphasized the importance of acknowledging the city’s cultural roots and discussed her organization’s focus on building youth leadership and ending the criminalization of young people of color. They also addressed the need to support small businesses and dispel negative narratives about Oakland.

Overall, the conversation on Hard Knock Radio underscored the importance of community, culture, and resilience in Oakland, highlighting the collaborative efforts to uplift the city and its residents.

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 Robin D.G. Kelley and The Urban Peace Movement appeared first on KPFA.