KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

We speak with Eric Foner the author of The Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution.

Eric Foner is DeWitt Clinton Professor Emeritus of History at Columbia University. In his teaching and scholarship, he focuses on the Civil War and Reconstruction, slavery, and nineteenth-century America. He has served as president of the Organization of American Historians and the American Historical Association. In 2006, he received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching from Columbia University. His most recent books are The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery, winner of the Bancroft and Lincoln Prizes and the Pulitzer Prize for History; Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad, winner of the New York Historical Society Book Prize; and The Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution.

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 Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution (Encore) appeared first on KPFA.

Last Thursday, over 400 individuals gathered at the Oakland Museum of California’s James Moore Theater for an enlightening event that highlighted the issue of anti-Blackness in Oakland. Hosted by Hard Knock Radio’s Davey D, the evening featured a profound conversation with Hodari Davis, a renowned educator and co-founder of Edutainment for Equity. Alongside his wife, Candice Wicks Davis, they sparked a crucial dialogue that drew attention to the disparities faced by Black communities in Oakland.

The event kicked off with a presentation of slides that starkly outlined the challenges faced by Black residents in Oakland, from homelessness and incarceration rates to educational attainment. These slides set the stage for a deep dive into the systemic racism that underpins these issues, guided by the insightful discussion between Davey D and Hodari Davis. The pair explored the historical context of these disparities, touching on pivotal moments and movements such as the Kerner Commission Report, the founding of the Black Panther Party, and the destructive impact of the FBI’s COINTELPRO on Black freedom movements.

Moreover, the conversation extended beyond the past to address the current state of Black communities in Oakland, highlighting their resilience and ongoing efforts to overcome adversity. One of the key points raised was Oakland’s significance as a beacon of resilience, despite external pressures and narratives that seek to undermine the capability of Black communities to self-govern and pursue progressive politics.

Following the discussion, the floor was opened to audience members, who continued the conversation with Candice Wicks Davis, further enriching the evening’s dialogue. We were also treated to live performances from Candice who is set to drop a new album that specifically focuses on the topics discussed

This event, emblematic of Oakland’s vibrant community and its commitment to addressing and overcoming racial inequalities, underscores the importance of such discussions in fostering understanding, solidarity, and action towards a more equitable society.

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 A Conversation with Hodari Davis About Anti Blackness in Oakland appeared first on KPFA.

In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D engaged with Detroit’s multifaceted talent, Jessica Care Moore, for a conversation that spanned the breadth of musical influence and innovation. Moore, a poet who has recorded songs with everyone from the Last Poets to Talib Kweli, is also an author, actress, publisher, and the driving force behind Black Women Rock, an organization she founded that offers a platform celebrating the rich tapestry of Black women’s contributions to music.

The dialogue opened with a discussion on Beyoncé’s new venture into country music, a move Moore sees as a return to the roots for Black artists, given the genre’s origins. She highlighted the need to recognize and celebrate the diverse expressions of Black women in music, referencing rock and roll and funk pioneer Betty Davis as an inspiration for her own work.

During the conversation Black women country artists like Miko Marks and Mickey Guyton who have been on the scene for a while were uplifted. Marks who hails from the Bay Area is currently on tour with Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. The question was raised as to whether or not Beyonce embracing country would shed light on the works on aforementioned women and other Black country artists.

The conversation took a deep dive into the historical and ongoing impact of Black music on genres like rock and roll, emphasizing its foundational role and influence on artists across the musical spectrum. Moore pointed out the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of Black women to the genre, lamenting their underrepresentation in accolades such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Exploring the challenges faced by Black women in the music industry, Moore critiqued the pressures to adhere to specific musical styles and the importance of identity reclamation. She shared her experiences collaborating with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and her pride in her lyrical content, showcasing her versatility and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

The conversation discussed in detail the contributions of Black women icons like Big Mama Thornton (Willie Mae Thornton), Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Aretha Franklin, Nona Hendryx, Tina Turner, and Grace Jones, to name a few. With respect to Jones, Jessica spoke about her impact and being a trailblazer in fashion and performance. Moore expressed a desire to honor Jones at the upcoming Black Women Rock anniversary.

As the conversation moved through the Detroit music scene, the loss of influential musician Amp Fiddler, and Moore’s publishing endeavors, it painted a picture of a community rich in history and innovation. The dialogue between Moore and Davey D was a testament to the enduring power and relevance of Black music, celebrating its ability to inspire, challenge, and transform. We concluded by talking about Jessica’s latest music project with singer Steffanie Christi’ An called ‘We Are Scorpio’ They just released a song called Supa Dupa Star that features Talib Kweli.

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 A Conversation with Poet Jessica Care Moore on the Contributions of Black Women in Music 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 – March 14, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

We cover the protest at SFO where folks calling for a ceasefire shut down the gates inside the international terminal. We air pt2 of our interview with Linda Sarsour

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 SFO Protest and Part Two of Our Conversation with Linda Sarsour appeared first on KPFA.

Davey D, engaged with Aimee Allison on a critical discussion surrounding the role of women in the 2024 primaries. The conversation illuminated the pivotal influence women of color hold in elections, while also flagging the threats these leaders face amidst political battlegrounds. Aimee Allison advocated for a strategic shift from defense to offense to ensure the representation of their issues, critiquing the Democratic National Committee’s outdated focus on the “proverbial white soccer mom” demographic.

In the latter half of the Hard Knock Radio show, host Davey D engaged with Linda Sarsour to explore the inception of a new collective effort named “Reject AIPAC”. The discussion unearthed the profound influence of apex political entities on American democracy, spotlighting the need for safeguarding prominent figures like Cory Bush from their reach. Linda Sarsour articulated concerns over the dark money permeating politics, particularly targeting progressive individuals and communities of color. She announced the coalition of 20 progressive organizations united under the “Reject AIPAC” campaign, aiming to counteract the formidable sway of such groups.

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 Aimee Allison and Linda Sarsour appeared first on KPFA.

We speak with Chilean artists Ana Tijoux about her new album and upcoming Bay Area appearance.

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 Ana Tijoux 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 – March 8, 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 – March 7, 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 – March 6, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.