On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Congresswoman Lateefah Simon for a timely and urgent conversation about the devastating implications of the recently passed federal spending bill”dubbed by critics as the Big Ugly Bill. Representing Californias newly redrawn 12th Congressional District, Simon pulls no punches in breaking down what she calls an insidious attack on poor and working-class communities across the nation, particularly in the Bay Area.

Simon outlines how the bill strips over $1 trillion from health care programs including Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the Childrens Health Insurance Program. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, 17 million people will lose healthcare by 2034, and 90 million dollars in Planned Parenthood funding”including Oaklands Barbara Lee Health Center”has been cut immediately. In her words, they are literally kicking women in the neck.

SNAP benefits (aka food stamps) are also on the chopping block, along with $5 trillion in tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations. The bill simultaneously boosts ICE and Homeland Security by 19%, making ICE the largest federal law enforcement agency in the country. This is no accident, Simon says. This administration wants this country whiter and more male.

Simon emphasizes that this bill directly harms people in her district. Over 35,000 residents are expected to lose healthcare, and 9,000 families may lose access to food assistance. This isnt abstract policy”its life and death for our communities, she says.

Simon points to the defunding of NIH clinical trials at Oakland Childrens Hospital as an example of how the bills cruelty extends even to children battling cancer. ICE, now armed with an expanded budget, is already escalating deportations, and Simon warns that marginalized diasporic communities”from Haitians to Armenians”are being targeted with little media attention or recourse.

With urgency and clarity, Simon stresses that the midterms are critical: If we dont win, we may not have a republic. She explains that Democrats have lost control of the House, Senate, and Executive Branch”and without the numbers, they lack subpoena power and oversight authority. Still, she remains committed to harm reduction, filing amendments (six on this bill alone), visiting detention centers, and working across the aisle when necessary.

But she also insists this cannot be a fight left to elected officials alone. Not one right was ever given to us without a fight, she reminds listeners, quoting Grace Lee Boggs and Wanda Johnson. Simon encourages folks to contact her office, stay politically engaged, and push all elected officials to be accountable.

Davey D and Simon also discuss the question of where taxpayer money goes”and where it should go. Echoing former Congresswoman Barbara Lee, they call for a peace dividend that funds education, housing, childcare, and diplomacy”not war and mass incarceration.

Simon closes the conversation grounded in faith and community: Injustice cannot stand forever. Im here every day fighting because I believe in our people.

Later on in the show we listen to Build and Fight series #5 with Kali Akuno and Thandi Chimerenga

For any listeners who need to reach out about casework or help contact Congresswoman Simon @ simon.house.gov and 510-763-0370 (Oakland office number)

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 Congresswoman Lateefah Simon amd Build and Fight #5 appeared first on KPFA.

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with author, artist, and anthropologist Dr. Umi Vaughan to discuss his new book Silencing the Drum: Religious Racism and Afro-Brazilian Sacred Music, co-authored with historian Dr. Danielle Boaz. The conversation delves deep into the persecution of Afro-Brazilian religious practices and the ongoing war against Black cultural expression in Brazil.

Opening with the sound of sacred Brazilian drums, Davey D set the stage for a powerful conversation about the role of music in Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé and Umbanda. These traditions—descendants of West African spiritual systems such as Yoruba, Vodun, and Bantu practices—are rooted in rhythm, ritual, and communal healing. The drum is not just an instrument; it’s a sacred tool that calls forth spirit, memory, and resistance.

Dr. Vaughan explained how these traditions arrived in Brazil through the transatlantic slave trade, adapting and surviving under brutal repression. While Candomblé retained deep connections to African cosmologies, Umbanda blended African, Catholic, and Indigenous influences, reflecting Brazil’s complex racial and cultural dynamics. Both faiths rely heavily on music and drumming to call forth ancestral energies, heal communities, and affirm identity.

But as Dr. Vaughan emphasized, the drum is under attack. The book opens with the chilling story of the assassination of a respected religious leader in her own temple—a brutal reminder that these are not just cultural practices but life-and-death struggles. Evangelical and Pentecostal Christian groups, often aligned with political power, have been central in campaigns to demonize Afro-Brazilian religions, portraying their sacred practices as demonic or “black magic.”

From false noise pollution complaints to physical violence and state-sanctioned repression, the tactics are varied but the aim is clear: to erase African cultural memory and assert colonial religious dominance. Vaughan connects this to a longer lineage of anti-Black violence—dating back to Portuguese colonizers’ fear of African power, symbolized most vividly through the drum.

Davey D pointed out the hypocrisy in Brazil’s simultaneous commodification of Afro-Brazilian culture and its violent suppression. “People fly in to enjoy Carnival and Samba, but once the party ends, the police raid the terreiros (sacred spaces),” he said. Vaughan agreed, calling it “a schizophrenic dynamic,” where the same drumming that powers Brazil’s global cultural image is criminalized in Black communities.

The book also touches on gentrification within the religion itself—lighter-skinned Brazilians and outsiders laying claim to Afro-spiritual spaces, sometimes by traveling to Africa to study “at the source,” then returning with newfound authority, often overshadowing the Black women who have long led these traditions.

The conversation drew sharp parallels between Brazil and the U.S., where Black cultural practices are similarly policed, commodified, and distorted. Davey noted how the demonization of African spirituality echoes critiques he’s heard of hip hop or other Black expressive forms. Vaughan expanded the point: “Everywhere the drum shows up, somebody tries to silence it.”

Despite this, the resilience of the communities practicing Candomblé and Umbanda is palpable. Vaughan highlighted how some priests responded to threats from drug traffickers by blasting Christian music on speakers while continuing their drum ceremonies in private. “It’s always been a dance between survival and spirit,” he said.

Under far-right President Bolsonaro, repression intensified. Statues of orishas were vandalized while white Evangelical supremacy gained ground. Vaughan says current President Lula’s administration is more open, with cultural ministers and first lady openly honoring Afro-Brazilian religions. There is cautious hope—but as Vaughan made clear, the fight is far from over.

As the interview closed, Dr. Vaughan urged listeners to read the book not just for its history, but as a provocation: “Ask yourself—what in your culture would you fight to protect?” He reminded listeners that the struggle in Brazil mirrors battles happening globally. “If it can happen there, it can happen here.”

He encouraged folks to follow his work on Instagram (@umivon), support Brazilian grassroots collectives like Coletivo Merê, and remain vigilant against cultural erasure.

“Free Brown on Building a Wellness Oasis in Richmond”

(HKR-07-08-25) On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Free Brown—licensed therapist, cultural curator, and founder of Richmond’s Vibe Bistro—to talk about wellness, community, and creating safe, affirming spaces in a time of censorship and cultural repression.

Free Brown’s work through Live at Vibe, an initiative at her venue Vibe Bistro, goes far beyond traditional entertainment. As she explains, the space was built with “blood, sweat, and tears”—not grants or corporate backers. This intentional independence means Brown is highly selective about where funding comes from and how the space is used. “I’d rather sell mocktails than take money that controls the message,” she told Davey D. “We’re creating a gateway, a cultural landmark that belongs to the people.”

Vibe Bistro is quickly becoming a beacon in the Bay, offering a stage not just for veteran artists like Valerie Troutt, but also for emerging performers who are finding and shaping their voices. Free emphasized that it’s not about forcing a political line, but rather about encouraging honest self-expression. “Everyone’s trying to get to the same goal—liberation, love, and empowerment—but not everyone walks the same path. And that’s okay.”

The conversation touched on the ways many cultural institutions are retreating from bold content due to pressure from funders and political forces. Davey D noted that some venues now fear showcasing too diverse a crowd or content perceived as “political,” lest it jeopardize their federal support. Free responded firmly: “We’re not going to self-censor to make funders comfortable. I want a space where we can say ‘Black,’ where we can say ‘diverse,’ where we can say ‘racism’ out loud.”

She drew comparisons to historic cultural spaces like The Good Life Café and The Upper Room—spaces with community-centered ethics that helped launch socially conscious Hip Hop movements. “This ain’t just about vibes,” Brown added. “We’re about curation. There’s a line between free expression and toxic energy. And we hold that line.”

As a mental health therapist, Free highlighted how the grind culture and surveillance-like pressures of social media are exacerbating burnout, particularly for artists. “People are being consumed—literally and digitally—without getting a chance to reset,” she said. “We’re not machines. Even machines need to cool off.”

Brown and Davey reflected on the uptick in visible mental health crises within creative communities, especially in the wake of COVID and ongoing social unrest. Free spoke passionately about the need for intentional spiritual breaks. “Healing doesn’t always look like silence. Sometimes it’s dance. Sometimes it’s a dope song. But it’s got to give your brain a pause from the chaos.”

Vibe Bistro, located just steps from Richmond BART and Amtrak, is envisioned as both a hyperlocal gathering place and a global cultural landmark. Live performances are curated to set a tone of depth, healing, and integrity. While Free is already fielding offers to replicate the model elsewhere, she’s focused on making this one special. “You didn’t ask the Apollo to be in 50 states. You had to be there. That’s what we’re doing here.”

Brown closed the interview with gratitude for artists like Valerie Troutt and a vision for what’s to come: “We want listening parties. We want a stage that says you don’t have to leave home to be seen. And we want people to know this is a space where you can breathe.”

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 Silencing the Drum: Dr. Umi Vaughan on Afro-Brazilian Faith, Resistance, and Repression appeared first on KPFA.

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D checks back in with journalist James Farr on the six-month anniversary of the devastating Eaton Fire that ravaged Altadena, California. The conversation opens with sharp criticism of the Biden administration’s militarized show of force at MacArthur Park—a move seen by many as a cruel distraction from the lack of federal attention and relief for disaster-stricken Black and Brown communities across the country.

Farr, host of Conversation Live: Altadena Rising on KBLA Talk 1580 and a contributor to LA Progressive, detailed the slow and burdensome recovery process in Altadena. He described how corporate developers were circling like vultures, exploiting the crisis to acquire land in a historically Black neighborhood that has already endured a legacy of displacement due to redlining and freeway construction. Despite early promises, residents have received limited financial relief, with only about 20 rebuilding permits granted and bureaucratic red tape holding back the process. Many elders and long-time residents, especially renters or those without formal lease agreements, are left with no viable path to recovery.

Farr revealed that upwards of a billion dollars has been raised through charitable donations, but most of that money hasn’t reached the people who need it. He raised concerns about nonprofit gatekeeping and how some organizations are only required to disburse 5% of raised funds annually, banking the rest. He also pointed out the emotional toll on displaced seniors, many of whom are now living in unfamiliar apartments after decades in their homes. These psychological stresses, compounded by insurance stonewalling and potential IRS entanglements, underscore the deep inequities embedded in the recovery process.

The conversation closed with a sobering reminder: “Disasters don’t discriminate, but recovery does.” Farr urged listeners not to forget Altadena or any community that suffers in silence. The story of Altadena, he stressed, is a microcosm of a broader national failure to support vulnerable communities after catastrophe.

“Free Brown on Building a Wellness Oasis in Richmond”

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Free Brown—licensed therapist, cultural curator, and founder of Richmond’s Vibe Bistro—to talk about wellness, community, and creating safe, affirming spaces in a time of censorship and cultural repression.

Free Brown’s work through Live at Vibe, an initiative at her venue Vibe Bistro, goes far beyond traditional entertainment. As she explains, the space was built with “blood, sweat, and tears”—not grants or corporate backers. This intentional independence means Brown is highly selective about where funding comes from and how the space is used. “I’d rather sell mocktails than take money that controls the message,” she told Davey D. “We’re creating a gateway, a cultural landmark that belongs to the people.”

Vibe Bistro is quickly becoming a beacon in the Bay, offering a stage not just for veteran artists like Valerie Troutt, but also for emerging performers who are finding and shaping their voices. Free emphasized that it’s not about forcing a political line, but rather about encouraging honest self-expression. “Everyone’s trying to get to the same goal—liberation, love, and empowerment—but not everyone walks the same path. And that’s okay.”

The conversation touched on the ways many cultural institutions are retreating from bold content due to pressure from funders and political forces. Davey D noted that some venues now fear showcasing too diverse a crowd or content perceived as “political,” lest it jeopardize their federal support. Free responded firmly: “We’re not going to self-censor to make funders comfortable. I want a space where we can say ‘Black,’ where we can say ‘diverse,’ where we can say ‘racism’ out loud.”

She drew comparisons to historic cultural spaces like The Good Life Café and The Upper Room—spaces with community-centered ethics that helped launch socially conscious Hip Hop movements. “This ain’t just about vibes,” Brown added. “We’re about curation. There’s a line between free expression and toxic energy. And we hold that line.”

As a mental health therapist, Free highlighted how the grind culture and surveillance-like pressures of social media are exacerbating burnout, particularly for artists. “People are being consumed—literally and digitally—without getting a chance to reset,” she said. “We’re not machines. Even machines need to cool off.”

Brown and Davey reflected on the uptick in visible mental health crises within creative communities, especially in the wake of COVID and ongoing social unrest. Free spoke passionately about the need for intentional spiritual breaks. “Healing doesn’t always look like silence. Sometimes it’s dance. Sometimes it’s a dope song. But it’s got to give your brain a pause from the chaos.”

Vibe Bistro, located just steps from Richmond BART and Amtrak, is envisioned as both a hyperlocal gathering place and a global cultural landmark. Live performances are curated to set a tone of depth, healing, and integrity. While Free is already fielding offers to replicate the model elsewhere, she’s focused on making this one special. “You didn’t ask the Apollo to be in 50 states. You had to be there. That’s what we’re doing here.”

Brown closed the interview with gratitude for artists like Valerie Troutt and a vision for what’s to come: “We want listening parties. We want a stage that says you don’t have to leave home to be seen. And we want people to know this is a space where you can breathe.”

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 Disasters Don’t Discriminate, But Recovery Does” James Farr on Altadena’s Fight to Rebuild and Free Brown on Building a Wellness Oasis in Richmond, CA appeared first on KPFA.

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Dr. Noha Aboelata, founder and CEO of Roots Community Health Center, to unpack the devastating impact of a new federal law—ironically dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill”—signed on July 4. The legislation, which slashes Medicaid funding and imposes work requirements on recipients, represents what both Davey and Dr. Noha described as a deeply harmful pivot in public health policy that will disproportionately hurt low-income communities, particularly in cities like Oakland.

Dr. Noha called the bill a “huge disappointment,” warning it signals a return to the pre-Affordable Care Act days when basic healthcare was out of reach for many—especially low-income men. “It wasn’t uncommon to hear patients say the only place they could get ongoing care was prison,” she said, highlighting how dire access was before Medicaid expansion.

Roots Community Health Center was founded in 2008, right before Obamacare took effect. It was created to fill those gaps—particularly for those systemically left out of care. The expansion of Medicaid under the ACA was, in her words, a “game changer,” though not without challenges. Roots had to do deep, culturally grounded outreach to get people enrolled, many of whom had gone years without care. The results? Many patients were already suffering from advanced conditions by the time they walked through the clinic’s doors.

Under the new bill, Medicaid recipients will be required to prove they’re working a minimum number of hours—or volunteering—to maintain their benefits by 2027. Dr. Noha questioned the logic and feasibility of this, especially in urban centers like East Oakland, where jobs may be inaccessible due to prior convictions or systemic barriers.

“If we’re not removing barriers to employment, then all of this is pretty much lip service,” she said. “It’s coercion—telling people they must ‘prove they matter’ to access healthcare.”

She also raised legal red flags: forcing people to “volunteer” for 80 hours a month as a requirement contradicts California labor laws. “That’s not actually volunteering,” she noted sharply.

Beyond Medicaid cuts, Dr. Noha pointed to a broader war on public health. From anti-science rhetoric to defunding cancer research, the healthcare system is being eroded on multiple fronts. Davey brought up how right-wing influencers and politicians are not just discrediting public health measures—they’re actively undermining the work of dedicated, trusted medical professionals like Dr. Noha and her team.

With misinformation rising and trust in institutions falling, Dr. Noha underscored the need for consistent, accessible health messaging. “We’re still doing our Tuesday health briefings,” she said, referencing Roots’ public updates aimed at keeping communities informed. “This is not a time for complacency.”

The financial burden of these federal rollbacks is already being felt. “Our Medi-Cal rates are among the lowest in the country,” Dr. Noha explained. “Many providers may choose to see fewer Medi-Cal patients, if any. That puts more pressure on us.”

Without access to affordable outpatient care, treatable chronic illnesses like diabetes or asthma will land more people in overcrowded ERs. And the idea that work requirements will somehow motivate employment? “The likelihood that’s going to increase the workforce is pretty minimal,” she said bluntly.

Davey closed by pressing a vital question: “What is our responsibility as a community to make sure Roots not only survives but thrives?”

Dr. Noha’s answer was clear: “We have to pull together.” She emphasized the importance of sustained community involvement and support, especially for Roots’ next big initiative—a freestanding Young People’s Wellness Center in Deep East Oakland. “If things look bleak to adults, imagine what our youth are feeling.”

She invited listeners to stay informed, support the work, and, if they have means, contribute financially. “If folks can spend a million dollars to go to a white party in the Hamptons, maybe some of that can go to keeping community health centers alive.”

In a time of policy backslides and political posturing, both Davey and Dr. Noha urged listeners to resist apathy. “They’re banking on us tuning out,” Dr. Noha warned. “We have to stay tapped into science, truth, and each other.”

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with DJ, emcee, and actor Juan Amador—aka DJ Wonway—to discuss his starring role in Aztlan, a powerful new play by Luis Alfaro running at San Francisco’s Magic Theater. The conversation dives into the cultural urgency and political weight of storytelling at a time when ethnic studies and historical truth-telling are under attack.

Wonway, who plays three roles in the production—including a set of twins and the father of the main character—explains how Aslan blends mythology and modern-day realities, exploring themes of incarceration, family, and Indigenous memory. The play follows a man recently released from prison who discovers his family is connected to Aztec gods, setting the stage for deeper reflections on identity, history, and systemic injustice.

The two reflect on how plays like Aslan serve as both resistance and education—especially as ethnic studies are being defunded and banned. Wonway shares that his own academic roots in La Raza Studies at SF State inform his approach to performance and cultural work. He emphasizes that their work is not just for mainstream acceptance but deeply rooted in community empowerment and cultural continuity.

Davey D and Wonway also discuss the broader Bay Area theater renaissance, giving props to creatives like RyanNicole, Cat Brooks, and the Lower Bottom Playaz. They examine whether artists should strive to “make it” in Hollywood or stay rooted in community-controlled spaces, noting the pitfalls of commodification and the power of DIY media.

Wonway speaks candidly about preparing to portray twins live on stage, drawing inspiration from his partner’s twin daughters. He also highlights the play’s commentary on parole and the prison industrial complex, urging audiences to see formerly incarcerated people as human and deserving of care and reintegration.

The show closes with shout-outs to fellow Bay legends and a reminder that Aslan has been extended at the Magic Theater. For those struggling financially, discounted and comp tickets are available by reaching out directly. Wonway makes clear: everyone should have access to this cultural moment.

The post Dr. Noha Aboelata Sounds the Alarm on Anti-Health Legislation and Bay Area Theater as Resistance: Juan Amador on Culture, Carcerality, and Community appeared first on KPFA.

On this July 8th edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D speaks with veteran anti-fascist organizer Daryle Lamont Jenkins of One People’s Project about the dangerous political landscape unfolding in the U.S. The conversation centers on the passage of the “big ugly bill,” a federal spending package that gives more funding to ICE than to the U.S. Marines. Jenkins warns this opens the door for far-right extremists—like Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and Patriot Front—to embed themselves further in government agencies under the guise of immigration enforcement.

Jenkins and Davey D point to the silence—and in some cases, complicity—of centrist Democrats who seem more focused on crushing progressives than opposing fascist forces. They highlight how politicians aligned with AIPAC and corporate interests are working to derail movement candidates like Jamaal Bowman and Mondaire Jones, while staying quiet on policies that fuel mass surveillance, raids, and immigrant detention.

The conversation also addresses inflammatory rhetoric from figures like Laura Loomer and Ann Coulter, who’ve made genocidal statements targeting Latinos and Indigenous people. Despite their extremism, these influencers have ties to powerful players and are amplified by platforms like X (Twitter) and Facebook. Jenkins argues this unchecked speech isn’t just noise—it shapes policy and endangers lives.

Davey D and Jenkins call out attempts to divide Black communities from immigrant struggles, particularly through social media campaigns that stoke xenophobia and erode solidarity. They stress the importance of organizing, resisting ICE on the ground, and demanding transparency from those in power.

Jenkins closes with a clear message: we’re not powerless—but we do have to act. From confronting masked ICE agents in the streets to building up independent political platforms and third-party options, the fight against fascism and complicity must be bold, creative, and sustained.

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 ICE, AIPAC, Centrist Democrats and the Rise of the Right: Daryle Lamont Jenkins Breaks It Down 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 7, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

This Independence Day, we reflect on the meaning of July 4th through the lens of Black truth-telling, resistance, and cultural commentary. The program opens with a powerful rendition of Frederick Douglass’s 1852 address, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” performed by the legendary Ossie Davis. We then feature a searing sermon from Rev. Jeremiah Wright—often cited for his provocative line “God Damn America”—in which he delivers a prophetic critique of American injustice and hypocrisy.

And to close, we lighten the mood with the comedic genius of Kyle Grooms. In his unforgettable Bad Boys of Comedy routine, Grooms channels “Conspiracy Brother” to hilariously unpack the contradictions behind the Fourth of July.

A mix of history, fire, and humor—this special broadcast challenges us to reckon with the past while laughing through the pain.

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 Meaning of the Fourth of July to the Other America appeared first on KPFA.

In a wide-ranging and timely conversation, host Davey D sat down with Professor Stephen Zunes of the University of San Francisco to break down the current situation with Iran, the history that informs it, and the often contradictory role the U.S. plays in Middle East policy.

Zunes began with an “Iran 101,” noting the country’s rich history, strategic size, and its role as a major regional player. He argued that much of the U.S. and Israeli hostility toward Iran stems less from human rights concerns and more from Iran’s refusal to submit to U.S.–Israeli hegemony in the region. While Iran’s regime is undeniably repressive, Zunes pointed out the glaring hypocrisy in how the U.S. tolerates similar or worse abuses from allies like Saudi Arabia.

Davey D steered the conversation into historical context, recalling the 1953 CIA-backed coup that overthrew Iran’s democratically elected leader, Mohammad Mossadegh, for trying to nationalize oil. Zunes agreed, saying this U.S. interference directly contributed to the eventual rise of the current theocratic regime. The irony? It was the secular Left that was destroyed in the years following the coup, leaving a vacuum for the Ayatollahs to fill.

A major point of discussion was the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which Zunes described as extremely restrictive and effective. He criticized Trump for tearing up the agreement, and Biden for not rejoining it. This, Zunes argued, has helped provoke unnecessary conflict, made diplomacy harder, and provided political cover for Israel’s aggressive actions.

Davey raised the concern about double standards and the potential targeting of Iranian Americans. Zunes acknowledged those fears, highlighting the possibility of civil liberties being curtailed in the name of “national security”—a pattern familiar from post-9/11 America.

The conversation concluded with Zunes warning about a manufactured crisis: keeping the spotlight on Iran helps distract from Israel’s war in Gaza and settler colonialism in the West Bank. He called for a renewed anti-war movement and for Americans to hold both Democrats and Republicans accountable for reckless foreign policy.

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 Recap: Professor Stephen Zunes Unpacks U.S.–Iran Tensions appeared first on KPFA.

On this urgent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Pastor Mike McBride of the Black Church PAC and LiveFree.org to break down the far-reaching implications of a sweeping federal bill, dubbed sarcastically by critics as the “Big Billionaire Looting Bill” or BBL Bill. As headlines focused on celebrity scandals like Diddy’s legal troubles, Pastor Mike and Davey call attention to the much more dangerous developments quietly moving through Congress.

Pastor Mike warns that this 1,000+ page bill includes one of the largest tax breaks in U.S. history—effectively transferring over $1 trillion to the wealthiest Americans. Meanwhile, $925 million is being cut from essential programs like SNAP and Medicaid, disproportionately impacting poor and working-class communities. On top of that, the bill earmarks $75 billion for ICE expansion, including:

The bill signals a return to over-policing and racialized targeting, especially in sanctuary cities. Pastor Mike notes the growing alignment between federal agencies and private for-profit detention centers, creating economic incentives to criminalize and detain marginalized people. A new wave of ICE enforcement is poised to hit Haitian and Black immigrant communities hardest—many of whom have lost Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Even U.S.-born citizens with criminal records could be subject to extreme legal overreach.

Davey and Pastor Mike also expose how right-wing networks and doom-loop websites are manufacturing a crime narrative—often funded by police unions or conservative operatives—to justify harsh policing. They explain how these fear-based tactics are being used to promote authoritarian policies, all while suppressing grassroots democratic reforms.

Pastor Mike calls on listeners to act fast, stressing that we may have less than 24 hours to stop this bill in Congress. He urges folks to:

The interview closes with a sobering reminder: this bill isn’t just bad policy—it’s a roadmap toward a more authoritarian and unequal America. Davey D and Pastor Mike urge listeners to see past the distractions, stay organized, and stand firm in values rooted in justice, humanity, and dignity for all.

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 Pastor Mike McBride on the Dangers of the Big, Beautiful Bill and the Rise of Authoritarianism appeared first on KPFA.

In a wide-ranging and urgent discussion, Hard Knock Radio host Davey D spoke with veteran journalist Tim Redmond of 48 Hills to unpack the political dynamics shaping San Francisco and their connections to national trends, especially under a potential second Trump administration.

Redmond criticized San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s proposed budget, calling it the “Billionaire’s Budget” for prioritizing law enforcement and jails over critical social services. He noted that the city is opening new jails and cracking down on unhoused residents, without meaningful investment in permanent housing. Despite an $800 million budget shortfall, there’s no talk of taxing the city’s wealthiest—something Redmond argues could easily generate enough revenue to cover the gap and fund affordable housing and education.

Davey D and Redmond called out a pattern of quiet cooperation or muted dissent from Democratic leaders—including Lurie, Nancy Pelosi, and Gavin Newsom—when it comes to Trump’s policies. While national Democrats have fiercely attacked progressive candidates like New York’s Zohran Mamdani for proposing bold economic reforms (like taxing the rich to pay for housing and transit), they’ve been comparatively silent about Trump’s dangerous and racist agenda.

Redmond warned that Democrats fear Mamdani’s model could succeed—and become contagious. “They’re afraid people will like it,” he said, which could trigger a broader demand for progressive taxation and public investment.

The conversation turned local again with concerns over San Francisco Unified’s apparent move to pause its ethnic studies program. Redmond said this reflects a chilling national trend—aligning with right-wing attacks on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)—even in so-called liberal cities. Teachers, he noted, are being silenced when it comes to discussing reparations, colonization, and Palestine. Davey D pushed back, recalling his own sanitized curriculum growing up and how hard-fought the current gains in ethnic studies have been.

Redmond emphasized that San Francisco and California have the resources—and the moral obligation—to push back. He proposed taxing the wealthiest residents to offset any threats to federal funding. “If Trump wants to pull $500 million from SF, fine—let’s raise it ourselves,” he said. Redmond also reminded listeners that California already pays far more in federal taxes than it gets back.

Davey D echoed this, calling out the gaslighting in political language: “That federal money is our money.”

The two also discussed recent Supreme Court decisions, including a ruling that may enable Trump to revoke birthright citizenship. Redmond warned this could render thousands of Bay Area residents effectively stateless, especially children born to immigrant parents. He also criticized the Court’s selective application of judicial restraint—blocking liberal policies like student loan relief while letting right-wing initiatives proceed unchecked.

Despite San Francisco’s sanctuary city label, Redmond called out the lack of meaningful resistance from the mayor or police in the face of ICE activity, including a recent incident involving a trans performer detained at Pride. “They say they don’t enforce ICE laws,” he said, “but they’re not doing anything to help either.”

Redmond urged listeners to organize at the local and state levels. He argued that California could pass a wealth tax and fund its own priorities without federal interference. “It starts locally,” he said. “We have to stop playing scared.”

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 Journalist Tim Redmond (48 Hills) appeared first on KPFA.