KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

In this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D presents the ground-breaking documentary John Henrik Clarke: A Great and Mighty Walk.  In John Henrik Clarke: A Great and Mighty Walk, narrated by Wesley Snipes, Bourne explores the biopic form that has framed much of his work and demonstrates why it is important to tell the stories of exceptional people. As the documentary opens, Bourne asks, “How do you describe a legend?” The film’s answer is that you can’t, but by telling that legend’s story, you can learn a different way of understanding the world. As a pioneer in the field of Africana Studies and a leader in the Pan-Africanist movement, John Henrik Clarke proves an apt subject for this project. His visionary scholarship springs to life as old newsreel footage and arresting images of African art act as a compelling counterpoint to Clarke’s wide-ranging ruminations on the history and culture of Africa.

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 recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D speaks with author and journalist Michael Harriot about his new book, Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America. America’s backstory is a whitewashed mythology implanted in our collective memory. It is the story of the pilgrims on the Mayflower building a new nation. It is George Washington’s cherry tree and Abraham Lincoln’s log cabin. It is the fantastic tale of slaves that spontaneously teleported themselves here with nothing but strong backs and negro spirituals. It is a sugarcoated legend based on an almost true story.

It should come as no surprise that the dominant narrative of American history is blighted with errors and oversights—after all, history books were written by white men with their perspectives at the forefront. It could even be said that the devaluation and erasure of the Black experience is as American as apple pie.

In Black AF History, Michael Harriot presents a more accurate version of American history. Combining unapologetically provocative storytelling with meticulous research based on primary sources as well as the work of pioneering Black historians, scholars, and journalists, Harriot removes the white sugarcoating from the American story, placing Black people squarely at the center. With incisive wit, Harriot speaks hilarious truth to oppressive power, subverting conventional historical narratives with little-known stories about the experiences of Black Americans. From the African Americans who arrived before 1619 to the unenslavable bandit who inspired America’s first police force, this long overdue corrective provides a revealing look into our past that is as urgent as it is necessary. For too long, we have refused to acknowledge that American history is white history. Not this one. This history is Black AF.

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 of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D explores the upcoming primaries, the threat of the recall, the voter guide, and how crime is being talked about in the media.

Guests:

Tim Redmond has been a political and investigative reporter in San Francisco for more than 30 years. He spent much of that time as executive editor of the Bay Guardian. He is the founder of 48hills.

Pecolia Manigo is the Political Director of Oakland Rising Action. Pecolia, a San Francisco native and Oakland resident, is a passionate advocate with a deep understanding of diverse issues and global affairs. As a youth organizer, she demonstrated her commitment to community empowerment and advocacy.

Tinisch Hollins, the co-founded SF Black Wallstreet – an organization committed to preserving Black culture and building economic power in San Francisco. She also serves as Vice Chair of the San Francisco African American Reparations Advisory Committee.

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 speaks with author Carolina Ixta about her new book, Shut Up, This is Serious. Carolina Ixta is a writer from Oakland, California. A daughter of Mexican immigrants, she received her B.A. in Creative Writing and Spanish Language and Literature at the University of California, Santa Cruz and obtained her Master’s degree in Education at the University of California, Berkeley. She is currently an elementary school teacher whose pedagogy centers critical race theory at the primary education level. Shut Up, This is Seriousis her debut novel.

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.

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 acknowledgement of Black History month we dig in the vault to bring an array of speeches from iconic figures such as Fannie Lou Hammer, Sister Souljah and Reverend Jeremiah Wright.

Later Poor News Network explores America’s terror on the poor and disenfranchised communities.

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 recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D shed light on the alarming discovery of 21 deaths within the Broward County Jail in Florida, focusing on the tragic case of Janard Geffrard. Geffrard’s mother, Marcia Irving, joined the conversation to detail her son’s harrowing experience, which ended in his death following a severe assault by a cellmate. Despite being critically injured and declared brain dead, Janard was inexplicably released on recognizance from the hospital without a court appearance, a decision that puzzled Irving.

Irving criticized the jail’s failure to provide timely medical intervention and its lack of transparency and accountability, especially as her son was left unattended for 21 minutes post-assault, contributing to his demise. The discussion also touched on broader issues of jail safety, inmate treatment, and systemic neglect within the prison system. Marcia shared her struggles with funeral expenses and called for improved prison conditions and oversight to prevent future tragedies.

The episode further highlighted concerns over inmate compatibility, the need for transparent communication from jail authorities, and the importance of community and organizational support in advocating for justice. Marcia Irving’s call to action emphasized the urgency of addressing these systemic failures and ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and prevented in the future. The conversation concluded with a collective call for change, underscoring the need for societal and institutional reforms to protect inmates’ rights and dignity.

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In a compelling interview on Hard Knock Radio, Davey D sat down with Jinho Ferreira, a multifaceted artist and playwright, to explore his remarkable journey from law enforcement to the arts. Ferreira, formerly a member of the group Flip Side and known by his stage name Piper, delved into the transition that led him to writing and performing. His latest play, “Black Men Everywhere,” draws from his rich experiences and insights into the complexities of racial narratives in America.

Ferreira shared his screenwriting voyage, marked by accolades and the hurdles of navigating the film industry’s unpredictability, including challenges posed by writers’ strikes and a drift from diverse storytelling. His frustrations with these barriers prompted a return to the stage, where he found autonomy in storytelling through “Black Man Everywhere.” The play, inspired by a family trip exploring black history, critiques the manipulation of the “dangerous black man” myth, weaving in Ferreira’s personal and historical reflections.

Highlighting his family’s educational journey through significant American historical sites, Ferreira expressed discomfort with the South’s preservation of Confederate symbols, contrasting it with California’s landscape. This exploration deeply influenced the narrative of his play, where he ambitiously portrays 21 characters, directing the piece himself.

Looking ahead, Ferreira is gearing up for the performance of “Black Man Everywhere” at Bam House in downtown Oakland, alongside discussing his hip hop project “Black Law,” which examines the black experience within the justice system.

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 recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, hosted by Davey D, the spotlight was cast on a pressing court case involving the Uhuru Movement’s leaders, Chairman Omali Yeshitela and Penny Hess. This legal battle raises alarming concerns about the potential infringement of First Amendment rights, signaling a threat to free speech across the board. The case, viewed by many as a targeted attack on the African Liberation movement, underscores the ongoing struggle against the colonial state’s efforts to suppress political dissent.

A harrowing account of a Federal raid on Yeshitela’s residence on July 20, 2022, paints a vivid picture of the trauma inflicted by such state actions. The raid, marked by the use of flash-bang grenades and the confiscation of communication devices, has left Yeshitela and his wife without charges for nine months, raising questions about the government’s motives and respect for civil liberties.

Further complicating the narrative are allegations labeling Yeshitela and members of the Hands Off Uhuru Defense Campaign as Russian agents, based on Yeshitela’s past visits to Moscow and political campaigns in St. Petersburg. These charges, deemed absurd by Yeshitela, highlight the dangerous precedent of criminalizing political activism and association.

Amidst these challenges, the African People’s Socialist Party, supported by the Hands Off Uhuru Defense Campaign, continues to champion economic empowerment and reparations for the African working class. Their initiatives, such as the Black Power Blueprint, exemplify the movement’s dedication to building sustainable communities and advocating for systemic change.

The importance of preserving diverse viewpoints and the sanctity of free speech was also discussed, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and resistance against censorship. With events planned in Oakland and San Jose to rally support and educate the public, the Uhuru Movement’s fight against these charges and for the principle of free speech stands as a crucial battle for all who value democracy and justice.

For those interested in supporting this cause, attending the upcoming “Fight for Free Speech” event and visiting handsoffuhuru.org are essential steps towards standing in solidarity with the Uhuru Movement and advocating for the protection of fundamental human rights.

Later political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal examines the brilliance of James Baldwin.

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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