KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D engaged in a captivating conversation with filmmaker Justice 4Tyranny, known as part of the Hood Squad. The discussion centered around the documentary “Little Nairobi,” shedding light on the history of East Palo Alto and its transformation over the years.

Davey D kicked off the conversation by reminiscing about the flyer he saw for “Little Nairobi,” sparking curiosity about the historic city. Justice 4Tyranny shared insights into the push to rename East Palo Alto to Nairobi and adopt Swahili as its primary language, highlighting the community’s rich cultural heritage.

The documentary delves into the incorporation of East Palo Alto, revealing the grassroots efforts to address police brutality and assert self-determination. Through interviews with elders like Bob Hoover, the film exposes the challenges faced by Black residents, including discriminatory housing practices and systemic racism.

The conversation also touched on the complexities of gentrification and the socio-economic shifts in East Palo Alto. Justice 4Tyranny highlighted the influx of tech industry employees and the resulting rise in housing costs, framing East Palo Alto as a “million-dollar ghetto.”

Furthermore, the documentary explores the influence of motorcycle clubs like the Hells Angels and the vibrant rap scene that emerged from East Palo Alto. Artists like Captain Crunch and Shawn are featured, providing a glimpse into the city’s cultural legacy.

As the discussion concluded, Justice 4Tyranny invited listeners to attend the documentary screening and participate in discussions about gentrification and police corruption. They emphasized the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and sparking dialogue about community empowerment.

Overall, “Little Nairobi” promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of East Palo Alto’s history, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of its residents amidst social and economic upheaval.

Later Davey D speaks with Corinne Bailey Rae, Corinne Bailey Rae a Grammy-winning English singer and songwriter who released her eponymous debut album Corinne Bailey Rae in February 2006. Rae was named the number-one predicted breakthrough act of 2006 in an annual BBC poll of music critics.

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 engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with Seth Morrison, a longstanding activist with Jewish Voices for Peace, on the intricate topic of anti-Semitism and its intersection with free speech. The conversation delved into various dimensions of the issue, ranging from the definition of anti-Semitism to its implications for political discourse.

At the heart of the discussion was the debate over whether criticism of Israel should be equated with anti-Semitism. Morrison argued passionately that the definition of anti-Semitism should not be weaponized to stifle legitimate criticism of Israeli policies. He pointed out the dangers of conflating anti-Semitic rhetoric with critiques of the Israeli government’s actions, emphasizing the importance of preserving the right to dissent and engage in open dialogue.

The conversation also turned towards recent legislative efforts in California aimed at codifying the definition of anti-Semitism. Morrison expressed skepticism about the proposed bill, highlighting concerns about its potential to infringe upon free speech rights. Drawing parallels to broader discussions around race and censorship in America, Davey D underscored the need for vigilance in safeguarding democratic principles against encroachments on freedom of expression.

Throughout the exchange, both speakers touched upon the complexities of Zionism and its relationship to anti-Semitism. Morrison emphasized the distinction between Zionism as a political ideology and Judaism as a religious identity, cautioning against the conflation of the two. He raised important questions about the influence of pro-Zionist interests in shaping political discourse and the implications for marginalized communities, both domestically and internationally.

The conversation concluded with a call to action for listeners to actively engage in conversations about anti-Semitism, free speech, and human rights. Davey D and Morrison emphasized the importance of challenging simplistic narratives and fostering an environment conducive to critical thinking and respectful dialogue. As they aptly demonstrated, grappling with the complexities of anti-Semitism requires nuance, empathy, and a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and equality 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.

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On Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D engaged in a dynamic discussion with Quency Phillips from Lighthouse Silicon Valley, covering a range of topics from trust and authenticity to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society.

Phillips emphasized the importance of trust and surrounding oneself with a reliable team, stressing the need to consistently bring one’s A-game rather than resting on past achievements. He highlighted the significance of authenticity and code-switching in communication, urging individuals to adapt to different social and professional contexts.

The conversation also delved into the implications of AI, with Phillips acknowledging its potential as both a tool and a source of concern. He urged people, particularly those from marginalized communities, to actively engage with and shape AI technologies to ensure they reflect diverse perspectives and values. Phillips emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in navigating the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Furthermore, Phillips encouraged individuals to immerse themselves in technology and leverage it to advance their interests and careers. He underscored the role of creativity, curiosity, and cultural knowledge in shaping the future of technology and society.

The discussion concluded with Phillips inviting participation in the Passport Series, an initiative aimed at fostering community engagement and cultural exchange. He emphasized the importance of building connections and creating opportunities for diverse voices to be heard and valued in the tech industry and beyond.

Overall, the conversation between Davey D and Quency Phillips provided valuable insights into trust, authenticity, AI, and community engagement, highlighting the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in today’s rapidly changing world.

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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On today’s show Davey D and Chris Emdin delve into several critical topics related to social justice, education, and the black community’s struggle for equity and freedom.

They start off the show with, Emdin expressing his skepticism about the concept of allyship and co-conspiratorship, believing that these terms often lead to inaction and compromise, especially when individuals prioritize maintaining favorable relationships with white communities over supporting black causes. He emphasizes the importance of people demonstrating their commitment through action and sacrifice rather than merely offering lip service or peripheral support. Emdin also highlights how black activists have historically fought for their rights, yet the response from others, even within progressive circles, has sometimes fallen short.

Moreover, Chris Emdin underlines the significance of Afrocentric educational models within existing institutions, rejecting the idea of divestment and emphasizing the need for black education to infiltrate mainstream spaces. He encourages the reclamation of words and concepts that have been colonized or distorted in the pursuit of black liberation.

In the second part of the show, the focus shifts to the challenges faced by black educators and intellectuals in contemporary society. They discuss the devaluation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and how even accomplished black professionals are sometimes marginalized or questioned. Chris Emdin encourages individuals to decolonize their minds, invest in institutions, steep children in radical black history, and reclaim words and concepts that have been co-opted.

Overall, these discussions highlight the ongoing struggle for black freedom, justice, and educational equity. They emphasize the importance of collective action, radical self-affirmation, and the reclamation of language and concepts in the pursuit of a more equitable society.

Later we hear from Nora Barrows-Friedman and Ali Abunimah with The Electronic Intifada about what’s happening in Gaza.

Christopher Emdin, an associate professor with Teacher’s College, Columbia University.

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.

The post Hard Knock Radio – February 5, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, Poor News Network explores America’s war on the poor. All of POOR’s programs are focused on providing non-colonizing, community-based and community-led media, art and education 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. And later on the program, the Block Report’s JR Valrey speaks with Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Y. Price.  Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Y. Price is a graduate of Yale College and UC Berkeley Law School, and a survivor of the Ohio juvenile justice and foster care systems. Before being elected District Attorney in 2022, she trail-blazed a career fighting for justice for everyday people in state and federal courts.

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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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: 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.

VERY BRIEF BIO: Jeffrey O. G. Ogbar is Professor of History and the founding Director of the Center for the Study of Popular Music. He is the author or editor of several books, including Black Power: Radical Politics and African American Identity (The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2004), Hip-Hop Revolution: The Culture and Politics of Rap (University Press of Kansas, 2007); and The Harlem Renaissance Revisited: Politics, Arts and Letters, (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2010). In 2018, he released Keywords for African American Studies (New York University Press), with co-editors Erica R. Edwards and Roderick A. Ferguson. Dr. Ogbars articles appear in the Journal of Religious Thought, Journal of Black Studies, Souls, Centro and Radical Society among other academic publications. He has been invited to write for the New York Times Room for Debate and The Daily Beast, among other publications. His newest book, Americas Black Capital: How African Americans Remade Atlanta in the Shadow of the Confederacy, released in 2023 with Basic Books, was named on the Best Books of 2023 list from Publishers Weekly, and is a finalist for the 2024 Book Prize from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Raised in Los Angeles, California, Ogbar received his BA in history from Morehouse College and his MA and Ph.D. degrees in history from Indiana University. 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 America’s Black Capital: How African Americans Remade Atlanta in the Shadow of the Confederacy – Part Two appeared first on KPFA.

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: 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.

VERY BRIEF BIO: Jeffrey O. G. Ogbar is Professor of History and the founding Director of the Center for the Study of Popular Music. He is the author or editor of several books, including Black Power: Radical Politics and African American Identity (The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2004), Hip-Hop Revolution: The Culture and Politics of Rap (University Press of Kansas, 2007); and The Harlem Renaissance Revisited: Politics, Arts and Letters, (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2010). In 2018, he released Keywords for African American Studies (New York University Press), with co-editors Erica R. Edwards and Roderick A. Ferguson. Dr. Ogbars articles appear in the Journal of Religious Thought, Journal of Black Studies, Souls, Centro and Radical Society among other academic publications. He has been invited to write for the New York Times Room for Debate and The Daily Beast, among other publications. His newest book, Americas Black Capital: How African Americans Remade Atlanta in the Shadow of the Confederacy, released in 2023 with Basic Books, was named on the Best Books of 2023 list from Publishers Weekly, and is a finalist for the 2024 Book Prize from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Raised in Los Angeles, California, Ogbar received his BA in history from Morehouse College and his MA and Ph.D. degrees in history from Indiana University. 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 America’s Black Capital: How African Americans Remade Atlanta in the Shadow of the Confederacy – Part One appeared first on KPFA.

Davey speaks with Ana Tijoux about her new album “Vida”. Vida is Tijoux’s first album in a decade. Anamaría Tijoux Merino commonly known by her stage name Ana Tijoux or Anita Tijoux is a Chilean-French singer and musician.

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 Ana Tijoux Discusses the Release of Her New CD ‘Vida’ appeared first on KPFA.

We hear more sounds and speeches from the rally at the Fed Building charging Joe Biden with Genocide. We hear a speech from Marc Lamont Hill.

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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