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Ryan Nicole on Art, Activism, and Oakland’s Struggles
On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Ryan Nicole—a Grammy-nominated musician, educator, playwright, and community advocate—whose work seamlessly blends art and activism. The wide-ranging conversation delved into Oakland’s housing crisis, media narratives targeting Black and Brown cities, and her groundbreaking creative projects, including her new EP Yours Truly and the acclaimed musical Co-Founders.
From Track Star to Cultural Advocate
Davey D opened by highlighting Ryan Nicole’s multi-faceted journey, from holding high school track records to starring in commercials and producing socially conscious films. One of her notable works, The Haven Project, was born during the pandemic to shed light on Oakland’s housing crisis. The film emerged after a 2019 United Nations visit declared Oakland a public emergency due to its soaring unhoused population—then over 7,000 people.
Nicole argued that the crisis has worsened due to systemic failures and displacement policies. “Officials aren’t listening to the people,” she said, noting how neighboring cities have been accused of relocating their unhoused populations to Oakland. She emphasized the role of developers and luxury housing projects, pointing to empty high-rise condos that remain unaffordable to most residents.
Challenging Media Narratives
The conversation shifted to the “doom loop” narratives targeting Oakland, often pushed by coordinated networks of influencers, websites, and even bots. Nicole criticized these narratives as tools for gentrification and political manipulation, designed to demonize marginalized communities while advancing the interests of developers and billionaires.
“What complicates it,” Nicole explained, “is when local politicians take up these narratives. People believe them because they once trusted these leaders.” She called for counter-narratives that come from within the community, adding that Oakland creatives are building cultural and political resistance through storytelling.
The Musical ‘Co-Founders’
Ryan Nicole’s hit play Co-Founders exemplifies her approach to cultural activism. Co-written with Beau Lewis and Adisha Adefala, the musical tells the story of Asada Thompson, a Black woman coder from West Oakland who battles gentrification and systemic barriers in Silicon Valley. The play explores themes of race, gender, and economic survival while paying homage to Oakland’s spirit of resilience.
“Everywhere we performed, it sold out,” Nicole said, hinting at efforts to bring the production to Oakland and San Francisco by 2026.
Music with Depth
Nicole’s latest EP, Yours Truly, offers a deeply personal glimpse into her life. Recorded in just 30 days, the project reflects on mental health, loss, and self-discovery. The title track, she revealed, addresses depression and suicide awareness, inspired by personal losses during the pandemic. “Before I tell people to march, I think you should know me,” she said, underscoring the importance of vulnerability in her art.
Cultural Collaboration and Future Projects
Ryan Nicole is part of a vibrant creative ecosystem alongside names like Ryan Coogler, Boots Riley, and Cat Brooks. Together, they’re shaping Oakland’s cultural renaissance. “If you can get the hearts of the people, you can shift how they live, vote, and build,” she said.
With her work in the Grammy-nominated group Alphabet Rockers and her growing solo catalog, Ryan Nicole continues to blend music, activism, and storytelling.
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 Ryan Nicole on Art, Activism, and Oakland’s Struggles appeared first on KPFA.
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On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Ryan Nicole—a Grammy-nominated musician, educator, playwright, and community advocate—whose work seamlessly blends art and activism. The wide-ranging conversation delved into Oakland’s housing crisis, media narratives targeting Black and Brown cities, and her groundbreaking creative projects, including her new EP Yours Truly and the acclaimed musical Co-Founders.
From Track Star to Cultural Advocate
Davey D opened by highlighting Ryan Nicole’s multi-faceted journey, from holding high school track records to starring in commercials and producing socially conscious films. One of her notable works, The Haven Project, was born during the pandemic to shed light on Oakland’s housing crisis. The film emerged after a 2019 United Nations visit declared Oakland a public emergency due to its soaring unhoused population—then over 7,000 people.
Nicole argued that the crisis has worsened due to systemic failures and displacement policies. “Officials aren’t listening to the people,” she said, noting how neighboring cities have been accused of relocating their unhoused populations to Oakland. She emphasized the role of developers and luxury housing projects, pointing to empty high-rise condos that remain unaffordable to most residents.
Challenging Media Narratives
The conversation shifted to the “doom loop” narratives targeting Oakland, often pushed by coordinated networks of influencers, websites, and even bots. Nicole criticized these narratives as tools for gentrification and political manipulation, designed to demonize marginalized communities while advancing the interests of developers and billionaires.
“What complicates it,” Nicole explained, “is when local politicians take up these narratives. People believe them because they once trusted these leaders.” She called for counter-narratives that come from within the community, adding that Oakland creatives are building cultural and political resistance through storytelling.
The Musical ‘Co-Founders’
Ryan Nicole’s hit play Co-Founders exemplifies her approach to cultural activism. Co-written with Beau Lewis and Adisha Adefala, the musical tells the story of Asada Thompson, a Black woman coder from West Oakland who battles gentrification and systemic barriers in Silicon Valley. The play explores themes of race, gender, and economic survival while paying homage to Oakland’s spirit of resilience.
“Everywhere we performed, it sold out,” Nicole said, hinting at efforts to bring the production to Oakland and San Francisco by 2026.
Music with Depth
Nicole’s latest EP, Yours Truly, offers a deeply personal glimpse into her life. Recorded in just 30 days, the project reflects on mental health, loss, and self-discovery. The title track, she revealed, addresses depression and suicide awareness, inspired by personal losses during the pandemic. “Before I tell people to march, I think you should know me,” she said, underscoring the importance of vulnerability in her art.
Cultural Collaboration and Future Projects
Ryan Nicole is part of a vibrant creative ecosystem alongside names like Ryan Coogler, Boots Riley, and Cat Brooks. Together, they’re shaping Oakland’s cultural renaissance. “If you can get the hearts of the people, you can shift how they live, vote, and build,” she said.
With her work in the Grammy-nominated group Alphabet Rockers and her growing solo catalog, Ryan Nicole continues to blend music, activism, and storytelling.
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 Ryan Nicole on Art, Activism, and Oakland’s Struggles appeared first on KPFA.