On this episode of Slauson Girl Speaks, I have a very personal conversation with Freeway Rick Ross, who is a notorious South Central, L.A kingpin from the 80's/90's crack era. We talk about FX's hit series Snowfall, life in South Central, Los Angeles through the decades for African-Americans, his life growing up and what led him to becoming a drug dealer. 

Although he has done countless interviews on his life and court cases, this conversation is a little different. The former crack dealer speaks with a "crack baby" about the impacts of the crack era on the inner city community of South Central. 

Eric Strong wants Alex Villanueva's role as Sheriff and he wants you to vote for him June 7. The Sheriff's Lieutenant sits down with me to discuss his career in law enforcement that spans almost 3 decades when Strong got his start working with (then) Compton Police Department in 1993. Some of the issues we touch on are the apathy that surrounds Black communities and our disconnect from local and national politics especially that of law enforcement. Strong speaks on issues he views as hindering to building community trust, his plans to address and eradicate gangs in the department, having a spouse who also works with the Sheriff's, and why he feels that he is the best to represent L.A County in one of the top positions in law enforcement. 

@hellojasmyne is my guest for Women’s History Month✨ Jasmyne Cannick is an award-winning journalist, writer, host, advocate and strategist who thrives at the intersection of race, politics and social issues. She is the main reason that serial predator and Democratic donor Ed Buck was finally arrested and charged due to her advocacy with the families of his Black male victims, who died from meth overdoses in his West Hollywood home. She recently returned from Jamaica, where she worked with the LGBTQ Magazine The Advocate to produce a podcast highlighting the dangers facing Jamaica's Black queer community. She also helped to produce the Documentary '41st and Central' on the Los Angeles Black Panther Party. RIP Gregory Everett!

Follow her work online: https://iamjasmyne.com

On this episode Slauson Girl speaks with Asim Jamal Shakir, who is a filmmaker, writer and director from South Central, Los Angeles. In 2009, his father was sentenced to 24 life sentences and he grew up with both of his parents incarcerated, so Jamal is all too familiar with our country's criminal justice system. Jamal took a different route however, as a college graduate who played football. He wrote and directed 'Land of No Pity' an 8-part series based loosely on the book of the same, written by Jamal's stepmother about life in South Central. Jamal uses his camera to maintain control of his own narrative and to help those trapped in inner city turmoil, to understand the source of their pain and the dysfunction we have come to normalize. 

Jamal also owns a publishing and shipping company. Visit his shop in Los Angeles. 5066 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

@jamalshakir @goinpostalcandy

Lia Dias is a Beauty Mogul & Business Coach from Inglewood, California. As founder of The Girl Cave L.A, Lia currently helps guide over 6 Girl Cave franchise locations, in places including Inglewood, Anaheim and Texas. This mother of 3 is a serial entrepreneur with no plans of slowing down. In addition to The Girl Cave, Lia recently purchased Hype Hair Magazine which is one of the biggest Black hair publications. We discuss her journey navigating an Asian dominated hair care industry and how although Black people ARE the market--we don't own it. She shares her background and what inspired her to become an entrepreneur, as well as what keeps her grounded in her day-to-day business operations.

Follow Her @LiaDias

If you want to have a good time in the city, also check out the sports bar she owns in Inglewood @Champcitybar

On this episode of Slauson Girl Speaks, I have the opportunity of speaking to Lora King, who is the Daughter of Rodney King. She speaks on her life growing up, the impacts of the verdict on her father, as well as how his beating by police left a lasting impact on his emotional and mental health. Lora talks about why it is important to her, that she is doing the work of continuing her fathers legacy through the Rodney King Foundation. We also speak about her role trying to bridge racial gaps and honoring local fathers through the Rodney King Foundation.

Follow Her: @Lora_kingrkf @officialrodneykingfoundation

Www.Rodneyking.org

Corvain Cooper is no longer serving a life sentence for a non-violent marijuana conviction under the three strikes law. Corvain received clemency from Donald Trump in 2021, right before he left office. He served seven years of his sentence after his lawyer and thousands rallied behind his freedom. 

In 2020, his story landed on the front page of the Washington Post and he was featured in “Smoke” the BET documentary which shows how the war on drugs systematically targeted Black communities with the criminalization of marijuana.

Ivanka Trump would eventually hear of Corvain's story and was touched not only by the hypocrisy of his sentence but also that he had two daughters that needed him. Although her father granted Corvain clemency and he was released from prison, since he did not receive a full pardon, he has to endure ten years of parole.

Despite these barriers, he has still been able to have his own strain of marijuana packaged and sold in the popular Cookies marijuana dispensary.

For now, Corvain is focused on community events anywhere in L.A County and beyond where he can lend his resources, voice and lived experiences with his social impact brand, 40 Tons. So far, along with 40 Tons founder Loriel Alegrete, Corvain has helped bring expungement clinics to South Central, as well as coding workshops for the youth.

40 Tons is a socially conscience cannabis brand that represents the voiceless as well stories of redemption. The brand is a vibrant reminder that many lives have been lost due to prison sentences and many of the folks behind prison walls, still long to be seen and heard. Lend them an ear and some support through their 40 Tons Merchandise.

Follow Corvain on IG: @CorvainCooper

Follow and Support 40 Tons Brand https://www.40tons.co

On this Episode of Slauson Girl Speaks I have the extreme pleasure of talking to Tanya Ward. Tanya is a South Central, L.A native and entrepreneur. She is also a Black woman trying to figure out the best way to bring a social enterprise for the Black community, to address some of our most prevalent issues--one of them being mass incarceration and re-entry.

Tanya wants to help those most affected by gang violence, to understand the root causes of the trauma and turmoil that engulfs many lives. As much as Tanya is a resource to her community, she demands respect and attention--not only because of her mind, but because people know she is not one to play with and she uses this to her advantage. To get things done for the community and to bring peace and solace to her life.

Follow Her: @Powerful.as_A_Muthafucka

On this Episode of Slauson Girl Speaks I have the extreme pleasure of talking to Tanya Ward. Tanya is a South Central, L.A native and entrepreneur. She is also a Black trying to figure out the best way to bring a social enterprise for the Black community, to address some of our most prevalent issues--one of them being mass incarceration and re-entry.

Tanya wants to help those most affected by gang violence, to understand the root causes of the trauma and turmoil that engulfs many lives. As much as Tanya is a resource to her community, she demands respect and attention--not only because of her mind, but because people know she is not one to play with and she uses this to her advantage. To get things done for the community and to bring peace and solace to her life.

Follow Her: @Powerful.as_A_Muthafucka

On this episode of Slauson Girl Speaks, I talk with Nenia Samayoa on our experiences growing up in foster care in Los Angeles. We actually had the same social worker in high school, while young girls and students at Inglewood High. Nenia, who is a mother and entrepreneur with her own catering company, recently held an event to make sure foster youth in L.A know they are seen and loved. We talk about why events like this are important to her and why it is important to give back as a former foster youth. We also provide tips and information to current foster youth in Los Angeles, especially those who are single mothers.

Follow her @Naecakesandcatering