KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

“Today on Hard Knock Radio, Davey D brings together a diverse group of students and activists from across the country to discuss the Palestinian Solidarity Encampments. The participants delved into the recent nationwide protests supporting Palestine, highlighting the intense police reactions and the inaccurate media portrayals of the protesters. They also shared their personal experiences with police brutality, the noticeable absence of police during student protests, and the ongoing campaigns for divestment from companies complicit in the Israeli occupation. The conversation concluded with an exploration of the potential role of faith-based institutions, the possibility of creating a third political option, and the importance of self-care for those committed to the long-term struggle for justice.” Guests included Pastor Cue from UCLA, Melina Abdullah from CSLA, Aboud Ashhab and Gabriela Venegas-Ramirez from Brown University, and Carmen Llanes Pulido, a community organizer from Austin, Texas. They offered insights into the evolving nature of these protests and the challenges they face. 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 Palestinian Solidarity Encampments 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 – May 1, 2024 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 – April 30, 2024 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 – April 29, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

In a compelling episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D discussed the turbulent U.S. political landscape with Dr. James Taylor, a political analyst and professor from USF. Their conversation delved into the deep polarization affecting the nation as it approaches the elections, with a particular focus on the extreme partisanship within the Republican Party and the contentious policies of former President Trump. Dr. Taylor highlighted President Biden’s challenges, noting not only his foreign policy missteps but also his handling of domestic issues such as police violence and the educational controversies surrounding critical race theory and black history. They explored how Biden’s foreign policy decisions, particularly those affecting Palestinian rights, have alienated important voter blocs, potentially jeopardizing his support in crucial states like Michigan. The discussion also covered the significant impact of Pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses, emphasizing how these movements reflect broader dissatisfaction with current U.S. foreign policies and could influence the upcoming elections. Taylor and Davey D debated the possible outcomes of Biden’s presidency, comparing it with historical presidencies and speculating on a fragmented electorate that may lead to increased voter abstention. Throughout the conversation, Davey D stressed the importance of engaging young and African American voters, critiquing the Democratic Party’s insufficient outreach and the influence of prominent media personalities who align with Trump. The episode painted a picture of a nation at a crossroads, with its political and social dynamics poised to shape its future significantly. 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 Understanding the U.S. Political Landscape appeared first on KPFA.

We speak with community activists about police terror in Antioch, California. Later we speak with Minister King X about the release of freeing aging political prisoners. 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 Police Brutality in Antioch, California and Freeing Aging Politcal Prisoners appeared first on KPFA.

In an insightful episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D spoke with Rosa Clemente about her educational journey and her dissertation, which examines the role of hip-hop in political activism. Clemente shared her experiences with protests at Columbia University and other college campuses, highlighting how these movements have historically shaped political engagement among students. The conversation broadened to discuss the effectiveness of grassroots organizing in influencing politics, emphasizing the transformative power of local activism. However, Clemente and Davey D also delved into the disturbing trends of increased violence and suppression of dissent in the United States, particularly against activists who criticize Zionism or support Palestinian rights. Clemente noted that such crackdowns have been prevalent since her student days in the early 90s, posing significant challenges to free speech and political expression. The discussion also touched on the difficulties of maintaining unity within activist groups amidst these pressures. Both speakers stressed the importance of self-determination and community involvement in activism, arguing that active participation in social issues is crucial for effecting change. They concluded by reflecting on the current political landscape, calling for a more inclusive and responsive approach to address the urgent needs of diverse 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. The post In Conversation with Rose Clemente appeared first on KPFA.

In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D was joined by Kali Akuno of Cooperation Jackson to discuss pressing issues surrounding a Supreme Court ruling that could drastically limit, or even effectively outlaw, the right to protest. They delved into the implications of this potential limitation, touching on how it represents a chilling threat to civil disobedience and democratic principles. The conversation also covered Jackson, Mississippi’s own unique challenges, including a dual system of courts and policing, and a severely underfunded water system, emphasizing how these issues reflect broader national political influences on local governance. Furthermore, the discussion broadened to the repressive measures targeting groups supporting Palestine, underlining the serious consequences for global human rights advocacy. The episode concluded by connecting environmental challenges with broader social justice issues, particularly focusing on the ongoing situations in Palestine and the significance of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. This comprehensive conversation highlighted the intersections of local and global struggles for justice and the role of community-led initiatives in facing these challenges. 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 Kali Akuno, Oppressive Laws, Palestine and Earth Day appeared first on KPFA.

Americas Black Capital: How African Americans Remade Atlanta in the Shadow of the Confederacy chronicles how a center of Black excellence emerged amid virulent expressions of white nationalism as African Americans pushed back against Confederate ideology to create an extraordinary locus of achievement. Alongside author Dr. Jeffrey O.G. Ogbar, in this episode we examine the methods in which Black Atlanteans pushed for social, economic, and political upliftment through the development of Black collegiate systems, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. We center the conversation on America’s long history of racism and voter disenfranchisement. In the second half of the show, Poor News Network explores America’s War on the poor. This segment re-aired due to a station error. 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 and Poor News Network appeared first on KPFA.

Americas Black Capital: How African Americans Remade Atlanta in the Shadow of the Confederacy chronicles how a center of Black excellence emerged amid virulent expressions of white nationalism as African Americans pushed back against Confederate ideology to create an extraordinary locus of achievement. Alongside author Dr. Jeffrey O.G. Ogbar, in this episode we examine the methods in which Black Atlanteans pushed for social, economic, and political upliftment through the development of Black collegiate systems, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. We center the conversation on America’s long history of racism and voter disenfranchisement. In the second half of the show, Poor News Network explores America’s War on the poor. 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. Cover of the book, “America’s Black Capital.” Credit: Hachette Book Group The post America’s Black Capital and Poor News Network appeared first on KPFA.

On today’s episode we speak with former Black Panther leader, and co-founder of the Black Liberation Army Dhoruba bin Wahad. 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 Dhoruba bin Wahad appeared first on KPFA.

On this episode, we speak with prominent Black Lives Matter activist Melina Abdullah about Independent presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West choosing her as his running mate on April 10th. Abdullah is well-known figure in local political circles: She co-founded the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter and has been a fixture in recent years at protests and acts of civil disobedience on issues including police funding and the war in the Gaza Strip. 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 Melina Abdullah appeared first on KPFA.

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D Cook engaged with renowned anti-racist author and advocate Tim Wise to delve into the complexities of racial relationships, civil rights legislation, and the undercurrents of white resentment in America. The conversation opened with Wise critiquing how figures like Donald Trump have tapped into white racial grievances, a sentiment amplified by allies like Stephen Miller and Steve Bannon. Wise illuminated the real intent behind civil rights laws—not just to protect minorities but to safeguard everyone, including whites. He expressed concerns about efforts by figures like Miller to reinterpret these laws, potentially undermining their original purpose to favor white populations. Davey and Wise discussed the growing sentiment of white resentment, particularly how it’s leveraged against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Wise pointed out the irony in how some white individuals perceive efforts to include more diverse voices as discriminatory against them. This misconception has unfortunately influenced public opinion and policy, setting back progress in racial equity. Furthermore, the discussion ventured into the realm of media portrayal and sensationalism. Both Wise and Davey criticized mainstream media for often resorting to sensationalist narratives that lack nuance and fail to represent diverse perspectives accurately. They highlighted the media’s tendency to focus disproportionately on white, middle-class demographics, neglecting the stories and voices of other communities. The dialogue also touched on the presence and representation of white anti-racist groups like Surge. Wise noted that these groups are underreported, which skews public perception and discourages broader participation in anti-racist movements. He emphasized the importance of showcasing these efforts to inspire more inclusive activism. Finally, the conversation tackled the broader implications of promoting a multiracial democracy and countering right-wing extremism. Wise argued that despite the vocal minority supporting MAGA ideologies, the majority of Americans do not endorse such views. He stressed the necessity of distinguishing informed conservative voices from those merely inflammatory, underscoring the urgency of understanding historical precedents like Bacon’s Rebellion to better navigate contemporary challenges. Throughout the episode, both speakers reflected on the historical and ongoing struggle for racial justice, emphasizing the need for a candid and inclusive dialogue to address these deeply entrenched issues. 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 Tim Wise delves into the complexities of racial relationships, civil rights legislation, and the undercurrents of white resentment in America appeared first on KPFA.

On today’s show we present audio from Kwame Toure also known as Stokely Carmichael. 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 Fund Drive Special – KPFA turns 75. appeared first on KPFA.

In this episode of Hard Knock Radio hosted by Davey D, the conversation involved Tarik Excentrik of the musical group Shadow Band and Zahra Billoo, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in the San Francisco Bay Area. The discussion addressed the complexities surrounding misinformation, solidarity, and free speech within the context of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Key points included the challenges faced by Palestinian students and activists, particularly in relation to targeted attacks and hate crimes. The participants talked about the role of Jewish allies and stressed the importance of reporting such incidents to foster a more informed and responsive community. A significant part of the dialogue revolved around an incident involving Malak Afaneh, co-president of Berkeley Law Students for Justice in Palestine, and Professor Katherine Fisk. Malak accused Professor Fisk of attempting to silence her views during a confrontation, which led to broader discussions about free speech and the rights to speak on contentious issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The group discussed the specific challenges faced by Palestinian law students and activists, especially in their advocacy for divestment from weapons manufacturers amidst rising Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism on campuses. The conversation also touched on how anti-Semitic statements can be conflated with legitimate criticism of Israel or Palestine, exploring the repercussions for students voicing their perspectives. Zahra Billoo highlighted the activism of the Students for Justice in Palestine at UC Berkeley, commending their bravery in challenging established liberal norms. Concerns about individuals being blacklisted for opposing Israeli policies were also discussed, along with the broader challenges faced by marginalized communities in the spheres of art and politics. The necessity of supporting artists who tackle issues like Palestine and the tactics used to suppress dissenting voices were key focal points. Zahra concluded by mentioning her upcoming events, signaling ongoing engagement with these critical issues. 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 UC Berkeley Professor Assaults Palestinian Muslim Law Student Exercising Free Speech Rights appeared first on KPFA.

We speak with medical student and myth-buster Joel Bervell about Congressman Greg Murphy’s bill to ban DEI in medicine. Later Poor News Network explores America’s war on the financially disenfranchised. 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 Congressman Greg Murphy’s bill to ban DEI in medicine and Poor News Network appeared first on KPFA.

We speak with Professor Hatem Bazian about the constant attacks on Gaza by Israeli military forces. 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 Crisis in Gaza and Voices of Resistance appeared first on KPFA.

We speak with author and culture critic Odie Henderson about his latest book, Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras: A History of Blaxploitation Cinema. Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras is a spirited history of a genre and the movies that he grew up watching, which he loves without irony (but with plenty of self-awareness and humor). Blaxploitation was a major trend, but it was never simple. The films mixed self-empowerment with exploitation, base stereotypes with essential representation that spoke to the lives and fantasies of Black viewers. The time is right for a reappraisal, understanding these films in the context of the time, and exploring their lasting influence. 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 Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras: A History of Blaxploitation Cinema appeared first on KPFA.

Daryle Lamont Jenkins and Davey D discussed the recent activities of the Proud Boys, a far-right group, and their increasing aggression, as well as the lack of recognition of successful black figures as role models. They also delved into a critical assessment of the Trump administration, issues related to identity representation, and the reactions of certain individuals to the rise of far-right groups. Lastly, they discussed the cultural white supremacy movement, the growing influence of far-right figures, their disillusionment with the Democratic Party’s handling of Trump’s presidency, and the need for accountability in the past, present, and future. 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 White Supremacy and The Political Landscape appeared first on KPFA.

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D and Pierre Labossiere from the Haiti Action Committee really dove into what’s going down in Haiti, and let me tell you, it’s a lot. They kicked off talking about Haiti’s past, how it’s the first Black republic to kick slavery to the curb in the 1700s, and how it’s been dealing with a whole mess of stuff ever since, especially with how the US has been meddling in its affairs. Davey D was like, “Man, this situation in Haiti is complex,” pointing out the rich yet turbulent history of the place. And Pierre? He layered on more, talking about how Haiti’s roots are in this incredible fight for freedom by Africans, and ever since, it’s been uphill, battling against being pushed around by Western countries. They didn’t shy away from the tough parts, either. Pierre brought up how Haiti’s been fighting against outsiders trying to take advantage of their resources and people. It’s not just about being poor; it’s about resisting a history of being controlled and exploited, with the backdrop of colonialism making everything extra complicated. Then, things got real intense when Pierre shared this audio from a rich guy in Haiti, talking about starting a war against the Black population to make Haiti “French” again. This wasn’t just some idle threat – it happened in 2016, and they’re planning to get this out to everyone through Hard Knock Radio. Davey D was especially concerned about how the term “gangs” is misused to make Black Haitians look bad. The talk took a turn to the shady side of things, pointing out how the US has been arming the wrong folks in Haiti, leading to a cycle of corruption and violence. They named names, pointing to US-trained guys who ended up running crime rings in Haiti, and how this has been part of a bigger problem of violence and oppression in the country. But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Davey D and Pierre also highlighted the Haitian solidarity movement, reminding us that this isn’t just about Haiti – it’s a global issue. They’re continuing the convo with a big event, bringing in speakers and performers to keep the momentum going. In essence, what Pierre and Davey D got into was how Haiti’s been fighting forever for its right to be sovereign and independent, against all odds. They made it clear this isn’t just Haiti’s fight; it’s a call for solidarity from everyone who believes in fighting for what’s right. Below is information provided by the Haiti Action Committee 1) Translation of the attached videotaped death threat after the 2016 elections. It was widely covered in Haitian media and social media including articles in November 2016 in “Le Nouvelliste” https://www.lenouvelliste.com/article/165842/dimitri-craan-convoque-au-parquet-pour-incitation-a-la-violence and “Reseau Nodwes” https://rezonodwes.com/2016/11/30/video-dimitri-craan-promet-la-mort-aux-opposants-de-jovenel/. At the time of this video, people protesting the fraudulent elections were brutally repressed by the UN/US-trained and supervised Haitian police. Fourteen (14) people were reported killed in Bele (Bel-Air). Lasalin (La Saline) was attacked by the specialized police unit BOID in the middle of the night; three infants reportedly died from the tear gas directed at people’s homes; footage begins at the 33:48 time mark – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFiftwfnSg4&feature=youtu.be&feature=share_email Translation of video/death threat: “My friends, they are making us sit here, waiting. Results [election] that should have been public since 4:00 p.m., everyone is rushing home; 5:00, 6:00 p.m. then they cut off the power. Still no results were made public; 7:00 p.m. worse. There is nothing that we can do, we have to wait. One thing that they need to know is that all power comes from God and if they do the injustice that they are trying to do to Jovenel Moise since he is a peasant, a son of the land, a son of the people, they are trying to do him an injustice; woe unto these people. All of them will die...