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In a powerful and far-ranging conversation on Hard Knock Radio, we caught up with educator, activist, and emcee Ras Ceylon to reflect on the deep meaning of Black August, the cultural resistance embedded in his new album Jacket Full of Medals, and the global fight for liberation. Black August Is Not a Party—It’s a Practice Opening the segment with “Go On,” Ras Ceylon laid the foundation by honoring Black August, a month rooted in resistance and remembrance. He connected its origins to the 1971 assassination of George Jackson, the legendary Panther and prison intellectual. Ras reminded listeners that Black August is not meant to be celebrated casually—it’s a discipline that calls for study, sacrifice, and solidarity with political prisoners. “We don’t say Happy Black August,” Ras emphasized. “It’s not a Black History Month 2.0—it’s a recommitment to Black liberation, especially for those behind bars.” He paid tribute to the late Baba Shaka At-Thinnin and shared how elders like him guided younger generations to uphold the original intent of the observance. Culture as Weapon: The Meaning Behind the Music Ras Ceylon’s latest project, Jacket Full of Medals—a collaboration with Wu-Tang affiliate Timbo King—is both a lyrical assault and an organizing tool. Built from the ground up through bicoastal sessions in Oakland, Brooklyn, and Denver, the album avoids the watered-down formula of mainstream releases. “We dropped seven visuals and sold physical copies—vinyl and CDs—before we ever put it online,” Ras explained. “We wanted to keep the art tangible and connected to the people.” Songs like Frontline Generals featuring Tragedy Khadafi carry forward the militant legacy of projects like Black Market Militia. For Ras, the project isn’t just music—it’s part of a larger cultural mission to deprogram listeners from corporate-controlled narratives. Sri Lanka, Surveillance, and the Global Struggle Ras Ceylon, born Sanjev de Silva, also opened up about his personal journey as a Sri Lankan freedom fighter. His politically conscious anthem Hillanka was banned in his native land during a time of post-war repression. After a 13-year exile, Ras returned in 2025 to perform a major concert in Colombo and document the experience. “Fascism doesn’t last,” Ras said. “The harder it tries to squeeze, the more it wakes people up.” His return to Sri Lanka was both symbolic and strategic—proof that resistance, when rooted in truth, always finds a way back home. Fighting the Buffer Class Tactic In one of the heavier moments, we discussed the danger of how poverty is weaponized—particularly through recruitment into institutions like ICE. Ras pointed out that history shows how empires have always used a “buffer class” tactic—enlisting the oppressed to police their own communities. “This system isn’t creative,” he said. “It’s the same playbook from slavery to colonialism. Our job is to study the tactics so we can dismantle them.” Educating Through Action As a longtime comrade of Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. and the Black Panther Party Cubs, Ras carries forward the Code of Culture—a challenge to artists to not only speak truth, but live it. From classrooms to community organizing to rocking crowds at Reggae on the River, Ras walks the walk. “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something,” he noted. “This is a time for study, fasting, resistance, and action. Black August reminds us of that.” 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 Ras Ceylon on Black August, Resistance Culture, and the Fire Behind Jacket Fulla Medalz and Soul Mechanix 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 – August 4, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Selena Wilson, CEO of East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC), to discuss the upcoming 4th Annual Black Futures Ball”a vibrant celebration of Afrofuturism, community resilience, and youth empowerment. Held on Saturday, August 2 at the Chabot Space and Science Center, this years event pays tribute to the legendary Sun Ra and his 1974 cult classic film Space Is the Place, which was filmed in Oakland. The timing couldnt be more aligned, as the Sun Ra Arkestra is also set to perform in the Bay Area that same weekend. It felt like a harmonic convergence, Wilson said, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural alignment. Wilson explained the Black Futures Balls deeper purpose: to fund college scholarships for youth served by EOYDC. The event raises more than $150,000 annually for students”providing not only financial support but also a platform to amplify imagination, creativity, and radical vision. Inspired by works like Black Panther, Ironheart, and the new Superman, the Ball offers a space for attendees to dream boldly, dress boldly, and imagine liberating futures rooted in joy and Black excellence. Davey D and Wilson spoke about the power of Afrofuturism to nurture imagination, especially in times of political disillusionment. Theres a continuum, Wilson explained, acknowledging both despair and creativity among youth. While some are discouraged by attacks on education, climate change, and systemic injustice, many are thinking beyond the limitations of the current system building apps, designing curricula, and leveraging AI for social good. The Ball itself promises a vibrant collision of fashion, science fiction, ancestral reverence, and dance-floor vibes. Think Met Gala meets AfroPunk meets Comic-Con. Its a space where people come in full regalia”from cosmic alien fits to ancestral robes, Wilson said. This year, EOYDC is collaborating with the Black Cultural Zone to host jewelry-making workshops and fashion pop-ups to help attendees build their look. Wilson also spotlighted Oaklands rising representation in pop culture, celebrating creators like Ryan Coogler and Shanaka Hodge, who are shifting narratives through media and imagination. Films like Freaky Tales and the newest Superman reflect the Bays indelible imprint on futurist storytelling. Throughout the conversation, the message was clear: collective vision, grounded in justice and creativity, is our most powerful tool. It took more than Superman, Wilson noted. It took a whole team. For more info and tickets, visit EOYDCs social media and website. VIP doors open at 6 PM; general admission starts at 8 PM. Costumes encouraged”Sun Ra energy welcomed. In the second half of the show, we pay tribute to the tragic loss of actor and humanitarian Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. His contributions to the arts, activism, and Black representation will not be forgotten. Mac Mall Reflects on Legacy, Vallejo’s Impact, and the Power of Real Connection On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, Bay Area icon Mac Mall sat down with Davey D to reflect on his legacy, the deep cultural roots of Vallejo Hip Hop, and the life lessons earned through decades in the game. Now entering OG status, Mac Mall embraced the gray hairs and fatherhood, sharing stories from his journey that began as a teenager. At just 15, he recorded his first album Illegal Business, a record that celebrated its 30th anniversary with a live band performance at Oaklands historic Yoshis. The performance, he said, was a thank you to the fans whove ridden with him since the start. Beyond music, Mac Mall is a self-published author. His book My Opinion chronicles the journey of chasing dreams”and what happens when you catch them. Its an American story, he said. About growing up in Hip Hop. He announced his second book, Thizz or Die, which continues where the first left off, carrying his distinct voice rooted in the tradition of Donald...

In this powerful and timely conversation, Dr. Akinyele Umoja joins us to discuss The Memoirs of Robert and Mabel Williams: African American Freedom, Armed Resistance, and International Solidarity. Umoja, a scholar of African American history and co-editor of the memoirs, explores the legacy of Robert and Mabel Williams”radical Black freedom fighters who advocated for armed self-defense in the face of racial terror in the Jim Crow South. The conversation delves into their political activism, exile, and international solidarity work, including their time in Cuba and China, and their enduring impact on Black liberation movements in the U.S. and abroad. Tune in for an insightful discussion about resistance, love, and the global dimensions of Black struggle. 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 Akinyele Umoja: The Memoirs of Robert and Mabel Williams appeared first on KPFA.

Community activist Tony Coleman joins Davey D to discuss the trial of Johannes Mehserle, the former BART police officer convicted in the fatal shooting of Oscar Grant III. Coleman shares the community’s deep frustration and pain surrounding the trial and the broader issues of police violence and accountability. In a second audio clip, Coleman expresses his outrage over Mehserle’s attempt to be reinstated as a police officer following his release from prison, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice and the lack of systemic change. In the second part of the show, author and journalist Thandisizwe Chimurenga discusses her book No Doubt: The Murder(s) of Oscar Grant, a searing analysis of the 2009 police killing of Oscar Grant III and the social, legal, and political fallout that followed. Chimurenga examines the role of media, the justice system, and grassroots resistance in shaping the public narrative. As she states in the interview, “There was no doubt that Oscar Grant was murdered—the only question was whether the system would admit it.” Her insights offer a powerful lens into how Grant’s death became both a personal tragedy and a political catalyst, helping to lay the groundwork for the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. 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: Fighting for Justice 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 – July 29, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

The People’s Court: Exposing Katrina’s Unpunished Crimes Featuring ACLU Attorney King Downing In this historic 2007 session of the People’s Court, ACLU lawyer King Downing delivers a searing indictment of the U.S. government’s role in the human rights violations following Hurricane Katrina. Survivors, advocates, and witnesses offer devastating testimony—detailing state abandonment, police brutality, mass incarceration, environmental racism, housing theft, and the militarized occupation of New Orleans’ Black neighborhoods. From prisoners left to die in flooded jails, to women and children trapped in unsanitary shelters, to vigilantes allowed to hunt Black residents with impunity—this tribunal laid bare a system where racism, profit, and neglect converged into catastrophe. Latino workers described modern-day slavery under guest worker programs, while New Orleans’ public schools and housing were systematically stripped from Black families under the guise of “recovery.” Downing calls it what it is: a crime scene. He demands international recognition of genocide, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing. His call to action includes reparations, prosecution of federal officials, and global mobilization in support of Katrina’s displaced and abandoned. This is not just testimony—it’s truth-telling as resistance. And the struggle continues. Downing is joined by Romel Madison, whose brother Ronald Madison was murdered by New Orleans police during the chaos following the storm. Together, they dissect the culture of impunity in law enforcement and highlight the devastating toll police brutality took on already traumatized communities. Their conversation is a call to remember the names, demand accountability, and break cycles of state violence. And lastly, civil rights icon and movement lawyer Chokwe Lumumba closed the Hurricane Katrina Tribunal with a fiery indictment of U.S. government failures—from FEMA to local law enforcement—in the wake of the 2005 disaster. Speaking before a packed People’s Court on September 2, 2007, Lumumba didn’t mince words. He framed the government’s actions not just as negligence, but as crimes against humanity. Citing powerful testimony from survivors, Lumumba called out systemic racism, environmental violence, mass displacement, and militarized repression—arguing that the government’s conduct during and after Katrina fits the legal definition of genocide. He laid out a blueprint for justice: full reparations for victims, prosecution of public officials, and international recognition of human rights violations. Lumumba demanded that this tribunal report its findings to global human rights bodies and urged support for grassroots organizations still doing the work FEMA refused to do. He closed with a call to action: to build power from the bottom up, honor the voices of Katrina survivors, and never let their truth be buried under government spin. 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: Voices from the Katrina Tribunal: Romell Madison, and King Downing appeared first on KPFA.

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D dives into the alarming escalation of government crackdowns on protest with guest Akela Lacy, senior politics reporter at The Intercept and co-host of The Intercept Briefing podcast. At the center of their conversation is Lacy’s recent investigation into how ICE and federal agents are criminalizing those who resist immigration raids—not just migrants themselves, but anyone providing aid, protesting, or even identifying the agents involved. Lacy details the case of Alejandro Orellana, a young man indicted simply for handing out face shields to protesters following Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to L.A. These were protective shields used to defend against rubber bullets and tear gas—common non-lethal weapons used on demonstrators. Still, prosecutors are arguing this act constitutes “aiding in civil disorder,” pushing a dangerous narrative that equates self-defense with aggression. The conversation highlights how this legal framework is being used to target broader acts of resistance. According to Lacy, ICE agents are now going after individuals accused of “doxing” by identifying agents online—even though these agents often operate in unmarked vans and without visible badges, abducting people off the street. In one case, ICE raided a family home in Irvine, CA, over suspicions their son posted flyers with agent info. In another, protesters who organized bail funds or posted police misconduct flyers—as seen during Atlanta’s Cop City protests—are being hit with RICO charges. Davey D draws parallels between these tactics and historical attacks on dissent, such as Arizona’s attempts to criminalize those who left water for migrants crossing the desert. He also raises concerns about unaccountable ICE operatives acting under federal cover, possibly without proper training or oversight—further blurring lines of responsibility and justice. Throughout the interview, Lacy stresses that while the legislative push to formalize these crackdowns (like the “anti-doxing” bill introduced by Sen. Marsha Blackburn) may not yet be law, they still shape policy and intimidate activists. Meanwhile, federal agencies are signaling their intent to pressure media outlets and even journalists who publish identifying details about ICE agents, raising serious First Amendment concerns. Despite the bleak outlook, Lacy encourages listeners to remain engaged. She urges communities to stay informed, support local resistance efforts, and build solidarity with those directly impacted. The judiciary may offer some temporary relief—as seen in a recent ruling ordering ICE to halt indiscriminate raids in Los Angeles—but lasting resistance will come from collective vigilance. As Davey D puts it, knowing your community is a first line of defense. When the state moves in shadows, transparency becomes a revolutionary act. Later we present to you famed journalist Chris Hedges. Chris Hedges speaks at the First Congregational Church of Oakland on Thursday, May 29th at his book release event sponsored by KPFA, A Genocide Foretold: Reporting on Survival and Resistance in Occupied Palestine. Chris speaks in depth on his recent experience just coming back from Egypt and speaking to Palestinian refugees there and so much more. A profound evening with Chris Hedges and his profound knowledge of geopolitical history and tempered with his compassion for all the victims of war including the combatants. Hosted by Law & Disorder’s Cat Brooks. Cat starts off the evening with a powerful introduction and ends off the talk with an extensive question and answer period with the audience. 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: Journalist Akela Lacy Breaks Down How the Government Is Criminalizing Protest and Dissent and veteran journalist Chris Hedges on Survival...

In this timely episode, Davey D speaks with civil rights attorney and author Alec Karakatsanis about his new book, Copaganda: How Police and the Media Manipulate Our News. Alec explains how police departments use strategic storytelling and media partnerships to shape public perception of crime, reinforce fear-based narratives, and justify inflated police budgets. The conversation begins with Alec defining “copaganda” and exploring how misleading narratives—like the claim that shoplifting forced Walgreens to close stores—are often amplified in the press without evidence. He draws a direct connection between these narratives and the massive funding police departments receive, often at the expense of social services. Alec then pulls back the curtain on the powerful PR machinery behind law enforcement. For example, the LAPD employs more than 40 full-time public relations professionals—tasked with feeding stories to local newsrooms, often without scrutiny or balance. This, he argues, creates a media ecosystem where police define the terms of public safety while masking their own violence and systemic failures. In the final part of the interview, Alec shares a powerful example from Houston, where the police department worked quickly to present a caring, compassionate image after the murder of George Floyd. Behind the scenes, however, policies that criminalize and harm poor and marginalized communities remained unchanged. It’s a stark look at how image management often replaces real accountability. About the Book Copaganda is a sharp, uncompromising critique of how police shape the news we consume. Through detailed research and firsthand legal experience, Alec Karakatsanis shows how police narratives dominate headlines, distract from structural harm, and sustain mass criminalization. The book challenges readers to question what they believe about crime and punishment—and who controls that narrative. About Alec Karakatsanis Alec Karakatsanis is the founder and executive director of Civil Rights Corps, a nonprofit dedicated to challenging injustice in the legal system. A former public defender, Alec has led national efforts to dismantle cash bail systems, fight police misconduct, and expose the legal system’s role in reinforcing racial and economic inequality. He is also the author of Usual Cruelty: The Complicity of Lawyers in the Criminal Injustice 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. The post Fund Drive Special: Alec Karakatsanis on Copaganda: How Police and the Media Manipulate Our News 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 – July 23, 2025 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 – July 22, 2025 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 – July 21, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

In this episode, we kick things off with Treston Irby and Billy Covington of the iconic platinum-selling R&B group Hi-Five. They reflect on the group’s legacy, share behind-the-scenes stories from their chart-topping days, and talk about keeping the soulful sound of the ’90s alive for new generations. Later, we turn our attention to one of the most influential figures in Mexican art and culture: Frida Kahlo. We explore how her bold self-expression and unyielding spirit continue to inspire Latina artists today—especially the women of The Phoenix Fridas, a collective honoring her legacy through art and activism. In Confianza, Pulso producer Anthony Wallace brings us the powerful story of Thania Betancourt Alcazar, a member of The Phoenix Fridas. Alcazar shares how Frida’s art became a lifeline during her journey as a Mexican immigrant, helping her navigate feelings of isolation and find strength in her cultural identity. Through Frida’s lens, Alcazar finally saw herself—and began to embrace her own power. 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 Rhythm, Roots, and Resilience: Hi-Five and The Phoenix Fridas appeared first on KPFA.

On this powerful edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with educator, musician, and cultural worker Dani Cornejo of the group Debajito to unpack the urgency of resistance, the attack on Ethnic Studies, and the healing role of rhythm. With war, genocide, and repression defining the global moment, Cornejo delivers a timely call to action from both the classroom and the stage. Cornejo, who teaches Ethnic Studies at Diablo Valley College, spoke candidly about the escalating right-wing assault on education, diversity, and free expression. He traced today’s backlash to a broader white supremacist backlash, pointing out how legacy media and tech platforms censor voices challenging genocide in Palestine while amplifying vile rhetoric like Ann Coulter’s “feed them to the alligators” comment about Latinos. “The quiet part is being said out loud now,” Cornejo noted, stressing that these attacks are designed to instill fear and fracture solidarity. But Cornejo didn’t just name the problems—he brought the solutions too. Through his group Debajito, he’s helping reclaim the drum as a political and spiritual weapon. Their upcoming EP Entre Mundos fuses Cumbia rhythms, indigenous melodies, and bilingual bars, drawing a throughline between African and Indigenous resistance traditions. “Cumbia is where the Andes meets the Caribbean,” he explained, “and that fusion is an act of solidarity.” The two also dug into the trauma of constant exposure to ICE raids and police brutality online. Dani pointed out that the oversaturation of pain and spectacle on social media creates hopelessness and passivity—something he says must be countered with education, critical media literacy, and intentional cross-racial organizing. “The right has figured out how to cherry-pick human rights,” he said. “But we can’t. You’re either down for human rights or you’re not.” The conversation ended with a reminder: movement music must move people. Entre Mundos is built to do both—make you dance and make you think. As Cornejo put it: “You can’t have one without the other.” 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 Dani Cornejo of Debajito on Beats, Borders, and Building Solidarity appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio previews the SF Hip Hop Summit with a conversation on Notes, culture, and the tech frontier On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Notes co-founder Divine and Ankh Marketing’s Kamel Jacot-Bell to preview the San Francisco Hip Hop Summit and discuss the bold new intersections between culture, artificial intelligence, and financial power. What unfolded was a powerful and deeply layered conversation about innovation, equity, and reclaiming the narrative—centered in Hip Hop and grounded in community. Notes: Rewriting the Financial Rules for Creatives Divine, a former federal prisoner turned tech visionary, is partnering with legendary MC Rakim to build Notes, a Fintech and AI-driven platform designed to empower independent urban artists. This platform goes beyond the usual music distribution services—it’s about access to capital, building financial literacy, and developing entrepreneurship skills tailored to the Hip Hop generation. “We’re capturing the whole financial DNA of a person—not just a credit score,” Divine explained. Notes will use AI to evaluate artists’ financial behaviors and unlock new tools for funding, savings, and investing. It’s designed for those who are often overlooked by banks and investors, and it builds on the cultural currency artists already hold. But Notes is not just tech for tech’s sake—it’s rooted in lived experience. Divine, who spent 10 years incarcerated for his involvement in the drug trade, talked candidly about how that path was glamorized in Hip Hop but never afforded the same grace as Silicon Valley’s “innovators” who broke rules and got rewarded. “If I do it, it’s criminal. If they do it, it’s innovative,” he said. “We’re trying to flip that.” Challenging the Illusion of Financial Literacy in Hip Hop Davey D raised a critical point: In an era where billionaires like Jay-Z and Dr. Dre dominate headlines, there’s a public perception that financial literacy is a solved issue in the culture. Divine pushed back. “It’s a myth that we’ve figured it out,” he said. “Most Americans are financially illiterate. This is bigger than just Black folks. We’re just more vulnerable because of systemic barriers.” He emphasized that Notes isn’t just a financial tool—it’s an educational one. It’s designed to teach, inspire, and equip artists from a young age, using the culture they love. “It’s like math through gaming,” he explained. “If you love Hip Hop and want to be like Rakim, you’re going to want to learn.” AI, Racism, and the Gates of Silicon Valley The conversation also touched on how AI is being weaponized—not just through surveillance or automation—but through exclusion. Davey D referenced a recent Afrotech article where prominent Trump-aligned tech figures openly described diversity efforts as “harmful” and vowed to dismantle them. “These folks don’t want us in the room,” he warned. Divine responded with clarity: “This isn’t new. The tools change, but the fight stays the same. What we’re doing with Notes is building a system that decentralizes power. It puts artists in control of their own narrative and income.” Culture Renaissance: Where the Conversation Meets the Community Kamel Jacot-Bell stepped in to highlight the upcoming Culture Renaissance event, which will kick off the SF Hip Hop Summit at the Midway. Scheduled for Friday, July 18th from 6–9 PM, the evening features panels on AI ethics, one-day record labels, and Hip Hop’s role in tech innovation. Panelists include Divine, Rakim, Sway, and others, with Davey D moderating key sessions. “Being in San Francisco—next door to Silicon Valley—it’s more important than ever that our community be part of the AI conversation,” Kamel said. “We’re not just rappers. We’re strategists, builders, and creators.” The broader weekend festival will feature performances from Digable Planets, Dogg Pound, Souls of Mischief, Rexx Life Raj, Invisible Scratch Pickles, and more. But the soul of the event, according to Kamel, is...

On today’s episode of Hard Knock Radio, we bring you two powerful segments rooted in resistance, liberation, and visionary organizing. We begin with Part 2 of Build and Fight Formula – Episode 5, hosted by Cooperation Jackson’s Kali Akuno and journalist Thandisizwe Chimurenga. They continue their deep-dive conversation with Blair Evans of Insight Focus, exploring how digital fabrication tools—like 3D printers and CNC machines—can empower communities to build what they need and own the means of production. Evans lays out a strategic framework for developing Fab Labs as community-run hubs for ecological healing, cooperative economies, and self-governance. Together, the trio pushes back on automation fears and reframes tech as a tool for liberation, not displacement. The mantra: “Fight for what you want now—or fight against what you don’t want later.” In the second half, host Davey D speaks with long-time Oakland-based organizer George Galvis of CURYJ. Fresh off a transformative journey to South Dakota, Galvis reflects on his visit with Leonard Peltier, newly released after nearly 50 years of incarceration. Galvis recounts the spiritual and political power of sharing Sundance with Peltier—a reclaiming of Indigenous culture and faith in the face of ongoing repression. He draws historical links between Operation Wetback, ICE raids, and algorithmic surveillance while calling for modern-day underground railroads to protect vulnerable communities. “It’s war,” Galvis says. “But Peltier’s freedom shows—we can win.” Don’t miss this episode. These are blueprints for survival and victory in the 21st century. Tune in. Build. Fight. Resist. 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 Visionary Warfare: Liberation Tech & Indigenous Power 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 – July 14, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with author, artist, and anthropologist Dr. Umi Vaughan to discuss his new book Silencing the Drum: Religious Racism and Afro-Brazilian Sacred Music, co-authored with historian Dr. Danielle Boaz. The conversation delves deep into the persecution of Afro-Brazilian religious practices and the ongoing war against Black cultural expression in Brazil. Drums as Resistance and Reverence Opening with the sound of sacred Brazilian drums, Davey D set the stage for a powerful conversation about the role of music in Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé and Umbanda. These traditions—descendants of West African spiritual systems such as Yoruba, Vodun, and Bantu practices—are rooted in rhythm, ritual, and communal healing. The drum is not just an instrument; it’s a sacred tool that calls forth spirit, memory, and resistance. Dr. Vaughan explained how these traditions arrived in Brazil through the transatlantic slave trade, adapting and surviving under brutal repression. While Candomblé retained deep connections to African cosmologies, Umbanda blended African, Catholic, and Indigenous influences, reflecting Brazil’s complex racial and cultural dynamics. Both faiths rely heavily on music and drumming to call forth ancestral energies, heal communities, and affirm identity. Religious Racism and the “Silencing” But as Dr. Vaughan emphasized, the drum is under attack. The book opens with the chilling story of the assassination of a respected religious leader in her own temple—a brutal reminder that these are not just cultural practices but life-and-death struggles. Evangelical and Pentecostal Christian groups, often aligned with political power, have been central in campaigns to demonize Afro-Brazilian religions, portraying their sacred practices as demonic or “black magic.” From false noise pollution complaints to physical violence and state-sanctioned repression, the tactics are varied but the aim is clear: to erase African cultural memory and assert colonial religious dominance. Vaughan connects this to a longer lineage of anti-Black violence—dating back to Portuguese colonizers’ fear of African power, symbolized most vividly through the drum. Culture Commodified, Yet Criminalized Davey D pointed out the hypocrisy in Brazil’s simultaneous commodification of Afro-Brazilian culture and its violent suppression. “People fly in to enjoy Carnival and Samba, but once the party ends, the police raid the terreiros (sacred spaces),” he said. Vaughan agreed, calling it “a schizophrenic dynamic,” where the same drumming that powers Brazil’s global cultural image is criminalized in Black communities. The book also touches on gentrification within the religion itself—lighter-skinned Brazilians and outsiders laying claim to Afro-spiritual spaces, sometimes by traveling to Africa to study “at the source,” then returning with newfound authority, often overshadowing the Black women who have long led these traditions. Universal Drumbeat of Repression—and Resilience The conversation drew sharp parallels between Brazil and the U.S., where Black cultural practices are similarly policed, commodified, and distorted. Davey noted how the demonization of African spirituality echoes critiques he’s heard of hip hop or other Black expressive forms. Vaughan expanded the point: “Everywhere the drum shows up, somebody tries to silence it.” Despite this, the resilience of the communities practicing Candomblé and Umbanda is palpable. Vaughan highlighted how some priests responded to threats from drug traffickers by blasting Christian music on speakers while continuing their drum ceremonies in private. “It’s always been a dance between survival and spirit,” he said. Lula’s Brazil: A New Era? Under far-right President Bolsonaro, repression intensified. Statues of orishas were vandalized while white Evangelical supremacy gained ground. Vaughan says current President Lula’s administration is more open, with cultural...

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D checks back in with journalist James Farr on the six-month anniversary of the devastating Eaton Fire that ravaged Altadena, California. The conversation opens with sharp criticism of the Biden administration’s militarized show of force at MacArthur Park—a move seen by many as a cruel distraction from the lack of federal attention and relief for disaster-stricken Black and Brown communities across the country. Farr, host of Conversation Live: Altadena Rising on KBLA Talk 1580 and a contributor to LA Progressive, detailed the slow and burdensome recovery process in Altadena. He described how corporate developers were circling like vultures, exploiting the crisis to acquire land in a historically Black neighborhood that has already endured a legacy of displacement due to redlining and freeway construction. Despite early promises, residents have received limited financial relief, with only about 20 rebuilding permits granted and bureaucratic red tape holding back the process. Many elders and long-time residents, especially renters or those without formal lease agreements, are left with no viable path to recovery. Farr revealed that upwards of a billion dollars has been raised through charitable donations, but most of that money hasn’t reached the people who need it. He raised concerns about nonprofit gatekeeping and how some organizations are only required to disburse 5% of raised funds annually, banking the rest. He also pointed out the emotional toll on displaced seniors, many of whom are now living in unfamiliar apartments after decades in their homes. These psychological stresses, compounded by insurance stonewalling and potential IRS entanglements, underscore the deep inequities embedded in the recovery process. The conversation closed with a sobering reminder: “Disasters don’t discriminate, but recovery does.” Farr urged listeners not to forget Altadena or any community that suffers in silence. The story of Altadena, he stressed, is a microcosm of a broader national failure to support vulnerable communities after catastrophe. “Free Brown on Building a Wellness Oasis in Richmond” On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Free Brown—licensed therapist, cultural curator, and founder of Richmond’s Vibe Bistro—to talk about wellness, community, and creating safe, affirming spaces in a time of censorship and cultural repression. A Cultural Hub Rooted in Healing Free Brown’s work through Live at Vibe, an initiative at her venue Vibe Bistro, goes far beyond traditional entertainment. As she explains, the space was built with “blood, sweat, and tears”—not grants or corporate backers. This intentional independence means Brown is highly selective about where funding comes from and how the space is used. “I’d rather sell mocktails than take money that controls the message,” she told Davey D. “We’re creating a gateway, a cultural landmark that belongs to the people.” Vibe Bistro is quickly becoming a beacon in the Bay, offering a stage not just for veteran artists like Valerie Troutt, but also for emerging performers who are finding and shaping their voices. Free emphasized that it’s not about forcing a political line, but rather about encouraging honest self-expression. “Everyone’s trying to get to the same goal—liberation, love, and empowerment—but not everyone walks the same path. And that’s okay.” Defying a Climate of Fear and Censorship The conversation touched on the ways many cultural institutions are retreating from bold content due to pressure from funders and political forces. Davey D noted that some venues now fear showcasing too diverse a crowd or content perceived as “political,” lest it jeopardize their federal support. Free responded firmly: “We’re not going to self-censor to make funders comfortable. I want a space where we can say ‘Black,’ where we can say ‘diverse,’ where we can say ‘racism’ out loud.” She drew comparisons to historic cultural...

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Dr. Noha Aboelata, founder and CEO of Roots Community Health Center, to unpack the devastating impact of a new federal law—ironically dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill”—signed on July 4. The legislation, which slashes Medicaid funding and imposes work requirements on recipients, represents what both Davey and Dr. Noha described as a deeply harmful pivot in public health policy that will disproportionately hurt low-income communities, particularly in cities like Oakland. Medicaid Cuts: A Crisis Revisited Dr. Noha called the bill a “huge disappointment,” warning it signals a return to the pre-Affordable Care Act days when basic healthcare was out of reach for many—especially low-income men. “It wasn’t uncommon to hear patients say the only place they could get ongoing care was prison,” she said, highlighting how dire access was before Medicaid expansion. Roots Community Health Center was founded in 2008, right before Obamacare took effect. It was created to fill those gaps—particularly for those systemically left out of care. The expansion of Medicaid under the ACA was, in her words, a “game changer,” though not without challenges. Roots had to do deep, culturally grounded outreach to get people enrolled, many of whom had gone years without care. The results? Many patients were already suffering from advanced conditions by the time they walked through the clinic’s doors. Work Requirements = Healthcare Denied Under the new bill, Medicaid recipients will be required to prove they’re working a minimum number of hours—or volunteering—to maintain their benefits by 2027. Dr. Noha questioned the logic and feasibility of this, especially in urban centers like East Oakland, where jobs may be inaccessible due to prior convictions or systemic barriers. “If we’re not removing barriers to employment, then all of this is pretty much lip service,” she said. “It’s coercion—telling people they must ‘prove they matter’ to access healthcare.” She also raised legal red flags: forcing people to “volunteer” for 80 hours a month as a requirement contradicts California labor laws. “That’s not actually volunteering,” she noted sharply. Under Attack from All Sides Beyond Medicaid cuts, Dr. Noha pointed to a broader war on public health. From anti-science rhetoric to defunding cancer research, the healthcare system is being eroded on multiple fronts. Davey brought up how right-wing influencers and politicians are not just discrediting public health measures—they’re actively undermining the work of dedicated, trusted medical professionals like Dr. Noha and her team. With misinformation rising and trust in institutions falling, Dr. Noha underscored the need for consistent, accessible health messaging. “We’re still doing our Tuesday health briefings,” she said, referencing Roots’ public updates aimed at keeping communities informed. “This is not a time for complacency.” Pressure on Community Clinics The financial burden of these federal rollbacks is already being felt. “Our Medi-Cal rates are among the lowest in the country,” Dr. Noha explained. “Many providers may choose to see fewer Medi-Cal patients, if any. That puts more pressure on us.” Without access to affordable outpatient care, treatable chronic illnesses like diabetes or asthma will land more people in overcrowded ERs. And the idea that work requirements will somehow motivate employment? “The likelihood that’s going to increase the workforce is pretty minimal,” she said bluntly. Community Must Step Up Davey closed by pressing a vital question: “What is our responsibility as a community to make sure Roots not only survives but thrives?” Dr. Noha’s answer was clear: “We have to pull together.” She emphasized the importance of sustained community involvement and support, especially for Roots’ next big initiative—a freestanding Young People’s Wellness Center in Deep East Oakland. “If things look bleak to adults, imagine what our youth are...