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Heres a ~300-word summary of the conversation: Hard Knock Radio host Davey D speaks with media critic and author Jennifer L. Pozner about a surge of state-pressured media censorship and corporate capitulation after the campus-rally killing of Charlie Kirk. Using Jimmy Kimmels indefinite suspension from ABC as a case study, Pozner argues the issue isnt one comedian"its a pattern: FCC chair Brendan Carr publicly urged ABC affiliates to preempt Kimmel and warned Disney to do the right thing, implying licensing remedies if they didnt. For Pozner, thats state pressure on speech, not audience feedback. She connects a series of recent moves: Trump-aligned lawsuits against ABC/Disney and CBS/Paramount that were, in her view, easily defensible on First Amendment grounds but were settled because billion-dollar mergers and regulatory favors were pending. She points to Colberts abrupt firing and the cancellation of *The Late Show* near a Paramount settlement and approval of a Skydance merger, and to Nexstars pursuit of Tegna alongside Carrs deregulatory signals. In that climate, small legal payouts are pocket change compared to merger windfalls. Davey D raises the hypocrisy around offense, noting offensive speech tolerated elsewhere and recalling post-9/11 firings (Bill Maher; his own Clear Channel exit). Pozner distinguishes community pushback against hate speech from the government using regulators to punish critics. She warns that revisionist media hagiography of Kirk ignores Turning Point USAs Professor Watchlist and its targeting of academics, often Black women, as part of a broader climate of intimidation"what she frames as stochastic terrorism. Beyond TV, Pozner flags the White Houses takeover of the press pool selection"historically handled by the Correspondents Association"as another red line. The pair close on action: flood executives with letters and calls, press Congress for hearings on FCC overreach, and defend journalists, educators, and comedians. Pozners forthcoming graphic nonfiction with First Second Books will document these dynamics; title TBD.

(HKR " 09.15.25) On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with X. Eyee, one of todays leading voices in artificial intelligence ethics, policy, and responsible tech. With a career that spans Microsoft, Google, the U.S. Department of Defense, and now CEO of consulting firm Malo Santo, X. Eyee has seen AI from every angle"and theyve made it their mission to break the jargon down for everyday people. AI: Superhero and Supervillain X. Eyee lays it out clearly: artificial intelligence is both saving lives and endangering them. Its diagnosing cancer earlier than doctors and predicting floods before they happen. But its also writing police reports that hallucinate facts, supercharging ICE surveillance, and fueling toxic data centers often placed in Black and Brown communities. What AI becomes, Eyee insists, depends on what we do in the next 18 months to set boundaries. Whos Behind the Wheel? AI is like a car, Eyee explains. Not inherently bad"but dangerous in the wrong hands. Corporate fiduciary duty pushes companies like Google and Meta to chase ad revenue instead of community benefit. But the rise of open-source AI means people can build tools on laptops or even phones without feeding giant data centers. That shift opens the door for community-based problem solving"if we choose to seize it. Reclaiming Imagination Davey D pushes back on how corporations limit imagination, turning users into passive consumers. Eyee responds with real-world solutions: AI that gives court defendants Uber credits to make hearings. AI that generates culturally relevant reading material for classrooms. Indigenous creators fine-tuning models to preserve endangered languages. These examples underscore a bigger point: the people closest to the problems are the ones who should be shaping the solutions. Breaking Digital Addiction Eyee also calls out digital drugs. Swipe-up feeds and short-form content are intentionally addictive. Companies dont care about well-being, only attention extraction. The challenge is intentionality"digital detoxing, redirecting our attention, and building tools that feed our communities rather than drain them. From Richmond to Google Sharing their personal journey"from Richmond to the military, to coding in Afghanistan, to shaping AI ethics inside Google"Eyee shows how persistence and imagination can shift the field. Their work even changed the way Googles cameras recognize Black and Brown skin tones, updates that now impact millions of devices and body-worn cameras. Whats Next: Hackathon in Richmond Before wrapping, Eyee invites the community to a free hackathon in Richmond: " Saturday, September 20th 11 a.m. " 7 p.m. " CoBiz, 1503 Macdonald Ave., Richmond Participants will team up with developers to learn prompt-to-app tools and build solutions for real community needs. Beginners are welcome, and prizes will be awarded. Follow X. Eyee on socials: @TechWithX

Chicago is not a war zone"its a battleground over narrative and power. On Hard Knock Radio, Davey D spoke with activist-educator LaKeisha Gray-Sewell and scholar David Stovall about federal threats to deploy the National Guard and ICE in Chicago, and the media machinery that helps sell it. Gray-Sewell praised Mayor Brandon Johnsons recent legal pushback and alignment with community protesters, while noting early stumbles. The bigger danger, she argued, is media and tech capitulation"press blackouts on protests, platform appeasement, and propaganda pipelines that prime audiences for authoritarian solutions. Stovall said young people see through it. Theyre protesting, studying fascism, and naming disinformation that paints Chicago as uniquely lawless while it remains a top tourist draw. He contrasted Obama-era deportations"often border-focused"with todays show of presence ICE tactics and broader sweeps designed for optics. Both guests stressed Chicagos long memory of machine politics, from Daley to today, where elites more often buy opposition than crush it. The response now: Know Your Rights trainings, rapid mobilization, and a refusal to outsource safety to forces built for war, not community. The trio dismantled sensational O-Block mythologies and the click-economy around Black crime. Violence is real wherever poverty concentrates, they said"but evidence-based solutions remain consistent: healthcare access, living-wage jobs, healthy food, and quality education. Tough-on-crime waves and mass incarceration hollowed out two generations; calling in the Guard would repeat old harms with fewer restraints and worse outcomes. Resources named included Equity and Transformation, Black Voter Project, No Trump No Troops, Westside Justice Center, First Defense Legal Aid, Organized Communities Against Deportations, and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Bottom line: build relationships, tell the truth about whats happening on the ground, and keep political education front and center"because communities, not occupation, make cities safe.

Hard Knock Radio: The Crisis of Homelessness On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D dives deep into the growing crisis of homelessness both nationally and locally in Oakland. Joined by activists Needa Bee, co-founder of The Village, and John Janosco of Wood Street Commons, the conversation exposes how government policies and media narratives criminalize unhoused people rather than provide real solutions. The show highlights how recent federal actions, including Trumps executive orders, have conflated homelessness with mental illness and criminality, stripping people of due process and funneling them into institutions instead of housing. This punitive approach mirrors state and local policies, where leaders like Governor Gavin Newsom incentivize cities to sweep encampments without offering shelter. In Oakland, the citys own encampment management rules"which require shelter offers before evictions"are routinely ignored. The result is devastating: people lose their medicine, documents, and belongings, destabilizing already fragile lives and leading to higher mortality rates. John shares his lived experience of being unhoused for eight years on Wood Street, explaining how systemic barriers such as the lack of ID, unaffordable rents, and frequent sweeps make recovery nearly impossible. He pushes back on stereotypes, stressing that unhoused people come from Oakland, often seniors and longtime residents, not outsiders. Needa Bee echoes this, pointing out how gentrification, rising rents, and disinvestment have displaced entire communities, making elders"once stable working-class residents"the fastest growing demographic among Oaklands unhoused. The discussion also addresses how illegal dumping has been wrongly tied to homeless encampments, a narrative manufactured by city policy and public works practices. Both guests call for permanent housing as the only true solution, rejecting sweeps as inhumane and costly. They urge listeners to support grassroots efforts, sign petitions, and challenge city ordinances aligned with Trump-era crackdowns. Hard Knock Radio makes clear: homelessness is not about personal failure, but about systemic neglect, rising inequality, and policies that prioritize erasure over dignity.

We hear from producer Tahis about the importance of Black August and repatriating to Africa,. Leter we hear a speech from Sister Souljah abbouyt Black Business

HKR-07-21-25) Celebrating Vision and Resilience: Selena Wilson Talks Black Futures Ball and Afrofuturism on Hard Knock Radio 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.

On pt2 of Build and Fight Episode #5 Featuring Blair Evans, hosted by Kali Akuno and Thandisizwe Chimurenga Episode 5 of the Build and Fight Formula series dives into the power of community production with guest Blair Evans of Insight Focus. Hosted by Kali Akuno and Thandisizwe Chimurenga, this episode explores how digital fabrication"using tools like 3D printers and CNC machines"can help marginalized communities build self-sufficiency and collective power. Evans, a founding member of the Peoples Network for Land and Liberation, explains how Fab Labs can serve as local production centers that do more than create goods"they foster cooperative economics, ecological regeneration, and democratic governance. The conversation challenges fears that automation will displace Black labor and instead frames digital tools as pathways to own the means of production and reimagine how we meet our needs. The episode lays out a strategic roadmap: start by using commercial tools, then build your own, and eventually shift to sustainable, locally sourced materials. Evans emphasizes a three-part approach: digital fabrication, ecosystem-centered thinking, and human-centered systems like worker co-ops and community land trusts. Together, Akuno, Chimurenga, and Evans argue that controlling production is essential to transforming society"and the time to start is now. Key quote: Fight for what you want now"or fight against what you dont want later. Later on in the show we get a Report Back from George Galvis who went to South Dakota and sat down with freedom Fighter and former political prisoner Leonard Peltier (HKR-07-15-25) On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D speaks with George Galvis of CURYJ about his powerful visit with freed political prisoner Leonard Peltier. Galvis describes the emotional impact of participating in Peltiers first Sundance in 50 years, calling it a moment of spiritual renewal amid dark political times. The two reflect on the continued criminalization of Indigenous ceremony, the violence of ICE raids, and the erasure of cultural histories. Galvis draws parallels between current oppression and past government programs like Operation Wetback, warning that what were seeing now is a modern-day occupation targeting Indigenous and migrant communities. They discuss the sacred roots of movements like Standing Rock, the importance of ceremony in resistance, and the challenge of staying grounded while confronting state violence and digital surveillance. Galvis also honors his mentors"Peltier and the late Harry Belafonte"who modeled unwavering commitment and strategic organizing. Calling ICE agents bounty hunters and the raids a form of human trafficking, Galvis urges listeners to build modern-day underground railroads and organize at the grassroots level. Peltiers survival and release, he says, is a victory"a reminder that even against empire, people power wins.

(HKR-07-12-25) On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Congresswoman Lateefah Simon for a timely and urgent conversation about the devastating implications of the recently passed federal spending bill"dubbed by critics as the Big Ugly Bill. Representing Californias newly redrawn 12th Congressional District, Simon pulls no punches in breaking down what she calls an insidious attack on poor and working-class communities across the nation, particularly in the Bay Area. A Budget of Brutality, Not Care Simon outlines how the bill strips over $1 trillion from health care programs including Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the Childrens Health Insurance Program. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, 17 million people will lose healthcare by 2034, and 90 million dollars in Planned Parenthood funding"including Oaklands Barbara Lee Health Center"has been cut immediately. In her words, they are literally kicking women in the neck. SNAP benefits (aka food stamps) are also on the chopping block, along with $5 trillion in tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations. The bill simultaneously boosts ICE and Homeland Security by 19%, making ICE the largest federal law enforcement agency in the country. This is no accident, Simon says. This administration wants this country whiter and more male. Local Impact: Bay Area on the Frontlines Simon emphasizes that this bill directly harms people in her district. Over 35,000 residents are expected to lose healthcare, and 9,000 families may lose access to food assistance. This isnt abstract policy"its life and death for our communities, she says. Simon points to the defunding of NIH clinical trials at Oakland Childrens Hospital as an example of how the bills cruelty extends even to children battling cancer. ICE, now armed with an expanded budget, is already escalating deportations, and Simon warns that marginalized diasporic communities"from Haitians to Armenians"are being targeted with little media attention or recourse. Whats Next: Midterms, Mobilization, and Mutual Aid With urgency and clarity, Simon stresses that the midterms are critical: If we dont win, we may not have a republic. She explains that Democrats have lost control of the House, Senate, and Executive Branch"and without the numbers, they lack subpoena power and oversight authority. Still, she remains committed to harm reduction, filing amendments (six on this bill alone), visiting detention centers, and working across the aisle when necessary. But she also insists this cannot be a fight left to elected officials alone. Not one right was ever given to us without a fight, she reminds listeners, quoting Grace Lee Boggs and Wanda Johnson. Simon encourages folks to contact her office, stay politically engaged, and push all elected officials to be accountable. The Role of Taxes: A Call for a Peace Dividend Davey D and Simon also discuss the question of where taxpayer money goes"and where it should go. Echoing former Congresswoman Barbara Lee, they call for a peace dividend that funds education, housing, childcare, and diplomacy"not war and mass incarceration. Simon closes the conversation grounded in faith and community: Injustice cannot stand forever. Im here every day fighting because I believe in our people. Later on in the show we listen to Build and Fight series #5 with Kali Akuno and Thandi Chimerenga

Hard Knock Radio Summary: Davey D Talks Floods, Climate Crisis, and Community Response with Alexia Leclercq On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D spoke with Alexia Leclercq, an Austin-based climate justice organizer, about the devastating floods in Central Texas and the broader implications of climate inaction. The conversation shed light on government negligence, environmental racism, and grassroots community efforts in the wake of disaster. No Warning, No Help The segment began with context: catastrophic flash floods near San Antonio left at least 80 dead or missing. Despite official claims that residents ignored warnings, Leclercq emphasized that many never received meaningful alerts, due to budget cuts to the National Weather Service and outdated or understaffed emergency systems. Flash flood warnings, she explained, were vague and often sent in the middle of the night, leaving residents unaware of how dangerous conditions truly were. Climate Crisis and Systemic Neglect Leclercq tied the tragedy to broader climate issues, noting that Central Texas"already known as "flash flood alley""is increasingly vulnerable due to prolonged droughts and soil conditions. She explained that the climate crisis is turning so-called 100-year floods into regular occurrences, a direct result of fossil fuel-driven warming and decades of poor environmental policy. Davey D noted how disasters in communities of color"from Texas to St. Louis"are routinely underreported or blamed on the victims, while places like California see swift criticism of leadership during crises. Leclercq stressed that working-class and BIPOC communities are hit hardest and offered a sobering take: "The climate crisis is literally killing people." Fossil Fuels, Denial, and Disaster The conversation pivoted to Texass deep ties to the oil and gas industry. Leclercq condemned the rollback of green policies and tax credits, and explained the urgency of staying below 2.5C of global warming. She broke it down simply: even small increases in temperature"just like a fever"have dramatic impacts on ecosystems and human survival. Texas, she warned, is on track to exceed that threshold soon. Community Relief Over Government Support With FEMA absent, recovery efforts have been largely community-driven. Leclercq highlighted organizations like Community Powered ATX, The Healing Project, Southern Oaks Church, and Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country"all stepping up with donations, food, and supplies. Closing Thoughts Davey D and Leclercq agreed that natural disasters are no longer just "acts of God""theyre symptoms of policy choices. And as the planet grows hotter, communities like those in Central Texas will remain on the frontlines. Davey D ended with a reminder: "Mother Earth will be fine"the question is whether well be here to dance with her." Later on in the show we hear a commentary from Brown Girl Pride on the two Party system Afterwards we look back 20 years ago when the London Bombings took place.. and HKR was there on the scene..

Hard Knock Radio Recap: Javier Gonzalez of ICEBreakers Sounds the Alarm on Mass Deportations and Surveillance State In a powerful and urgent conversation, Hard Knock Radio host Davey D sat down with Los Angeles organizer and longtime activist Javier Gonzalez of ICEBreakers to break down the deepening immigrant crackdown and the political infrastructure behind it. Gonzalez, known for his street-level organizing and insight into power systems, laid out how ICE raids have become more aggressive and widespread " not just targeting Latinx communities, but also Black and Asian immigrants across the country. Gonzalez traced todays deportation machinery back to bipartisan roots " spotlighting how Democrats like Janet Napolitano and Barack Obama laid much of the groundwork now being amplified by Trump and Stephen Miller. He criticized nonprofit industrial complexes and legacy immigrant rights groups for becoming complicit, cashing in on DACA renewals and providing PR cover instead of real resistance. He warned that the real danger isnt just ICE"its the creation of a national surveillance apparatus, bolstered by federal funds and linked county-to-county through systems like the Joint Regional Intelligence Centers. These networks, Gonzalez argued, are quietly enabling a privatized deportation army with bonuses for arrests and long-term political aims, including postponing elections and expanding authoritarian control. Despite the grim landscape, Gonzalez emphasized the need for grassroots rebuilding " from forming new organizations and mutual aid networks to confronting city officials about their complicity. The refuge is in the home, he said. We build from there. He called out performative activism and urged people to act with intention: organize, do research, hold officials accountable, and use art and social media strategically. We dont need everyone. We need the fearless ones, Gonzalez declared, reminding listeners that resistance begins with trust, family, and community.

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D dives into the impact of mass deportations and ICE raids, especially on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Hes joined by Aquilina Soriano Versoza of the Filipino Workers Center and Cha Vang of AAPIs for Civic Empowerment. Together, they push back on the harmful narrative that AAPI communities are absent from the immigrant rights struggle. Soriano Versoza details how Filipino and other AAPI communities are actively organizing, mobilizing, and responding to ICE raids"often as first responders in rapid response networks. She emphasizes that many Filipinos in the U.S. are recent immigrants or undocumented workers, making them highly vulnerable to raids, detentions, and exploitation. Vang explains that over 3 million AAPI immigrants reside in California, with nearly half a million undocumented. Many are directly targeted by ICE, despite media erasure. She highlights the unique challenges faced by Southeast Asian refugees, including being deported to countries theyve never lived in, and the systemic double punishment of being deported years after serving time for youthful offenses. The conversation connects deportation policies to U.S. foreign interventions and economic exploitation, revealing how these tactics destabilize immigrant communities and fuel a prison-to-deportation pipeline. Both guests draw parallels between todays ICE quotas and the racialized policing of the 1990s drug war. They close by urging solidarity across Black, Brown, and AAPI communities in fighting not just unjust immigration policy, but an expanding authoritarian state that threatens civil liberties for all. The episode is a call to action, truth-telling, and cross-community unity.

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Cree Oray, executive director of the San Francisco Black Film Festival (SFBFF), to discuss the legacy, mission, and future of one of the longest-running Black film festivals in the country. Founded by her late mother, Ave Montague, the festival continues to uplift stories by, for, and about people of African descent around the globe. Oray highlights the festivals commitment to showcasing diverse Black narratives"especially those that are often underrepresented in Hollywood. This years lineup includes over 90 films, including documentaries, shorts, and international features, all centered around truth-telling, empowerment, and cultural pride. The conversation also touches on the importance of multigenerational leadership, the festivals efforts to foster young talent, and the significance of maintaining artistic spaces that affirm Black life and imagination. Oray invites listeners to attend the festival and be part of a living cultural tradition rooted in resistance, resilience, and celebration. later on in the show we pay tribute to Tupac Amaru Shakur who would've been 54 years old today

In this urgent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D speaks with frontline organizers about the wave of mass deportations sweeping through California, especially Los Angeles. With over 2,500 people arrested in just days, the show unpacks how the Trump-aligned agenda"led by advisor Stephen Miller"is weaponizing fear, ICE raids, and racist rhetoric to criminalize entire communities. Guests Alex Sanchez (Homies Unidos), George Galvis (CURYJ/All of Us or None), and Melina Abdullah (BLM"Grassroots) describe street-level terror: people pulled from homes, schools, and job sites; peaceful protests met with tear gas and arrests; and communities living in fear"regardless of immigration status. Galvis reframes the issue through an Indigenous lens, reminding listeners: We didnt cross the border. The border crossed us. He warns that California"home to progressive movements and the worlds fourth-largest economy"is being intentionally targeted as part of a broader MAGA plan to dismantle resistance. Sanchez and Abdullah emphasize how easily words like criminal become weapons, used to justify raids on workers and parents. They call for intentional solidarity"especially from U.S. citizens and white allies"to take frontline roles, disrupt fear narratives, and build unified resistance across race, gender, and immigration status. This is not just about immigrants. Its about state violence, displacement, and a test of collective resolve. The call is clear: Stand up now"or risk losing more than we know.

In this special episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with long-time San Francisco artist and activist Equipto, a vital figure in the Bay Area's underground hip hop scene. Known for his work with the legendary collective Bored Stiff and his frontline activism as a member of the Frisco 5, Equipto reflects on his journey as both emcee and organizer.

We talk with on the ground activist about what went down during the George Floyd uprising and where we stand now 5 years later

### Hard Knock Radio: Malcolm X's 100th Birthday with Dr. Jared Ball #### Overview In this Hard Knock Radio episode, host Davey D is joined by Dr. Jared Ball, author and professor, for a deep conversation marking the 100th birthday of Malcolm X. Dr. Ball, who co-edited *A Lie of Reinvention: Correcting Manning Marable's Malcolm X*, shares his insights on the ongoing battle to preserve and accurately represent Malcolm's legacy. The discussion touches on the radical, revolutionary aspects of Malcolm Xs politics and the attempts to sanitize his legacy for mainstream consumption. #### Key Discussion Points 1. **Malcolm X's Legacy and Rebranding Efforts** Dr. Ball explores how Malcolm Xs legacy is continually rebranded to make him more palatable to the powers that be. He highlights the importance of maintaining the revolutionary core of Malcolm's politics, which calls for structural change, rather than merely focusing on his symbolic representation. 2. **Malcolm Xs Radical Political Philosophy** The conversation examines the stark contrast between Malcolm Xs revolutionary ideas and the political trajectory of figures like Barack Obama. Dr. Ball emphasizes that Malcolms vision was rooted in anti-imperialism, solidarity with global liberation movements, and a call for Black self-determination, rather than integration into a capitalist system. 3. **Internationalism and Solidarity** Dr. Ball underscores Malcolms commitment to internationalism, especially his support for decolonization efforts in Africa and the Middle East. The discussion highlights Malcolms firm stance on Palestinian liberation and his advocacy for African unity, which was informed by figures like Kwame Nkrumah and Patrice Lumumba. 4. **The Revolutionary Action Movement (RAM)** A key topic of the interview is Malcolm Xs connection to the Revolutionary Action Movement (RAM), which aimed to radicalize the Black liberation struggle through urban guerrilla warfare, revolutionary nationalism, and socialism. Dr. Ball stresses the importance of revisiting RAMs history to understand Malcolms evolving political stance. 5. **The Impact of COINTELPRO on Revolutionary Movements** The episode discusses the efforts of COINTELPRO to dismantle Black radical movements, particularly RAM. Dr. Ball and Davey D talk about how these efforts continue to shape the narrative around Black liberation and the struggle for justice. #### Recommended Resources Dr. Ball encourages listeners to engage with all of Malcolm Xs speeches and to revisit the history of the Revolutionary Action Movement. He also suggests looking into the writings of radical Black women who played key roles in Malcolms development, including his mother, Louise Little, and figures like Vicki Garvin and Shirley Graham Du Bois. #### Conclusion In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Jared Ball offers invaluable perspectives on the complexities of Malcolm Xs life, legacy, and the political struggles that continue today. This episode serves as a reminder of Malcolms unwavering commitment to global liberation and the ongoing relevance of his revolutionary ideas. --- **Listen to the full interview** for more on Malcolm Xs enduring impact on global struggles for justice and liberation.

We continue our conversation w/ Professor Danea Martinez about South African refugees... Davey D introduced listeners to two powerful cultural workers: Refa One and Madzoo. Refa is a veteran muralist and political educator from Oakland, while Madzoo organizes on the ground in Senegal. Together, they form part of the RBS Crew"a group that operates across the U.S. and West Africa using Hip Hop and art to promote liberation. Art isnt just about expression, said Refa. Its about consciousness. Its a tool of resistance. Both emphasized the importance of reclaiming African identity in the face of neocolonial dominance.

In this urgent and timely episode of *Hard Knock Radio*, we sit down with former New York Assemblymember and longtime freedom fighter **Charles Barron**, who breaks down the global political dynamics behind the growing Hands Off Burkina Faso movement. Barron, known for his unapologetic Pan-African stance, contextualizes the rising tide of resistance against neocolonial control in the Sahel and beyond. As Burkina Faso and other West African nations push back against French and Western interference, Barron outlines how these countries are reclaiming sovereignty, national dignity, and control over their resources. He connects the dots between the revolutionary legacy of Thomas Sankara and todays youth-led uprisings, while highlighting how Western media distortions and imperialist tactics aim to undermine these efforts. Barron also addresses the *worldwide demonstrations* taking place in solidarity with Burkina Faso, from New York to Accra. He reminds us that the struggle is global"and calls on people of conscience everywhere to raise their voices. This episode is a frontline report from the battle against modern-day colonialism, and a rallying cry to stand with African nations resisting domination. **Listen to the full broadcast. Hands Off Burkina Faso!** **#HardKnockRadio #CharlesBarron #PanAfricanSolidarity**

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D chops it up with filmmaker Byron Hurt and sports journalist Dave Zirin to break down the real story behind Shedeur Sanders fall to the fifth round of the NFL Draft. What was billed as a celebration of talent turned into a public spectacle rooted in race, control, and the politics of power. Byron Hurt, drawing from his experience as a former quarterback, said what many felt: this wasnt about talent " it was about sending a message. Shedeurs confidence, his family strength, and refusal to make himself small didnt sit right with NFL ownership, who still expect Black athletes " especially quarterbacks " to show deference, not defiance. Dave Zirin expanded the frame, connecting the dots back to Muhammad Ali, Colin Kaepernick, and the long tradition of punishing Black athletes who wont bow. Being young, Black, proud, and prepared was enough to make Shedeur a target " not because he failed, but because he dared to stand tall. While the NFL tried to humble Shedeur Sanders, they failed. He remains poised, unbothered, and a symbol of generational power that institutions fear. This wasnt just about Shedeur " it was about sending a warning to anyone watching: know your place, or pay the price. Davey D and guests make it clear " its on us to recognize these moves, call them out, and protect the next generation from being silenced.

MJ an independent journalist from Minneapolis talks the insidious surveillance program operated by Target