South Central, Los Angeles author DT West has released his debut novel, Lil Blue Devil, a gripping story inspired by his life growing up in the Hyde Park section of Los Angeles, in the heart of the legendary Rollin 60s Crips territory. Drawing from personal experience, West captures the reality of inner-city Los Angeles gang life including the iconic lowriders on Crenshaw, and the struggles and resilience of the community he calls home.West was raised by his grandmother after being saved from the foster care system. Growing up on Crenshaw, he witnessed the streets firsthand, giving him a unique perspective that he felt was missing in other books about gang culture in Los Angeles written by outsiders.
On this episode Slauson Girl Speaks with Altadena native Zaire Calvin, about a report that came out noting that nearly 50% of burned properties in Altadena have been purchased by outside investors. Zaire and his mother both lost their properties and his sister was one of the people who tragically lost her life in the fire. He speaks on what's next for Altadena residents in the rebuilding efforts, and discusses his advocacy for the community and his cross collaboration with county and city officials. Our conversation also touches on Attorney Benjamin Crump's help with the lawsuit against Edison, who recently accepted fault for the Eaton fire.
On this episode Slauson Girl speaks with honorable Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. during his recent visit to Los Angeles where he also stopped in Leimert Park. The discussion covered his thoughts on the Los Angeles Black Panther Party, healing from decades of state sanctioned violence and repression of our Black political leaders, being brought on by Ryan Coogler as a consultant on the film 'Judas and the Black Messiah' which covers the cointelplro assassination of his father and more.
In 2012, a shooting near USC left 4 people injured—but no one killed. Despite this, Brandon Spencer, a young man from Inglewood, was sentenced to 40 years in prison. What makes his case even more complicated? He has always maintained his innocence. Just two months earlier, two foreign exchange students were tragically killed at USC, and the pressure to solve that case was mounting. Brandon's journey behind bars has been anything but easy. Over the last decade, he has worked to go from a level 4 to a level 2 prison, and he’s spent that time working relentlessly to prove his innocence. Now, he’s teamed up with the Innocence Project, hoping to get his case re-examined. I had the chance to speak with Brandon from prison, where he shared his story.
Slauson Girl Speaks with April Showers, the CEO and Founder of Afro Unicorn, a brand that celebrates the beauty and power of Black girl magic. April grew up in South Central, Los Angeles and shares her journey of building Afro Unicorn from the ground up, the challenges she’s faced, and the importance of representation in business. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, and the magic of believing in yourself. @gotAprilShowers @Afrounicorn_official
In the wake of the recent and tragic deaths of two models, Maleesa Mooney and Nichole (Nikki) Coats, a disturbing pattern of apathy and lack of urgency has emerged within law enforcement, shedding light on broader issues affecting Black women and girls in the city. Sikivu Hutchinson, founder of the Women's Leadership Project (WLP), says a disturbing trend exists, where Los Angeles law enforcement displays disinterest in solving cases involving violence against African-American women. She also emphasized the lack of urgency among local representatives, including Mayor Karen Bass, in addressing violence against Black women and girls in Los Angeles. The WLP is a feminist mentoring and civic engagement program for Los Angeles students.
On this episode Slauson Girl Speaks With Akil West of Sole Folks about the historic purchase a multi-million dollar property in Leimert Park that houses several prominent Black L.A Businesses. We also touch on the future of the Crenshaw District/Leimert Park area and how Akil feels as a Black businessman in L.A who is set to benefit from the new developments in the area. Akil speaks on the importance of Black wealth building and how he has come to establish himself as a notable figure in L.A after being incarcerated for 15 years. West has shown committment to providing opportunities for Black people in his community as the CEO and co-founder of Leimert Park Village’s @solefolks a nonprofit retail hub dedicated to cultivating Black entrepreneurship and creativity through innovative programming, mentorship, and financial support. Follow and support @SoleFolks Thank you to our Podcast Sponsor Los Angeles Realtor Agent Sunny Jones. Shot and Mixed By The Variety Group.
On this episode Slauson Girl Speaks with Kamilah Moore, Chair of The California Reparations Task Force, about her current role helping to study and develop a plan of reparations for African-Americans in the state of California. Kamilah Moore is a scholar and an attorney with a specialization in entertainment and intellectual property. As a law student, Moore contributed to human rights reports related to domestic and international human rights issues. While studying abroad at the University of Amsterdam, Moore wrote a master thesis exploring the intersections between international law and reparatory justice for the trans-Atlantic slave trade, chattel slavery, and their legacies. She earned a Juris Doctorate from Columbia Law School in New York City, a Master of Law degree in International Criminal Law from the University of Amsterdam, and a Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). We discuss the current proposals by the task force, their process of holding public hearings, how it will be determined who receives reparations, if and how reparations will ever be allocated to African-Americans, the history of slavery in California and so much more. Thank you to our episode sponsor. If you are in Los Angeles and need a home, call @Agentsunnyjones Mixed and shot by @Thevarietygroup
On this episode of Slauson Girl Speaks I have the opportunity to interview two OG's from Compton and Los Angeles. Chico Brown and Melvin Farmer both grew up during the tumultuous times of the 70's and 80's and speak directly to the history and experiences of Black people in Compton and Los Angeles during these times. The conversation touches on the Blaxploitation era of films and the impact this had on the way the Black community viewed themselves. The conversation also delves into the CIA sponsored crack/cocaine epidemic and how Chico, the defendant of Freeway Rick Ross, realized he was involved in a drug operation that exceeded way to the steps of the White House. The plan, revealed in an explosive series by Journalist Gary Webb, was to funnel drugs into inner city communities including South Central and Compton, and use these proceeds to fund U.S backed counter rebels in Nicaragua. Thank you to our episode sponsors @edenscandyco and @cash4luv1s If you need a home in Los Angeles, contact @agentsunnyjones :)
On this episode of Slauson Girl Speaks, I have a very personal conversation with Freeway Rick Ross, who is a notorious South Central, L.A kingpin from the 80's/90's crack era. We talk about FX's hit series Snowfall, life in South Central, Los Angeles through the decades for African-Americans, his life growing up and what led him to becoming a drug dealer. Although he has done countless interviews on his life and court cases, this conversation is a little different. The former crack dealer speaks with a "crack baby" about the impacts of the crack era on the inner city community of South Central.
Eric Strong wants Alex Villanueva's role as Sheriff and he wants you to vote for him June 7. The Sheriff's Lieutenant sits down with me to discuss his career in law enforcement that spans almost 3 decades when Strong got his start working with (then) Compton Police Department in 1993. Some of the issues we touch on are the apathy that surrounds Black communities and our disconnect from local and national politics especially that of law enforcement. Strong speaks on issues he views as hindering to building community trust, his plans to address and eradicate gangs in the department, having a spouse who also works with the Sheriff's, and why he feels that he is the best to represent L.A County in one of the top positions in law enforcement.
@hellojasmyne is my guest for Women’s History Month✨ Jasmyne Cannick is an award-winning journalist, writer, host, advocate and strategist who thrives at the intersection of race, politics and social issues. She is the main reason that serial predator and Democratic donor Ed Buck was finally arrested and charged due to her advocacy with the families of his Black male victims, who died from meth overdoses in his West Hollywood home. She recently returned from Jamaica, where she worked with the LGBTQ Magazine The Advocate to produce a podcast highlighting the dangers facing Jamaica's Black queer community. She also helped to produce the Documentary '41st and Central' on the Los Angeles Black Panther Party. RIP Gregory Everett! Follow her work online: https://iamjasmyne.com
On this episode Slauson Girl speaks with Asim Jamal Shakir, who is a filmmaker, writer and director from South Central, Los Angeles. In 2009, his father was sentenced to 24 life sentences and he grew up with both of his parents incarcerated, so Jamal is all too familiar with our country's criminal justice system. Jamal took a different route however, as a college graduate who played football. He wrote and directed 'Land of No Pity' an 8-part series based loosely on the book of the same, written by Jamal's stepmother about life in South Central. Jamal uses his camera to maintain control of his own narrative and to help those trapped in inner city turmoil, to understand the source of their pain and the dysfunction we have come to normalize. Jamal also owns a publishing and shipping company. Visit his shop in Los Angeles. 5066 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA @jamalshakir @goinpostalcandy
Lia Dias is a Beauty Mogul & Business Coach from Inglewood, California. As founder of The Girl Cave L.A, Lia currently helps guide over 6 Girl Cave franchise locations, in places including Inglewood, Anaheim and Texas. This mother of 3 is a serial entrepreneur with no plans of slowing down. In addition to The Girl Cave, Lia recently purchased Hype Hair Magazine which is one of the biggest Black hair publications. We discuss her journey navigating an Asian dominated hair care industry and how although Black people ARE the market--we don't own it. She shares her background and what inspired her to become an entrepreneur, as well as what keeps her grounded in her day-to-day business operations. Follow Her @LiaDias If you want to have a good time in the city, also check out the sports bar she owns in Inglewood @Champcitybar 🎥 Video Interview Also Available Via Slauson Girl Youtube Episode analytics
On this episode of Slauson Girl Speaks, I have the opportunity of speaking to Lora King, who is the Daughter of Rodney King. She speaks on her life growing up, the impacts of the verdict on her father, as well as how his beating by police left a lasting impact on his emotional and mental health. Lora talks about why it is important to her, that she is doing the work of continuing her fathers legacy through the Rodney King Foundation. We also speak about her role trying to bridge racial gaps and honoring local fathers through the Rodney King Foundation. Follow Her: @Lora_kingrkf @officialrodneykingfoundation Www.Rodneyking.org
Corvain Cooper is no longer serving a life sentence for a non-violent marijuana conviction under the three strikes law. Corvain received clemency from Donald Trump in 2021, right before he left office. He served seven years of his sentence after his lawyer and thousands rallied behind his freedom. In 2020, his story landed on the front page of the Washington Post and he was featured in “Smoke” the BET documentary which shows how the war on drugs systematically targeted Black communities with the criminalization of marijuana. Ivanka Trump would eventually hear of Corvain's story and was touched not only by the hypocrisy of his sentence but also that he had two daughters that needed him. Although her father granted Corvain clemency and he was released from prison, since he did not receive a full pardon, he has to endure ten years of parole. Despite these barriers, he has still been able to have his own strain of marijuana packaged and sold in the popular Cookies marijuana dispensary. For now, Corvain is focused on community events anywhere in L.A County and beyond where he can lend his resources, voice and lived experiences with his social impact brand, 40 Tons. So far, along with 40 Tons founder Loriel Alegrete, Corvain has helped bring expungement clinics to South Central, as well as coding workshops for the youth. 40 Tons is a socially conscience cannabis brand that represents the voiceless as well stories of redemption. The brand is a vibrant reminder that many lives have been lost due to prison sentences and many of the folks behind prison walls, still long to be seen and heard. Lend them an ear and some support through their 40 Tons Merchandise. Follow Corvain on IG: @CorvainCooper Follow and Support 40 Tons Brand https://www.40tons.co
On this Episode of Slauson Girl Speaks I have the extreme pleasure of talking to Tanya Ward. Tanya is a South Central, L.A native and entrepreneur. She is also a Black woman trying to figure out the best way to bring a social enterprise for the Black community, to address some of our most prevalent issues--one of them being mass incarceration and re-entry. Tanya wants to help those most affected by gang violence, to understand the root causes of the trauma and turmoil that engulfs many lives. As much as Tanya is a resource to her community, she demands respect and attention--not only because of her mind, but because people know she is not one to play with and she uses this to her advantage. To get things done for the community and to bring peace and solace to her life. Follow Her: @Powerful.as_A_Muthafucka
On this episode of Slauson Girl Speaks, I talk with Nenia Samayoa on our experiences growing up in foster care in Los Angeles. We actually had the same social worker in high school, while young girls and students at Inglewood High. Nenia, who is a mother and entrepreneur with her own catering company, recently held an event to make sure foster youth in L.A know they are seen and loved. We talk about why events like this are important to her and why it is important to give back as a former foster youth. We also provide tips and information to current foster youth in Los Angeles, especially those who are single mothers. Follow her @Naecakesandcatering
The Crenshaw Entrepreneurial Academy is a charter school coming soon to the Crenshaw District. The aim of the Crenshaw Entrepreneurial Academy is to provide curriculum to youth in the community so they can become financially literate at a young age. On this episode of Slauson Girl Speaks, I have a conversation with Dr. Mello and Tia Lopez on the vision behind the Crenshaw Entrepreneurial Academy. CEA is a Charter School concept in Los Angeles set to open in August but they need your help in the form of community support to be designated as a charter school.
You might know Randy Savvy as a familiar face and the founding member of Compton Cowboys but on this episode of Slauson Girl Speaks, I talk with Randy on his new EP as well as his interesting journey of trying to merge the sounds of Hip-Hop and Country music together. The conversation also touched on the history of his family and where his inspiration came from to establish the Compton Cowboys as a brand. In just a few short years, Compton Cowboys has been involved in some major corporate campaigns. Randy wants people to know him for the music and the fact that he has been working on developing his sound quietly for some time. Now, Randy is ready to let the world hear his sound, with his Dr. Dre produced 2020 single “Colorblind,” followed by his recently released EP, Late Night Ride which can be heard on all streaming platforms. Follow @Randysavvy @Comptoncowboys