KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

Hard Knock Radio marked the 35th anniversary of Digital Underground’s landmark debut, Sex Packets, with a lively and reflective conversation between Davey D, Money B, and longtime manager Atron Gregory. The interview moved well beyond nostalgia, giving listeners a vivid look at the creativity, discipline, humor, and musical vision that made the album a West Coast classic and a Hip Hop milestone. Davey D opened by recalling one of the album’s most memorable promotional moves: the fake Sex Packets pamphlets that were distributed in doctors’ offices, bus stops, clubs, and restaurants. Money B confirmed that the whole crew helped pass them out, often late into the night, while Atron Gregory added that they even created actual candy packets to sell the illusion. In an era before the internet, people often believed the concept was real, which showed how committed Digital Underground was to building a full world around the music. That sense of total immersion became a key theme of the conversation. Gregory explained that Digital Underground was never just a rap group. It was a full concept built around characters, mythology, style, and performance. Shock G approached it almost like theater, insisting that when he was Humpty Hump, he was Humpty Hump. The group even had a handbook laying out how members should dress and behave in public, creating an aura of mystery that made the act even more compelling. The discussion also highlighted the album’s deep musicality. Money B spoke about the group’s collaborative writing process on songs like “Rhymin’ on the Funk” and “Freaks of the Industry,” while Gregory broke down the technical genius behind “The Humpty Dance,” especially its bass line and studio experimentation. They also revisited how sample clearance issues forced the group to pivot creatively, a move that unexpectedly changed the direction of the album and helped launch one of the biggest records of that era. Just as important, the conversation framed Digital Underground as a major artistic tree whose branches reached far across Hip Hop. Gregory and Money B reflected on the many artists connected to the group, including Tupac, Raw Fusion, Mystic, and others, comparing its legacy to Parliament more than Wu Tang because of its funk roots and collective spirit. By the end, the interview made clear that Sex Packets remains more than a classic album. It is a living legacy. Through reissues, live performances, archival storytelling, and a continued commitment to Shock G’s vision, Money B and Atron Gregory are making sure Digital Underground’s funk, humor, and innovation continue to inspire new generations. 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 Digital Underground’s landmark debut, Sex Packets appeared first on KPFA.

On Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D spoke with Dr. Matthew Whitaker, Executive Director of the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center in Phoenix, about a disturbing incident involving a police sergeant accused of provoking students at a Phoenix area high school during an anti ICE walkout. The conversation used that moment as a starting point for a broader discussion about police misconduct, organized protest, and the dangers facing communities trying to speak out. 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 Davey D spoke with Dr. Matthew Whitaker, Executive Director of the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center in Phoenix appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio host Davey D sat down with music scholar Dr. Rickey Vincent to mark KPFA’s 77th birthday by reflecting on one of the station’s most important legacies: the creation of its Third World Department in 1973. The conversation framed KPFA as more than a radio station. It was described as a political and cultural refuge, especially at a time when Black voices and journalists are once again being pushed aside, distorted, or dismissed in mainstream spaces. Davey D opened by stressing how vital KPFA has been as a community institution and as a place where marginalized communities could speak in their own voices. He connected the history of the Third World Department to the present moment, noting the ongoing attacks on Black journalists and the broader rollback of representation in media. In that context, he argued that KPFA has remained an oasis, a place grounded in accountability to the community rather than commercial pressures. Dr. Vincent explained that the Third World Department was never simply about diversity for its own sake. It was about building structure, space, and stability for people of color in noncommercial media so they could do meaningful work and thrive. He credited pioneers like Barry Scott for creating a model that centered culture, politics, and lived experience all at once. He also placed the department in the historical climate of the early 1970s, when Black institution building was still very much alive even as Black movements faced fierce repression. In that atmosphere, creating media infrastructure was itself an act of resistance. The discussion also highlighted how culture was always central to the department’s mission. Both Davey D and Dr. Vincent emphasized that music programming at KPFA was never just about spinning records. It was about context, memory, trust, and connection to the audience. They reflected on how KPFA became a home for deep conversations with major artists, from George Clinton to Tupac, allowing them the time and freedom rarely found in commercial radio. By the end of the exchange, both men made clear that KPFA’s Third World tradition is still alive. It has evolved through programs like Hard Knock Radio and continues to serve as a trusted platform for culture, politics, liberation, and community memory. The conversation ultimately celebrated KPFA as a rare institution that has not only survived, but continues to sustain a vital legacy of independent Black and Third World media. In this segment of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D speaks with Carol Wolfley, chair of the Local Station Board, about the successful effort to secure historic landmark status for the KPFA building as the station celebrates its 77th anniversary. The conversation highlights both the practical work behind the designation and the deeper cultural significance of preserving KPFA’s legacy. Wolfley explains that the process took about a year and a half and required a strong grassroots effort. She and board secretary Candace Schlott mobilized community support by gathering signatures at local events, reaching out on-air, and working with staff who contributed archival materials, photos, and historical documentation. Despite initial resistance from the Landmark Preservation Commission due to the building’s relatively recent construction in 1991, the case was ultimately made based on KPFA’s cultural and historical impact rather than its age. The designation passed unanimously and was later approved by the City Council. Davey D reflects on how institutions often don’t realize their long-term significance in the moment, emphasizing that KPFA’s importance comes from its mission and sustained impact on communities locally and globally. Both he and Wolfley stress that the station’s history is not just about the past but is actively being created in the present through its programming, journalism, and community engagement. Wolfley describes the building as a kind of living museum, housing decades of media history...

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Radio – April 14, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Radio – April 13, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, we sit down with Renaldo Maurice, principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, for a powerful conversation at the intersection of art, discipline, and cultural expression. Hailing from Gary, Indiana, Maurice shares his journey from a young athlete on the football field and track to becoming a globally recognized performer with one of the most celebrated dance companies in the world. He reflects on the physical and emotional demands of his craft, the transition into formal training at The Ailey School, and the evolution of his artistry over more than a decade with the company. We also explore the deeper cultural and spiritual dimensions of Ailey’s work—from pieces rooted in ancestral memory and the African diaspora to performances that channel resilience, vulnerability, and collective history. Maurice speaks candidly about what it means to be a vessel for these stories on stage, and how each performance becomes an act of both personal and cultural expression. Beyond the concert stage, Maurice discusses his connection to vogue ballroom culture and how that community informs his identity, creativity, and movement. He also reflects on the importance of representation, mentorship, and giving back—especially for young Black dancers navigating spaces where they are often underrepresented. In the second half of the show, we turn to Poor News Network for a special segment from Poor News Magazine, examining America’s ongoing war on disenfranchised communities. Through grassroots reporting and firsthand accounts, the segment sheds light on systemic inequities, survival, and resistance from those most directly impacted. Together, this episode bridges artistry and activism—highlighting the power of movement, storytelling, and community in the ongoing fight for visibility, dignity, and justice. 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 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with Renaldo Maurice and Poor News Magazine brings us an Update on America’s Attack on the Poor. appeared first on KPFA.

Graal Swartz of Soul Mechanix joined Hard Knock Radio to talk with host Davey D about the group’s upcoming Isley Brothers tribute and the deeper importance of honoring legendary Black musicians while they are still here to receive their flowers. The conversation opened with Davey D reflecting on seeing Ron Isley still performing at 85 and raising a larger question about why soul and funk elders are not always celebrated with the same regularity and reverence as aging rock stars. That set the stage for a thoughtful discussion about legacy, memory, and musical stewardship. Swartz explained that the Isley Brothers tribute is much more than a concert. For him, it is a personal and cultural offering rooted in childhood memories, Black musical tradition, and a desire to connect with audiences through songs that have shaped generations. He described the Isley Brothers as one of the greatest groups of all time, with a catalog stretching from gospel roots and early classics like Shout to politically charged songs like Fight the Power and lush romantic material from the 1980s and 1990s such as Between the Sheets and Groove With You. A major focus of the interview was the scale and care Soul Mechanix is bringing to the performance. Swartz broke down the all star lineup assembled for the Yoshi’s show, including multiple vocalists and standout musicians like Vernon “Ice” Black, all chosen to honor the depth and complexity of the Isley sound. He noted that Ronald Isley’s voice is so distinct that it takes several gifted singers to capture the emotional range of the material. He also spoke candidly about his own role as a guitarist, explaining that he is not trying to imitate Ernie Isley note for note, but instead play to his own strengths while bringing in musicians capable of channeling Ernie’s iconic style. Throughout the conversation, both Davey D and Swartz emphasized the breadth of the Isley Brothers’ influence. They discussed the group’s songwriting, their shifting sound across eras, their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the way songs like Fight the Power and Living for the Love of You have left a lasting imprint on listeners. In the end, the interview made clear that this tribute is not just about nostalgia. It is about preserving legacy, celebrating excellence, and gathering community around one of Black music’s most enduring groups. 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 Isley Brothers Tribute with Graal Swartz of 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 – April 8, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

On Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with housing advocate Evangeline Byars of the People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft for a sobering conversation about how Black families, especially elders, are being stripped of homes and generational wealth through a web of legal manipulation, fraud, and institutional neglect. Byars made clear that deed theft is not a new problem, but one that has long targeted vulnerable communities and now shows up in especially devastating ways for Black seniors between ages 65 and 100. She explained that many younger people involved in this fight are family members or community advocates trying to protect elders whose homes and assets are under attack. A major focus of the interview was how guardianship and conservatorship systems can become tools for abuse. Byars described how once a senior is placed under court control, they can lose authority over their finances, property, and even contact with family. In those situations, guardians can sell homes, drain pensions, and redirect assets with little meaningful oversight. Davey D connected this to his own family experience in Florida, noting how expensive and difficult it was to fight off an outside effort to take control of his father’s affairs. That personal story helped underline just how widespread and predatory these systems can be. Byars argued that deed theft often works as part of a broader crime network involving courts, developers, lawyers, and complicit public officials. She described cases in New York and Georgia where homes were allegedly sold without proper legal standing, families were cut out of the process, and elders with clear plans for their estates still lost control of property worth millions. She also stressed that these schemes often use trusted looking intermediaries, including people from the same community, to gain access to struggling homeowners. The conversation also placed deed theft in a larger historical context. Davey D drew connections between this crisis, the crack era, predatory lending, foreclosure waves, urban renewal, and gentrification. Byars agreed, saying these attacks on Black property ownership are deeply connected and thrive when communities are not organized. She called for stronger family planning, including trusts and estate preparation, and urged listeners to rebuild local organizing capacity. Before closing, Byars invited people to get involved with the People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft, stressing that this is not just a New York issue but a national one demanding urgency, education, and collective action. Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Understanding Home Title Theft (Deed Fraud). appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Radio – April 6, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D sat down with filmmaker Renee Moncada and Grammy winning producer Thomas McElroy to talk about Sons of the Sweet Science, a new documentary series that shines a light on Oakland’s deep boxing culture, family bonds, and the larger meaning behind the sport. Framed through a distinctly Bay Area lens, the conversation centered on what it means to tell your own story instead of waiting for outside institutions to recognize your community. Moncada explained that the series is about much more than punches and wins. She described it as a coming of age story rooted in fatherhood, consciousness, and what she called the metaphysics of boxing. For her, boxing is not just physical combat. It is strategy, precision, discipline, energy, and the unseen emotional forces that shape people’s lives. She shared that her interest in the sport came from family, culture, and years of watching her own son grow up in gyms and around fighters. McElroy added important historical context, noting that Oakland has long been a serious boxing city, even if it has not always received the same recognition as places like Philadelphia or Houston. He traced that legacy back generations, pointing to the Henry J Kaiser Center, the city’s gyms, and fighters like Andre Ward. He described Oakland boxers as all terrain fighters, athletes who can adapt to any style and who carry a particular grit, toughness, and heart. A major part of the conversation focused on Moncada and McElroy’s son, Tommy Jr., an elite amateur boxer who is now ranked nationally in two weight classes. His parents reflected on how boxing became a safe and affirming space for him, especially at a time when schools were trying to label him because of his high energy. Instead of viewing him as a problem, they saw a gifted young person who needed the right environment to thrive. That perspective became central to the film. The guests also discussed the challenge of filming boxing with patience and artistry, and why Moncada wanted to capture Oakland with beauty and depth. The four part series premieres April 4 and will air on KOFY TV20, YouTube, and at live events. In the end, the conversation made clear that Sons of the Sweet Science is not just about boxing. It is about Oakland, community, resilience, and the power of telling your own story. Sons of the Sweet Science Launches April 4 Across Broadcast, Digital, and Social Platforms New boxing content series explores the discipline, culture, and legacy of the sport through Oakland and the greater Bay Area OAKLAND, Calif. — April 4, 2026 — Sons of the Sweet Science, a new original boxing content series rooted in the real lives inside Oakland’s boxing gyms, will officially launch on April 4, 2026 across local broadcast stations, the official website SonsofTheSweetScience.com, YouTube, and social media platforms. 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 Sons of the Sweet Science with filmmaker Renee Moncada and Grammy winning producer Thomas McElroy appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Radio – April 2, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Professor Kevin R. Johnson to unpack a high stakes Supreme Court hearing centered on birthright citizenship and a controversial executive order issued by President Donald Trump. The conversation provided historical grounding, legal clarity, and a sobering look at the broader social implications. Professor Johnson began by explaining the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause, noting that anyone born on U.S. soil is a citizen, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. While the amendment was passed after the Civil War in part to overturn the Dred Scott decision and secure citizenship for formerly enslaved people, Johnson stressed that it was written broadly and applies to everyone born in the United States. He also pointed to the landmark Wong Kim Ark case, which affirmed citizenship for a U.S. born child of Chinese immigrants. The discussion also turned to the unusual presence of Trump at the Supreme Court hearing. Johnson noted that it is rare for a sitting president to attend oral arguments and suggested the appearance may have been designed to shape public opinion and send a message to the justices. Even so, he observed that the Court appeared well prepared and skeptical of the administration’s position, with signs that the executive order could be struck down as unconstitutional. Davey D pushed the conversation toward the racial politics surrounding immigration. Johnson argued that attacks on birthright citizenship are rooted in a race based view of immigration and have been aimed largely at Latino and other immigrant communities of color. He connected the current moment to earlier histories of exclusion, including anti Chinese laws and Mexican repatriation campaigns. One of the most powerful moments came when Johnson described the fear many families now face. He explained that immigrant households are being forced to prepare for sudden detention and deportation, creating deep trauma and insecurity. He compared those conversations to the painful talks Black families often have with their children about surviving police encounters. The interview closed with a reflection on politics and consequence. Johnson noted that many voters may have supported Trump over economic concerns, only to now confront the human cost of his immigration agenda. On the second part of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D spoke with Memphis organizer and creative journalist Amber Sherman about the deeper political and social crisis unfolding in Memphis. Framed around the recent No Kings protest, the conversation moved beyond a single incident and painted a picture of a city being used as a testing ground for aggressive policing, immigration enforcement, and environmentally harmful development. Sherman described how a peaceful march in downtown Memphis ended with police violently dragging, tasing, and tackling demonstrators, including marshals who were helping protect children, disabled participants, and slower walkers at the back of the protest. She stressed that the violence was unnecessary and followed a familiar pattern in Memphis, where police often escalate situations rather than deescalate them. Davey D connected the attack to the broader national landscape, noting that what happens in Memphis often reflects what communities across the country may soon face. Sherman agreed, arguing that Memphis has become a proving ground for state repression. She explained that even after Tyre Nichols’ killing, reforms have been limited. While local organizers won measures such as restrictions on pretextual traffic stops, limits on plainclothes and unmarked vehicle stops, and a public data transparency dashboard, Tennessee lawmakers and federal forces have found ways to override or bypass those protections. The conversation also turned to immigration enforcement, with Sherman warning that Black immigrants have been directly targeted and deported. She emphasized the need for Know Your Rights...

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with political scientist Dr. James Taylor for a powerful and timely conversation about celebrity influence, historical truth, and the growing impact of political disinformation. Sparked by recent comments from Nick Cannon and Amber Rose, the discussion unpacks a widely circulated but misleading claim about the political parties and their historical ties to the Ku Klux Klan. Rather than treating the moment as celebrity gossip, Davey D frames it as a deeper reflection of a national issue: the erosion of civic knowledge in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly. Dr. Taylor challenges the idea that visibility equals expertise, emphasizing that cultural influence does not always come with historical or political understanding. He breaks down the long arc of political realignment—from the New Deal through the Civil Rights Movement—clarifying how party ideologies shifted over time, and why simplified narratives about the past can be dangerously misleading. The conversation also explores how celebrities and influencers are increasingly used to market political ideas, much like consumer products. From social media algorithms to entertainment platforms, both Davey D and Dr. Taylor examine how recognizable faces and viral moments can shape public opinion—often prioritizing attention over accuracy. At the same time, the episode uplifts the enduring strength of Black cultural institutions and spaces. From organizations like the NAACP and Historically Black Colleges and Universities to the Black church and digital communities, Dr. Taylor highlights how collective knowledge, lived experience, and cultural expression continue to serve as tools for truth, accountability, and survival. Ultimately, this conversation is a call to action. Davey D and Dr. Taylor underscore the importance of political education in cutting through noise and misinformation. In a time of viral soundbites and historical confusion, they remind listeners that knowledge is power—and that informed communities are better equipped to respond with clarity, strategy, and purpose. 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 Celebrity, History, and the Politics of Misinformation 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 – March 30, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D spoke with Caroline of Code Pink about her recent trip to Cuba as part of an international aid delegation that delivered medicine and other essential supplies. The conversation centered on what she witnessed in Cuba, the harsh treatment she faced upon returning to the United States, and what she sees as the larger political message behind that response. Caroline described being detained and interrogated at the Miami airport after returning from Cuba. She said agents searched her belongings, questioned her in an intimidating setting, and pressed her about the purpose of the trip, the size of the delegation, her work as a nurse, her connection to Code Pink, and her personal views about Cuba. She made clear that the questioning did not feel routine. Instead, she said it felt political and designed to intimidate people involved in solidarity work. When asked what she saw in Cuba, Caroline painted a deeply human picture. She said the Cuban people she met were doing their best to maintain normal life under increasingly difficult conditions. She spoke about worsening living conditions, shortages, blackouts, weak communication systems, and the painful gap between those who still had basic necessities and those forced to search for food in the trash. As a nurse, she stressed that Cuba has highly skilled medical professionals, but even the best doctors cannot function fully without access to basic one time use supplies like syringes, IV materials, and medicines. A major part of the interview focused on the role of United States sanctions and blockades. Caroline said people in Cuba clearly understand that these policies are worsening daily life. She argued that the suffering she witnessed was not abstract, but immediate and visible. She also pushed back on media criticism that the delegation stayed in luxury hotels, explaining that United States travel restrictions limited where such a large group could legally stay. Davey D connected Caroline’s experience to a longer history of politically motivated harassment aimed at travelers and activists. Together, they discussed how fear, criminalization, and media distortion are used to discourage dissent. Despite the ordeal, Caroline said she is not backing down. She urged listeners to educate themselves, support activist efforts, know their rights, and be careful about propaganda and bad faith narratives. The interview ultimately framed solidarity with Cuba as both a humanitarian issue and a test of political courage. 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 Humanitarian or Target? The Cost of Standing with Cuba and Poor News Magazine appeared first on KPFA.

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with members of DVT—Tongo Eisen-Martin, Damani Rhodes, and Vadia—to discuss their powerful new album, Traveling Shoes. The conversation explores how the project blends poetry, music, and political consciousness to reflect the realities of Black life, resistance, and movement. Known for their deeply rooted connection to community struggles and cultural expression, the group breaks down the meaning behind Traveling Shoes—a title that evokes both physical journeys and the ongoing fight for justice and liberation. Davey D guides a rich discussion on the role of art in times of social and political upheaval, and how DVT uses sound and spoken word as tools for storytelling, healing, and organizing. The artists also share insight into their creative process, the influences that shaped the album, and how their individual voices come together to form a collective vision grounded in truth and transformation. This episode is a reflection on movement—across geography, generations, and consciousness—and a reminder of the enduring power of art to challenge, inspire, and uplift. 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 DVT—Tongo Eisen-Martin, Damani Rhodes, and Vadia—discuss their powerful new album, Traveling Shoes. appeared first on KPFA.

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D speaks with San Francisco State professor Michelle Toney about the Top 100 Powerful Black Women Summit in New York and the urgent issues shaping the lives of Black women right now. Davey frames the conversation by pointing to the deep challenges Black women are facing, including widespread job losses, attacks on race conscious support programs, pressure in academia, and frustration around politics and public life. Against that backdrop, he asks what it means to gather powerful Black women at such a critical moment. Michelle Toney explains that the summit is centered on community building, support, and collective problem solving. She says Black women have long served as the backbone of many institutions and movements, often without receiving full credit. For her, the summit is about saying no more to that pattern and building stronger systems of mutual support. She stresses that the key lesson of the gathering is networking with purpose. In her view, people need to know what problem they are trying to solve so they can connect with the right people, resources, and strategies. The conversation also explores the role of social media. Davey points out how negative and sensational images of Black women often get amplified online, while voices rooted in justice and community are pushed aside. Michelle responds by saying these same platforms must be used more intentionally to spread positive messages, share lived experience, and prepare younger generations for the challenges ahead. A major theme in the interview is leadership. Michelle says real leadership is often found not in celebrity culture, but in everyday people doing the work in their communities. She and summit organizer Shai both stress that younger people need to see authentic examples of Black women leading, mentoring, and opening doors rather than gatekeeping. Before wrapping up, Michelle shares that her keynote will focus on money mindset and helping Black women better understand their relationship to wealth and financial empowerment. The interview highlights the summit as a space for resilience, strategy, and intergenerational connection during a difficult political moment. In the second half of Hard Knock Radio, we spotlight Coach G—also known as Dalia “La Pantera” Gomez—for her work as a boxer, mentor, and founder of Vertical Skillz Outreach in Oakland. She reflects on her journey from athlete to community builder, and the powerful role boxing has played in transforming young lives at San Antonio Park. Coach G described how she built her program from the ground up, literally starting by hanging boxing bags from monkey bars in the park. What began as a grassroots effort eventually grew into a full boxing dome, made possible through persistence, community donations, and her own sacrifices while juggling multiple jobs. She framed the work as creating something meaningful out of limited resources, comparing it to people of color learning to grow through the cracks in concrete. Davey D pointed out that Coach G’s work goes far beyond boxing drills. Her program teaches the whole young person. Alongside conditioning and ring skills, she emphasizes discipline, grit, respect, responsibility, and practical life lessons. She teaches youth how to build, repair, and contribute, from using tools to helping set up the boxing ring. For Coach G, that hands on involvement helps young people value the space they are building together. The discussion also explored the commercialization of youth sports. Davey D contrasted expensive travel ball and private coaching cultures with Coach G’s community based, accessible model. She spoke candidly about the challenges of being a woman in boxing and in community sports leadership, especially when less qualified men often receive quicker funding and recognition. Still, she stays grounded in her mission, teaching youth that respect, accountability, and showing up matter just as much as winning. One of...

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Green Party candidate Dr. Butch Ware for a wide ranging conversation about ballot access, voter suppression, the crisis facing third party candidates, and the larger political climate heading into the California governor’s race. The discussion centered on Ware’s lawsuit against the California Secretary of State after officials attempted to remove him from the ballot over what he described as a minor clerical redaction issue in his tax documents. Ware argued that the case against him was never really about paperwork. Instead, he framed it as a deliberate effort to sideline a growing third party campaign that is beginning to gain traction. He said both major parties play different roles in undermining democracy, with Republicans trying to challenge results after elections and Democrats working before elections to narrow the field and eliminate candidates who threaten their power. He rejected the long standing claim that Green candidates simply “spoil” elections for Democrats, saying the evidence does not support that argument and that many Green voters come from non voters, independents, and people alienated by both parties. Davey D pressed Ware on the fear many people feel in this political moment, especially with rising authoritarianism, attacks on voting rights, repression of dissent, and the weaponization of labels like “domestic terrorist” against radicals and progressives. Ware responded by saying that neither major party can be trusted to stop fascism because both have helped create the conditions for it. He insisted that only a real left opposition rooted in organizing, anti imperialism, and working class politics can offer meaningful resistance. The conversation also dug into Gaza, the influence of AIPAC and the Zionist lobby, media blackouts, and the pressure placed on candidates who speak openly against genocide and war. Ware said his anti war, anti corporate message is resonating precisely because so many voters are tired of being forced to choose between what he described as two compromised parties. He closed the interview by linking politics and Hip Hop culture, even delivering a fiery rap aimed at the political establishment, underscoring his belief that the fight for political change is also a fight happening through culture. 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 Green Party Candidate Dr. Butch Ware 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 – March 23, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.