Community Upliftment Through Local Activism: A Conversation on Hard Knock Radio

KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with key figures from the Oakland community to discuss upcoming events and the state of local businesses. Jacky Johnson of Urban Peace Movement, Rita Forte of the Olive Street Agency, and DJ Fuze of Digital Underground shared their insights and experiences on how community efforts are making a positive impact despite challenges.

#### Highlighting Community Efforts in Oakland

Davey D introduced the session by highlighting an upcoming community block party in the Millsmont Seminary district, organized by the Urban Peace Movement. This event aims to support local businesses and revitalize the neighborhood through arts, culture, and economic recovery initiatives. Jacky Johnson emphasized the importance of these events, which are part of a broader effort funded by the Activate Oakland Event sponsorship program. She noted that out of 700 applications, only 38 were awarded, and their project was one of the fortunate few.

#### Addressing Challenges Faced by Local Businesses

Rita Forte, an entrepreneur and owner of the Olive Street Agency, spoke about the difficulties local business owners face in Oakland, particularly in the wake of negative media coverage and increased crime rates. Forte shared her concerns about the ongoing challenges of running a brick-and-mortar store, including the impact of theft and the competition from online shopping. She emphasized the importance of building a supportive community and creating a vibrant local economy that encourages residents to shop locally.

#### The Role of Media and Public Perception

Davey D and his guests discussed how media narratives often overshadow positive community efforts. They noted that stories about crime and business closures frequently dominate headlines, while successful community events and initiatives go unreported. This skewed representation can discourage investment and participation in local events. Johnson pointed out that the success of small businesses is crucial for community safety and cohesion, making it imperative to highlight and support these enterprises.

#### The Evolution of Socializing and Entertainment

DJ Fuze, a member of the legendary group Digital Underground, reflected on the changes in the nightlife and entertainment scenes in Oakland. He noted that while there has been a decline in weekday crowds at clubs, weekend events remain popular. Fuze also discussed the impact of technology on social interactions, with many people more focused on capturing content for social media rather than engaging in the moment. He suggested that creating cell phone-free environments could enhance the live music experience.

#### Musical Trends and the Future of Entertainment

DJ Fuze shared insights on current musical trends and the future of the entertainment industry. He noted that concert tours are struggling to sell out, largely due to high ticket prices. However, he highlighted that classic tours, such as those by Nas, are still successful because their fan base has more disposable income. Fuze explained that while big names like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift continue to draw crowds, lesser-known artists face significant challenges.

Fuze also talked about his experience as a DJ and how he has always been forward-thinking in introducing new music styles to the Bay Area. He recalled being one of the first to play modern Afrobeat tracks by artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid, which were initially met with skepticism but are now essential in any party playlist. Looking ahead, he identified Amapiano, a genre of house music originating from South Africa, as the next big trend. He predicted that its unique, mellow, yet powerful drum patterns would influence other music genres and become a staple in clubs worldwide.

#### Looking Forward: Building a Stronger Community

The conversation concluded with a look ahead to the upcoming block party, which promises to offer a range of activities, including live screen printing, free massages, haircuts, and family-friendly entertainment. Both Johnson and Forte expressed their excitement about the event and their hope that it will inspire ongoing support for local businesses in the Millsmont Seminary district.

In summary, the discussion on Hard Knock Radio underscored the importance of community-driven efforts to uplift local businesses and foster a positive environment in Oakland. By focusing on the strengths and resilience of the community, these initiatives aim to counter negative stereotypes and build a brighter future for the city.

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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.

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