• Support KPFA Today
    • Make a Donation
    • Other Ways To Donate
    • Become a Member
    • Donate Your Car
    • Join KPFA’s Legacy Circle
    • Volunteer
  • Programs
    • News & Politics
    • Culture
    • Music
    • All Programs A-Z
    • Submit a Show or Podcast Idea
  • Schedule
    • Program Grid
    • KPFA Schedule for Off-Air Maintenance
  • Archives
    • Episode Archive
    • Featured Archives
  • Area 941 Podcasts
  • Events
    • Events or Benefits
    • Community Calendar
    • KPFA Co-Sponsored Events
  • About
    • Mission
    • History
    • KPFA General Manager Reports
    • Local Station Board
    • Community Advisory Board
    • CPB Transparency
    • Facilities
  • How to Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • Directions
    • Studio Rentals
    • Jobs at KPFA
    • Jobs at Pacifica
    • Volunteer @ KPFA
    • Apprenticeship Program
    • Internships
    • Request/Submit a PSA
KPFA Logo KPFA Logo
Vigilant As Always
Listen Live
options
  • KPFB - Live
  • Area 941

On Air Prev | Next

07.08.25 - 3:00pm

Background Briefing

Listen

Discover our collection of on-line only podcasts!

🔻🔻🔻 KPFA TV 🔻🔻🔻

e-newsletter

What are you looking for?

Advanced Search

  • Archives
  • Schedule
  • Programs
  • Donate
  • Search
ContactWebsiteAbout
News & Politics

Hard Knock Radio

02.26.25 - 4:00pm

By siteadmin

Decolonizing Our Minds and Fighting White Supremacy w/ Melinda “Brown Girl Pride”

this episode is no longer available

Hard Knock Radios latest session featured a profound conversation with activist Melinda, also known as Brown Girl Pride. This dialogue shed light on vital social justice issues, particularly concerning the Latino community and its complex relationship with racial identity and systemic oppression and white supremacy.

The Essence of Speaking Truth to Power

Davey D opened the show by emphasizing the importance of providing a platform for voices that challenge misleading narratives and harmful stereotypes within the community. He introduced Melinda, who has been utilizing her social media presence effectively to address significant misconceptions, especially around the notion of Latinos voting in large numbers for conservative causes and the pursuit of proximity to whiteness within the community.

Melindas Journey of Awakening

Melinda shared that her journey of activism began paradoxically in the military, a place where she encountered diverse racial and ethnic groups, which was different from her predominantly Mexican and white community growing up. This exposure started her on a path to decolonize her understanding of her own identity and the broader social narratives fed to her through mainstream media.

Addressing Historical Erasure and Misinformation

A significant part of the discussion revolved around the erasure of historical truths, particularly concerning Latino histories. Melinda pointed out the detrimental effects of such erasures, not only in distorting public understanding but also in impacting the communities self-perception and political engagement. She stressed the empowerment that comes from reclaiming and teaching the true histories of oppressed communities.

The Role of Decolonization in Social Justice
Melinda and Davey D delved deep into the concept of decolonization, which Melinda described as a necessary, ongoing process of confronting and dismantling ingrained prejudices and systemic injustices that often manifest in racial, gender, and economic inequalities. She emphasized that decolonization involves more than just awareness; it requires a transformative approach to understanding and action.

A Call to Action Against Disinformation

Throughout the conversation, Melinda passionately argued against the disinformation rampant in political and media landscapes, particularly highlighting how false narratives about ethnic voting patterns can exacerbate divisions and perpetuate injustice. She called for vigilance and critical engagement with media to counteract these trends.

Challenging Misconceptions: The 52% Voting Statistic and Proximity to Whiteness

During the discussion, Melinda addressed the widely circulated statistic that 52% of Latinos voted for a conservative candidate, highlighting it as a flawed representation. She explained how this figure was misleading, based on inadequate sample sizes and premature data. This narrative oversimplified the diverse political views within Latino communities and ignored factors like voter suppression and misinformation.

Melinda also delved into the concept of proximity to whiteness, discussing how assimilation and identity are influenced by societal pressures. She argued that these pressures often lead some individuals within minority groups to align themselves with majority norms and values, which can include political affiliations, in an effort to gain acceptance or avoid discrimination. She also detailed how weaponized and circumstantial. It changes from region to region and emerges at various time periods as a way to divide communities and enhance the majority population.

Conclusion: Harnessing Media for Education and Empowerment

The discussion concluded with Melinda encouraging listeners to use every available platform to educate themselves and others. She highlighted her educational initiatives on social media, where she engages in book studies and discussions to deepen the understanding of indigenous histories and current social justice issues.

This powerful session on Hard Knock Radio not only illuminated the struggles and resistance of marginalized communities but also underscored the crucial role of media in shaping, challenging, and advancing the discourse around racial and social 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.

Address 1929 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley CA 94704 Phone 510.848.6767 Contact Us

KPFA Public Meetings

No meetings listed for the next 3 weeks.

View All Pacifica Meetings

KPFA boards, committees and organizations

  • Local Station Board
  • |
  • Pacifica National Board
  • |
  • Community Advisory Board
  • |
  • Union - CWA Local 9415
  • |
  • Unpaid Staff Organization - UPSO
  • |
  • Pacifica Foundation Radio
  • |
  • Bylaws
  • |
  • Pacifica Radio Archives
  • |
  • Pacifica Network

KPFA is also heard on KPFB 89.3 FM in Berkeley and KFCF 88.1 FM in Fresno.

FCC Applications.

KPFA FCC Public Files & KPFB FCC Public Files. Yearly EEO Reports.

Pacifica designated agent to receive notice of claimed infringements.

© 2025 KPFA & PACIFICA. All Rights Reserved.