On today’s show Davey D and Chris Emdin delve into several critical topics related to social justice, education, and the black community’s struggle for equity and freedom.
They start off the show with, Emdin expressing his skepticism about the concept of allyship and co-conspiratorship, believing that these terms often lead to inaction and compromise, especially when individuals prioritize maintaining favorable relationships with white communities over supporting black causes. He emphasizes the importance of people demonstrating their commitment through action and sacrifice rather than merely offering lip service or peripheral support. Emdin also highlights how black activists have historically fought for their rights, yet the response from others, even within progressive circles, has sometimes fallen short.
Moreover, Chris Emdin underlines the significance of Afrocentric educational models within existing institutions, rejecting the idea of divestment and emphasizing the need for black education to infiltrate mainstream spaces. He encourages the reclamation of words and concepts that have been colonized or distorted in the pursuit of black liberation.
In the second part of the show, the focus shifts to the challenges faced by black educators and intellectuals in contemporary society. They discuss the devaluation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and how even accomplished black professionals are sometimes marginalized or questioned. Chris Emdin encourages individuals to decolonize their minds, invest in institutions, steep children in radical black history, and reclaim words and concepts that have been co-opted.
Overall, these discussions highlight the ongoing struggle for black freedom, justice, and educational equity. They emphasize the importance of collective action, radical self-affirmation, and the reclamation of language and concepts in the pursuit of a more equitable society.
Later we hear from Nora Barrows-Friedman and Ali Abunimah with The Electronic Intifada about what’s happening in Gaza.
Christopher Emdin, an associate professor with Teacher’s College, Columbia University.
Nora Barrows-Friedman is a journalist. Since 2012 she has served as associate editor and audio production director for The Electronic Intifada.
Ali Abunimah is the executive director and co-founder of The Electronic Intifada
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.