In a powerful episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Dorsey Nunn, the co-founder of “All of Us or None,” to discuss his memoir “What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly: A Memoir of Resilience and Resurrection.” The conversation was an in-depth exploration of Nunn’s life, his activism, and the systemic issues faced by formerly incarcerated individuals.
### Discussing “What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly: A Memoir of Resilience and Resurrection”
The participants delved into the importance of acknowledging original sources of ideas, transparency in academic research, and making substantive works accessible to a broader audience. Nunn shared how recognizing structural discrimination and substantive writings impacted his life. His memoir, based on personal letters and diary entries, portrays issues related to race and policy in the Bay Area. The discussion also covered Nunn’s experiences as a young Black man incarcerated in the 1970s and the lasting effects on his life.
### Banned Books, Prisons, and Political Education
Davey D and Nunn discussed the suppression of political education in prisons, a practice Nunn experienced firsthand, leading to solitary confinement. They drew parallels between historical issues and current efforts to remove progressive district attorneys like Pamela Price, with undercover cops and paid signature gatherers involved in the campaign against her. The conversation highlighted the legacy of slavery and questioned the persistence of rules restricting reading in prisons.
### Dorsey’s Advocacy, Civil Rights, and Creativity Discussion
Nunn shared his journey as the first intern at legal services for prisoners with children and his advocacy for restoring civil rights for the incarcerated. He discussed the success of his organization in securing voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals. The conversation also touched on the undervaluation of creativity and innovation within marginalized communities and the exploitation of such creativity by those in power, highlighting broader societal implications.
### Dorsey’s Building Purchase, Non-Profit, and Book
Nunn shared his experiences with purchasing a building, the challenges he faced, and the importance of community benefits agreements. He discussed selling part of the building to a non-profit and emphasized themes of resilience and redemption in his book. The conversation concluded with Nunn’s plans to distribute his book to incarcerated individuals and an open invitation for continued discussions.
The conversation between Davey D and Dorsey Nunn was a powerful testament to resilience, advocacy, and the importance of sharing personal stories to challenge dominant narratives and promote social justice. The memoir, **”What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly,”** serves as a significant contribution to understanding the systemic issues faced by formerly incarcerated individuals and the ongoing fight for civil rights.
###Leonard Peltier / Political Prisoners
Later guest host Kalonji Changa speaks with Leonard Peltier’s Lead Attorney Jenipher Jones and Farida Mazlan, the curator of I Am Leonard Peltier about the incarceration of Leonard Peltier. The Leonard Peltier Official Ad Hoc Committee announces I Am Peltier, a commemorative art exhibition, vigil, and gathering of Bay Area community leaders. San Francisco, California – June 26, 2024. Opening Reception June 26st at SOMArts Cultural Center, 6pm to 10pm – 934 Brannan St, San Francisco CA.
In commemoration of Leonard Peltier’s 49th year of capture, and wrongful imprisonment, and the indelible mark he has left that inspires him to be revered and continuously fought for as a Native American and symbol of ongoing Indigenous oppression, the Leonard Peltier Official Ad Hoc Committee is presenting an exhibition featuring the art of Leonard Peltier and a vigil for his release.
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.