Hard Knock Radio Discusses the Soul Cinema Series with Kalanji Changa and Jeanine Etter / Talks Local Activism, Identity Theft, and Legal Struggles with Rahman Jamal and Dishon

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In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Kalanji Changa of Black Power Media and activist/producer Jeanine Etter to discuss their exciting new initiative, Soul Cinema Sundays. This event seeks to spotlight underrepresented Black films while providing an educational component about activism and social justice.

The Birth of Soul Cinema Sundays

Jeanine Etter, former Bay Area producer and now based in Atlanta, explained that Soul Cinema Sundays is a continuation of a grassroots initiative she started in the Bay Area years ago. Frustrated by the limited and often negative portrayals of Black people in mainstream cinema, she and her friends gathered in their homes to watch underground films. These included classics such as Chameleon Street, The Spook Who Sat by the Door, and Love, Sex, and Eating the Bones. The new series in Atlanta builds upon this tradition, bringing Black underground films to the big screen with a twist: each screening will feature an activist group discussing the themes of the film and how viewers can get involved in related causes.

The first film in the series is The Last Black Man in San Francisco, which will be shown on January 19. Following the screening, the Housing Justice League will discuss the ongoing issue of gentrification, making the event both a cultural and educational experience.

A Space for Political Education and Resistance

Kalanji Changa, a long-time activist and educator, shared his perspective on the importance of such a film series. As someone deeply involved in creative resistance, Changa believes that combining art with activism is essential for raising awareness and promoting social change. He emphasized that through Soul Cinema Sundays, they aim to engage people in the conversation around gentrification, imperialism, and cultural genocide—issues that are far from new but are gaining renewed relevance today.

Changa pointed out that many cities, including San Francisco, New Orleans, and even Atlanta, are experiencing similar challenges of displacement and cultural erasure. The Last Black Man in San Francisco serves as a perfect example of this phenomenon, exploring themes of belonging and loss as the Black community in San Francisco faces rapid gentrification.

The Importance of Art in the Struggle

Both Changa and Etter discussed how the current political climate amplifies the need for films that reflect the realities of Black life and resistance. As Changa put it, “Art imitating life and life imitating art” has never been more evident, as films like The Last Black Man in San Francisco are more than just stories—they are reflections of what’s happening in our communities today.

They also touched on the need to counteract the growing cultural censorship seen in the U.S., from book bans to attempts to silence films that highlight Black stories. The Soul Cinema Sundays series pushes back against these efforts by providing a platform for these vital narratives to be seen and discussed. As Etter mentioned, it’s not just about showing films; it’s about creating a community space for dialogue and activism.

The Significance of Gentrification and Cultural Resistance

Throughout the conversation, the topic of gentrification emerged as a central issue. Changa highlighted that gentrification is a form of cultural genocide, erasing the history and legacy of Black communities. He stressed that the displacement of Black people is not just a byproduct of rising rents but a deliberate process aimed at destroying the cultural fabric of cities.

Changa also reflected on the broader impact of systemic oppression and how artists, activists, and educators play a crucial role in resisting these forces. By creating spaces like Soul Cinema Sundays, they hope to raise awareness and inspire action among attendees.

Upcoming Films and Future Plans

Soul Cinema Sundays is just getting started, with more screenings planned for the coming months. After The Last Black Man in San Francisco, the next film in the series will be Spike Lee’s Bamboozled, a satirical take on the exploitation of Black culture in the entertainment industry. The film will be shown on February 9, with discussions around its themes of race, representation, and media manipulation.

Plans for March include a special screening for International Women’s Day, with a focus on films that highlight women’s voices and struggles.

How to Get Involved

For those in the Atlanta area, tickets for the screenings can be obtained through the Plaza Theater’s website, and further information can be found by following Orange Amber Productions on Instagram (@orangeamberproductionsco). The Soul Cinema Sundays initiative is not just about watching films; it’s about building a community committed to social change, making it an event worth attending for anyone passionate about activism, art, and resistance.

As Jeanine Etter said, this series is ultimately an act of love—a love for community, culture, and the fight for justice. Whether you’re an Atlanta local or someone tuning in from afar, Soul Cinema Sundays offers a powerful way to engage with important social issues through the lens of film and activism.

Conclusion

Soul Cinema Sundays provides a unique opportunity for film lovers and activists to come together, discuss pressing issues, and take action. With films like The Last Black Man in San Francisco and Bamboozled, the series aims to educate, empower, and inspire, while also creating a space for community building. In a time of cultural censorship and political strife, this series offers a necessary antidote—art, activism, and unity.

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D engaged in a critical conversation with Rahman Jamal, leader of Hip Hop Congress and founder of the AfroBushido Academy, and artist Dishon. The discussion delved into activism, political engagement, and a shocking case of identity theft in San Mateo County that has sent shockwaves through the community.

Local Political Struggles and Systemic Corruption

Rahman Jamal, a long-time community organizer, emphasized the growing need for local political engagement. His work with Hip Hop Congress, alongside the AfroBushido Academy, seeks to bridge cultural education and community activism. Recently, Jamal found himself thrust into an alarming situation that ties directly to the region’s justice system.

For over 60 years, San Mateo County has maintained a private defender system, which lacks proper oversight and fails to provide adequate legal defense to the community. This situation came to light when Jamal’s colleague, Carlos Levexier, faced legal turmoil involving his son’s wrongful arrest, stemming from what appears to be identity theft. The local justice system’s negligence and corruption have made it clear that public defenders are not the safeguard they should be.

Jamal’s work with the AfroBushido Academy, a martial arts dojo, also illustrates how community spaces can be instrumental in supporting cultural and social justice efforts. However, this case brings to light deeper issues within the legal system, where even innocent individuals can be caught up due to systemic failures.

Identity Theft and Legal Struggles: Dishon’s Story

Artist Dishon shared his personal struggle with identity theft and a false criminal case, which has kept him entangled in the justice system for over four years. In 2020, Dishon was wrongfully accused of a crime in Half Moon Bay—a city he has never even visited. The case was built on flawed evidence, including misidentified photos from social media and fabricated alibis. Despite the clear lack of evidence tying Dishon to the crime, he has faced immense pressure to take a plea deal, a common tactic used by the legal system to avoid further investigation.

Dishon’s case highlights a troubling pattern where individuals, especially Black and Brown people, are wrongfully accused and then pressured to settle for plea deals, often at the expense of their reputation and freedom. Dishon has been forced to fight for his innocence, documenting evidence and pushing for transparency, despite overwhelming odds stacked against him.

The Importance of Local Government Engagement

Both Jamal and Dishon stressed the urgency of getting involved in local government to prevent such miscarriages of justice. As Jamal pointed out, while national politics are often in the spotlight, the real battles are fought on the local level—where decisions are made that directly impact the community. The ongoing case of the San Mateo County sheriff, who has faced political and legal attacks for advocating police accountability, is a stark reminder of the efforts to suppress progressive leadership.

The episode also touched on the rise of authoritarianism, with Jamal noting how the national political landscape—especially with the rise of figures like former President Donald Trump—could fuel further attacks on activists and progressive movements. This makes local political engagement even more crucial to ensure that these injustices do not go unchecked.

Upcoming Town Hall and Community Engagement

To further raise awareness, Jamal and Dishon are organizing a Town Hall on January 18 at the AfroBushido Academy in Redwood City. The event will feature a board-breaking exhibition, an open mic night, and an opportunity for the public to hear directly from Dishon and other community members. Jamal hopes this will serve as a platform for those with similar experiences to share their stories and start building a collective case against the system’s abuses.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
• Time: 5:30 PM
• Location: AfroBushido Academy, 2699 Spring Street, Redwood City, CA, 94063

This Town Hall is more than just a gathering; it’s a call to action for those impacted by systemic injustice. Jamal encourages anyone who has faced similar legal struggles or injustice to come forward and join the fight for accountability and change.

As Jamal aptly noted, “If we can’t win in the courts because the courts are already compromised, then we have to win in the court of public opinion.” The more people speak out and support each other, the stronger the movement will become to dismantle the systems that perpetuate these injustices.

A Call for Awareness and Action

This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of how local systems, like the one in San Mateo County, can cause irreparable harm to individuals, particularly when citizens are disengaged. Dishon’s fight for justice and Jamal’s ongoing activism highlight the need for heightened awareness and proactive steps to safeguard individual rights. The time is now for communities to step up, get informed, and make their voices heard.

For those looking to get involved or learn more about the case, Jamal can be contacted at [e-mail]. The upcoming Town Hall is a vital opportunity to connect, learn, and support one another in this ongoing battle for 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 Hard Knock Radio Discusses the Soul Cinema Series with Kalanji Changa and Jeanine Etter / Talks Local Activism, Identity Theft, and Legal Struggles with Rahman Jamal and Dishon appeared first on KPFA.