Empowering Voices: A Hard Knock Radio Conversation on Local Elections and Community Activism

KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D led a powerful roundtable discussion with community activists Pecolia Manigo from Oakland Rising Action, Stanley Thermidor of A New Way of Life, and Frankie Ramos from Dreams Beyond Bars and CURYJ. The conversation centered around the upcoming elections and highlighted the critical issues affecting local communities, particularly concerning incarceration and public safety.

### The Pulse of the Community

Pecolia Manigo kicked off the discussion by emphasizing the varied concerns voters express while canvassing. “When we’re on the doors… different people raise different issues,” she noted. The national presidential election seems to dominate the conversation, but Manigo underscored the importance of local propositions. “Folks typically don’t always go down the ballot,” she pointed out, stressing the need for widespread awareness about the propositions and deadlines, like the October 21st registration cutoff.

### Addressing Systemic Issues

Manigo highlighted significant topics that resonate with younger generations, including housing affordability and student debt. She asserted, “The biggest issue for all of us is housing and the price of housing.” Additionally, she expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its potential impact on voter sentiment. “Palestine is on everyone’s mind,” she said, reflecting a broader awareness of global issues affecting local communities.

Stanley Thermidor echoed these sentiments, sharing insights from his work with formerly incarcerated individuals. He noted that the systemic disparities experienced by these communities fuel a desire for change. “We’ve been waiting for a long time for other people to fix it,” he remarked, emphasizing that those affected must step up as advocates for their communities.

### Engaging the Youth

Frankie Ramos brought a refreshing perspective on engaging young voters. She emphasized the importance of deep organizing, stating, “People get really hyped up and really energized when they learn about the opportunities that are on the ballot.” Ramos believes that when young people have the chance to ask questions and engage in discussions, they become more motivated to participate in the electoral process.

### Prop 36: A Major Concern

A significant focus of the conversation was on Proposition 36, which threatens to reverse many gains made in criminal justice reform. “If this proposition passes for our communities, a lot of the supports that have really moved us closer to creating safer communities will be eliminated,” Manigo warned. Ramos reinforced this by stating, “We think that Prop 36 would not only undo what we’ve been able to do the past 10 years but is worse than what we had before.”

### The Importance of Participation

The roundtable concluded with a call to action for community members to participate actively in the upcoming elections. Thermidor urged listeners to engage beyond just casting votes. “It’s not just about your vote; it’s about your participation,” he said. “You have to stay involved, because that’s how you hold the people accountable.”

### Closing Thoughts

As the conversation wrapped up, each guest shared quick takeaways for listeners to consider as they prepare for the elections. Manigo highlighted the importance of knowing who funds the propositions, while Ramos encouraged everyone to educate themselves using reliable voter guides. Together, these activists are rallying their communities to not only vote but to advocate for systemic change that benefits all.

This insightful discussion reflects the vibrant activism within Oakland and the Bay Area, showcasing how community engagement can shape the political landscape for the better. As the elections approach, the voices of these advocates remind us that informed voting and active participation are essential in driving change and empowering communities.

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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