Shows
MHD Off the Record[Re-Air] Ep. 33 Are Community Resources Truly Accessible? (Feat. Rocsii Woolley and Lauren Brazile)Los Angeles is a huge city with many resources and opportunities. However, figuring out how to get access to the right resources—whether it’s housing, jobs, or financial support—can be overwhelming. So who should be responsible for making sure people get the help they need? Should the government be doing more, or are community organizations better equipped to step in? Are we empowering ourselves, or are we asking too much from the system?Sitting down with Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson to answer these questions are Lauren Brazile, President of We Grow LA, an org...
2025-12-0833 minMHD Off the RecordEp. 38: What is California's Prop. 50?On this episode, the roles have shifted a little... Producer, Chavonne Taylor, steps into the host role to interview Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson about Proposition 50, the single item on California’s November 2025 special ballot.At its core, Prop 50 would put new, temporary voting maps in place for the upcoming election — a direct response to efforts in Texas and other states to tilt congressional districts in President Trump’s favor. The measure has sparked confusion and misinformation, with some claiming it ends independent redistricting. In this conversation, we break down what Prop 50 actually says, why it’s t...
2025-09-2933 minMHD Off the RecordEp. 37 How Can Communities Protect Each Other? (Feat. Maya Suzuki-Daniels & Lupe Cardona)On this episode, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson sits down with with Maya Suzuki-Daniels and Lupe Carrasco Cardona about immigrant rights, community safety, and the grassroots organizing behind the Harbor Area Peace Patrols. These patrols, launched in San Pedro, are part of a broader effort by the Community Self-Defense Coalition — an alliance of more than 65 organizations across Los Angeles and Southern California working to defend immigrant rights and respond collectively to ICE activity. Maya is a teacher, union leader, and a founding organizer of the Harbor Area Peace Patrols. Lupe is an award-winning Ethnic Studies educator, chair of...
2025-09-1550 minMHD Off the RecordEp. 36 Why Do We Need Public Investment in Youth Sports? (Feat. Renata Simril)Renata Simril is the President and CEO of the LA84 Foundation, a nationally recognized leader in youth sports equity and legacy planning. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded access to sports for young people across Southern California, particularly in underserved communities, with a focus on closing the play equity gap.Born and raised in Los Angeles, Renata brings a deep understanding of the city’s challenges and opportunities. Her career spans the military, private sector, and public service, including leadership roles at the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers, and the City of Los Angeles. She also pl...
2025-09-0150 minMHD Off the RecordEp. 35 What Does it Take to Protect Immigrant Rights? ( Feat. Angelica Salas and Ernesto Rocha)On this episode, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson delves into the critical issues of immigrant rights, the profound impact of storytelling, and how both shape justice and community in Los Angeles.Angelica Salas is a nationally recognized immigrant rights leader and Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (or Chirla), a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that advocates for the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees, working to advance justice and full inclusion for all immigrants . An immigrant from Durango, Mexico, Angelica came to the U.S. as a child and later...
2025-08-181h 06MHD Off the RecordSouth LA Highlight: Low Rider Solidarity and Unity RideIn this episode, Los Angeles City Council Staffer, Chavonne Taylor, sits down with Andre Christian of Watts Life United, Roman Maldonado from Thee Illusions Car Club, and Dwight Lewis of the National Lowrider Association. These men are some of the organizers behind the Stop the Hate & Stop the Raids Solidarity Ride taking place August 10th and kicking off 9am at Mcarthur park. This event was created in direct response to the recent wave of ICE raids across Los Angeles, especially in South Central. It aims to demonstrate solidarity and support within communities facing political turmoil. The ride is explicitly d...
2025-08-0437 minMHD Off the RecordSouth LA Highlight: 27th Street BakeryLos Angeles's own Jeanette Bolden-Pickens is the third-generation owner of 27th Street Bakery, a historic South LA business known nationwide for its legendary sweet potato pies. A proud Angeleno, she took over the family legacy started by her grandfather in 1956—keeping its deep community roots while expanding its reach across the country. Under her leadership, the bakery has weathered everything from economic shifts to a global pandemic, all while staying true to its mission of serving tradition by the slice.Before returning to the family business, Jeanette was a world-class sprinter and Olympic gold medalist. She later be...
2025-07-2150 minMHD Off the RecordLA Resource: Know Your (Immigration) RightsOn this episode of MHD Off the Record’s LA Resources, Los Angeles City Council Staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Ritu Mahajan Estes of Public Counsel about your rights regardless of immigration status, what to do during an ICE encounter, and how communities can safely support one another during times of increased enforcement.Rithu Mahajan Estes is the Directing Attorney of the Community Development Project at Public Counsel. She leads the team providing pro bono legal and policy support to nonprofits, small businesses, street vendors, and community coalitions across Los Angeles County. Under her leadership, the project ac...
2025-06-2336 minMHD Off the RecordKeys to the City: South LA's Development Services CenterOn this episode, Los Angeles City Council staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Kinikia Gardner, a Senior Planner with the Los Angeles City Planning Department. With more than two decades of experience in urban planning, Kinikia has focused her career on making the planning process more accessible and equitable, especially for historically underserved communities.She currently leads the South LA Development Services Center, one of only a few centers across the city where residents, business owners, and developers can get in-person help with permits, zoning, land use, and development questions. These centers are part of the Planning Department’s...
2025-06-0931 minMHD Off the Record[Re-Air] How Can We Understand Black History Through Art? Feat. Naima KeithLos Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harrs-Dawson sitsdown with Naima Keith, Vice President of Education and Public Programs at LACMA, about the important role of Black Art in LA History.Naima J. Keith is the Vice President of Education and Public Programs at LACMA. Within her role, she oversees all aspects of and sets the vision for LACMA’s innovative and exhibition-driven educational programming that serves more than 650,000 community members annually.Prior to her position at LACMA, Keith was the Deputy Director and Chief Curator at the California African American Museum where she guided the cu...
2025-05-2638 minMHD Off the Record*Bonus Episode*: Tackling LA's Budget feat. Councilmember Katy YaroslavskyLos Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky represents LA’s 5th District and currently serves as Chair of the City Council’s Budget, Finance, and Innovation Committee. A native Angeleno and environmental attorney, she brings a policy-driven approach to tackling some of the city’s most urgent challenges, including fiscal responsibility, climate resilience, and equity. As Budget Chair, Yaroslavsky is at the forefront of navigating a billion-dollar deficit facing the city. She is focused on ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the budgeting process while protecting core services like homelessness response, public safety, and infrastructure. Her leadership reflects a balance of compas...
2025-05-1922 minMHD Off the RecordSouth LA Highlight: Vallarta on CrenshawLos Angeles City Council staffer, Chavonne Taylor, sits down with Cesar Gonzalez, COO of Vallarta Supermarkets, about valuing families, communities, and creating access to both jobs and healthy food in South Los Angeles.Cesar Gonzalez is the Chief Operating Officer of Vallarta Supermarkets, a family-owned grocery chain founded in 1985 and rooted in California’s Latino communities. Under his leadership, Vallarta has expanded to 59 stores, including 27 in Los Angeles County. In 2025, Vallarta opened a nearly 50,000-square-foot store at Crenshaw and Slauson, a predominantly Black neighborhood that had gone without a full-service grocery store for four years. The store br...
2025-05-1229 minMHD Off the RecordEp. 34 What Does Real Public Safety Look Like? (Feat. John Kim)The 1992 Los Angeles Civil Unrest, sparked by the acquittal of officers in the brutal beating of Rodney King, exposed deep cracks in the systems meant to protect and serve. More than thirty years later, what actions can we take to create real public safety practices that center justice, equity, and community care?Joining Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson to explore these questions is John Kim, President and CEO of Catalyst California (formerly Advancement Project California). John shares his personal reflections on the uprising and how it continues to shape his work today. He also discusses...
2025-04-2850 minMHD Off the RecordKeys to the City: Organics LA and the Zero Waste InitiativeThe Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) is the city department responsible for protecting public health and the environment through waste management, water reclamation, pollution prevention, and sustainability programs that touch every Angeleno’s life. On this episode, Los Angeles City Council staffer, Chavonne Taylor, is joined by Jennifer Pinkerton, Assistant Director of LASAN, and James Roska, Environmental Supervisor, who both play key roles in advancing the City’s OrganicsLA and Zero Food Waste initiatives. Together, they offer insight into how Los Angeles is tackling food waste at every level—from inside city departments to household kitchens across the city.R...
2025-04-1452 minMHD Off the Record[Re-Air] South LA Highlight: LA FocusOn this episode, Los Angeles City Council staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Lisa Collins, founder and publisher of LA Focus, a monthly newspaper dedicated to highlighting news relevant to LA’s African American community. A passionate Los Angeles native, Lisa aims to equip Black Angelenos with essential information and resources, emphasizing the church's role in community empowerment. Before founding LA Focus, she served as the gospel editor at Billboard Magazine for over a decade and established the renowned “The Gospel Music Industry Round-Up.” Her entertainment reporting career includes interviews with notable entertainers such as Richard Pryor, Michael Jackson, and Prince...
2025-04-011h 01MHD Off the RecordEp. 33 Are Community Resources Truly Accessible? (Feat. Rocsii Woolley and Lauren Brazile)Los Angeles is a huge city with many resources and opportunites. However, figuring out how to get access to the right resources—whether it’s housing, jobs, or financial support—can be overwhelming. So who should be responsible for making sure people get the help they need? Should the government be doing more, or are community organizations better equipped to step in? Are we empowering ourselves, or are we asking too much from the system?Sitting down with Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson to answer these questions are Lauren Brazile, President of We Grow LA, an org...
2025-03-1733 minMHD Off the RecordKeys to the City: Wildfire Recovery for L.A. BusinessesThe City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department (or EWDD) drives economic growth by supporting thriving businesses and creating job training and career opportunities across Los Angeles. Their mission focuses on fostering a strong workforce, sustainable neighborhoods, and prosperous communities throughout the city. EWDD also plays a vital role in providing resources and support for businesses impacted by the unprecedented wildfires our city recently faced, helping them to recover and thrive in the face of adversity.For this discussion, we speak with Frederick Jackson, the Assistant General Manager of Economic Development for EWDD. With over 25 years o...
2025-02-0332 minMHD Off the Record[Re-Air]MHD OTR South LA Highlight: TG Boxing GymOn this episode, Los Angeles City Council staffer Chavonne Taylor speaks with Rudy and Ana Garcia, owners of Team Garcia Boxing Gym in South Central Los Angeles. TG Boxing Gym has experienced trainers and coaches who can help you reach your goal to compete as an amateur or pro boxer. Team Garcia also gives back to their local community by being a safe space for the local youth through their non-profit which provides sparring and boxing classes for children as young as 7 years old. Rudy is a South Central native who has been boxing since 10 years old, competitively boxing...
2025-01-0640 minMHD Off the RecordKeys to the City: Mark Twain Branch of the Los Angeles Public LibraryYou’re listening to MHD OTR’s Keys to the City, where we help unlock access to the city’s best-kept secrets—free and low-cost resources that can make a real difference in your life. Each episode, we give you the keys to opportunities and programs that you might not know about, but should absolutely take advantage of.On this episode, Los Angeles City Council staffer speaks with Christopher Taylor who currently serves as an Adult Librarian at the Mark Twain Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, where he provides a range of services to support the comm...
2024-12-2331 minMHD Off the RecordCity in All Directions: Mama's International Tameles, Audubon Center at Debs Park, LA State Historic ParkFor this episode of MHD Off The Record’s City in All Directions, we take you through Los Angeles City Council District 1 and spotlight places in the City of Los Angeles where you can eat, learn, and play! From hidden gems to community favorites, we’re here to connect you with local spots, resources, and opportunities that enrich life across the city. So, if you're looking to eat a great meal, develop a new skill, or just have a good time, here, we explore how each LA City Council District shines in every direction. Council District 1 is repre...
2024-12-0909 minMHD Off the RecordKeys to the City: Jackie Tatum Harvard Park and Recreation CenterYou’re listening to MHD OTR’s Keys to the City, where we help unlock access to the City of Los Angeles's best-kept secrets—free and low-cost resources that can make a real difference in your life. Each episode, we give you the keys to opportunities and programs that you might not know about, but should absolutely take advantage of.Jackie Tatum Harvard Park serves as a crucial hub for South Los Angeles, offering a wide range of free and low-cost programs aimed at youth development, community health, and recreation. The park addresses issues of physical activity, commun...
2024-11-2527 minMHD Off the RecordCity in All Directions: Follow Your Heart Cafe, Leonis Adobe Museum, Lanark Skate ParkMHD Off The Record’s 'City in All Directions' highlights the best places to eat, learn, and play throughout Los Angeles. From hidden gems to community favorites, this segment connects listeners with local spots, resources, and opportunities that enrich life across the city. For this episode of City in All Directions, we take a trip through Los Angeles Council District 3, represented by Council President Pro Tempore Bob Blumenfield. This district includes neighborhoods such as Woodland Hills, Reseda, and Canoga Park.Resources:District Website: cd3.lacity.govEat: Follow Your Heart Market & Ca...
2024-11-1110 minMHD Off the RecordCity in All Directions: Sawtelle Japantown, Will Rogers State Historic State Park, Electric LodgeMHD Off The Record’s 'City in All Directions' highlights the best places to eat, learn, and play throughout Los Angeles. From hidden gems to community favorites, this segment connects listeners with local spots, resources, and opportunities that enrich life across the city. For this episode of City in All Directions, we’re heading to the Westside of LA to explore Council District 11, represented by Councilmember Traci Park. This district covers some of LA’s most famous neighborhoods like Venice, Playa del Rey, Westchester, Mar Vista, Ladera, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Playa Vista, and Sawtelle.Resources:D...
2024-10-2810 minMHD Off the Record[REMIXED] MHD OTR South LA Highlight: Patrick Henry JohnsonOn this episode, Los Angeles City Council Staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Destination Crenshaw artist Patrick Henry Johnson. Patrick Henry Johnson is an internationally acclaimed visual artist based in Los Angeles. Johnson was born in Valdosta, Georgia Johnson attended The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida before moving to LA to further his career as an artist. In 1993, Johnson undertook a five-year apprenticeship with an international mural company where he learned the basics of mural making and began to hone his own unique style. Johnson’s artwork can be seen in various parts of Los Angeles including a 72 x 14-f...
2024-10-1447 minMHD Off the RecordCity in All Directions: El Carrusel Bakery, Valley Relics Museum, Sepulveda BasinMHD Off The Record’s 'City in All Directions' highlights the best places to eat, learn, and play throughout Los Angeles. From hidden gems to community favorites, this segment connects listeners with local spots, resources, and opportunities that enrich life across the city. For our first episode of City in All Directions, we’re heading to the heart of the San Fernando Valley to explore Council District 6, represented by Councilmember Imelda Padilla. This district covers a diverse range of neighborhoods, including Sun Valley, Panorama City, Arleta, and Lake Balboa.ResourcesDistrict website: cd6.laci...
2024-09-3009 minMHD Off the RecordSouth LA Highlight: Coffee Del MundoOn this episode, we speak with Jonathan Kinnard, co-founder of Coffee Del Mundo, a specialty coffee shop located in South Los Angeles. Originally from Tennessee, Jonathan transitioned from the insurance industry to coffee after studying roasting in Turkey. His café is dairy-free and supports Black and Latinx communities, promoting non-European coffee traditions and direct relationships with farmers. Jonathan’s vision is to foster social change through conscious consumerism and to bring people together by celebrating cultural diversity through coffee. Coffee Del Mundo is known for its high-quality, ethically sourced coffee and dedication to sustainability.Resources:www...
2024-08-191h 01MHD Off the RecordSouth LA Highlight: Air WestOn this episode, we speak with Chris Young, co-founder of Air West, an elite basketball run + youth clinic based in Los Angeles. Currently, they host a free weekly basketball clinic in Exposition Park for youth ages 5 to 13. Here, kids can work with expert trainers to help them develop their skills. Chris has an extensive background in sports instruction and community engagement. He served as a basketball instructor for the City of Los Angeles, conducting clinics, evaluations, and coaching teams in the Junior Clippers League and the Clippers Late Night Hoops League. Chris also served as an Assistant V...
2024-08-051h 02MHD Off the RecordSouth LA Highlight: Charlotta Bass (feat. Susan Anderson)On this episode, we are doing our first posthumous highlight honoring Charlotta Spears Bass, a pioneering African American journalist and civil rights activist, best known for her work with the California Eagle, one of the oldest and longest-running African American newspapers in the United States. For this conversation, we speak with historian and author Susan Anderson. Susan is the History Curator and Program Manager at the California African American Museum here in Los Angeles, and a member of the editorial board of California History journal. Previously, she was Director of Collections, Library, Exhibitions and Programs at the California Historical So...
2024-07-221h 13MHD Off the RecordSouth LA Highlight: Barber GurusOn this episode, we speak with Carlos Spivey and Mona Gotoy, Founder and co-Founder of Barber Gurus inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young barbers through training, mentorship, and community service. Carlos, a seasoned barber and educator, founded the organization to nurture new talents and provide community support, including free haircuts for those in need. Mona, with her background in finance, serves as the Vice President, enhancing financial literacy and organizing various workshops. Together with Treasurer and partner Cameron Ellis, they embody the mission of Barber Gurus Inc., using their diverse skills to foster a new generation of skilled...
2024-07-0856 minMHD Off the RecordEp. 30 What is The Value of Youth Music and Arts Education? Feat. Patrice RushenOn this episode, MHD speaks with music icon, Patrice Rushen about her journey as a youth learning and performing music to becoming one of the most accomplished musicians in the world. She shares insights into how her musical education started in her early childhood and why it is important to continue to invest in youth arts education today.Patrice Rushen is an award-winning musician, composer, and one of the most sought-after artists in the music industry. A classically trained pianist, she gained fame in the '70s and '80s with her fusion of jazz, pop, and...
2024-06-241h 33MHD Off the RecordEp. 29 The Crossover? Feat. Nick Hamilton, Isaac Bryan, and Karim WebbFor this episode, MHD talks basketball, entrepreneurship, voting and more with Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Social Entrepreneur Karim Webb and guest host Nick Hamilton of The Nick Hamilton Experience.Nick Hamilton is the founder of Nitecast Media, a platform created to address the perspectives and needs of Black communities and other communities of color. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Nick's passion for writing began in high school under the guidance of his teacher, Mr. Larry Strauss. Despite facing challenges and doubts, Nick's dedication to media led him to create a company that emphasizes authentic storytelling in sports...
2024-06-101h 49MHD Off the RecordEp. 28 Can Holistic Strategies Curb Violence in Los Angeles? Feat. Connie RiceConnie Rice, is a lawyer and author renowned for coalition legal cases and campaigns that fight systemic injustice to advance multiracial democracy. Her work has won over $10 billion in damages and policy changes that expanded safety and opportunity for millions in poor neighborhoods. Rice’s advocacy has earned over 50 major awards and prompted Los Angeles Magazine to call her “the voice for LA’s oppressed. In 2013, Rice won the John W. Gardener Award for being “the indispensable architect of the transformation of…Los Angeles’ approach to both policing and to its longstanding gang epidemic.” In 2014, President Barack Obama appointed Rice to his Pre...
2024-05-271h 34MHD Off the Record[Re-Air] MHD OTR South LA Highlight: White Hall Arts AcademyOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Tanisha Hall, founder of the White Hall Arts Academy, a performing and visual arts education facility here in South Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, the White Hall Arts Academy offers a blend of classical and contemporary arts training to children and adults. Tanisha is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with an instrumental focus on voice. She has been teaching private lessons since 2002 and has enjoyed a 15-year career in the music industry before starting White Hall Arts Academy. She, along with her team of highly talented and qualified instructors, specializes in...
2024-05-1347 minMHD Off the Record[Remixed] Ep. 12 Do We Need New Models of Policing and Public Safety? Feat. Leslie Cooper Johnson and Brian BentleyThe 1992 Los Angeles Uprising was sparked after a jury acquitted four LAPD officers who had been charged with using excessive force in the arrest and beating of Rodney King on April 29, 1992. For the anniversary of the civil unrest, MHD and his co-host, Chavonne Taylor, discuss new policing and public safety models with PUSH LA (Promoting Unity, Safety & Health in Los Angeles) convener Leslie Cooper Johnson and former LAPD Officer Brian S. Bentley.Leslie Cooper Johnson is the Vice President of Organizational Development at Community Coalition, or CoCo, a social justice organization in South Los Angeles, where she...
2024-04-291h 19MHD Off the RecordSouth LA Highlight: Word of Life Christian BookstoreOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with the owners and founders of Word of Life Christian Bookstore. The bookstore was founded by Joseph and Evelyn Curtiss in 1961 following their move to South LA during the Great Migration. As the oldest operating Black Bookstore in Los Angeles, it has become a community pillar, managed and now owned by their son Jonathan Curtiss and his wife LaShalle, who celebrate 35 years of marriage. Alongside their two adult sons, they ensure the bookstore's growth and its mission to support the community through connections with over 500 churches and faith-based organizations. The Curtiss family's dedication...
2024-04-1557 minMHD Off the RecordEp. 27 How Can we Learn about LA's Robust History and Heritage? Feat. Evan LovettOn this episode, MHD talks about the fascinating and rich history of the great City of Los Angeles with Evan Lovett.Evan Lovett is the dynamic creator of social media mainstay "L.A. in a Minute" and host of its engaging podcast, In a Minute with Evan Lovett. He emerges from the community of North Hills, fueled by a profound love for Los Angeles. A UCLA journalism graduate, he has worked for the L.A. Times, NBC, and later began working in the AdTech space. Launched in 2022, the series delves into L.A.'s rich history and cu...
2024-04-011h 26MHD Off the RecordEp. 26 How Do We Support Justice-Involved Individuals in South LA? Feat. Susan BurtonOn This episode, MHD talks with A New Way of Life founder, Susan Burton, about her journey to criminal justice activism and the ways we can support those who are coming home after being incarcerated.Susan Burton, an esteemed advocate for criminal justice reform and the founder of A New Way of Life, who has dedicated her life to supporting formerly incarcerated women by providing housing, legal services, and a path to personal empowerment. Having personally navigated the challenges of re-entry after nearly two decades in and out of the criminal justice system, Susan's journey began with...
2024-03-1857 minMHD Off the RecordEp. 25 How Do Our Artists Stay Rooted and Invested in the Community? Feat. D SmokeOn this episode, MHD talks about education, family, and community with Inglewood's own D Smoke. Daniel “D Smoke” Farris is an acclaimed American rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to fame after winning Netflix's "Rhythm + Flow" in 2019. Known for his seamless blend of rap, R&B, jazz, and gospel, and for incorporating both English and Spanish in his lyrics, D Smoke's music often tackles themes of social justice, community, and identity. His debut album, "Black Habits," released in 2020, was critically praised and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. With a background as a music educ...
2024-03-041h 07MHD Off the RecordEp. 24 What is the Impact and Legacy of the African-American Church in Los Angeles? Feat. Dr. Lorn FosterIn honor of Black History Month, MHD, co-host Chavonne Taylor, and special guest co-host, Maurice Johnson, speak with Dr. Lorn S. Foster about the history of the Black Church in Los Angeles.Professor Lorn S. Foster is an Emeritus Professor of Politics at Pomona College renowned for his research on race, community, and power, with a focus on the African American experience. His work has particularly explored Black immigration to Los Angeles from 1900 to 1950 and the role of the African American church in social mobility. Foster's research is influenced by significant historical accounts and has been featured...
2024-02-191h 03MHD Off the Record[Re-Air] Ep. 8 What is the Legacy of Black Los Angeles? feat. Larry Earl Jr.To kick off Black History Month, MHD and co-host Chavonne Taylor discuss the legacy and historical impact of Black Los Angeles with historian Larry Earl Jr. Larry Earl Jr. is a Leimert Park resident and owner of 1619 Exhibits, a dynamic boutique arts firm that specializes in designing distinctive exhibitions, providing expert archival solutions, producing engaging public programming, and activating public spaces with vibrant civic art and cultural projects. With well over two decades of experience in museums and the field of cultural arts, Larry has been associated with some of our nation’s preeminent cultural institutions. Prior to...
2024-02-0524 minMHD Off the Record[Re-Air] Ep. 18 How Can we Triumph Through Trauma? Feat. Chef Keith CorbinIn this episode, MHD and cohost Chavonne Taylor speak with chef and entrepreneur Keith Corbin about his journey growing up in Watts, navigating gang and drug culture to becoming a celebrated executive chef and co-owner of Alta Adams in South LA. His modern soul food restaurant was named one of the best new restaurants in the country by both Esquire and Thrillist, and has consistently been on the LA Times best restaurant list. Corbin was formerly Director of Operations for Roy Choi and Daniel Patterson’s Locol restaurant group, and also worked for Patterson at his Michelin-starred fine dining re...
2024-01-2248 minMHD Off the Record[Re-Air] Ep. 9 How Can We Understand Black History Through Art? Feat. Naima KeithMHD and Co-Host Chavonne Taylor speak with Naima Keith, Vice President of Education and Public Programs at LACMA, about the important role of Black Art in LA History.Naima J. Keith is the Vice President of Education and Public Programs at LACMA. Within her role, she oversees all aspects of and sets the vision for LACMA’s innovative and exhibition-driven educational programming that serves more than 650,000 community members annually.Prior to her position at LACMA, Keith was the Deputy Director and Chief Curator at the California African American Museum where she guided the curatorial and ed...
2024-01-0838 minMHD Off the Record[Re-Air] Ep. 20 How Can We Develop New Strategies to Address Poverty? Feat. Michael TubbsMHD and Co-host Chavonne Taylor speak with former mayor of Stockton, California Michael Tubbs about his rise in politics, the importance of addressing basic human needs to decrease violent crime, and how his pilot Guaranteed Basic Income program inspired other cities (including Los Angeles) to do the same.Michael Tubbs is the Founder of the non-profit organization, End Poverty in California (EPIC), the Founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI), and the Special Advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom for Economic Mobility and Opportunity. In 2016, he was elected Mayor of Stockton at 26-years-old. He was the...
2023-12-1152 minMHD Off the Record[Re-Air] Ep 6: What is the Future of the South L.A. Food Scene? Feat. Chef De Cuisine Martin DraluckFor this episode, Marqueece Harris-Dawson is joined by Martin Draluck, Chef de Cuisine at Post and Beam in South LA, formerly of Hatchet Hall in Culver City. You may know Chef Mark for his work on the Netflix docuseries 'High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America.'Resources:www.latimes.com/food/story/2021-12-07/chef-martin-draluck
2023-11-2723 minMHD Off the Record[Re-Air]Ep. 15 How Have African Americans Historically Shaped and Experienced L.A? Feat. Dr. Alison Rose JeffersonAfrican Americans have a long and rich history in the development of Los Angeles and yet, it is only sparsely recognized. MHD and co-host, Chavonne Taylor, sit down with Dr. Alison Rose Jefferson, a historian who has not only researched and documented Black History in Los Angeles but has contributed to its official recognition in communities and cities throughout the county. She talks with MHD about the ways African Americans have contributed to the development of Los Angeles, why Black LA history documentation has been limited, and even her own family history as a third-generation African American Californian.
2023-11-1334 minMHD Off the Record[Re-Air] Ep. 13 What Should We Know About Black LA Business History? Feat. Yolanda HesterAfrican American entrepreneurship has a long and fascinating history in Los Angeles. The period from the 1920s to the 1960s was the era of “race enterprises,” in which black entrepreneurs specifically catered to black consumers. Collectively these enterprises supported a growing middle class and one of the highest rates of African American homeownership in the country. As rich as this history is, so little is discussed in regards to Black business in Los Angeles. So MHD and co-host Chavonne bring it to the surface in an enriching conversation with independent public historian, writer, and researcher Yolanda Hester!Yola...
2023-10-3044 minMHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: 24th STreet TheatreOn this episode, Los Angeles City Council District 8 staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Jay McAdams, Executive Director of the 24th STreet Theatre, a unique organization blending professional productions and world-class artists with quality arts education since 1997. Their mission is to engage, educate, and provoke young people and their families with excellent theatre and arts education. Jay is a producer, having produced dozens of theatrical productions over the last 20 years and won LA Weekly’s 2011 Production of the Year Award. He is also a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and is a 2011 Leadership LA Fellow. Among his oth...
2023-10-1646 minMHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: TG Boxing GymOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Rudy and Ana Garcia, owners of Team Garcia Boxing Gym in South Central Los Angeles. TG Boxing Gym has experienced trainers and coaches who can help you reach your goal to compete as an amateur or pro boxer. Team Garcia also gives back to their local community by being a safe space for the local youth through their non-profit which provides sparring and boxing classes for children as young as 7 years old. Rudy is a South Central native who has been boxing since 10 years old, competitively boxing since 14, and has been a...
2023-10-0240 minMHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: SISTAHFRIENDSOn this episode, we speak with Yolanda Whittington, founder and Chief Executive Officer of SISTAHFRIENDS, a boutique mental health clinical practice committed to the emotional and psychological wellness of Black Women and Girls overcoming trauma in the presence of structural, systemic, and institutional racism, gender discrimination, social injustice, economic inequality, and health disparities to help Black Women and Girls live a life of fulfillment, abundance, and joy. Through individual therapy, counseling, life coaching, support, and skills strengthening, their dedicated staff of clinical professionals provides a safe, confidential space for sistas to release, reflect, and restore. Yolanda is a Licensed...
2023-09-1846 minMHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Crete AcademyOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Hattie Mitchell, Founder of Crete Academy, a non-profit charter school in South Central Los Angeles, aimed at serving students experiencing homelessness. Crete provides gifted programming, special education, enrichment, and a rigorous academic model. The Crete Educational Model focuses on the immediate, basic needs of students and their long-term educational needs. Their goal is to provide resources and support services to every student so that they are successful. Hattie earned her BA in Elementary Education and Teaching from Cal State LA, her Master’s Degree in Public Policy at Pepperdine University, and her Do...
2023-09-0446 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR Bonus Episode: The State of Hip Hop (Celebrating the 50th Anniversary)In this special edition of MHD Off the Record and in honor of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, MHD and Chavonne sit down to discuss the state of Hip-Hop and how LA's rich history played a significant role in its growth, development, and impact. MHD talks about the early days of Hip-Hop and the ways it shaped South LA even beyond just the music itself but also through it's messaging, discussion of politics, and even the opportunities it presented economically.
2023-08-311h 10MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Al Wooten Jr. Youth CenterOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Corey Dantzler, Executive Director of the Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center, a nonprofit agency providing free afterschool and low-cost summer programs for students in grades 3-12. They provide a safe and nurturing environment committed to good citizenship and academic excellence. Corey joined the Wooten Youth Center in December of 2022 after a career spanning some 30 years in youth center administration. He grew up in South LA and currently holds his BS in health and physical education/fitness from Cal Poly Pomona. Resources:www.wootencenter.org
2023-08-2131 minMHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Westmont Counseling CenterOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Joel McLafferty, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder and Executive Director of the Westmont Counseling Center which provides quality, affordable counseling and other mental health services to the residents of Westmont and surrounding communities in South Los Angeles. These services are designed to help people build resilience, recover from trauma, live in peace, and improve the quality of their lives. Joel previously worked for several community mental health clinics, including Open Paths Counseling Center where he served as Clinical Director and he was also an Adjunct Professor at Antioch University...
2023-08-0725 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Unite a Nation
On this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Danielle Lafayette, founder and Executive Director of Unite a Nation, Inc, an award-winning nonprofit organization with the vision to close the wealth and achievement gap for Black and low-income communities in South Los Angeles. Unite a Nation’s resources include mentoring, life skills programs, financial literacy programs, employment resources, job readiness, and training. Their mission– to change the world by building a social movement and driving positive community and economic empowerment.
Resources:
www.uniteanation.org
www.instagram.com/uniteanationinc
2023-07-2438 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: N.O.A.H.'s FoundationOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Brittney Frazier, founder and president of N.O.A.H’s Foundation Inc., an organized movement advocating for the social and economic disparities of families and individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. Their focus is to provide transitional and affordable housing, intensive homelessness services, direct case management and economical resources to society’s most vulnerable. Their vision is to see families with their own, safe home; individuals obtaining good and sustainable careers and healthy children with access to quality education and the ability to pursue their dreams, however big they may be.
2023-07-1037 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Mothers in Action
On this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Tracy Mitchell, President of Mothers In Action, a nonprofit organization founded to improve the quality of life of underserved children and families in South Los Angeles. She took on this role following the passing of her mother, Brenda Marsh-Mitchell, who was a community leader and the Founding President of Mothers In Action. Under Tracy's leadership, Mothers In Action has expanded its programs and services, benefiting thousands of underserved families each year. Today Mothers In Action is an active group of over 5,000 members and volunteers composed of concerned citizens, businesses...
2023-06-2638 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: White Hall Arts AcademyOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Tanisha Hall, founder of the White Hall Arts Academy, a performing and visual arts education facility here in South Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, the White Hall Arts Academy offers a blend of classical and contemporary arts training to children and adults. Tanisha is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with an instrumental focus on voice. She has been teaching private lessons since 2002 and has enjoyed a 15-year career in the music industry before starting White Hall Arts Academy. She, along with her team of highly talented and qualified instructors, specializes in...
2023-06-1247 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: The AMAAD InstituteOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Gerald Garth, the executive director of the AMAAD Institute. AMAAD, which stands for Arming Minorities Against Addiction and Disease, facilitates personalized individual access to programs and services that foster safe and supportive healthy environments for people to live, learn, and develop to their fullest potential. Gerald has led health equity work for over ten years, previously serving as Chief Operations Officer of AMAAD and Manager of Prevention and Care with the Black AIDS Institute. He most recently served as the first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Los Angeles LGBT...
2023-05-2933 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Black Star Lacrosse Club
On this episode, Chavonne Taylor Speaks with Nesly Geffrard, founder and president of Black Star Lacrosse Club an organization that works to improve the quality of life of underrepresented groups and empower youth to overcome barriers to success, happiness, health, economic prosperity, academics, leadership and self-confidence through the game of lacrosse. Nesly, AKA Nes, is a Brookln, NY native who has been playing lacrosse for 15 years and coaching lacrosse for 9. He played lacrosse for The State University New York at Albany where he graduated with his Bachelor’s degree and in 2017 he played professionally on the Men’s Jamaican Lacr...
2023-05-1536 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: The Rightway FoundationOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Franco Vega, founder and CEO of The RightWay Foundation, an organization that helps transition-age foster youth get and keep good jobs and stable housing despite the overwhelming trauma they have endured throughout their lives. They provide the support and tools youth need to build stability and a sustainable future for themselves. Franco has many years of experience in employment services, starting by teaching 'Rites of Passage' to transition age foster youth with the Department of Children & Family Services. He also created an employment center for recovering addicts and the homeless at the...
2023-05-0133 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: STEM to the FutureOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with jacob adams, founder and executive director of STEM to the Future, a non-profit organization that uses Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math to support youth as they develop solutions to real world problems such as climate change, public safety, and poverty. Their mission is to inspire and motivate elementary and middle school Black and Latinx youth to use their passions to create the world they want and deserve. Prior to founding STTF, jacob was a Teach For America teacher in New York City where he was an elementary educator in Brooklyn and...
2023-04-1835 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Patrick Henry JohnsonOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Destination Crenshaw artist Patrick Henry Johnson. Patrick Henry Johnson is an internationally acclaimed visual artist based in Los Angeles. Johnson was born in Valdosta, Georgia Johnson attended The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida before moving to LA to further his career as an artist. In 1993, Johnson undertook a five-year apprenticeship with an international mural company where he learned the basics of mural making and began to hone his own unique style. Johnson’s artwork can be seen in various parts of Los Angeles including a 72 x 14-foot mural titled “Penta-Loom Ode to S...
2023-04-0346 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education (SCOPE)On this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Gloria Medina, Executive Director of Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education, also known as SCOPE. SCOPE's mission is to build grassroots power to create social and economic justice for low-income, immigrant, women, femme, Black, and Brown communities in Los Angeles. Their work includes civic education, coalition building, and developing campaigns around community needs. Gloria’s leadership has been instrumental in developing strategies for long-term systemic change to address economic inequities and climate impacts in South LA. SCOPE is also one of our CD8 Community Grant recipients!
Re...
2023-03-2039 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 23: Who are the Forgotten Founders of LA? Feat. Dr. Jessica Kim and Esperanza SanchezOn this Episode, MHD and co-host, Chavonne Taylor, speak with historians Dr. Jessica Kim and Esperanza Sanchez about the little-known African Ancestry of Los Pobladores, the founders of Los Angeles.
Jessica Kim, PhD, is an associate professor of history at California State University, Northridge. She specializes in the history of the American West, the U.S.-Mexico borderlands, urban history, and public and digital history. Her book, Imperial Metropolis: Los Angeles, Mexico, and the Borderlands of American Empire, 1865-1941, was published by the University of North Carolina Press in 2019. The book explores the rise of Los Angeles and investment in Mexico...
2023-03-0638 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Get in the Game Inc.On this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Marcus Savage, founder of Get In The Game Inc., a non-profit organization that mentors individuals in the construction industry. Get In The Game mentors are dedicated to empowering the community with the information needed to understand what it takes to be successful in the construction industry. Their workshops are designed to inform and teach interested community members about the job market, how to choose a career path, and what it takes to qualify for a specific industry or trade within construction.
Resources:
www.gitg.xyz
2023-02-2037 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 22: How Do We Uplift Our Stories? Feat. Ayuko BabuMHD and co-host Chavonne Taylor listen and learn as Ayuko Babu, co-founder of the Pan African Film and Arts Festival, shares his journey to becoming an activist and revolutionary force in Los Angeles.
Ayuko Babu is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Pan African Film Festival and an international cultural, political, and legal consultant specializing in Pan-African affairs. He has been the Executive Director of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival since its establishment in 1992. From 2016-2018, Mr. Babu served on the California Film Commission. In addition to PAFF, Mr. Babu currently serves as a permanent m...
2023-02-0659 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 21: How Do We Buy Back the Block? Feat. Akil WestMHD and Cohost Chavonne Taylor sit down with Akil West to discuss he developed cooperative retail space for young designers, how he organized a community land trust in Leimert Park, and what it means to "buy back the block" in South LA.
Akil West is a Los Angeles native entrepreneur, master gardener, author, and community advocate. After being incarcerated for 15 years, West committed his life’s work to develop opportunities for people of color in his community. West is the founder of Black-owned and operated Community Land Trust, a community-based initiative dedicated to stabilizing predominantly Black and un...
2023-01-2335 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Malik BooksOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Malik and April Muhammad, owners of Malik Books. Malik Books is a black-owned independent bookstore that specializes in African American books, calendars, and gifts full of cultural diversity. They specialize in acquiring and selling conscious, hard-to-find, and best-selling books of today. Their bookstores also offer a large selection of diverse children’s books. They are located in both the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall and The Culver City Westfield Mall but are also available online at MalikBooks.com
Founder and co-owner, Malik Muhammad, is first and foremost a book activist since 1990. He...
2023-01-0940 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: The Tree Yoga CooperativeOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor sits down with Jana Johnson, co-founder and co-owner of The Tree Yoga cooperative, A yoga school & wellness hub in South Central LA. As a worker-owned cooperative, that is Women, Veteran, Black, Chicana & and immigrant-owned. Tree Yoga finds it important that Black and Brown folks know that they are in a safe space to practice, teach, and enjoy wellness services. Jana Johnson is a bilingual yoga instructor who also leads the programming and training programs at the studio. Jana was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma and also spent years living in New York City and Paraguay...
2022-12-2651 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 20 How Can We Develop New Strategies to Address Poverty? Feat. Michael TubbsMHD and Co-host Chavonne Taylor speak with former mayor of Stockton, California Michael Tubbs about his rise in politics, the importance of addressing basic human needs to decrease violent crime, and how his pilot Guaranteed Basic Income program inspired other cities (including Los Angeles) to do the same.Michael Tubbs is the Founder of the non-profit organization, End Poverty in California (EPIC), the Founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI), and the Special Advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom for Economic Mobility and Opportunity. In 2016, he was elected Mayor of Stockton at 26-years-old. He was the...
2022-12-1252 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Lilia Ramirez (Liliflor)On this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Los Angeles artist Lilia Ramirez, Also Known as Liliflor. Liliflor is a painter, muralist, and cultural art educator. She fiercely champions youth in the arts as well as using art as a tool for education, cultural awareness, civic engagement, healing, and transformation. Liliflor hones her artistic ability to create vital images on canvas and walls that are representative of Angelenos. She is dedicated to teaching art in our community. This past summer, she taught art workshops to youth in all of our parks here in Council District 8 for our Summer Night Lights p...
2022-11-2840 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Black Women for WellnessOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Janette Robinson Flint, executive director of Black Women for Wellness a woman-centered community-based organization working on reproductive justice issues as they impact Black women & girls. Black Women for Wellness aims to expand healthcare access, reduce toxic hair care chemicals that are prevalent in our community and build political advocacy in California and beyond. Ms. Robinson Flint is also part of the Los Angeles Coalition for Reproductive Justice, California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom and In Our Own Voice.
Resources:
www.bwwla.org
2022-11-1445 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Crenshaw Farmer's Market (SEE-LA)On this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Marie-Alise Recasner de Marco of Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles (SEE-LA) which is an organization whose mission is to build sustainable food systems and promote social and cultural activities that benefit both low-to-moderate income residents of Los Angeles. In addition to many great programs, SEE-LA operates 6 Farmers’ Markets throughout the Los Angeles Area, half of which are in South LA, including Crenshaw Farmers' Market, Central Ave Farmers' Market, and MLK Campus Farmers' Market.
Marie-Alise Recasner de Marco is the Manager of Urban Agriculture & Farmers’ Market Projects.
Resources:
2022-10-3136 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 19 How Do We Take an Economic Approach to Community Activism? Feat. Rudy EspinozaMHD and Co-Host Chavonne Taylor speak with Rudy Espinoza about his journey and work integrating his background in business and urban planning to take an economical approach to activism along with his colleagues and friends who formed the organization, Inclusive Action for the City.
Rudy Espinoza is the Executive Director of Inclusive Action for the City, a non-profit, Community Development Financial Institution based in Los Angeles whose mission is to bring people together to build strong, local economies that uplift low-income urban communities. Under his leadership, Inclusive Action helped legalize street vending in LA, has deployed over $2.5...
2022-10-1736 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 18 How Can we Triumph Through Trauma? Feat. Chef Keith CorbinIn this episode, MHD and cohost Chavonne Taylor speak with chef and entrepreneur Keith Corbin about his journey growing up in Watts, navigating gang and drug culture to becoming a celebrated executive chef and co-owner of Alta Adams in South LA. His modern soul food restaurant was named one of the best new restaurants in the country by both Esquire and Thrillist, and has consistently been on the LA Times best restaurant list. Corbin was formerly Director of Operations for Roy Choi and Daniel Patterson’s Locol restaurant group, and also worked for Patterson at his Michelin-starred fine dining re...
2022-10-0348 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 17 How Do We Take a Holistic Approach to Investing in South LA? Feat. Martin MuotoOn this episode, MHD and co-host Chavonne Taylor speak with real estate investor, Martin Muoto, about his holistic approach to investing in South LA. Martin Muoto is the CEO and Founder of SoLa Impact, a family of real-estate funds with a double bottom line strategy focused on developing high-quality affordable and workforce housing exclusively in Black and Brown communities. SoLa’s proven track record combines providing access to housing, access to education, access to opportunity, and access to ownership to positively impact both community and investor returns. In 2022, SoLa raised its fourth fund, the Black Impact Fund, which will de...
2022-09-1938 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA ResourcesThis is an episode of MHD Off the Record South L.A. Community Resources, where Chavonne Taylor shares what services, programs, and events we have available in our city and community. Here you can check for information and resources regarding housing, wellness, and employment but also art programs, music festivals and so much more.
Resources discussed in episode:
WELLNESS
1. Aquasize Class
Walk-in rates:
Adults (18-49) $5.00
Adults (50+) $4.00
Series (10 classes)
Adults (18-49) $45.00
Adults (50+) $35.00
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00pm-6:45pm
Where: V...
2022-09-0610 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: WellnestOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Paco Retana, Vice President of Programs at Wellnest, a nationally acclaimed, and leading provider of emotional health and wellness services to children, young adults, families, and their communities. As Vice President of Programs at Wellnest, he is responsible for all clinical services, including program evaluation and training. He also oversees the areas of outpatient, early intervention, intensive services and life learning/transition age youth services. He is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Masters in Social Welfare from UCLA.Resources:ww...
2022-08-2238 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: LA CommonsOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Karen Mack, founder and executive director of LA Commons, a community art organization that engages communities in the creation of public art that tells their unique stories and serves as the basis for dialogue, interaction, and a shared understanding of Los Angeles. Through community-based arts programs, centered on youth leadership development, they help diverse, generally low-income neighborhoods create dynamic works of public art that build community connection and empowerment.
www.LACommons.org
www.instagram.com/lacommons
2022-08-0934 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: LA CommonsOn this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Karen Mack, founder and executive director of LA Commons, a community art organization that engages communities in the creation of public art that tells their unique stories and serves as the basis for dialogue, interaction, and a shared understanding of Los Angeles. Through community-based arts programs, centered on youth leadership development, they help diverse, generally low-income neighborhoods create dynamic works of public art that build community connection and empowerment.
www.LACommons.org
2022-08-0834 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: Eastside RidersThis is an MHD Off the Record South LA Highlight where co-host, Chavonne Taylor, sits down with a local organization, business, or individual doing great work in South LA. On this episode, she sits down with John Jones Jr. and John Jones III, founders of Eastside Riders Bike Club. a volunteer organization with a mission to improve Watts through community service, charity work, and bike programs aimed at keeping local youth out of gang activity.
www.esrbc.org
www.instagram.com/eastsideriders
2022-07-2541 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 16 How did Hip Hop DJ Culture Develop in LA? Feat. J. RoccMHD and co-host, Chavonne Taylor, speak with turntablist and founder of the World Famous Beat Junkies, J. Rocc, about his career and the development of HipHop DJ Culture in Los Angeles.
Born Jason Jackson, J.Rocc began DJing in the mid-'80s with California group PSK. In1992, he founded the Beat Junkies, a DJ crew comprised of talented musicians, with Melo-D and Rhettmatic. Soon after forming, the Beat Junkies, became a seminal force in the rise of instrumental hip-hop and the growth and development of LA’s HipHop DJ Culture. He also hosted Adventures in Stereo on 90.7FM...
2022-07-1154 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: CicLAviaThis is another MHD Off the Record South LA Highlight where Co-Host, Chavonne Taylor, sits down with a local organization, small business, or individual doing great work in South LA. On this episode, she speaks with Tafarai Bayne, Chief Strategist for CicLAvia, a non-profit that catalyzes vibrant public spaces, active transportation, and good health through car-free streets. CicLAvia engages with people to transform our relationship with our communities and with each other. Inspired by Bogotá’s weekly ciclovía, CicLAvia temporarily closes streets to car traffic and opens them to Angelenos to use as a public park. Free for all...
2022-06-2726 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 15 How Have African Americans Historically Shaped and Experienced L.A? Feat. Dr. Alison Rose JeffersonAfrican Americans have a long and rich history in the development of Los Angeles and yet, it is only sparsely recognized. MHD and co-host, Chavonne Taylor, sit down with Dr. Alison Rose Jefferson, a historian who has not only researched and documented Black History in Los Angeles but has contributed to its official recognition in communities and cities throughout the county. She talks with MHD about the ways African Americans have contributed to the development of Los Angeles, why Black LA history documentation has been limited, and even her own family history as a third-generation African American Californian.
2022-06-1334 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 14 How Can Music Organize, Empower, and Connect Communities? Feat. Las CafeterasMHD and Co-Host, Chavonne Taylor, speak with Denise Carlos and Hector Flores from Las Cafeteras, a powerful band from East LA that crosses and blends various styles and genres from Afro-Mexican to Rock to HipHop to Soul to Punk to Cumbia and many more. They’ve performed with legendary artists such as Common, Lila Downs, Ozomatli, and Los Lobos (just to name a few). Denise Carlos is lead vocalist and lyricist for the band and holds her Master's degree in Clinical social work. Hector Flores is an Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Las Cafeteras. He was also an organizer fo...
2022-05-3044 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: The Sims Library of PoetryThis is an MHD Off the Record South LA Highlight where Co-Host, Chavonne Taylor, sits down with a local organization doing great work in South LA. On this episode, we speak with Hiram Sims, a poet, essayist, and creative writing professor from South LA. He is the founder of the Sims Library of Poetry, which has the mission to serve, educate, and find love for poetry, especially for marginalized people of color in the community of South Los Angeles. He is a graduate of USC with a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters of Professional Writing in Poetry...
2022-05-1747 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 13 What Should We Know About Black LA Business History? Feat. Yolanda HesterAfrican American entrepreneurship has a long and fascinating history in Los Angeles. The period from the 1920s to the 1960s was the era of “race enterprises,” in which black entrepreneurs specifically catered to black consumers. Collectively these enterprises supported a growing middle class and one of the highest rates of African American homeownership in the country. As rich as this history is, so little is discussed in regards to Black business in Los Angeles. So MHD and co-host Chavonne bring it to the surface in an enriching conversation with independent public historian, writer, and researcher Yolanda Hester!
Yola...
2022-05-0244 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 12 Do We Need New Models of Policing and Public Safety? Feat. Leslie Cooper Johnson and Brian BentleyThe 1992 Los Angeles Uprising was sparked after a jury acquitted four LAPD officers who had been charged with using excessive force in the arrest and beating of Rodney King on April 29, 1992. With the anniversary of the civil unrest approaching, MHD and his co-host, Chavonne Taylor, discuss new policing and public safety models with PUSH LA (Promoting Unity, Safety & Health in Los Angeles) convener Leslie Cooper Johnson and former LAPD Officer Brian S. Bentley.
Leslie Cooper Johnson is the Vice President of Organizational Development at Community Coalition, or CoCo, a social justice organization in South Los Angeles, where...
2022-04-1849 min
MHD Off the RecordMHD OTR South LA Highlight: The Healing Circle LAThis is an MHD Off the Record South LA Highlight where Co-Host, Chavonne Taylor, sits down with a local organization doing great work in South LA. On this episode she speaks with Josh Hamm, founder and CEO of The Healing Circle LA, a dialogue space for Black men and women to come together to establish community, support each other and build in a holistic way.
You can learn more about The Healing Circle LA on their website www.thehealingcirclela.org.
2022-04-0420 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 11 How is South LA Reflected Through Music? Feat. Terrace MartinMHD and Co-Host Chavonne chop it up with multi-instrumentalist and producer Terrace Martin about his experiences growing up in South LA and how the culture influences his music.
Terrace Martin is a 4-time GRAMMY-nominated artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from the Crenshaw District. Terrace Martin is renowned for being one of the top jazz musicians in the world and has become a creative engine at the epicenter of LA's progressive hip-hop scene. His noteworthy production has included major collaborations with Kendrick Lamar (good kid, M.A.A.D. city & the GRAMMY-winning To Pimp a Butterfly), Travis Scott, Stevie...
2022-03-2156 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 10 How Do We Organize Communities? Feat. Sylvia CastilloWe speak with community organizer and community organization strategist, Sylvia Castillo, about her work as an organizer in South LA and uniting Black and Latinx communities to action. Sylvia Castillo is the Principal Consultant for Castillo Consulting LLC specializing in nonprofit strategic planning, executive leadership development, and public policy advocacy. Sylvia’s projects cover a diverse mix of social justice initiatives and women of color organizing efforts. In 1990 she co-founded the community coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment with now Congresswoman Karen Bass. Sylvia worked from 2005-2012 as District Director for Congress Member Karen Bass and Regional Director fo...
2022-03-0730 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 9 How Can We Understand Black History Through Art? Feat. Naima KeithMHD and Co-Host Chavonne Taylor speak with Naima Keith, Vice President of Education and Public Programs at LACMA, about the important role of Black Art in LA History.
Naima J. Keith is the Vice President of Education and Public Programs at LACMA. Within her role, she oversees all aspects of and sets the vision for LACMA’s innovative and exhibition-driven educational programming that serves more than 650,000 community members annually.
Prior to her position at LACMA, Keith was the Deputy Director and Chief Curator at the California African American Museum where she guided the curatorial and ed...
2022-02-2138 min
MHD Off the RecordEp. 8 What is the Legacy of Black Los Angeles? feat. Larry Earl Jr.To kick off Black History Month, MHD and co-host Chavonne Taylor discuss the legacy and historical impact of Black Los Angeles with historian Larry Earl Jr.
Larry Earl Jr. is a Leimert Park resident and owner of 1619 Exhibits, a dynamic boutique arts firm that specializes in designing distinctive exhibitions, providing expert archival solutions, producing engaging public programming, and activating public spaces with vibrant civic art and cultural projects. With well over two decades of experience in museums and the field of cultural arts, Larry has been associated with some of our nation’s preeminent cultural institutions. Prior to...
2022-02-0724 min
MHD Off the RecordEp 7: What is the Role of Community Connection in Mental Wellness? feat. Dr. Cheryl GrillsMHD and new co-host Chavonne Taylor discuss the importance of viewing psychology and mental wellness from a community perspective with Dr. Cheryl Grills. Dr. Cheryl Grills is a Clinical Psychologist with a current emphasis in Community Psychology. She is also a full-time Professor and director of the Psychology Applied Research Center at Loyola Marymount University as well as a Governor appointee on the California Reparations Task Force and Chair of LA County Sybil Brand Commission.
www.bellarmine.lmu.edu/psychology/parc/ourteam/cherylgrillsphd
Episode Spotify Playlist
2022-01-2434 min
MHD Off the RecordEp 6: What is the Future of the South L.A. Food Scene? feat. Chef De Cuisine Martin DraluckFor this episode, Marqueece Harris - Dawson is joined by Martin Draluck, Chef de Cuisine at Post and Beam in South LA, formerly of Hatchet Hall in Culver City. You may know Chef Mark for his work on the Netflix Docuseries High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America.
2021-11-2923 min
MHD Off the RecordEp 5: How do We Build Community through Entrepreneurship? feat. Cast of HBO Max's Sweet Life: Los AngelesFor this episode, Marqueece Harris - Dawson is joined by the ladies from HBO Max’s Sweet Life: Los Angeles: Amanda Scott, Briana Jones, and Tylynn Burns. Their conversation focuses on generational wealth and what young Black people can do to build wealth and community ownership.
2021-11-1523 min
MHD Off the RecordEp 4: What Makes Effective Policy? feat. Prof. Manuel PastorPolitics is a game just like basketball or football and when we win these seats, elected officials have the responsibility to improve the lives of the residents who elect us. Legislation and public policy are how we score points and leverage resources that positively impact our local neighborhoods. But what makes policy effective? Black and Brown communities are fighting to overcome decades of disinvestment and neglect.
Effective policy must acknowledge the institutional and structural shortcomings that contributed to the conditions in our communities
How can effective policy correct this and directly improve the daily realities...
2021-10-1340 min
MHD Off the RecordEp 3: Go DJ! What is the Role of Black Creativity? feat. SCETCHCreativity plays such an important role in our community.
Partly because art is something that doesn't require permission and empowers us to comment on the conditions we see in our society while imagining something different.
Hip Hop is a key component of our culture and long before rappers became the focus, the DJ was the one who moved the crowd.
For this episode, I am joined by SCETCH, to discuss the role of the DJ and how creatives can profit from their cultural capital.
SCETCH is an acronym that stands for...
2021-10-0840 min
MHD Off the RecordEp 2: What is the Role of Black Media? feat. Dominique DiPrimaLA is the creative capital of the world and continues to lead in media and entertainment. How can the media operate as a tool to inform and empower?
Media outlets play a vital role in keeping the public informed and engaged.
This conversation with Dominique DiPrima and MHD takes an in depth look at the role of Black media and how its influence and power can shift public opinion on any subject.
2021-08-3135 min
MHD Off the RecordEp 1: What Makes Safe Communities? feat. Aqeela SherrillsThis episode takes a deeper look into what makes safe communities. My guest, Aqeela Sherrills and I are both strong advocates for holistic Community Safety Partnerships that empower residents to play a role in public safety. These programs have helped contribute to improved public safety and foster better relationships between the police and communities.
Aqeela’s dedication to ending violence and promoting community-based public safety began in Watts, Los Angeles, where he joined the Grape Street Crips. At age 19, Aqeela and Hall of Fame NFL star Jim Brown co-founded the Amer-I-Can Program, Inc. to address the impact of...
2021-08-1128 min