Disrupt the Chaso

KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

In this episode of Hard Knock, Rosa Clemente and Kali Akuno engage in a deep discussion about disrupting the system and organizing in this presidential year by focusing on grassroots movements, solidarity economies, and dismantling capitalist structures that perpetuate inequality.

Rosa Clemente, a long-time political activist and scholar, emphasized the need for independent political movements outside of the traditional two-party system. She critiques both Democrats and Republicans for failing to serve the needs of marginalized communities, particularly Black and Brown people. In a presidential year, she might stress the importance of building power outside of electoral politics, encouraging people to invest in local organizing, mutual aid networks, and projects that promote self-determination.

Kali Akuno, co-founder of Cooperation Jackson, is similarly focused on dismantling capitalist exploitation, but his work specifically focuses on building alternative economies. Cooperation Jackson seeks to create a model of economic democracy in Jackson, Mississippi, through cooperative ownership of land and labor. Akuno would likely speak about how this cooperative model disrupts traditional capitalist frameworks by giving workers control over their means of production. He might also talk about how electoral politics can play a role, but with a critical lens, highlighting the need for communities to organize beyond just voting, engaging in direct action and building sustainable institutions.

Together, they would probably discuss how Black and Brown communities can resist systemic oppression by creating their own institutions, promoting political education, and building solidarity across struggles. The conversation would likely include reflections on the limitations of presidential politics, the need for political independence, and the importance of long-term vision over short-term electoral wins. Both Clemente and Akuno would emphasize the necessity of collective action and transformative organizing to truly disrupt systems of oppression.

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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