Best MHDCD8 Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 37 How Can Communities Protect Each Other? (Feat. Maya Suzuki-Daniels & Lupe Cardona) 50:55

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9d ago50:55

50:55

On this episode, we’re talking 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 …

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Ep. 36 Why Do We Need Public Investment in Youth Sports? (Feat. Renata Simril) 50:02

23d ago50:02

50:02

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 raise…

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Ep. 35 What Does it Take to Protect Immigrant Rights? ( Feat. Angelica Salas and Ernesto Rocha) 1:06:31

1M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

On this episode, we delve 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 organi…

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South LA Highlight: Low Rider Solidarity and Unity Ride 37:01

2M ago37:01

37:01

In this episode, we sit 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 crea…

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South LA Highlight: 27th Street Bakery 50:07

2M ago50:07

50:07

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 …

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South LA Highlight: Breaunna Alston of Destination Crenshaw 35:25

3M ago35:25

35:25

Breaunna Alston is the Communications and Marketing Specialist for Destination Crenshaw, a community-led public art and cultural infrastructure project along Crenshaw Boulevard. Originally from Sacramento, she brings a strong background in media arts and a passion for storytelling to her work. After transferring from UC Merced to Clark Atlanta Univ…

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LA Resource: Know Your (Immigration) Rights 36:32

3M ago36:32

36:32

On this episode of MHD Off the Record’s LA Resources, we speak 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 Deve…

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Keys to the City: South LA's Development Services Center 31:18

4M ago31:18

31:18

On this episode, we speak 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…

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[Re-Air] How Can We Understand Black History Through Art? Feat. Naima Keith 38:59

4M ago38:59

38:59

MHD 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-…

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Bonus Episode: Tackling LA's Budget feat. Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky 22:00

4M ago22:00

22:00

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 e…

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South LA Highlight: Vallarta on Crenshaw 29:56

5M ago29:56

29:56

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 predom…

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Ep. 34 What Does Real Public Safety Look Like? (Feat. John Kim) 50:40

5M ago50:40

50:40

The 1992 Los Angeles uprising, 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 us to explore these questions …

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Keys to the City: Organics LA and the Zero Waste Initiative 52:52

5M ago52:52

52:52

LA 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, we’re joined by Jennifer Pinkerton, Assistant Director of LASAN, and James Roska, En…

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[Re-Air] South LA Highlight: LA Focus 1:01:05

6M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

On this episode, we speak 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 f…

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Ep. 33 Are Community Resources Truly Accessible? (Feat. Rocsii Woolley and Lauren Brazile) 33:58

6M ago33:58

33:58

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…

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Ep. 32 Can Guaranteed Basic Income Really Break the Cycle of Poverty? 1:06:19

7M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

On this episode of MHD Off the Record, MHD sits down with Abigail Marquez, General Manager of the Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), and Michael Tubbs, Founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) and Special Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom. Together, they dive into the realities of Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI)—a policy desig…

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Ep. 31 How Do We Prevent Erasure of Altadena's Black Community? 1:05:00

7M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

For this episode, LA Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson honors the Black history and Legacy of the Altadena Community in the County of Los Angeles. How and why did Black families move to Altadena, what challenges have they overcome to keep their place in it, and how do we prevent the erasure of their stories and history especially as we rebu…

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Keys to the City: Wildfire Recovery for L.A. Businesses 32:03

8M ago32:03

32:03

The 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 play…

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Los Angeles City Resources: FEMA, Recovery, and Support 17:45

8M ago17:45

17:45

On this episode of MHD Off the Record, we decided to bring you LA City resources that can help you, your family, and our community as we recover from the unprecedented wildfires that have impacted so many of us and our loved ones. Below are the resources we discuss on the show. Please share with those in need. ************ The website Unified.lacit…

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[Re-Air]MHD OTR South LA Highlight: TG Boxing Gym 40:33

9M ago40:33

40:33

On 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 thr…

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Keys to the City: Mark Twain Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library 31:56

9M ago31:56

31:56

You’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, we speak with …

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City in All Directions: Mama's International Tameles, Audubon Center at Debs Park, LA State Historic Park 9:11

10M ago9:11

9:11

For 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 cit…

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Keys to the City: Jackie Tatum Harvard Park and Recreation Center 27:01

10M ago27:01

27:01

You’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. Jackie Tatum Harvard Park serve…

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City in All Directions: Follow Your Heart Cafe, Leonis Adobe Museum, Lanark Skate Park 10:29

11M ago10:29

10:29

MHD 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 Council …

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City in All Directions: Sawtelle Japantown, Will Rogers State Historic State Park, Electric Lodge 10:38

11M ago10:38

10:38

MHD 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 o…

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[REMIXED] MHD OTR South LA Highlight: Patrick Henry Johnson 47:32

12M ago47:32

47:32

On 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…

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City in All Directions: El Carrusel Bakery, Valley Relics Museum, Sepulveda Basin 9:18

12M ago9:18

9:18

MHD 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…

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South LA Highlight: RIDEWITUS LA 1:03:52

1y ago1:03:52

1:03:52

On this episode, we speak with Kellie Hart, founder of the RideWitUs LA Bike Store and Co-founder of the RideWitUs LA Bike Club, an organization dedicated to promoting cycling culture and community engagement. The Ridewitus Bike Club offers group rides, cycling education, and events that bring people together through their shared love of biking. Th…

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South LA Highlight: LA Focus 1:01:05

1y ago1:01:05

1:01:05

On this episode, we speak 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 f…

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South LA Highlight: Coffee Del Mundo 1:01:40

1y ago1:01:40

1:01:40

On 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 coff…

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South LA Highlight: Air West 1:02:07

1y ago1:02:07

1:02:07

On 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 instr…

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South LA Highlight: Charlotta Bass (feat. Susan Anderson) 1:13:10

1y ago1:13:10

1:13:10

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…

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South LA Highlight: Barber Gurus 56:26

1y ago56:26

56:26

On 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 haircut…

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Ep. 30 What is The Value of Youth Music and Arts Education? Feat. Patrice Rushen 1:33:41

1+ y ago1:33:41

1:33:41

On 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…

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Ep. 29 The Crossover? Feat. Nick Hamilton, Isaac Bryan, and Karim Webb 1:49:51

1+ y ago1:49:51

1:49:51

For 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…

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Ep. 28 Can Holistic Strategies Curb Violence in Los Angeles? Feat. Connie Rice 1:34:43

1+ y ago1:34:43

1:34:43

Connie 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…

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[Re-Air] MHD OTR South LA Highlight: White Hall Arts Academy 47:08

1+ y ago47:08

47:08

On 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 Musi…

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[Remixed] Ep. 12 Do We Need New Models of Policing and Public Safety? Feat. Leslie Cooper Johnson and Brian Bentley 1:19:23

1+ y ago1:19:23

1:19:23

The 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, Sa…

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South LA Highlight: Word of Life Christian Bookstore 57:56

1+ y ago57:56

57:56

On 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…

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Ep. 27 How Can we Learn about LA's Robust History and Heritage? Feat. Evan Lovett 1:26:42

1+ y ago1:26:42

1:26:42

On 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…

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Ep. 26 How Do We Support Justice-Involved Individuals in South LA? Feat. Susan Burton 57:36

1+ y ago57:36

57:36

On 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…

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Ep. 25 How Do Our Artists Stay Rooted and Invested in the Community? Feat. D Smoke 1:07:23

1+ y ago1:07:23

1:07:23

On 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 i…

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Ep. 24 What is the Impact and Legacy of the African-American Church in Los Angeles? Feat. Dr. Lorn Foster 1:03:56

1+ y ago1:03:56

1:03:56

In 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 Af…

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[Re-Air] Ep. 8 What is the Legacy of Black Los Angeles? feat. Larry Earl Jr. 24:43

1+ y ago24:43

24:43

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, pr…

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[Re-Air] Ep. 18 How Can we Triumph Through Trauma? Feat. Chef Keith Corbin 48:43

1+ y ago48:43

48:43

In 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…

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[Re-Air] Ep. 9 How Can We Understand Black History Through Art? Feat. Naima Keith 38:59

1+ y ago38:59

38:59

MHD 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-…

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[Re-Air] Ep. 20 How Can We Develop New Strategies to Address Poverty? Feat. Michael Tubbs 52:20

2y ago52:20

52:20

MHD 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-pr…

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[Re-Air] Ep 6: What is the Future of the South L.A. Food Scene? Feat. Chef De Cuisine Martin Draluck 23:24

2y ago23:24

23:24

For 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-…

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[Re-Air]Ep. 15 How Have African Americans Historically Shaped and Experienced L.A? Feat. Dr. Alison Rose Jefferson 34:35

2y ago34:35

34:35

African 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 ci…

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[Re-Air] Ep. 13 What Should We Know About Black LA Business History? Feat. Yolanda Hester 44:07

2y ago44:07

44:07

African 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 homeowne…