12/27/12 Year in Review

Happy Holidays from the APEX Express Collective.

Contributor R.J. Lozada compiles different stories from the bay, the country, and around the globe. Every month, a moment, a story-either read on your facebook feed, heard in your conversations, or viewed on broadcast. You’re invited to tune in, and a take an hour to reflect on 2012.

9/20/12 Reclaiming the Legacy of Richard Aoki, a Radical South Asian Walking Tour, and Paying Respect to John Vietnam

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Tonight on APEX Express, we honor our past and present stories of radical history including the Black Panther Party and Richard Aoki; a walking tour on 100 years of radical South Asian history in Berkeley; and John Vietnam, a 19-year-old poet, emcee, b-boy and dedicated community member who recently passed away.

Community Calendar

Tomorrow night at 8pm – the San Francisco Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (SF CHRP) is raising money for people whose homes have been destroyed by the recent typhoon in the Philippines.  Join them at The Buck bar, 1655 Market Street in San Francisco.   They’re asking a $5 donation.

Friday and Saturday September 21 and 22 from 6 – 8:30pm, Kularts is presenting Make Your Own Revolution, two evenings of performance inspired by the resistance to martial law in the Philippines.  It’s at the Bayanihan Community Center – 1010 Mission Street in San Francisco.  For more information, visit kularts.org.

On Saturday, September 22, the group that formed around protecting the sacred site at Glen Cove, is asking supporters to attend the East Bay Regional Parks District meeting and encourage the Parks District to respect local Native American communities in restoring and protecting cultural and sacred sites that are now part of the East Bay Regional Parks District.  The next meeting about the Parks District’s Master Plan is at the Big Break Visitor Center — 69 Big Break Road in Oakley, CA.

This Saturday at the Women’s Building in San Francisco the Asian Culinary Forum is hosting two events — the first is at 2pm, a Scholar Panel on Asian and Latin American Cross-Cultural Foodways.  Then at 5pm a Literary Reading on the Geography of Eating.  Tickets range from $10-15 for each event.  Visit asianculinaryforum.org for more information.

Also on Saturday at 6pm at the Arc Studios and Gallery, an exhibition reception for Obake Yashiki, an installation that incorporates artwork and sound about a dwelling place of spirits that continue to haunt us. That’s at 1246 Folsom Street in San Francisco. Seating is limited.  Call or email (510) 420-0920 or dancenaganuma@yahoo.com to reserve your spot.

Today through Sunday — catch the Santa Rosa International Film Fest featuring “Waking the Green Tiger,” a film by Gary Marcuse about grassroots environmental movements in China.  You can hear excerpts from the film from last week’s APEX show on our websiteapexexpress.org.  For a schedule, information, and tickets, check out sriff.com.

On Wednesday, Sept 26 from 6:30-9pm, the Chinese Progressive Association presents an evening of conversation with five Asian artists and cultural workers about the role of art in movement building.  Artists include Lina Hoshino, Jon Jang, Lenora Lee, Genny Lim, and Leon Sun.  The event features an excerpt of Lina Hoshino’s documentary Living Along the Fenceline and will be held at the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, 750 Kearny Street, Floor 3M inside the Hilton Hotel.  Seating is limited — RSVP to emily@cpasf.orgor call 415-391-6986 x303.

Also on Wednesday, Sept 26 at 7:30pm, the San Francisco Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects and the California College of Arts present a look at the invisible history of Asian American architects.  Admission is $10 and the event is at CCA, 1111 Eighth Street, San Francisco.  For more information email info@sfnoma.net

KPFA is looking for phone room volunteers for the next fund drive beginning this Monday, September 24.  Stop by 1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Berkeley anytime between 6:30am and 10pm Monday through Friday and help keep this radio station on the air.

8/23/12: On Richard Aoki, Ramadan, and Maui Water Rights

 

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On Monday, August 20th, journalist Seth Rosenfeld released articles and a video alleging that longtime activist, Richard Aoki was a FBI informant. Since then, many circle within the Black Panther Party, and the Asian American community have been discussing the facts, and the implications of these allegations. We have an exclusive interview with activist and scholar Harvey Dong, close friend of Aoki, to add perspective to the diverse responses.

Fred Ho’s response: “Fred Ho refutes the claim that Richard Aoki was an FBI Informant”

Scott Kurashige’s response: “My Initial Thoughts on the Richard Aoki Controversy”

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and during that month, fasting is observed. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam (Kalima, Salat: Prayer, Zakat, and Hajj, or Pilgrimage being the other four).  Zahra Billoo of the Council on American-Islamic Relations shares what Ramadan is about and it’s significance this year.

We play an award-winning segment on a water struggle on Maui, produced by Robynn Takayama back in 2008. Why? Because last week, the Hawai’i Supreme Court gave a favorable ruling, so we’ll hear an update from Earthjustice Attorney Isaac Moriwake  about this recent victory.

Community Calendar
On Saturday August 25, 2012 from 1:30 to 5:00 pm, join the folks at the Manilatown Heritage Foundation located in San Francisco’s Chinatown, for DJ open turntables and Break Dancing workshop taught by Rob Nasty of Star Child La Rock. For all ages. Donations $5 to $10 sliding scale. https://www.facebook.com/events/274803989299981/

Also on Saturday, check out the Chinatown Music Festival with diverse music in Portsmouth Square from 11 a.m. ‘til 5 p.m. for FREE https://www.facebook.com/events/138591282948648/

On Sunday, Sunday Streets returns to San Francisco’s Chinatown. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. walk, bike, and ride your big wheel(!) through the middle of the car-free streets.
http://www.sundaystreetssf.com/

To continue the discussion about Richard Aoki, attend “Richard Aoki – Black Panther & Asian American Activist: Cointelpro Attacks & Reclaiming the Legacy,” with Diane Fujino, Emory Douglas,Tarika Lewis & Bobby Seale

Sunday, September 9th  4-6 pm
EastSide Cultural Center
2277 International Blvd in Oakland
Cosponsored By EastSide Arts Alliance and the Freedom Archives
for more information call: 510-533-6629 or 415 863-9977

5/17/12 Samurai Among Panthers, Occupy the Farm, and Eth-Noh-Tec

This week Ellen Choy brings you an update from Occupy the Farm, we talk with Professor Diane Fujino about the late Richard Aoki, and we sample Eth-Noh-Tec‘s new performance, “Red Altar” as part of the United States of Asian America Festival.

Legendary Bay Area activist Richard Aoki,  was the most prominent non-Black member of the Black Panther Party! Since we’re in fund drive, were happy to offer Professor  Fujino’s recently released book, Samurai Among Panthers AND AOKI: A Documentary Film by Ben Wang and Mike Cheng as special premiums for donating to KPFA tonight.

Community Calendar

• Aching to hear some amazing drumming? This Saturday, May 19th at 8 pm hit up International Hotel Manilatown Center at 868 Kearny Street for innovative Taiko drummer Kenny Endo’s benefit concert, commemorating the 35th anniversary of the I-Hotel’s eviction. $10.
• Asian and Pacific Islanders are making a big impact on the Jazz world these days. Check out what happens when composer and saxophonist Francis Wong shares the stage with Wayne Wallace, one of the best African-American Latin musicians in the scene. That’s on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 8 pm.  African American Arts and Culture Complex, 762 Fulton Street. $20 at the door
• Finally, because we here at APEX are huge fans of Kearny Street Workshop, the oldest Asian Pacific American multidisciplinary arts organization, we want to celebrate them turning 40!  They are bringing together three generations of exceptional artists. Hand-Me-Down features solo theater, music, storytelling, movietelling, dance, and more exploring the past and imagining the future of APAs in the arts. Tuesday, May 22 7 pm  Bindlestiff Studio 185 Sixth St. Admission: $10-20 sliding scale

2/18/10 Fund drive show tribute to Richard Aoki

This week we take a look into the politics of community activist Richard Aoki, one of the first members of the Black Panther Party later holding the title of Field Marshall, in the new documentary of his life ‘AOKI.’

Hosts Amit  Pendyal and Karl Jagbandhansingh.

Archive Apex: Spring/Summer 2009 programs

Folks, we know Apex on KPFA’s  website goes back only 2 weeks…So, here’s a list of shows from March 2009 to the present.  (For select programs pre-March, read past posts.)  Please contact us to order a copy & for more info…

Aug. 13, 2009: In Indian- and African-based Sound-Spheres: Carnatic music of Southern India comes together with Jazz in Prasant Radhakrishnan’s horn playing. We talk with Prasant about learning both styles, about performing in a classical Indian style on sax, as well as in the discipline of Jazz with his group VidyA. www.prasantmusic.com.
And, hear how Asian Americans contributed to the Anti-Colonial, Anti-War and Third World Liberation movements in the ’60’s that led to Ethnic Studies as well as helped overturn dictatorships like that of Marcos in the Philippines. Harvey Dong, Bea and Victoria Wong talk about why they put out the book “Stand Up” – a rare testament and record of these contributions.

Aug. 6, 2009: On this day in 1945, the Atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima & Nagasaki. The sickness and death from A-bombs still scar people, not only in Japan, but in the Pacific Islands. Learn about nuclear tests in the Pacific (67 were done in the Marshall Islands after WWII), that still pollute the environment, force people from their homes and militarize the Islands. And, the APIA Summit hooked-up poets and performers, advancing spoken word skills by strengthening knowledge of organizing past and present. Participants and poets give insights as to where the Asian American movement stands and where it might be going – as well as share a bit through poems and performance.

Jul. 30, 2009 : Human trafficking often finds a home in houses in the San Francisco area. A talk with Senator Leland Yee on his bill to fight trafficking. Also, as education and jobs take heavy hits and as tuition goes up – is there a way to halt high salaries and perks? Senator Yee explains his proposal for more oversight of UC regents and management. At UC Berkeley, almost 50% of undergrads are of South/Asian descent, how are these policies impacting students and families?  “Do Ask: Do Tell”: Asian and gay in the military. Stephen Funk talks about this and more. He was the first public Iraq war resister, was court-martialed and sent to prison for 6 months. Funk is now president of the SF chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War. We talk about the case of Lt. Daniel Choi, an openly gay marine and Arab linguist, as well as an up-date on Lt. Watada.

July 16, 2009: From Asia’s heartland…Upheaval for the Uyghurs: the prisoners of Guantanamo, activist Rebiya Kadeer, and back-drop to the violence in Urumqi. Part 2 of an interview with Alim Seytoff.  And, Silk Road or oil pipeline? How cultural transitions reflect changes and challenges in Central Asia’s largest land. A talk with musicology Prof. Alma Kunanbaeva of Kazakhstan who shows us sounds both new and old.

July 9, 2009:  Free to trade &  free to feed on the poor: a talk with “Stuffed and Starved” author Raj Patel on how power to prevent poverty lies in local food first. And, a police-produced video targeted Raj Jayadev. But how has this hindered or helped his work leading Silicon Valley De-Bug? A talk with Jayadev about De-Bug’s work with low-wage workers in a high tech world. Also, as violence breaks out in the Uyghur region with the Chinese government, we talk with Alim Seytoff. Hear about their history and backdrop of tensions as we learn about the endangered city of Kashgar. (The first in a series about the Uyghurs covering the activist Rebiya Kadeer, the prisoners of Guantanamo and more.)

July 2, 2009: As troops leave Iraq and increase in Afghanistan, we talk with journalist Pratap Chatterjee about what he’s seen on his recent trip to these areas. As author of “Halliburton’s Army” we talk with Chatterjee about how a company makes big bucks while flying under the radar during wars. And Music & Memories:  The Jacksons and Micheal–a rare short from an interview by former KPFA programmer Phil Elwood. Also, Denizen Kane joins us with spoken words to the wise.

June 25, 2009:  Night of tales: What happens when the silenced speak out? A baby’s death, a ghost haunting a household also reveal divisions in India. A talk with Shilpa Agarwal, author of Haunting Bombay, winner of the 20 Literary Prize for South Asian Writers. And, traveling through Asian and Indian villages of storytellers, the performance duo Ethnohtec tell of peace-making & creation through the power of stories. Hear about their journeys, including a performance at Obama’s Inauguration, and projects mixing myth, message and action.

June 18, 2009: Angel Island Immigration Station (AIIS) brings another journey to life. Carved on the Station’s walls are the thoughts of Chinese immigrants excluded from America. AIIS Foundation keeps their stories alive. But hear how California State cutbacks might endanger AIIS’ existence, excluding the histories of the Excluded again. A talk with Buck Gee of the Foundation. And, Delorean’s music resonates with a generation of hard luck youths. Soundz of resilience in the face of troubles. We take a journey with the Fil Am duo. Plus music, calendar. G and Adriel host.

June 11, 2009:  MISSING Youth, Empire After 9-11: South Asian youth negotiate race, culture, belonging. A talk with MISSING author Prof. Sunaina Maira about political expression of a new generation. And, secret FBI guidelines involving ethnic profiling, geo-mapping and electronic surveillance. *BORDC ED (and MC) Shahid Buttar talks about un-covering and halting these policies in an era where High Alert may never end.  And how these policies might have played out in the case of Fahad Hashmi, now locked in solitary and accused of having a roommate who might have been culpable.  Plus calendar and more. (*Bill of Rights Defense Committee Execu. Director)

Jun3 4, 2009: How will the loss be filled? They put “Asian America” on the map, examined racial and economic divides, as well as taught a new generation of educators, organizers and artists. Prof. Ron Takaki, activist Richard Aoki, historian Mark Him Lai & Al Robles recently passed away. What is their legacy and how to carry on what they began? A talk with Harvey Dong of East Wind Books and Peter Swing of Asian Law Caucus. And journalists Lisa Ling and Euna Lee are on trial in North Korea. Learn more about North Korea, what’s driving US-No.Korean tensions, and if there’s any possibilities for resolutions. A talk with Paul Liem of Korea Policy Institute.

May 7, 2009:  As seed supply is bought up, as farmers lose land and their lives, there’s the hope that small farming brings. Connecting these dots is Vandana Shiva, an environmental activist from India. In this KPFA special fund-drive show, we air her talk that puts out hard-hitting observations and solutions. Vandana has worked with women to stop the pillaging of water from their villages for the water bottle industry, and is a leader in the Slow Foods movement

April 30, 2009:  Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery. A talk with Siddharth Kara about his new book on the growth of slavery. Also, percussion is at the heart of hope for Anthony Brown and Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble. Grammy nominee Brown draws from his Asian African heritage to create music that recalls the swing and sounds of jazz great Duke Ellington. And Japanese drums root Somei Yoshino in its expansion using art and dance. Hear about all their performances in May. Also a tribute to Richard Aoki, an early member of the Black Panther Party.

March 19, 2009 Thurs: Slumdog Millionaire’s real “slum” Dharavi. Hear about the lives of people there, what they face & the responses to the oscar-winning film. We talk with noted columnist Dilip D’souza, author of The Narmada Dammed & Kalpana Sharma, journalist and author of Rediscovering Dharavi: Stories from Asia’s Largest Slum, in Mumbai. And, Betrayal: hear about an award-winning film that traces a Laotian family’s flight from war to the mean streets of America. It’s all part of the International Laotian Lunar New Year bringing music, food and celebration. Hear more about this free event.  Also, Secret Asian Man: the only nationally syndicated manga of its kind, tackles race, gender, and more. We talk with its creator Tak Toyoshima.

March 12, 2009 Thurs: “Buy American” or backlash for Asian Americans? The American Recovery bill, US companies, a history of narrow nationalism and a talk with labor and Asian American activist Warren Mar. Plus, SF Public Defender Jeff Adachi has time for film-making. His documentary asks why did the first Asian American hipster on TV change his name? A look at actor Jack Soo (Suzuki). Also showing at the Asian American Film Festival are winners of film shorts. Hear what’s showing.