Coffee Conversations with Greg J

May 19 marks the 100th Birthday of Malcolm X. In this episode, we are reflecting with arts and culture icon Torrence Brannon-Reese as he shares perspectives of thought founded on the history of Malcolm, and celebrate his long standing vision of designating a sretch of Crenshaw Blvd in Los Angeles as the Malcom X Corridor. Profound discussion!!

South Africa has been in the crosshairs of the Trump Administration. Clearly South Arican born Elon Musk has a great deal of influence in these decisions. Listen as we encourage the people to support South Africa. What are the issues there? What should we as Black Americans Be aware of? What is Land Expropriation? Listen and contemplate… Pastor Kelvin Sauls is a South African born faith leader and community activist centered on issues of global social justice. Paul Turner is an Economic Development Professional with extensive experience working on the continent of Africa as a leader in faith-based aid organizations

In the whirlwind of executive orders and conflagrations of federal government administration, we see this all is happening in the midst of conflict in the Congo, and the concellation of the work being done by USAID.. These actions affect relief and community development work in Africa. Paul Turner has worked on the continent for years providing expertise in economic development and aducation. He brings a knowledgable and sobering perspective on the situation and encourages us to stay tuned to news coming from the Continent. Global Perspectives. Be informed.

Recently, the Hip-Hop industry lost a legend. Nasty Nes was essential in claiming Seattle's place in the rap matrix through the massive success of Sir Mix A Lot, NastyMix Records was a dynamic imprint that illuminated an obscure geographic region in terms of rap music. We recorded this broadcast in 2024 and did not publish it because we had a really bad technical day. And so now today as we mourn the passing of Nasty Nes Rodriguez, we dug into our archives, retrieved the interview, carefully edited best we could and published this conversation in honor of his life and legacy. Great memories, great perspectives. Even Nes' dog has a prominent part in this recording lol!! But yes, Nasty Nes Rodriguez was a great man and a good friend we met in our days of being in the radio, music and marketing industries. Listen, Like, share. 

Following a motion forwarded by Long Beach City Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, and seconded by Councilmember Dr. Jodi Ricks-Oddie, the Long Beach City Council unanimously approved the raising of the Pan African Flag. The motion requested that annually, the flag will fly alongside the Stars and Stripes, The State of California Flag and the City of Long Beach flag on the plaza of the Long Beach Civic Center as an acknowledgement of Black History Month.For this episode, Greg J. contemplates the move and the significance of the flag in this space - a energetic topic in a city that is so diverse and touts its position as a progressive and diverse municipality. We contemplate the essence of the Red, the black and the green flying over City Hall. I know one thing... Sistas standing on culture in City Hall and that's what's up.

We are honored to speak with Gwen Austin - a prominent businesswoman, author and philanthropist. She is a Liberian-born American residing in the LA area. She shares her story of immigration to this country and reflects on the changes she has seen in the US and the changes we are seeing on the Continent.

The fires raging across the Los Angeles area have been devastating. Entire neighborhoods have been wiped out. In Altadena the devastation is apocalyptic as thousands are left with nothing after thier homes have completely burned down. Generations of African Americans left homeless and in despair. And yet, the West Angeles Community Development Corporation once again steps into its more than 30 year old reputation of being a solid and reputable source of help in time of trouble in the community. Dr. Belinda Allen serves as the Executive Director for this awesome non-profit organization and today, she shares how the CDC is helping fire victims and other avenues of support the CDC provides in the community. 

 Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day has been a centerpiece in cities all over the Southland. In recent years, it would appear that black centered cultural celbrations have been muted.So what are the cultural  and civic nuances in presenting cultural celebrations? Is there an air of anti blackness? In Long Beach, CA activists believe city government has minimized black reppresentation in the MLK celebrations. How do community and civic entities link and sync? Open conversation for thought and critical analysis....  #preservearts #culture #relevance

And so, as the peaceful transition of power takes place, the government is taking action against immigrants.  We hear talk of mass deportation and birthrights, The narrative has folk stereotypically thinking of  Latino immigrants. However; the discussion affects the Diasporic immigrants. Black folk from Africa, the Caribbean, South America et. al. We discus immigration with the publisher of Immigrant Magazine, Pamela Asobo Anchang who has long been in the fight to support the African Immigrant community. She is from Cameroon, West Africa. Join us for robust and informative conversation!

As wildfires siege LA County, we turn our attention to the community of Altadena, where a vibrant community of black folk have lived for generations. The neighborhood has been deeply impacted by the wildfires in an incredibly and unimaginable way. Pastor G. LaKeith Kenebrew of the Hillside Church of God in Christ in Altadena joins us to share his experiences in the fire. A part of the church property was burned  and Pastor lost his home as did other members of his family. And yet, he and others are strong on the street organizing, coordianating and wanting to be a service to the people. This is an incredible story of resilience, service and steadfast faith. #altadena #wildfires

As we move through the festive season and into the new year, we are eating a lot. Being mindful of how and what we eat is essential to our consciousness as a people. Disease, unhealthy diets and pratices set us up for discproportinate disease and malady in our communties. Dr. Sharita Yazid speaks to us live from Accra Ghana with a strong conversation about food and the necessity of holistic nutrition consciousness. 

We're taking an examination of Kwanzaa - What is it? How did it start? Did Dr. Karenga really develop the Nguzu Saba? Long time Kwanzaa and the former/original Director of the Kwanzaa People of Color Coordinating Committee RW Akile as he shares first hand observations of the history of Kwanzaa. You will be surprised!

Its the seaso of "Ghana in December" and we're linking with one of Ghana's top music stars. Wutah Kobby is well know having a huge discography of hits and production credits for many of the most popular artsts in the West African Nation. We're talking cultural exchange, Ghana's relevance in the world music scene and general perspectives on music, arts and culture. This is a fascinating conversation. 

As we face uncertain paths in government, reparations has been a vigorous discussion in California. After a landmark 1100 page report composed by a select Reparations Task Force and supported by State Government, two critical reparations bills were to be voted on during the last Legislative Session in the State Capitol. Suddenly and with seemingly no explanation, the vote for those bills did not happen. It would seem that the California Legislative Black Caucus was disjointed. Activists groups like Coalition for a Just and Equitable California has been on the leading edge of community advocacy in this space.Now, as government evolves in its present post-election iteration, new leaders, legislative reset, and an unclear world view, Where do we go from here? We are glad to have attorney Kamillah V. Moore with us to discuss the reprations issue in California and reparative justice across the globe. Tap in

There is this narrative out there that says Black men will not vote for VP KLamala Harris because she is a woman. I have never heard any man speak like that. Brothas are looking at policy as far as I know... And then in California, the California Legislative Black Caucus botched reparations vote advanced after the historic and detailed report delivered by the Reparations Task Force. Some say the bills were flawed. OThers say the bills' author was acting alone - a lone wolf. OThers say the fiscal capacity to administer reparations was not there. Whatever the case, to the everyman, it looks really crazy that our black politicians cant even come together on reparations. But is that the case? What happened? THe people deserve to know. We are privileged to discuss these issues with Dr. Anthony Samad, Executive Director of theMervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute at Cal State Dominguez Hills. Also joining us is the Controller of the California Democratic PArty and the Chair of the DSemocratic PArtyh WOmen's Caucus, Carolyn Fowler. This is informative and frank talk.   

We wanted to get an update on the crisis in Haiti. and then Trump made the outrageous claim that Haitian immigrants are eating cats and dogs in Springfield, OH. Today, we are joined by Haitian Community activist Dr. Jude Azad who shares with us the hooros in Haiti, and his community'sd experience in Springfield as rumps remarks have ignited a firestorm of hate against Haitians in thier town. 

As we are consumed with a contentious presidential election, are we in danger of losing our African Centered Consciousness? Are we losing the essence of African Centered thought? How do we reconcile our ccultural center in this day and time that also tries to stoke our patriotism? Dr. Tony Browder joins us to discuss our Ancestral Intelligence, encouraging the audience to read and research and become aware and educated about our African origins. Dispel the yths told. Fascinating discussion. 

Trump exhorts all Christians to vote for him... What does this mean? We reached out to one of our most endearing theological scholars and Church leaders, Dr. Mark Whitlock, Pastor of the Reid Temple AME Church in Glenn Dale, MD for perspective.. This is fascinating discussion from a black church perspective...

The Nationa Association of Black Journalists is holding its national convention this week in Chicago. They invited Former President Donald Trump. Many objected to the invitation, some even resigned their membership within the organization. And then the line of questioning... we reached out to longtime NABJ member and veteran, renowned news anchor Beverly White (now retired) as she reflects on what she witnessed today in a fireworks of a day at the NABJ Convention.

What a whirlwind of events!! First the debate debacle.... then the Assassination Attempt... then Presidential COVID... then the bombshell announcement of pulling out of the race and endorsing VP Kamala Harris... tens of thousands of black women and men mobilize to raise millions of dollars and to drum up support for this historic moment... We reached out to speak with Carolyn Fowler, Controller of the California democratic Party and Chair of the Women's Caucus for the Party... she shares process and perspective in this important time. 

Its been thirty years since the dismantling of Apartheid in South Africa. Nelson mandela merged from 27 years of imprisonment. Duly Elcted President and the long fought democratic government was put in place. Now, its been thirty years. Where is South africa now? Hat are the triumphs? What are the challenges? WQe are joined live from Johannesburg South Africa by Pastor Kelvin Sauls as he shares from a faith based social justice lens. We know him from his activism in South LA, but here we are hearing his perspewcdtive from his hometown of El Dorado Park, located in the township of Soweto, South Africa. Fascinating.. 

It's a sad story. In the 6th District near Martin Luther King Jr. Park, are various artistic expressions in homage to Dr. King. ON such expression of street art was a utility box adorned with a beautiful painting of Dr. King. Unfortunately, gang culture made thier presence known by defacing the face of Dr. King with the identification of thier set. It was tragic and alarmed many in the community. With the help of concerned residents, i was able to locate the artist and made provision for her to get reimbursed for the materials she would use to repaired the vandalism. By the time she got there, the City had already come through and whitewashed the entire box. The situation gives pause to examone public art policies, challenges and triumphs as the Arts Council of Long Beach fervently advocates for mural repair and maintenance policies within the City. Listen. Its fascinating

South African Jazz Movement: I am often asked about the music of Africa. Sure, we hear Afrobeats, that awesome genre centered from a lot of Nigerian artists, but what about other expressions of Music from other parts of the continent? Other genres like r&b, jazz? On the next Coffee Conversations with Greg J., we explore the music of South Africa… more specifically the genre of jazz and the movement to preserve its legacy. We are reaching out to Johannesburg South Africa to speak with renowned radio personality and Musicologist Nonn Botha as we explore the music and trends happening on the continent. Is Jazz dying? What is the legacy of Hugh Masekela and artists like him… we are getting jazzy in an African way… streaming live later today on FB and Instagram and YouTube.. and On demand thereafter with audio on your favorite podcast platforms… #global #arts #culture #commuity #musicent:Explore the podcast

As we consider issues of the eelectorate, Reparations are an issue that is making its presence known in the halls of the California State Capitol. Cali is the only state to have created a Reparations Task force where legislators have undertaken a massive and comprehensive study of the issue of Reparations - the systemic cause in the history of the State, what would the award look like, who is entitled to compensation and many more considerations. We talk with Chris Lodgson of the grassroots advocacy organization Coalition for a Just and Equitable California. They have been working shoulder to shoulder with the Task Force and have a strong perspective on why we should receive reparations in the Golden State. Fascinating discussion. 

Last week, we were honored to hear from renowned journalist, witer, and Former UN Official Monique Clesca as she shared an "on the ground" perspective of the chaos erupting in Haiti. Armed gangs have taken over large swaths of land and government has been rendered ineffective. Two prison breaks and unbridled violence are happening all around. When we livestreamed this we encountered many audio problems, so this rebroadcast is the fully repaired interview. This is fascinating and substantive discussion about the Haitian situation happening right outside Monique's doorstep. We are grateful for Ms Clesca's time and we ferveently pray her safety. 

We welcome renowned Pan African Scholar and historian Tony Browder to the coffee table as legacy of the late great Pan African ScholarDr. Runoko Rashidi is discussed. We explore the essence of Pan African Consiousness and the importance of this history for people of African descent in this United States of America. We discuss the new documentary produced by Tony Browder that chronicles the life of Dr. Rashidi. This is a powerful discussion

On this episode of Coffee Conversations with Greg J., we are lifting up an incredible project in Ghana, the Pan African Heritage Museum Listen as Kojo Yankah joins us from Cape Coast Ghana, to share the whys and wherefores of this great museum . In the meantime, go to www.pahmuseum.org to see the entire digital exhibit. Learn how you can support the building of this great edifice and open your hearts and mind towards a consciousness of history. OUR history.

This week we will continue our examination of the Making of Hip-Hop with a fascinating conversation with @Darryl James. He is a publisher, writer, entrepreneur and social critic. He was the Publisher/Editor of RapSheet, the first Hiphop Newspaper, the writer for HipHop Countdown and Report, the first nationally syndicated rap radio show and is a respected author, social critic and entrepreneur.

Just as we are enthralled with the NFL playoffs, so are our African brothers and sisters enthralled with the Africa Cup of Nations foootball tournament (soccer) … we have Rodney Knox former Marketing Director for the San Francisco 49ers and Edward Aiken reknowned radio and television sports journalist in Accra Ghana… we contrast rgw two worlds of football and football…

History shows that the Black Church has a been essential in our fight towards freedom and equality. But these are unprecedented times. We sit and chat with Rev. Kelvin Sauls, a progressive, prophetic and Pan-African Pastor engaged in trans-national emancipatory faith-rooted organizing at the intersection of South LA and South Africa.

The global reset is real and we've invited Afro-futuristic Researcher, Sadiki Bakari to discuss Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies and what they mean to us. Our digital devices are really startling us. Clearly major developments are happening in the digital space. and what in the world is Transhumanism?? Coffee is on at Coffee Conversations with Greg J.

As we talk about 50 years of hip-hop, we gather with Industry legend Violet Brown and iconic radio broadcaster Greg Mack to talk about the early days of hip-hop. Violet was the premier buyer for Wherehouse Records and Greg was the nucleus of the crew at 1580 KDAY, the first commercial radio station to present a rap format on the west coast. This is legendary conversation. PLUS we have a surprise guest appearance by the GodFather of West Coast HipHop A;onzo Williams as he shares about his Compton roots and reminisces about Eazy E, This is one for the ages...

Although the original broadcast came as a subject change after a robust discussion of Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary, the topic deserves its own podcast... We are talking about the Women's Tackle Footbal League - a national phenomenon as the dialogue amplifyes women in sports. This is serious business. Join, music producer extraordinaire Dwayne "Muffla" Simon and the Commissioner of the WTFL as we have a conversation about the league and women's sports in general.

And so as everyone is talking about the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, we continue our series on the Making of Hip-Hop. When Hip-Hop emerged, I was a young industry executive and that gave me a front row seat to what is now the biggest music genre ever. Today, we speak with a renonwed rap artist, radio star and entrepreneur Felicia Morris aka The Poetess. She released an album back in the day when female rappers were not as prevalent as today. Joining us is journalist Sheena Lester, who was an editor at Vibe Magazine, Rappages and has many jopurnalistic projects under her belt as an observer of hip-hop culture.

The brawl in Montgomery had everyone talking. I commented on a facebook post after viewing ONE single point of view. A view that made me comment that the now renowned "Aquaman" swam over but didnt do anything. I wasnt dissing him because actually I was still giving him props. I erred however because I had not viewed other video that clearly showed him gettinjg into the fray as he should. But the comments and hate that came my way!! whew!We also reflect on the military coup in Niger..... plsu more cultural observations on Coffee Conversations with Greg J.

As the City reels from hearing astoundingly racist comments caught on tape and spewed by LA City Council President Nury Martinez, Gil Cedillo, Kevin DeLeon and Ron Herrera, The City is in an uproar. Renowned academic, Dr, Anthony Samad and political nalyst, aithor and blogger Jasmyne Cannick joins to discuss and analyze the cibtroversy and its affect on the Black Community.

The struggle towards equity and inclusion in the movie business has always been a long and arduous fight. We always think of the actors and actresses in front of the camera but what about the stuntmen and stuntwomen. We're talking to two veteran stuntmen Alex Brown and Henry King alongside Robert Sausedo, CEO of Community Build, the venerable community develop,emt and social justice advocacy organization located in Leimert Park

As our communities emerge from pandemic recovery, clearly the future of work has changed. New skill sets are needed in the workplace creative spaces, Technology is the foundation toward commerce. How are we preparing our young minds for advancement in these days and time. How do we encourage learning and creativity in this rapidly changing world. We are talking with visionary educator/entrepreneur Dana Hammond as he describes the successes, challenges and adventures of running a charter school full supported by the Los Angeles Unified School District and breaking new paradigms in educational standards. This is a great discussion,,,,

Reflevtions of the 1992 Civil Unrest

We contemplate the essence of theater from a black perspective, What are the triumphs and challenges of producing plays and musicals. Are we promoting the pornography of Black Pain? What about film? We are telling our own stories with Sandra Evers-Manly, Founder of the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center.

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II is a global hostorical occurrence, Much is being said about her legacy, I began to contemplate the civil rights movement in the UK and decided to reach out to a black newspaper in London to gain the community's perspective. We are excited to welcome @LeahMahon, journalist at The Voice, a 40 year old black newspaper serving London

As we contemplate African American Music Appreciation Month, We are chopping it up with renowned collector, historian and lecturer Bill Doggett as we exolore the early history of African American Music. This is a fascinating discourse

The Creative Economy continues to be a vibrant and compelling conversation here... We're linking with Robert Sausedo, CEO of renowned Community Based organization Community Build to discuss the importance of arts and culture advocacy as the City recovers. We're joined by legacy arts and culture icon Lula Washington of the Lula Washington Dance Theater. So happy to continue the discussion with two deeply comitted Arts Advocates.

This will be a very interesting conversation with Margaret Kreeger, Esq, a renowned industry instrumental in breaking barriers to segments of the working industry. These breakthroughs led to the formation of the Black Stuntmen and Women's Association.

We reach across the oceans to link in with Senegalese music star and renowned actor in African Cinema, Ismail Mbaye. We are talking about his latest music offering, his acting career and rge global music arts and culture scene,,, This one is interesting because the entire conversation is spoken in his native touncue of Woloff... translated by my friend also from Senegal Bro. Boubacar,,, Thanks Thornell Jones for this incredible global interaction

As the election looms near, we are inundated with a plethora of negative advertising. In Long Beach, super negative mailers are hitting community mailboxes. In Longs Angeles a parade of negative television ads rare dominating our viewing consciousness... Siting with us with coffee and contemplations Steven Neal = President, Lomg Beach Harbor CommissionJasmyne Cannick = Journalist, Poltocal Cnalyst and Democratic Committee DelegateRegina Wilson - Executive Director, California Black Media Network

The State of California has mandated that a task force investigate the feasibility for roviding and distributing reparations for descendants of slave, The hearings have been going on and we're sitting to talk with renownd journalist Antonio Ray Harvey of the California Black Media Network so to take a look at the process.... Reparations in memory of our ancestors...

Cinversations of the Creative Economy continue as we turn our lens globally. We're talking to the Executive Director of the Atlanta Black Theater Festival, Toni Simmons-Henson. We just linked up with her in Ghana and now that we are back in the States , we're talking about the challenges and triumphs of working toward a global creative economy. And Surprise, Toni is reporting live from honduras!!!! Our serues about the creative economy is a result of a conversation we had with Albert Lord of the African American Legacy Project and Community Build, a prominent advocacy organaiation in the Crenshaw District, We believe that a vibrant creative economy is essential to strong communities.

As communities and municipalities recover, setting infrastructure for the arts is an important consideration within the context of a creative economy. Stan Washington, president & CEO of Pantheon Business Consulting LLC is the developer and project executive for overall property management, pre-development, programming, development and construction of the Stocker Street Creative Redevelopment Project (SSC)Also in the conversation is Ayuko Babu, Founder and President of the Pan African Film Festival, along with Gil Robertson, President of the African American Film Critics Association Once completed, the SSC is going to change the Crenshaw Corridor and more importantly give Black creatives another seat at the table.

Originally streamed in Black History Month, we did not post to the podcast library until now. Dr. Daniel Walker examines Black Hisptory Month and why it matters. This is a great conversation!!!

The Rent is too high! Should I buy? Or Rent? how do I buy? Are there programs to help me purchase a home. In this day and age, these aer essential questions. Tunua Thrash-Ntuk is the Managing Director of the Long Beach Center for Economic Inclusion. She is here to share vital information and to invite SOuthern Californians to a homebuyers education seminar .....