South Central Rooted

South Los Angeles, in mainstream media and in the minds of those who don't work or live here, is often branded by the violent and chaotic flashpoints in its history, including the watts rebellion in 1965 in the LA uprising in 1992. The South Central Rooted podcast explores the connections between these events and the generations of institutional neglect and intentional exploitation that preceded them. This legacy of oppression still affects South LA residents in all aspects of their daily lives from housing, unemployment, transportation, policing, and the environment. And, the combination of these problems has serious consequences for community health. What we have come to realize is that this racist architecture cannot be dismantled piece by piece at a time when South LA residents are increasingly vulnerable to multiple forms of harassment, displacement and erasure. While South LA has been a testing ground for racist policy, it has also been a real- life laboratory for innovative solutions. Many of the tools, strategies and narratives that South LA leaders developed were once considered too radical. But today these same strategies are being adopted by movement leaders in other cities, and even by policymakers. This is because South LA’s grassroots leaders know that to address these complex, or intersectional problems, we must change the system. Drawing on research and local knowledge, this podcast identifies where Band Aid solutions have failed, where gains have been made, and where future opportunities lie in South LA. If you are from South Central, are familiar with its history, or are involved in organizing, then kick back listen to some familiar voices share stories about some of the great work your neighbors are doing on behalf of the community. And if you are new to south central or south central is new to you, well, get ready for an education, and welcome to the neighborhood!

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3: Building People Power (Webinar 7/8/20)

This episode is the second in a three part webinar, or virtual teach-in, series and is focused on combating the Drivers of Disparity in the wake of George Floyd's murder and the nationwide uprising for racial justice that has followed. The relentless police brutality within Black and Brown communities has sparked protests and organizing efforts around the world to show solidarity for Black lives and a demand for justice and systemic change. The backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic has magnified the pre-existing health and socioeconomic disparities for low-income communities of color and left them to contend with life-threatening crises on multiple fronts. Although these issues have been a revelation for much of the American public, they are familiar for residents and activists in South Central Los Angeles. In this webinar, three activists and organizers share their personal and professional insights on one of the Drivers of Disparity: Policing Suppression, Deportation, & Mass Incarceration, and a key contributor to the current state of inequity in South Los Angeles. The panelists discuss the history of policing in Los Angeles, describe the impact of policing on the residents of South LA, illustrate some of the new suppression tactics deployed in communities of color, and present the need to reimagine public safety and the role of law enforcement even as community activists continue to advance efforts to defund the police nationwide.

Aug 5, 2020

1 hr 38 min

2: COVID-19 and the Drivers of Disparity (Webinar 5/7/20)

This episode is the first in a three part webinar, or virtual teach-in, series on the combating the Drivers of Disparity against the backdrop of COVID-19. The coronavirus pandemic has magnified health and socio-economic inequalities that community organizers and public health experts have been grappling with since long before the virus struck. The cultural landscape of South Los Angeles has been shaped by its unique history of organizing against social and health disparities that disadvantage its Black and Brown communities. In order to disentangle COVID-19 and the Drivers of Disparity in South LA, three organizers share detailed personal and professional insights into how this health crisis has impacted the political, economic, and social realities for South LA residents. You will hear them describe on-the-ground experiences in the different communities they serve, challenges and opportunities of organizing during the pandemic, the importance of togetherness for exerting community power, and the essential role of narrative - and narrative change - for the inclusion of historically marginalized communities in formal recovery efforts.

May 20, 2020

1 hr 20 min

1: South LA is the Future

In Episode 1 we explore how the history of South Los Angeles helps us to understand its current conditions, including disparities around housing, employment, policing, environment, and ultimately community health. We also discuss how decades of neglect and suppression have culminated both as violent uprising and also as a new wave of community organizing.

Mar 10, 2020

43 min