social and political commentator
Political consultant who writes about the intersection of race, politics and culture; social and political commentator, based in Los Angeles, California; contributor to National Public Radio's News and Notes
PROFILE
Jasmyne Cannick
Guest
FROM Jasmyne Cannick
The Mixer
A city boiled over, but the problems persist Tomorrow marks 25 years since the verdict – and aftermath – that changed L-A.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
South L.A.'s Food Desert Persists Los Angeles is a place of stark contrasts, even when it comes to access to quality food. While residents in affluent parts of the region complain about congestion at their Whole Foods parking lot, residents of South L.A. often have to drive long distances to find a grocery store that even sells fresh fruits and vegetables.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
New Hospital, New Hope to Replace King Drew Medical Center When King Drew Medical Center opened in South L.A. in 1972 it was more than just a hospital. It was a symbol of hope and empowerment for L.A.’s African-American community. The hospital represented healing for people still recovering from the Watts riots. But over time, that promise faded.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
South Los Angeles or “SOLA?” We start today with a story about the power of perception. Can you change a neighborhood by changing its name? Twelve years ago, the city council tried when it rebranded South Central Los Angeles as “South L.A.” The idea was to free the community from the negative connotations of violence and crime that had become associated with “South Central.”
Which Way, L.A.?
Angelenos React to the Ferguson Grand Jury Decision LAPD Chief Charlie Beck says the trouble in Ferguson reminded him of rioting in Los Angeles in 1992, when four officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King. But nothing comparable took place.
Which Way, L.A.?
Keeping the Peace and Allowing the Outrage The LAPD says a small group got "out of control" in the Crenshaw District last night, breaking windows, attacking a TV crew and storming a Walmart store. Fourteen were arrested after what police call a "splinter group" broke off from a peaceful protest at Leimert Park. KCRW's Saul Gonzalez sampled neighborhood opinion this morning.
To the Point
LAPD Legacy Makes Dorner Case More than Just a Manhunt Fired police officer Christopher Dorner is charged with on murdering one cop and he's threatened many more.
Which Way, L.A.?
Council Holds Off on Name for LAPD Headquarters Los Angeles' police headquarters was named for William Parker , chief of the LAPD from 1950 to 1966. He got credit for professionalizing a corrupt and disorganized institution. But critics remember him for racism and a style of policing they compare to an occupying army.
Which Way, L.A.?
Proposition 8 and the Black Community Barack Obama 's expected to produce a record turnout of African American voters in California, and that could have an impact beyond the presidential election. Also on the state ballot is Proposition 8 , which would overturn the State Supreme Court's ruling that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right.
To the Point
How Did Don Imus Go Down in Flames? Last night, the Rutgers women's basketball team met with ousted talk-show host Don Imus and this morning, coach Vivian Stringer called him "remorseful." Time magazine once named Imus one of America's 25 most influential people. He's in the National Broadcaster's Hall of Fame .
Recommended
KCRW Features
What are charter schools? LAUSD teachers were picket lines for a second day Tuesday. And this morning the teachers union organized a march to the California Charter Schools Association office downtown, to draw attention to their criticisms of local charter schools. But what are charter schools anyway?
The 805
Free food for federal workers during shutdown Local federal workers are picking up free food as the government shutdown continues. More than 1000 PG&E workers in San Luis Obispo fear for their jobs as the utility declares bankruptcy.