As a child, I had several influential teachers who I often mistakenly called “mom” or “dad” because they had become so important in my life. They were talented individuals who probably could have chosen a different path and made a lot more money. I’ve taught before so maybe I’m a bit biased, but teachers are probably the most undervalued people in our society. They raise our kids when we’re too busy chasing cash. They serve as role models to youth growing up in single-family homes. They work all day in a chaotic environment and then take their work home just to be ready for the next day. Slam poet Taylor Mali has a few things to say about jack-a’s that say “those who cannot do, teach”.
In the 1980’s, free trade and environmental degradation virtually eliminated Haiti’s internal rice production. Haitians eventually became dependent on rice imports. Now, Haitians are starving due to rising food prices. There are reports of people making themselves sick, just so they can be admitted to the hospital and get food. There are many reasons for rising food prices including diversion of crops to biofuels and rising commodity and oil prices. Agricultural and oil interests lobbied for blended biofuel solutions such as ethanol, instead of promoting smart solutions such as electric vehicles or reusing waste vegetable oil.
To be sure, Haiti’s neighbor, the Dominican Republic, is also effected by the global food shortage, but they have a huge advantage with their local food production. Dominicans produce 80% of the foods consumed locally, which insulates them somewhat from the global shortages. It would be interesting to hear the presidential candidates address some of these issues in the next debate. Much has been made during the campaigns about special interests and globalization, but this an actual example of how bad policy has created a disaster and the next president must provide leadership on issues like these.
In our latest installment, we traveled across the Bay to speak with youth development veteran Mark Henderson. For 15 years, Mark has been helping inner-city youth get jobs in the city of Oakland. In this fifth episode, he talks with us about the current job situation for youth in Oakland and how Measure Y is addressing the challenges that youth face. Mark breaks down the specifics of using job skills training and employment as an incentive to keep youth in school, off the street, and out of trouble. He also touches on green collar jobs, and explains how regular folks can get involved to help youth and reduce crime in their neighborhood.
Listen to the full version of the Green Rapper production “El Medio Ambiente (The Environment)” from the closing credits by pressing play.
I just registered to run in the Marin Human Race. Each year, this 5K run helps to financially support non-profits working in Marin County. I’m throwing my support to Huckleberry Youth Programs, an organization that offers health services and support to at-risk youth in San Francisco and Marin. They’ve also employed one of my close family members for the past three years, so I probably owe them. If you’d like to make a donation on our behalf, make a check out to “Marin Human Race” and send it to:
Huckleberry Teen Health Program
Montecito Plaza
361 Third Street, Suite G
San Rafael, CA 94901
People who know nothing about rap music like to say that rap music has no meaning. I’d say that is true of about 90% of what is played on the radio these days, but it was the fun and social messages in rap music that attracted me to it as a young person (which we spoke about in our last episode). These days, there are plenty of great artists who are putting out music with a message, but they just don’t get the exposure that your 50 Cents and Little Waynes get. Some great, idea-oriented artists that I’ve been listening to these days include Brother Ali, Pete Miser, and Lupe Fiasco. I thought I’d put together an all-time top-ten list of my favorite rap songs that don’t have to do with booty, bling, or bb guns. This is by no means a “well thought out” list, so let me know if you think something has been omitted etc. (Note: Links pop up into Youtube videos of the songs)
In this show, the Green Rapper heads to the Mission in San Francisco to catch up with Jon and Mimi of Mijuanito. As we vibe to the melodic sounds, we also find out how their green record label Parks and Records is making a difference. A concept that blends their two passions, music and mother nature, they share with us their 4-part mission to build a community of like-minded musicians and fans, release passionate indie-pop/ noise-rock albums, reduce waste through 100% recycled/reused packaging, and support organizations dedicated to making our planet greener.
Check out tracks from Parks and Records’ newest release, Carcrashlander on Myspace.
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