Voices From The Front Lines Voices From The Frontlines

This week on Voices Radio, Eric and Channing conduct another really great film review on two films that stood out to them in very particular ways, for them, as organizers and more so as people who think deeply and critically about life in all of its many complexities.  Film is very important in the telling or human story through our individual lenses; its struggles, complexities, visions, successes, contributions to our species, teaching capabilities, etc. The best part of film takes place when the viewers have the opportunity to dissect the film, extract lessons, bring to light greater truths, correct the ill-perceived, and lend a hand in re-shaping humanity for the better.  Channing’s review/critque is on a film called Mapplethorpe; A film about Robert Mapplethorpe, a queer artist and photographer. The film takes a look at his life, from his rise to fame in the 70’s through his decline and death in 1989. Channing discusses Mapplethorpe’s illustrations through his eyes, as a Black, Queer, male, and what th

BOOK SIGNING - POSTPONED!!! Eric and Channing speak with Florence and Charles Bracy, the parents of Brad Bracy, who has autism. Florence takes us through her book, Help Me Understand My Child; A Mother’s Truth About Autism. She walks us through her family's path to cope; from her sons diagnosis, the struggle of acceptance, learning about her sons autistic traits, and how to help him. Florence also provides information about resources and services available to assist individuals with autism and families. We also hear from listeners who have experience with autism. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the world. One in fifty-nine people are born with autism, and roughly forty-two are boys. One percent of the worlds population is autistic. Three and a half million Americans are autistic, and 100,000 live in the Los Angeles county alone. Tune in to this weeks Voices From the Frontlines. If you haven't already, you very well may encounter someone with autism. As Florence stated, you may

Voices Radio features and celebrates the voices of those who sacrificed themselves for you and I. by Eric Mann

Eric, Channing, and Alan discuss the importance of this film, featuring the success of the people of the Bus Riders Union and those in support of the movement. The film shows us just how important it is to demand what you want, get organized,  and remain diligent in the fight. Eric makes a really good point when he said that most documentaries make you aware of a problem, but this film shows you the problem AND the solution! This is a documentary that is showing you a movement that won and continues to win its fight. It is phenomenally inspiring. We hear from from organizers like Della Bonner, Rosalie Mendiola, Eric Mann, and Kikanza Ramsey; "The Bus Riders Union in some ways is a political, social experiment, if you will, to see if we can build a multi-racial, bi-lingual, gender-balanced, mass movement of working class people that is willing to fight for a set of demands that challenges corporate capital.” - Kikanza Ramsey. The brilliance of this film should move you to take action in your community!!! Joi

Today on Voices From the Frontlines - we learn that civil rights leader and Black Lives Matter activist and Founding member, Dr. Melina Abdullah faces 8 felony charges… Why are our civil rights leaders facing prosecution in “liberal” L.A., you ask??? Find out… Join your community members, and The Strategy Center on Thursday, February 8th, 9 a.m., at 210 W Temple St. Dept. 43. Los Angeles, Ca., as we fight for Melina and request that Los Angeles City Attourney Mike Feuer drop ALL charges against Dr. Melina Abdullah, because criminalizing and silencing black voices WILL NOT HAPPEN!!! To sign the petition requesting that Mike Feuer drop these charges please click bit.ly/freemelina. For more background on these charges, and Melina’s diligent stand for justice, please visit https://thelandmag.com/the-people-v-melina-abdullah/ Eric and Channing talk about the Bus Riders Union film with Ayuko Babu. Eric talks about his encounter with Haskell Wexler and the making of this film which addresses the challenges faced du

Today on Voices Radio Channing Martinez, Producer and co-host of Voices From the Frontlines, and Barbara Lott Holland, long time member of the Bus Riders Union and Associate Director of the Labor Community Strategy Center, review The Strategy Center’s Bus Riders Union film, and the economic racism that is at the core of MTA’s transit-racist narrative. Some of the featured fighters are The Labor Community Strategy Center’s Director, Eric Mann, Della Bonner, Rosio Mendiola, Kwanza Ramsey, Connie Rice, and many others. The film will be featured on the opening night of the Pan African Film Festival. https://www.paff.org/films/#!/film/bus_riders_union They discuss the issues that were part of the fight to create a better more sustainable Los Angeles, starting with the MTA, a decent decree which was won in court, and the fight that the union had to continue in the streets in order to keep the MTA accountable. The union won $2.5 billion in transit improvements. The union still maintains the fight. Take a listen