Lawrence Reyes Candidate Statement

Access to KPFK's airwaves is a resource that should allow diverse grassroots communities the opportunity to communicate with each other, not be monopolized by a few power-brokers or gate-keepers. The listeners and volunteers who power the station must have a say in how the station's run and what it airs. This is essential for true free speech, and to give voice to the voiceless. KPFK must play a role in advancing solutions to the problems we're experiencing – immigration raids; homelessness and gentrification; lack of health care; denial of rights for the disabled, children and the aged; police abuse and criminalization of youth of color; repression and imprisonment of dissidents and resisters; the absence of food sovereignty; militarization of schools; racism, war, colonialism and genocide.

These are issues that affect me personally, that I care about passionately, and that I struggle about daily as an organizer, parent and social worker. I've been involved as a listener at KPFK, speaking out and reaching out about these issues for years; yet KPFK is resistant to addressing those issues and airing the concerns and expressions coming directly from the affected communities. An open evaluation process of existing programming is critical in order to improve the quality, depth and scope of what KPFK airs. We need a comprehensive training program of fresh, energetic people engaged in the communities and schools, our next generation of listeners who are already under attack and who have the commitment to carry the station forward. KPFK is threatened today by forces that would eliminate grassroots voices, Spanish-language shows, and collectives. They're more concerned with their own interests and narrow political agendas.

The best antidote is allowing the community to speak for itself. On-air forums and town halls must be held debating these issues, as I have played a key role in helping organize at the station, such as the upcoming Town Hall on addressing conflicts and building unity between Black and Brown youth.

I serve on the Governance and Outreach and Committees of the LSB, but resigned from the Program Oversight Committee to protest the unwillingness to air grassroots reports on and counter-organizing against fascist ICE raids and deportations. I authored the resolution for editorial support of Mumia's new trial, and worked on the first LSB fundraiser with Cynthia McKinney. I'm running, along with others, to bring accountability and openness to KPFK, so the station can survive the attacks that will come whoever wins the 2008 elections.

For more info please call me at 310-460-8586 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or log on to www.kpfk.org for election information on my Candidate Postions. Pa'lante. Lawrence Reyes