John Malpede, the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Poverty Department, has been working with the housed and unhoused community members of Skid Row since the mid 1980’s. Through his work, he helps empower community members through art performances and exhibitions. By creating programs that tell the story of this unique community, the LAPD has not only strengthened community bonds, but have also helped to acknowledge the hardships overcome and celebrate the recognition received by people who, in so many ways, have been told their lives are less than.
I caught up with John during the 8th Annual Festival for All Skid Row Artists at Gladys Park in Los Angeles last fall. Amongst bands, visual artists and a warm southern California sun, we discussed the work of the LAPD and the importance of arts in recrafting the narrative of the Skid Row community. I hope you enjoy the conversation with John, with the background of performers from the community singing and celebrating with one another.
Episode 31: Cassie Hoeprich, Lena Miller and Suzanne Nienaber
Episode 30: Barron Peper and Jescelle Major
Episode 29: Paul Simmons and Sylvana Niehuser
Episode 28: Jonathan Martin and Scott Greenstone of Project Homeless
Episode 27: Marla Torrado
Episode 26: Natasha Ponczek Shoemake
Episode 25: Alan Graham
Episode 24: Corina Luckenbach and Melanie Granger
Episode 23: Mike McGinn
Episode 22: Tim Harris
Episode 21: Sloan Dawson and Sara Zewde
Episode 19: John Wilson
Episode 18: Tamika Butler
Episode 17: Rachel Allen and Allen Compton
Episode 16: Mike O'Brien
Episode 15: Mark Vallianatos
Episode 14: Breanne Schuster
Episode 13: Richard Rothstein
Episode 12: Scott Gilmore
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