Ep-106 - “Roots of Brilliance” - Akil West

Episode: 106

Sole Purpose: Community Over Everything

Welcome forward, Techie Baes! I’m your host, Cassie Betts, on KBLA Talk 1580, and you’re listening to "talktechto.me," where technology is the new sexy, Black geeks are the new superheroes, and South Central LA is the new tech mecca.

On today's podcast episode, "Sole Purpose: Community Over Everything,” we’re diving into the incredible story of Akil West, the visionary founder of Sole Folks. From overcoming 15 years of incarceration to empowering underserved communities through entrepreneurship, creativity, and tech, Akil's mission is to prove that Community Over Everything can transform lives.

The Latest News in Tech: The Tea in Tech

CrowdStrike Glitch Triggers Worldwide Tech Meltdown

A global IT outage affecting Windows devices across various sectors has been linked to a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz confirmed the issue, stating it's not a cyberattack but a defect in a content update for Windows hosts. A fix is being deployed, and Mac and Linux systems are unaffected. The outage has significantly impacted businesses worldwide, particularly in the travel sector, causing "blue screen of death" errors and system disruptions. While not a security incident, the U.S. cyber agency CISA warned that threat actors are attempting to exploit the situation for phishing and other malicious activities. As of today, Microsoft reported that approximately 8.5 million devices, less than 1% of Windows machines globally, were affected by the outage. Despite this relatively small percentage, the impact was widespread due to CrowdStrike's use by enterprises running critical services. I think it was the ancestors because they canned their DEI program.

Dubai Scientist Proposes "Prison of the Future"

A Dubai-based biotechnologist proposes "The Cognify method" - using AI to implant false memories in criminals' minds, allowing them to "serve" long sentences in minutes. The founder calls it the "prison of the future" and aims to "treat criminals like patients". The AI-generated memories would be tailored to each offender's crime and rehabilitation needs, potentially covering a wide range of offenses from theft to violent crimes. Proponents claim this method could revolutionize the criminal justice system by reducing incarceration costs and allowing offenders to reintegrate into society more quickly. Critics may raise ethical concerns about manipulating memories and the long-term psychological effects of such a procedure.

FUBU Brand History to Become Scripted TV Series

Radar Pictures and For Us By Us Studios are developing a scripted series about the iconic Fubu hip-hop clothing brand, chronicling its rise to a $6 billion empire. The series will explore Fubu's founding in 1992 by J. Alexander Martin, Keith Perrin, Carlton Brown, and Daymond John, highlighting triumphs, controversies, relentless hustle, power struggles, and the untold stories behind the scenes. Ted Field of Radar Pictures sees the project as an opportunity to celebrate hip-hop culture and honor fashion industry pioneers. I was a Fubu model. Magic show in Vegas.

"Not Like Us" Game Creator Breaks Internet

Richie Branson, a self-described "random brotha" with impressive credentials, has created "Not Like Us," a viral video game inspired by Kendrick Lamar's recent hit diss track. The game features Kendrick hitting an owl with a bat, mirroring the infamous scene from the "Not Like Us" music video where he smashes an owl piñata (the owl is the mascot for Drake’s OVO label). Branson, who's worked on Fortnite and designed games for Bleacher Report and Epic Games, also composed the game's chiptune soundtrack. He calls the game a "free love letter to video games and hip hop," available at notlikeusgame.com.

Special Guest: Akil West

Introduction

Welcome forward, Techie Baes! You’re listening to "talktechto.me." I’m your host Cassie Betts. On today’s episode, "Sole Purpose: Community Over Everything," Akil West, founder and CEO of Sole Folks in Leimert Park is in the building! From incarceration to innovation, hear how Akil is transforming communities and empowering young people through entrepreneurship, tech, and creativity.

Guest Intro: Akil West

Akil West, founder of Sole Folks, is revolutionizing Black entrepreneurship in Los Angeles through his innovative retail incubator. After serving 15 years in prison, he dedicated his life to creating opportunities for Black and underserved communities, establishing Sole Folks as a dynamic hub that cultivates creativity and provides crucial financial support and mentorship. Akil’s visionary approach extends beyond retail, as he leads initiatives in community development, urban gardening, and economic empowerment through his roles with the Community Land Trust and as Treasurer of the Leimert Park Village Merchants Association. His journey from incarceration to community leader embodies the transformative power of second chances and commitment to social change.

Q&A with Akil West

Icebreaker: What’s an App You Can’t Live Without?

Akil shares his background, including his 15-year incarceration, his transformation, and his commitment to developing opportunities for Black people and underserved communities.

Building Sole Folks

Discussion on the founding of Sole Folks and the journey from inception to the present. The mission and vision of Sole Folks and the philosophy of "community over everything." An overview of the various programs at Sole Folks, including the Sole Folks Art Lab. Explanation of how these programs foster innovation, creativity, and support e-commerce.

Programs and Initiatives

Discussion of the seven phases of product development: sourcing, brand identity, pre-production, e-commerce marketing, preparing for launch, retail, and community investment.

Innovation, Creativity, and E-commerce

AI Tools and Creative Encouragement

Detailed discussion on the tech and tools used within Sole Folks. How innovation and creativity are encouraged and facilitated in the incubator. Discussion on the podcast studio, its utilization, and future expansion plans.

Challenges and Impact

Akil talks about the challenges faced in establishing and running Sole Folks. Highlighting success stories and the difference Sole Folks has made in cultivating Black entrepreneurship and creativity.

Future Plans and Ventures

Akil shares his future plans for Sole Folks and other ventures, including the Community Land Trust and community garden. Moving locations inside Leimert Park to give a bigger space. Co-working, re-entry, and justice-impacted initiatives.

Advice for Entrepreneurs and Reentry Individuals

Akil offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals reentering society after incarceration.

Connect with Akil West

Encourage listeners to connect with Akil online. Follow Cassie Betts on Instagram @instabetts and @talktechto.me. Learn more about Made In South LA by visiting misla.org. Thank you for kicking it with us at the Unapologetically Progressive KBLA Talk 1580. Up next is The Back Story with Mischa Duffie.