In this episode, we feature Eric Sheehan, a dedicated organizer representing both NOlympicsLA and the Anti-fascist Football Coalition, alongside Carlos Sirah of the Black Alliance for Peace, Southern California. Together we explore the intersection of mega sporting events like the World Cup and Olympics with issues of displacement, capitalism, and resistance and discuss how these events serve as tools for gentrification and state repression, and how communities are organizing counter-movements.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

01:27 The Vigil and Its Purpose

05:09 The Atmosphere of the Vigil

12:50 Community Response to the World Cup

19:30 Building Coalitions for Change

28:58 Los Angeles as a Global Sports Capital

38:41 The Future of Activism and Resistance

39:07 The Opulence of SoFi Stadium and Its Impact

40:09 Historical Context of SoFi Stadium's Development

44:02 Community Resistance and the Reality of Stadium Economics

51:32 The Role of Police and Surveillance in Major Events

52:34 Stan Kroenke and the Corporate Influence on Sports

57:28 The IOC's Challenges and the Reality of Hosting Events

01:01:36 Exploring Alternative Models of Sport and Community Engagement

Keywords: World Cup, Olympics, sports washing, displacement, resistance, gentrification, LA, anti-fascist, community organizing

Hosts in this episode: Priyansh, Derek

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