Mike's guest on this edition of Hitting Left is author, photojournalist and filmmaker, Danny Lyon, whose camera captured the history of SNCC and the 60’s Civil Rights Movement. 

Danny, who was born in 1942 in New York, is one of the most influential documentary photographers of his generation. While still a student at the University of Chicago, he was imprisoned in the South and became the first photographer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). His photographs formed the core of the book "The Movement."

 

Upon returning to Chicago in 1965, he joined the Chicago Outlaw Motorcycle Club. The two years he spent with the club resulted in the publication of a groundbreaking book, "The Bikeriders" which inspired a new film.

In 1967, Lyon gained access to the Texas prison system and produced the series "Conversations with the Dead."

Danny’s new book is This Is My Life I’m Talking About.

Joining Mike this episode of Hitting Left are Fred Klonsky and investigative reporter for NBC news, Tracy Ullman. Fred talks about this year's Oscar broadcast and the politics of awards. Tracy discusses the sordid connection between the corruption of the Chicago Democratic Machine and the mass murderer and pedophile, John Wayne Gacy.

Joining Mike on this edition of Hitting Left is brother, retired teacher and activist Fred Klonsky and Steve Goldsmith. Steve is a veteran activist and currently the president of the Torrance California Refinery Action Alliance combatting the dangers of hydrogen fluroide (HF) to people and the environment.