"Diamond" Dave Whitaker | 83

Diamond Dave should need no introduction. He is a literal legend of the beatnik and hippie era. He knows all the “hipstory” there is to tell. He was one of the people who set Bob Dylan on his path in life. He was one of the first radio hosts on KPOO. He is a poet, and his readings are all over YouTube. February 2, 2016 was designated “Diamond Dave Whitaker Day” by our Board of Supervisors. He shines light, kindness, and acceptance. We were lucky enough to get to interview him in his room and garden in part of a warehouse turned communal living space in the city. We hope you enjoy his interview and if you take anything from it, he might say, “Learn to love, love to learn, this is never ending.”

Interview dates: 6/10/21 and 7/28/21

Interviewed by: Anna Chodos

Referred by: Sarah Arnold, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly

Edited by True Medusa Pictures. Music by Soundology.

Diamond Dave with one of his slogans. Photo by Anna Chodos.

Diamond Dave’s walker, which a friend painted for him, and a copy of the Jacobin magazine, one of his favorites. Photo by Anna Chodos.

Diamond Dave in his garden. Photo by Anna Chodos.

Photo by Anna Chodos.