African arts showcase at UC Berkeley

The spirit of Africa was alive at the African Arts Society's "Showcase" on November 20 at UC Berkeley.

Ready to Learn Fun Fair

Children enjoyed face painting, legos and storytelling at the Ready to Learn Fun Fair at Peralta Elementary School in Oakland.

Occupy Oakland calls for West Coast Port Shutdown

Organizers say Port owners are "1%." Port begs to keep the Ports Open for 99% workers.

Oakland Labor Day BBQ hosts good time for 'fam bam'

The "I am Oakland" collective hosted the Labor Day Fam Bam BBQ at Mosswood Park on September 6.

Protest against censorship of Palestinian Children's Art

In response to censorship of Palestinian children's art by an Oakland art museum, dozens came out to protest in Oakland.

RIP Peabo Wellington

College of Alameda student Jepeabo Wellington was murdered days before the school year began.

Students gain college acceptance at Black College Fair

Hundreds of young people attended the third annual Black College Fair at Laney College, the second year the Oakland community college has hosted the event.

2007 Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival

In honor of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X), the East Side Arts Alliance (ESAA) held the eighth Annual Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival Saturday May 17 at San Antonio Park in East Oakland. Fusing music, arts and crafts, and dance there was something for all.

There were three stages for performers. On the main stage, Howard Wiley & the Freedom Now! Band, The John Santos Quintet, The Ambrose Akinmusire Project with Goapele, Muziki Roberson Quintet with Dwight Trible and Soul Nubian performed. Nearby on the second stage on top of a large flatbed truck, the organic sounds of oHairdoo could be heard.

For the youth and young at heart, "The Courts" transformed the park's tennis courts into a family fairground. The upper court showcased live graffitti murals from artists from the Bay to LA. The second level showcased local HipHop artists Nu Dekades, Lady Blue and Queen Deelah, Ray Ridah from DIRTY MACKIN', and the Trunk Boiz. DJ Treat U Nice, DJ Wazir, DJ Fuze kept the music pumping on the wheels of steel. Infamous Oakland turf dancers like the "Fresh Kids" were "doing it moving" on the floor.

The food court on the lower level featured soul food and a plantains, jerk chicken, and a "Taste of Africa."

ESAA is a collective of artists and activist of color who live in the San Antonio neighborhood. The festival is one of the last free festivals in Oakiand where people, young and old, can have a good time.

Recommended Reading by Drea MoS (May)

The Black Hour co-host Drea MoS' is always encouraging literacy. Her monthly "Recommended Reading" is always updating you with something fresh for your intellectual hunger.

Check out July's Recommended Reading:

The Covenant with Black America
Various Authors, with a preface by Tavis Smiley
A guide to improve the quality of life for African-Americans in all aspects, including health, politics, and education.

Friends, Lovers, and Soulmates
By Dr.'s Derek and Darlene Hopson
This husband/wife team breakdown the psychological walls that keep us as African-American men and women from having loving and meaningful relationships.

No Disrespect
By Sista Soulja
A dramatic look at the people who shaped the authors life and her relationships with them.

Roots of Bay Area Turf Dancing

After the Hip Hop videos, "Tell me When to Go" by E-40 and "Blow the Whistle" by Too Short, an underrepresented element of Hip Hop made a public resurregence; dance.

The following video highlights inner city dance pioneers who laid the foundation of Bay Area Hip Hop dance and today's, "turf" dancing.

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