Kwanzaa: Kujichagulia

Credit: Nia MediaIf someone asks you today, "Habari Ghani?" respond by saying, "Kujichagualia." Yes, you can say it too. (koo-jee-cha-ga-leah).After lighting The Black Candle of Umoja last night, Kwanzaacontinues today on the theme of "Self-Determination."Kujichagulia(Self-Determination), the second principle of Kwanzaa, means "To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for...

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Kwanzaa: Umoja

If someone asks you today, "Habari Ghani?" respond by saying, "Umoja." On this first day of Kwanzaa -- an African American celebration of family, culture and community --the focus of the day is Unity. Umoja (unity), the first principle of Kwanzaa, means "To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race."Be sure to vist Bay Area Kwanzaa (http://baykwanzaa.blogspot.com)...

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MUSIC: 'Black Santa' by Kev Choice

Check out the most recent episode of the "Daily Dosage" by Oakland bred artist Kev Choice.This episode has "Black Santa" Claus coming to the town....

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Laney College hosts Kwanzaa event

Laney College's African American Studies department hosted a pre-Kwanzaa celebration in December 2009. The event, which featured song and poetry by Tabia, along with dance by Rehema Bah, honored Dr. Carole Ward-Allen for her 40 years with the Department. The event was organized by Tamika Brown, Ethnic Studies Chair. Event slideshow: Photos by Aaron Lowe of the Laney Tower.More...

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Students protest Peralta Budget cuts

Peralta College students protested budget cuts at the December 17 Board of Trustees meeting. Students criticized the Board for giving managers raises, while at the same time considering cutting critical student services and laying off employees. The following video inaccurately cites fee increases as the reason for the protest, yet captures the spirit of the demonstration. embed id="otvPlayer" width="400" height="268" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" src="http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=&station=kgo§ion=&mediaId=7173452&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://abclocal.go.com&site=">"Students...

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Video: Shady Nate "Planes, Trains and Automobiles"

Planes, Trains and Automobi...

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Ward faces Kessler for WBA title in Oakland

Oakland native and U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist boxer Andre Ward faces World Boxing Association Champion Mikkel Kessler tonight at the Oracle Arena.Below is a video of Ward training in Oakland: http://sports.sho.com/browse/video-portal.html?id=51390876001Kessler is the favorite in this fight, but we'll see tonig...

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Hip Hop Chess Tournament in SF

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BART buffs Gary King, Jr. memorial mural

Gary King, Jr. was gunned down by Oakland Police Sept. 20, 2007. And on Sept. 24, 2009, nearly two years to the day BART has buffed over a community mural erected in King's memory. The mural, by artist Paul Barron, was painted at then end of 2007. Months earlier, the unarmed King was beaten, tazered and shot in the back by Sgt. Patrick Gonzales.Endlesscaravan.com has posted...

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This Week in the Bay: Sept. 28-Oct. 3

Here's a rundown of events happening in the East Bay this week....

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Mama at Twillight: Death by Love

Back by popular demand, Mama at Twillight: Death by Love" is back on stage at the Sister Thea Bowman Theatre in West Oakland. The play touches on universal issues of love, family and gendered roles. It also looks specifically at the challenges of a black family facing the tragedy of HIV/AIDS infection. This production is not recommended for small children. Teenagers and family...

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African American Male Conference at Merritt

Merritt College hosts its first African American Male Conference, "Preparing Leaders for the World" Saturday Sept. 19 in the Student Center....

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Black Men & Boys: Bring Your A Game

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A Night of Short Plays REVIEW

By Flora Lynn IsaacsonSpecial to The Black HourPEN OAKLAND is a Bay Area Chapter of the International Organization of Poets, Essayists and Novelists. They are sponsored by PEN USA, the Clorox Company Foundation, the Zellerbach Family Foundation, the West Oakland Senior Center and The Berkeley Daily Plan...

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Peralta officials address budget woes

Community colleges will no longer be "open-access" institutions if state budget priorities are not changed. That was the message given to Peralta faculty, staff and students at a packed budget presentation Sept. 9 in D-200. The Peralta Federation of Teachers (PFT), the union for Peralta faculty, sponsored the event.Budget crisis (part 1) video courtesy of Peralta TV's P-Span"There are a quarter million students who normally attend California Community Colleges that are not going to get in."Chancellor Elihu Harris"There are a quarter million students...

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Watch Gang Wars: Oakland (Part I)

Last night, the Discovery Channel aired a new episode of Gang Wars. This episode hit close to home: Oakland.Some folks see this stuff as a badge of honor, while others see it as source of shame. Either way, for another image of what's happening on the streets of Oakland, watch this docu-drama....

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This Week in the Bay: Sept. 14-19

Here's a rundown of events happening in the East Bay this week....

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The Van Jones Takedown

By Rosa ClementeOver the Labor Day weekend Van Jones, a member of the Hip Hop generation and special advisor for green jobs at the White House Council for Environmental Quality, tendered his resignation, and it was accepted by the Obama administration. I will be the first to say that I never found Van Jones to be a radical, a Black Nationalist or a communist as Fox News...

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Twenty-four hours in Gaza

‘From the Ghetto to Gaza Speaking Tour’: Welcome M-1 of dead prez to the Bay Area – East and West Oakland, San Francisco, Sonoma, San Jose, Santa Cruz – for six days of sharing his recent experiences in Gaza, Cairo and Europe and comparing them with ghetto life in the U.S. – six events Sept. 24-29 benefiting the SF Bay View and Block Report Radiosource: San Francisco Bay ViewBy...

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Ghetto to Gaza Tour with M-1 of dead prez

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Increased fees, more students, less services

Students attending the Peralta Colleges this fall are faced with higher fees, crowded classrooms and reduced educational options. The governor approved a 30 percent fee increase this summer, effective for the Fall 2009 semester, increasing student enrollment fees to $26 per unit, up from $20. This increase was justified as a way to reduce California's defic...

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Mumia: Between the Government and the People

As democratic forces mobilize in response to the suspicions resulting from the recent Iranian presidential election, they are meeting repression from a government that is fueled by the twin forces of paranoia and theocra...

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Lovelle Mixon: Martyr or Murderer?

On March 21, 2009, 27-year old Oakland resident Lovelle Mixon shot and killed four Oakland police officers after a "routine traffic stop" in East Oakland. Following the shooting, a debate ignited as to whether Mixon was a hero, or a monster. This video "Of the World" asks the question. Featured are Bakari Olatunji of the Uhuru Movement, Oakland Police spokesperson Jeff Thomason and Oakland journalist JR Valr...

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Hit me on Twitter, New Video by Mistah FAB

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Black August

In honor of all our fallen freedom fighters, prisoners of war in America's prisons, we celebrate Black August. According to the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement:Black August originated in the concentration camps of California to honor fallen Freedom Fighters, Jonathan Jackson, George Jackson, William Christmas, James McClain and Khatari Gaulden. Jonathan Jackson was gunned down...

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'Rebirth of 'Village Bottoms' with Marcel Diallo on CNN's 'Reclaiming the Dream'

Amidst the pending gentrification taking place in West Oakland, there is a strong Black resurgence. That upliftment is being led by the Black Dot's Marcel Diallo. Check out this recent feature with CNN's Soledad O'brien on the Rebirth of the 'Village Bottoms.'Embedded video from CNN VideoLearn more about the Marcel Diallo, visit the Black New Wor...

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Blue Moon Thursday at Holla Back Open Mic Series in Oakland

Looking for a great place to hear poetry or music? Exchange ideas with enlightened minds? Check out Blue Moon Thursday at Holla Back, Thursday July 30. This Blue Moon features Javier Reyes and Colored Ink celebrating CI's 8th Anniversary.There will also be another special feature by Paradise Freejah Love.Open Mic sign-up begins at 7:45 p.m, program begins at 8:00 p.m. Food...

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Rare Michael Jackson interview on Soul Beat TV (1979)

As the world mourns the death of Michael Jackson, rare jewels from his life are emerging. Recently, Joe Jackson's experiences in Oakland have emerged and are seen as part of a revolutionary influence on the young Jackson Five.Check out this rare interview of Michael Jackson on Soul Beat. Year: 1...

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Michael Jackson dead at 50

The King of Pop, "The World's Most Successful Entertainer" Michael Jackson was announced dead today after suffering from a heart attack. He was 50 years old.Jackson is one of the most internationally recognizable faces, despite major facial transformations since he was first introduced to the world by the Jackson 5. Jackson has sold over 750 million records, has 13 Grammys, and is adored by hundreds of millions throughout the world. The Black Hour would like to express our condolences to Michael's family.But in celebration of Michael's Life, we...

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The Sealed Letter

A short film by an aspiring student filmmaker from Laney College, Sandra Smith, "The Sealed Letter" is the story of a decent, studious young man who is reaching a breaking point in his life due to the routine negativity of his West Oakland home. When he receives an envelope addressed to him from a prospective college, he realizes he is teetering on the edge of a big change in his life and attitude.Check out The Sealed Letter on Peralta ...

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Uptown Unveiled: Street Party Tonight in Downtown Oakland

Uptown Unveiled In case you haven't heard, there will be a huge street fair in Downtown Oakland tonight from 5-10 p.m. Uptown Unveiled takes place Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 19th & Telegraph in Downtown Oakland. In fact, the fair will have three stages and take up six blocks. The fair promises to "offer a glimpse into the hip, happening downtown neighborhood." Indeed,...

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Black Sci-Fi Film Festival in Oakland

This is for all you Black Futurists, original Sun people descendants. Third Root Productions is hosting a Black Sci-Fi film Series in Oakland starting this Thursday, June 18. Show time is 8-10:30 p.m. The series begins with a double feature and discussion.The AfroFuture is now!June 18 – Double Feature & Discussion : Sun RA: Space is the Place, 1974 and Last Angel of History,...

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TBH Videos: Summertime in the LBC, by Dove Shack

The Black Hour's (TBH) Throw Back Hiphop Video of the WeekSummertime in the LBCThe Dove Sh...

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Happy Birthday Tupac Shakur

Tupac Amaru Shakur, aka 2Pac was born June 16, 1971 and was died September 13, 1996. He would be 38 years old today. We wanted to bring something out to honor Pac's life and came across a great post by our Brother Davey D. Check out Davey'd 1991 interview with Pac. It is before the ATL police officers, before rape case, before the shooting, before the so-called East Coast...

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Omali Yeshitela speaks in Oakland

'Why We Must Organize to Stop Police Terror Against the African Community 'From Oscar Grant to Lovelle MixonOmali Yeshitela, chairman of the African People’s Socialist Party, speaks June 14 at the Uhuru House in East Oakland.Yeshitela is a fiery orator and courageous organizer who has worked for the liberation of African people for over forty years.Omali spoke this Thursday...

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Davey D speaks at first Peralta Black Graduation

Davey D speaks at Peralta Colleges First Black Graduation - The Black Hour Internet Radio S...

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President Obama's Weekly Address (6/12/09)

Weekly Address: Health Care Reform, the Key to Our Fiscal FutureWatch the video or read the transcript.The White House also has a "fact sheet" with more information on Mr. Obama's pl...

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Juneteenth Festival in Berkeley

Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom, hope and change, is a reminder that the quest for freedom has been an ongoing, hard fought battle.The Berkeley Juneteen Festival will be held Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m in South Berkeley."The Berkeley Juneteenth Festival highlights African American culture, and is an all American celebration with diverse attendance and participation...

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Throw Back Hip Hop: "I Used to Love H.E.R."

Throw Back Hip Hop Video of the Week:I Used to Love H.E.R. by Com...

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Uptown Unveiled: Photo Slideshow

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A New Petition: Delete the N-word

Ten-year old Jonathan E. McCoy presents his petition to "Delete the N-word" at a Baltimore church during Black History Month. This young man wants you to stop using the N-Word. "Negro. African American. Noir. Nero. Mohagany. Ebony. Nubian. Black. All of these words have the same meaning. Negro is a spanish noun descending from the word, Niger, meaning Black. Somewhere in history, it was translated to the N-word by those who refer to use as economically, politically and social disenfranchised." he begins. "Rather than obliterate this disrespectful...

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Throwback Hip Hop: Jazzy Belle, Outkast

Throwback Hip Hop Video of the Week Jazzy Belle - Outkasthttp://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8758195062005033...

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Free outdoor concert series in Oakland

Want to hear some free music in Downtown Oakland?Tomorrow, Oakland's Summer Sounds Concert Series kicks off. Beginning June 1, you can hear live music every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. at Oakland City Center, at the corner of 13th and Broadway. The series ends August 26.There is an awesome, ecletic mix of bands and genres. Tomorrow features Pure Ecstasy, playing the sounds of Motown. Here are some other dope shows to check out:June 17Live performance by Femi - Soul (Her show at Yoshi's earlier this year was amazing)July 1Live performance by the...

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The Decline of Black Radio

The has been a lot of talk about Black Radio in recent weeks considering H.R. 848 and it's potential to kill Black radio. But some say it has long been dead. Marc Anthony Neal of A New Black Man questioned the legitimacy of Radio One's Save Black Radio campaign and asked "Should Black Radio Die?" while Cedric Muhammad of Black Electorate also questions supporting Black Radio when for the longest, these companies have abandoned the needs of the people by promoting Wackness in the Name of Blackness. It was asked by Nigerian activist Tolu Olorunda,...

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Obama's Weekly Address (5/30/09)

The Experience of Judge SotomayorView the address or read the transcript.What do you think of Obama's Supreme Court nomin...

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African Liberation Day, Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival in Oakland (5/30)

There are two great events happening in Oakland Saturday, May 30th. African Liberation Day12-6 p.m., Lil Bobby Hutton Park (Defremery Park)16th Street and Adeline Blvd, West OaklandHonor Kwame Nkrumah and a united AfricaSpeakers, music, vendors and more.More info on ALDThe 9th Annual Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival!11-7 p.m., San Antonio Park 18th Ave and Foothill Blvd, East OaklandEastSide's 9th annual Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival is one of the last free festivals in Oakland, so come and enjoy! One of the most important pieces of our festival are...

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Funky Friday: "No Sell Out"

As the month of May comes to a close, The Black Hour would like to continue to honor our ancestor, our hero and our freedom fighter El Hajj Malik el Shabazz, also known as Malcolm X."This recording documents Malcolm’s voice at a time and space in history that some nineteen or more years ago. Its meaning is just as relevant today as it was then."Dr. Betty ShabazzThis video...

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Michael Eric Dyson in Oakland

Before I wanted to write the world, I sought to right it.Michael Eric Dyson will speak in Oakland Thursday, May 28th. His new book is called, "Can you Hear me Now? The Inspiration, Wisdom, and Insight of Michael Eric Dyson "“Before I wanted to write the world, I sought to right it,” writes Michael Eric Dyson.Michael Eric Dyson in OaklandTickets: $10 Advance/$12 Door/$8.00...

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Throwback Hip Hop: " '93 Til Infinity", Souls of Mischief

Throwback Hip Hop Video of the Week'93 Till Infinity - Souls of Misch...

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Honoring Black Veterans

Today is the U.S. holiday of Memorial Day, the day in which Americans honor those who have died during war time. The Black Hour would like to give respect specifically to those of African descent who have died defending this country.African Americans given the ultimate sacrifice for this country since Crispus Attucks was the first to fall in U.S. Revolutionary War. We also...

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Charles Hamilton punched by girl!

New York rapper Charles Hamilton gets punched by an ex-girlfrie...

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Caravan for Justice III

Johannes Mehserle has begun his preliminary hearings for the killing of an unarmed father on New Year's Day. And the struggle for Justice for Oscar Grant continues. Weekly "I am Oscar Grant' Townhall MeetingsEvery Saturday 4 - 6 pmOlivet Missionary Baptist Church807 - 27th St. / San Pablo Ave.Oakland, CA View MapOn Tuesday, May 26, join thousands of Californians will take...

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Free Show at Yoshi's San Francisco

The Black Hour prides itself on being futuristic, Hip and jazzy. Well, you can enjoy all three tonight at Yoshi's in San Francisco. Black Edgar's Music Box will be performing tonight, May 22 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Black Edgar's (aka David Boyce and Max Macveety) is "Afro-Futuristic Jazz."Black Edgar "blends dub, abstract jazz, funk, spoken word and afro beat into a psychedelic...

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TBH Photos: I am Oscar Grant (Slideshow)

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.I AM OSCAR GRANT Check out I am Oscar Grant phot...

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Throw Back Hip Hop: Lucini (This is it!)

Throw Back Hip Hop Video of the WeekLucini (This is it) by Camp...

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Happy Birthday Malcolm X

"You show me a capitalist, and I'll show you a bloodsucker."Malcolm XEl Hajj Malik el Shabazz, more commonly known as Malcolm X was born May 19, 1925. Had he not been assassinated February 21, 1965, he would be 84 years old today. Five books about Malcolm XThe Autobiography of Malcolm XBy Alex HaleyMalcolm Speaks: selected speeches and statements By George BreitmanMalcolm...

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Monday Motivation: Don't Let Up

This post is especially for college students approaching finals. Don't give up. Check out this video.For those struggling, don't give up. For those doing well, don't give ...

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BART shooting hearing begins today

JUSTICE FOR OSCAR GRANTA preliminary hearing for the former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle-who shot an unarmed rider on New Year's Day-begins today.The purpose of the hearing is for the prosecution to attempt to persuade a judge to bring the case before a jury. The hearing was originally planned for March 23, but was postponed at the request of the defense attorney...

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Neil Henry new dean of UC Berkeley School of Journalism

The Berkeley Daily Planet reports that Neil Henry will become dean at the UC Berkeley School of Journalism."UC Berkeley’s search for a dean for its Graduate School of Journalism came to an end May 7 when it selected interim Dean Neil Henry for the position...An award-winning journalist, author and professor, Henry has filled in as dean of the school since Orville Schell left...

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Reactions to OPD shooting

This video, by UC Berkeley graduate journalism student N'jeri Eaton, documents some of the communities reaction to the March 21 shooting of four Oakland Police officers by Lovelle Mixon-who was lated killed by OPD's SWAT team.March 21, 2009 from N'Jeri Eaton on Vimeo.Special thanks to the San Francisco Bay View for this link.Check out N'jeri's wo...

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The Black Hour Live at 3 p.m.

It's our time, again. The Black Hour Internet Radio Show will broadcast live today (Fri. May 15) on 9th Floor Radioat 3 p.m. (Pacific). This month's episode focuses on art + liberation. Our guests are all creative folks engaged in the arts, and in various struggles for social justice. Our first guest will be Refa One. Refa One is traditionally known as an accomplished street calligrapher and muralist, but he is also an accomplished photographer-including more sensual works.Our second guest is none other than Idris Hassan. Idris is a Berkeley City...

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African Liberation Day in Oakland

Community Honors Pan African Unity, the Panthers Legacy & African Liberation Day in West OaklandDeFremery Park should be declared “Lil’ Bobby Hutton Park in honor of his life and all those that have sacrificed in the fight against injustice In this time of global crisis, Africa must remind high on the minds of her children dispersed throughout the world. This month, the...

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Stop BART's Oakland Airport Connector

Dear AC Transit and BART riders, Just last week, The Black Hour was pleased to announce the passage of Proposition A: EasyPass, on the April 28-29 student elections at Peralta. As we have much to celebrate students getting $31/semester unlimited AC Transit passes, we also should be concerned that our BART fares might be going up - now and in the future (Just as AC Transit's...

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TBH Video - Passing Me By, The Pharcyde

TBH - Throwback Hip-Hop Video of the WeekPassing Me By, The Pharcydehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAfrhmIvZ_s...

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TBH Special: "East 14th: True Tales of a Reluctant Player" Exclusive Interview

Don Reed has seen many things in his lifetime. And as a teen, he went from being a straight-laced, God-fearing, pavement pounding church boy to a Son of a Pimp. Reed has performed and written for film, television and theatre. His work on an HBO special of up-and-coming comedians years ago caught the attention of Bill Cosby and led to the creation of a guest-starring role for...

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"Africans and African Americans: A Dialogue Towards Unity"

How does the media portray Africa and Africans? How does the media portray African Americans to Africans? Do you consider yourself Black? African? African American?These questions and more will be discussed May 12 at Laney College during the forum, "Africans and Afrian Americans: A Dialogue Towards Unity." The purpose of the discussion is to bring students of the African Diapora...

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9th Floor Radio featured in The Oak Book

"The most political/topical show is the monthly The Black Hour (3rd Fridays)...has been on for a year...in-depth muckraking into local Oakland political corruption and police brutality is as controversial as KPFA’s JR Valrey's, and as informative as KPOO’s Prison Radio programming."9th Floor Radio, the station which hosts The Black Hour, was featured in The OakBook (formerly...

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"Treat Your Mother Right" by Mr. T

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAYIn honor of Mother's Day, The Black Hour wants to remind you to treat your Mama right! And do it all 365.25 days of the year. Check out this 1984 song "Treat Your Mother Right" by Mr....

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Before a Nation, by Mumia

Cartoon by Khalil Bendib. Bendib.comBefore a NationBy Mumia Abu JamalAs the temperature of war increases in Iraq, and the U.S. increases troops in Afghanistan, an unanswered question looms.Not, 'what is a nation', so much as why is this a nation, and when?When we speak of Iraq, Afghanistan or even Pakistan as nation-states, we are really speaking of political elites in their...

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