Free Mumia Summit held at Oakland's Laney College

On December 11, an anti-death penalty summit was held at Laney College in Oakland. The program focused on Mumia Abu Jamal, the recently executed Troy Davis, Stanley "Tookie" Williams, and current inmate Kevin Cooper. Ramona Africa of the MOVE organization speaks out for freedom for her friend Mumia Abu Jamal.Abu Jamal has been on death row for 30 years for the shooting of...

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Occupy Oakland plans West Coast Port Shutdown

On Monday December 12, Occupy Oakland is joining with the anti-Wall Street Movements along the entire U.S. West Coast to shut down the ports.During the November 2 General Strike, Occupy Oakland had tens of thousands in the streets, including thousands blockading the Port of Oakland."The ports play a pivotal role in the flow and growth of capital for the 1% in this country...

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Fashion, poetry, dance at UC Berkeley "Showcase"

The African Arts Society event, "The Showcase," took place November 20. The event featured fashion, poetry, dance and musical stylings of UC Berkeley students. Photos by Reginald Jam...

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Occupy - 99% vs. the 1% Animation

"Who is the '99'?" "We are the 99!"So goes the rallying cry at Occupy Wall Street demonstrations throughout the nation. But what do those numbers really mean? The UK Guardian explores the data about wealth inequality and concentration and the United States. The real questions may be: What does it mean that the rich get richer? And what will it take to change this syst...

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Police teargas Occupy Oakland protesters

http://oaklandlocal.com/posts/2011/10/police-teargas-protesters-oaklandHundreds of protesters who took to the streets to protest Tuesday's pre-dawn raid of the downtown Occupy Oakland encampment were met with tear gas and flash bangs from police.The protest began at a 4 p.m. at the Main Library near Lake Merritt. Protesters marched in the street down 12th Street to Broadway. Protesters then made their way to 9th Street and turned into Old Oakland. At the intersection of 9th and Washington, police attempted to stop protesters from proceeding towards...

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Children enjoy face painting, storytelling at Oakland fair

Sixth annual Ready to Learn Fun Fair held at Peralta Elementary SchoolBooks, Face painting, Storytelling and Robotics. These are a few of the activities at the 6th Annual Ready to Learn Fun Fair held on October 1 at Peralta Elementary School in North Oakland.Clifford the Big Red Dog was a crowd favorite.Buki the Clown returned with a new friend this year: Oliver the Clown....

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Palestinian Children's Art Protest

Protest Against Censorship of Palestinian Children's Art by MOCHADozens of people picket the Oakland Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA).Two weeks after the Middle Eastern Childrens' Alliance for Peace (MECA) announced that Zionist groups had pressured the Oakland Museum of Children's Art (MOChA) to cancel its planned exhibit of Palestinian children's artwork, dozens came out...

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Thousands attend Black College Fair at Laney College

Laney College hosts Black Recruitment FairHundreds of Bay Area students attended the third annual Black College Recruitment at Laney College on September 14. Many were accepted “on-the-spot” by the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) present.“The response of the Bay Area was tremendous and the community came out in record numbers,” said Dr. Alan Rowe, CEO...

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UC Berkeley Yard Show

UC Berkeley Yard Show[PHOT...

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Oakland Fam Bam BBQ

The Oakland Fam Bam Labor Day Get Down was really like a family reunion. The Labor Day event had the spirit of Oakland's Carijama, a defunct festival that took place at Mosswood park every May up until 2004. There was even bicycle parking by Red, Bike and Green.There was a jumper for the children (even though it was leaning like some grown folks were inside), food, dancing...

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Peabo Wellington, college student, remembered

College of Alameda student Jepeabo Wellington was murdered on August 24. He was 24 years old.The Oakland native was coming from a peace vigil in West Oakland when he was apparently approached by men asking where he was from. When he replied, "East Oakland," he was gunned down.A vigil was held on August 25 for Peabo at the College of Alameda, where he was a student. Friends...

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"Sweet Tooth" by Khari - Music Monday

This week's Music Monday is from Oakland-based poet and artist Khari Toure. The song is called, "Sweet Toot...

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Chauncey Bailey murder trial begins, four Blacks removed from jury

By Reginald JamesBlack Chauncey Bailey ProjectA jury was selected Monday morning in the murder trial of Oakland journalist Chauncey Bailey.Former leader of Your Black Muslim Bakery, Yusef Bey IV, and Antoine Mackey are standing trial for Bailey's murder. Bey alleged ordered the killing, while Mackey allegedly drove the getaway vehicle. A former bakery worker DeVaugndre Broussard...

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"Lovelle Mixon" by Sleepy-D - Music Monday

Two years ago, young, Black Oakland resident Lovelle Mixon got into a shootout with Oakland Police that ended in the death of four Oakland Police officers, including two SWAT members, before Mixon was murdered himself.This week's Music Monday features Oakland artists Sleepy-D and G-Wett with a dedication to the "Knock Down King," entitled, "Lovelle Mixon."The shooting got national attention, a state's funeral for the officers (and four City Council room's named after them), and the demonization of Mixon, his family, friends, and supporters. Is...

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Omali Yeshitela to speak in Oakland at Humanist Hall

Omali Yeshitela, leader of the Uhuru movement, returns to Oakland to promote his latest book, "One People! One Party! One Destiny!" He speaks at the Humanist Hall on Tuesday, March 22.Chairman Yeshitela is a veteran of the 1960s Black Power Movement, author, political theorist and a lifelong activist. He currently Chairs the African Socialist International and the Black is...

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"Throw the Rope" by WolfHawkJaguar - Music Monday

Oakland-based activist, actor, writer and filmmaker Adimu Madyum's new song, "Throw the Rope" is this week's Music Monday. The video, under his Hairdoo performing name, WolfHawkJaguar invokes the Orishas present in West Oakland. Madyum recently directed the controverial documentary, "Operation Small Axe." And when he's not documenting the community -- like his recent work through Oakland Voices -- you will likely catch him onstage at the Sister Thea Bowman Theater in the Lower Bottoms.Update: Adimu is raising money for a full-length film, "Hunter...

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Transformative Visions – Oakland Arts Event Promoting Peace, Justice and Possibility

"An explosion of love, set to jazz!"That’s the way one person described this dynamic event. For the fourth year, Oakland-based nonprofit, OneLife Institute, will present Transformative Visions, a multimedia art show and spoken word/jazz concert with a message of peace, justice, and possibility. The event takes place from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2011,...

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"Gang Injunction" Brwn Bflo - Music Monday

This week's Music Monday track, "Gang Injunction" comes from Oakland Hip-Hop group, The Brown Buffalo Project. A classic protest song from the New American mixtape, hosted by journalist and radio host Davey D, the artists flip Akon's "Locked Up." A wise choice as jail bars close throughout the composition, emphasizing that gang injunctions are a tool of the prison industrial complex and that many activists continue to oppose gang injunctions and racial profiling in Oakland.Special shout out to Brwn Bflo for coming out in 2007 for Black and Brown...

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The Art of Living Black Exhibit

More info:The Art of Living BlackThe Art of Living Black at Mills CollegeBeing Black is an art. On Feb. 5, the Richmond Art Center celebrated 15 years of The Art of Living Black exhibit.The only annual show in the Bay Area to exhibit artists of African descent, TAOLB features regional artists and works in ceramics, crafts, fine arts, paintings, photography, sculpture and textile...

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Bay Area students prepare for protests to defend higher education

Nearly one year ago, students from throughout the country held sit-ins, protests and occupations as a part of the March 4, 2010 Day of Action to Defend Public Education. On Wednesday, March 2, Bay Area students will again demonstrate their opposition to fee increases and budget cuts. In San Francisco, students at SF State and City College plan to rally at Malcolm X plaza from...

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Jasiri X - "American Workers vs. Multi-Billionaires" - Music Monday

This Week with Jasiri X, after creating an Egyptian solidarity track, "We All Shall be Free" with M-1 from dead prez, Jasiri reports live from Wisconsin where workers are fighting corporate stooges. The track, "American Workers Vs. Multi-Billionaires" is needed when banks have been bailed out while workers are asked to take pay cuts and increased health and retirement costs. "Our latest video "American Workers Vs Multi-Billionaires" was filmed on location in Madison, Wisconsin, where thousands of hard working Americans came together in unity to...

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Black Equality (Still) We Have a Long Way to Go

This op-ed was published in the Daily Californian, the student newspaper at UC Berkeley last February.By Stephan MoutouthSpecial to TheBlackHour.comWhen I think of Black History Month, I think of celebrating the accomplishments of the African American people that preceded us in history. We celebrate the progress we have made as a result of the people who fought and died for...

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'Dig Deep' features dance, storytelling, film at EastSide Arts

The EastSide Arts Alliance is holding, "Dig Deep" on Saturday, February 26 in Oakland. Dig Deep is a multidisciplinary evening of dance, storytelling, food and film featuring Amara Tabor Smith & Traci Bartlow. Amara Tabor-Smith presents excerpts of Our Daily Bread; a dance theater piece celebrating food, it's folklore and how it shapes our cultural identity. Traci Bartlow's...

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Black College Expo returns to Oakland

The Black College Expo is coming back to Oakland. On Saturday, February 26, colleges and universities will be at the Oakland Marriott from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Students should bring their transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, seminars for students and parents, and could possibly get scholarships and admissions "On the Spot." There will be a Step Show and Dance Competition from 3-5p.m....

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Oakland Museum celebrates sounds of West Africa

On Friday, February 25, the Oakland Museum of California is hosting, "O ZONE: Soundtrack—The Drum." The six-hour event celebrates the "power and resilience of the drum from West Africa to California!"Performers include: Lagos Roots Afrobeat Ensemble (featuring members of Fela Kuti & the Afrika 70, Sonny Okosuns); master drummer CK Ladzekpo and famed composer Anthony Brown;...

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Oakland Mayor Jean Quan hosts Black History Month event

Oakland Mayor Jean Quan is hosting a Black History Month celebration on Friday, February 25 at the African American Museum and Library of Oakland featuring emcee and pianist Kev Choice. The purpose of the event is to attract mentors for Oakland youth, and raise funds for her proposed mentoring program. Quan wants 2,000 Oaklanders to mentor the city's youth.The event takes...

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Laney College hosts Youth Health Fair

Assembly Member Sandre Swanson is teaming up with his alma mater Laney College to host a Youth Health Fair on Saturday, February 26 from 10a.m.-3p.m.. The event is free. The Youth Health Fair includes free screenings for obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol and asthma, and free vision and dental examinations. There will also be referrals to local health providers, assistance with obtaining health insurance, free hair cuts and even free food. Those interested in enrolling in state and county benefit programs should bring proof of citizenship...

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Malcolm X - "No Sell Out" - Music Monday

The Bay Area celebrates the life of El Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, Malcolm X, in many ways. Oakland has the Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival each May. The Peralta Colleges designated Malcolm's birthday as a holiday, while Laney Colleges students and members of Club Knowledge held the Malcolm X Consciousness Conference from 2003-2005, while the Laney Black Student Union recently held...

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Supervisor Carson Presents 'Family Journeys,' celebrating African American families, Bay Area Black History

Are Blacks leaving the Bay Area? San Francisco's Black population has dropped to 3.9 percent, according to recent Census data.The Bay Area is a vital aspect of our collective history, yet many youth are not familiar with the story of their ancestors. Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson is organizing a unique Black History Month event on Saturday, February 19 at the Black...

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Jasiri X & M1 of dead prez "We all Shall be Free" - Music Monday

Jasiri X and M1 of dead prez teamed up for timely track in solidarity with the people of North Africa, "We All Shall be Free!"...

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Rise by Rashondra Angelle - Music Monday

This week's Music Monday is the debut video for Long Beach-based artist, poet, educator and singer Rashondra Angelle. "Rise" has an inspiring, smooth, laid back groove that makes you want to move. Or, better yet, rise! Check out Rashondra Angelle at http://www.rashondraangelle.com. Or, you can check out her live performance of Rise at the KRST Center in Los Angel...

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Black clergy, officials strategize to address crime, violence in Oakland, Berkeley, beyond

Black elected officials, religious leaders gather in Oakland with law enforcement officials to strategize on crime reduction.By Reginald JamesElected officials and clergy gathered in Oakland on Wednesday to strategize and share best-practices on crime prevention. The breakfast meeting, hosted by the Black Elected Officials and Faith Based Leaders of the East Bay and chaired...

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Egyptian solidarity demonstration in San Francisco

On Saturday, January 29, a solidarity demonstration with the Egyptian people was held in San Francisco. Over 350 people marched up Market St, according to organizers, with nearly 1,000 people rallying in the U.N. Plaza near Civic Center.For over five days, Egyptians have hit the streets demanding dictator Hosni Mubarak, president of Egypt, resign. The recent unrest in Tunisia...

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Financial Literacy Workshop at Laney College

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR COLLEGE WORKSHOPLaney College Theatre900 Fallon StreetOakland, CA 946076:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.Welcome and Overview of the CA Educational Systems and Costs“Start saving now”: Overview of Ways to Save for CollegeFinancial Resources and Financial Aid InformationMillions of dollars of available financial aid money for college students...

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Black clergy, officials to strategize on addressing crime in the East Bay

Local Black elected officials and clergy will meet on Wed. Jan. 26 in Oakland to discuss solutions to crime in the community. Speakers include: Oakland Police Chief Anthony Batts and Berkeley Police Chief Michael Meehan, as well as other experts who will share their strategies on combating crime and other forward thinking initiatives. This meeting by the Black Elected Officials...

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Netta Brielle - Screaming - Music Monday

Using her tremendous music talent to speak out against violence, Bay Area songstress Netta Brielle recently released the video for her song, "Screaming." "I was determined to shoot this video in my hometown, Berkeley, CA, because in the last few years the crime rate has increased drastically," Brielle said. "With all the negative attention Berkeley and Oakland, CA have been...

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