Bay Area Black History Month Events (February 1-4)

Listing of Black History Month events taking place Wednesday, February 1 to Saturday, February 4. If you have an event you would like posted to the calendar, email theblackhour (at) gmail (dot) com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1

"African Americans in Education"
6-8pm, Unit 1, Cheney Main Lounge, UC Berkeley Residential Housing

What is wrong with education in Black communities??? But most importantly, what will we do as Black students to help improve education in our communities??? Come to a panel and discuss the state of education for Black communities and the realities of many primary and secondary children in the public school system.

We will discuss the problems, and primarily focus on possible solutions, including, but not limited to TeachForAmerica. Black TFA Corps members, seniors who have accepted offers, and college students who were taught by TFA corps members will discuss their experiences with and views towards TFA's impact on public education. We will have a Q and A session for those who have questions, concerns or apprehensions about TFA and engage in healthy dialogue to reach a place of common understanding for the betterment of public education in the Black community.

Speakers include student activist Jevon Cochran.

RSVP: Facebook event

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone Film Screening and Discussion
6-9pm, Museum of the African Diaspora
685 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Thursday, February 2nd
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Join us for a FREE screening and panel discussion of the film, EVERYDAY SUNSHINE: THE STORY OF FISHBONE, a documentary about the musical group Fishbone and the social and cultural forces that gave rise to this pioneering Black punk rock band from South Central-Los Angeles. From the shifting faultlines of Hollywood fantasies and the economic and racial tensions of Reagan's America, Fishbone rose to become one of the most original bands of the last 25 years. With a blistering combination of punk and funk they demolished the walls of genre and challenged the racial stereotypes and political order of the music industry and the nation. Telling it like it is, the iconic Laurence Fishburne narrates EVERYDAY SUNSHINE, a story about music, history, fear, courage and funking on the one.

Post-screening discussion with Fishbone's frontman Angelo Moore, filmmakers, Lev Anderson and Chris Metzler, and cultural critic, Jeff Chang, along with a spoken word musical performance by Angelo's alter ego Dr. Madd Vibe.

This event is made possible with the generous support of the California Council for the Humanities.
FREE to the public.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

"Black History Month Celebration Through Film Series"
6-10pm, Oakland City Hall Council Chambers
1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612

Oakland's Vice Mayor Desley Brooks, Rocky Seker, and Black Cinema At-Large are holding Black Independent Film screenings at City Hall in Council Chambers every Friday in February in celebration of Black History Month. A reception will be held before each screening. On February 3, the film will be "Make A Movie Like Spike" (soon to be "The American Dream").

More info: Blog/Site

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4th

African American Celebration Through Poetry
1-4pm, West Oakland Library, 1801 Adeline Street, Oakland, CA
The 22nd Annual African American Celebration through Poetry is Saturday, Feb. 4, 1-4 p.m. at the West Oakland Branch Library, 1801 Adeline Street, (510) 238-7352. Hosted by poet, journalist and professor Wanda Sabir. This year the theme is great black women. All are welcome to attend. There is an open mic at the end of the program.

Website: Wandaspicks.com

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Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.
The History of the Black Church
Saturday, February 4, 2012
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
MoAD Salon (2nd floor)
685 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA

As part of MoAD's ongoing lecture series Migrations of the Sacred: Spiritual Practices Across the Diaspora, Dr. Wright will present a special lecture entitled “The History of the Black Church” on Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 2-4 pm. The lecture will be followed by a book signing of Dr. Wright’s new book A Sankofa Moment: The History of Trinity United Church of Christ.

Dr. Rev. Jeremiah Wright will lecture on the formation of the first American black churches in the 1800’s up to their present role in fostering community organization, political leadership, in addition to religious fellowship. After the lecture Rev. Dr. Wright will be available to sign copies of his recent publication, A Sankofa Moment: The History of Trinity United Church of Christ, which gives the 48-year history of the Trinity United Church of Christ with a major emphasis on the building of the largest United Church of Christ congregation within the denomination that developed several ministries and several entities under the pastorate of Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.

More info: Jeremiah Wright tickets

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Filmmaker's Lounge with Kevin Epps
3:30pm, de Young museum’s Koret Auditorium
San Francisco

In celebration of Black History month, Kevin Epps returns to curate and host films by local filmmakers in de Young museum’s Koret Auditorium. The first film, "Which Way is Up" will be shown Saturday, February 4 at 3:30 p.m., followed by Q&A with screenwriter Cecil Brown.

Richard Pryor plays a landmark role—actually, three roles—in this comedy, which has gained cult status among Pryor fans. Orange-picker Leroy Jones finds himself fired from his job and alienated from his friends and family as a result of accidentally joining a union strike.

Site: de Young artist fellow Kevin Epp's page

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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 a Philadelphia police officer that activists say he did not commit. It was recently reported that the District Attorney would no longer seek death penalty in Abu Jamal's case. Africa called for Abu Jamal's freedom.


Barbara Becnel speaks about her friend "Tookie" Williams.

Barbara Becnel, president of the Stanley "Tookie" Williams Legacy Network shared how he wished to use his life example to save other children from violence. Williams was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.



The Stanley Tookie Williams Summit was previously held at Merritt College from 2007-2010. The program moved to Laney College this year. Speakers included prison abolitionist Angela Davis; Ramona Africa of MOVE organization, and fighter for Abu Jamal; William's friend Barbara Becnel; Crystal Baybee of Committee to Free Kevin Cooper; rapper Boots Riley; and more.


Free Mumia at Laney College video by Peralta TV

Photos by Reginald James for TheBlackHour.com.

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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 and internationally. For that reason alone it is the ideal place to disrupt their profit machine," according to the West Coast Port Shutdown website.



Organizers point out that workers have long been attacked at the ports: the 1934 San Francisco General Strike lead to police violence against dock workers, the 1946 General Strike in Oakland had been the nation's last general strike; and in 2003, protesters at the Port of Oakland protesting the War in Iraq were also violently attacked, leaning to Oakland Police changing their policies on crowd control.

Occupy Oakland is a local site that began October 10 following the September 2011 Occupy Wall Street Movement. For Occupy Oakland stories, visit OaklandLocal.com or Indybay.org. Further updates also available at OccupyOakland.org and on Twitter.

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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 James.

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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 system?

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Police teargas Occupy Oakland protesters

http://oaklandlocal.com/posts/2011/10/police-teargas-protesters-oakland

Hundreds 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 the police station or the jail where occupiers who arrested during the morning's raid were held.

A conflict soon ensued where police jabbed batons at protesters who were yelling obscenities at police. Using a banner to push police back, a few officers charged the group grabbing two protesters. While attempting to handcuff the two men with zipties, police who surrounded the arresting officers were hit with bottles or vinegar and yellow, red and aquamarine paintballs. The conflict soon escalated as police threw flashbangs into the crowd. Protesters regrouped and marched up Broadway back towards 14th Street in an attempt to retake the plaza.

Protesters began removing barricades across from Frank Ogawa Plaza, renamed "Oscar Grant Plaza" by protesters. An Oakland Police Sargeant gave an order to disperse for an "unlawful assembly" warning protesters to leave or face arrest. Meanwhile, police put on gas masks. Dozens sat down at the intersection seemingly prepared to take an arrest, but were convinced by others to march on.

The group proceeded north on Broadway and merged onto Telegraph. The group continued up Telegraph and turning back towards Broadway passing Youth Radio. The group heading up Franklin Street to the intersection of Thomas L. Berkeley Way where the crowd rallied at an intersection surrounded by banks: California Savings and Trust, Chase, Union Bank and Wells Fargo. Protesters continued East on Berkeley Way to Snow Park, a second Occupy Oakland site that was an extension of Oscar Grant Plaza that was also raided.

The group headed back to Broadway and marched towards the plaza. There, protesters were met with another order to disperse. This time, police fired tear gas into the crowd causing protesters to flee east on 14th Street. A woman in a wheelchair was unable to leave from near the barricade until a group of men went back to help push her chair. All coughed and gagged as they attempted to cover their faces with rags and their sleeves.

Protesters walked to Alice Street, back towards Snow Park, turning west on 19th Street. The group headed past the Fox Theater, the Uptown Park, to San Pablo. Marching back towards Oscar Grant Plaza the group debated which direction to go; east on 17th, continue down San Pablo to the Plaza (and police) or down Clay Street.

At this point, Mandingo Hayes–a man accused of being a police informant during the Oscar Grant movement–emerged, attempting to lead protesters down San Pablo towards police saying, "I don't care if its police there." The crowd went down 17th Street.



The group turned back onto Telegraph and headed back towards the plaza. There, a conflict ensued between a small group of protesters throwing items at police. Police responded with a flash bang and one officer unloading a small paintball-looking weapon. Protesters gathered at the intersection chanting "Let's Go Oakland!"

Another dispersal order was given repeatedly. Eventually, a group of protesters headed east on 14th Street to Franklin. A small fire was started near Golden Lotus restaurant, which had since closed, but was extinguished by a small group of protesters. Another round of tear gas was shot towards protesters, including one round that was shot all the way to the middle of the intersection of 14th and Franklin that nearly hit a woman. Protesters continued in the streets with some heading up Harrison and others north on Webster Street. The smell of tear gas could be smelled as far as Disco Volante, which allowed some teary-eyed, coughing protesters to come inside and use its restroom (and hear some jazz).

Oakland Police plan to have a press conference this morning but have not yet announced the time.

Protesters vowed to reconvene every day at 14th and Broadway at 6 p.m. until they have retaken Oscar Grant Plaza.

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Children enjoy face painting, storytelling at Oakland fair

Sixth annual Ready to Learn Fun Fair held at Peralta Elementary School



Books, 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. The two clowns did face painting for children (and some adults too). There was also a story time that featured a spirited reading of "Green Eggs and Ham" and a puppet show.



Playwell Teknologies featured a lego building booth to encourage children's interest in engineering and robotics.

Good News in Oakland, the online TV show focusing only on the good news taking place in Oakland was on hand too.


Other vendors included the YMCA, Oakland Public Library, Alameda County Children Support Services and more. The event, sponsored by the Office of Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson seeks to provide children and families with educational and health resources that will support child development.

This year, Peralta Elementary received a National Blue Ribbon School Award, only one of two in Alameda County to receive the award. The school was noted for its efforts at reducing the educational achievement gap.



Photos, story by Reginald James. Originally posted at OaklandLocal.com.

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Palestinian Children's Art Protest

Protest Against Censorship of Palestinian Children's Art by MOCHA


Dozens 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 to protest censorship on Friday, September 23.


Children came out to protest censorship of their Palestinian peers' artwork.

The art was made by children depicting the 2008-09 Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip. Members of the museum board claimed that the graphic depictions of violence was not "appropriate."

Hilman Sorey, chair of the MOCHA told the San Francisco Chronicle, "Our aim, as with all exhibits, is to foster insight and understanding. However, upon further review and engagement with the community, it became clear that this exhibit was not appropriate for an open gallery accessible by all children."

Yet the museum previously showcased similar content. "In 2007, it exhibited paintings made during World War II by American children in the Kaiser shipyard child care center. The art featured images of Hitler, burning airplanes, sinking battleships, empty houses and a sad girl next to a Star of David," and "In 2004, art by Iraqi children hung on the museum's walls. The pictures, made shortly after the U.S. invasion, included a picture of a helicopter shooting into a field of flowers," the Chronicle reported.

Another protest was held on Saturday, September 24, in which MECA revealed that they secured another venue around the corner for the art exhibit.


Photo: Dave Id/Indybay.org



Photos by Reginald James. Video by Dave Id of Indybay.org. This story was originally posted to Indybay.org.

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Thousands attend Black College Fair at Laney College

Laney College hosts Black Recruitment Fair



Hundreds 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 of the United College Action Network (U-Can). “The recruiters were happy in the way they were received and the number of students accepted tonight was about 700.”

Many students brought their transcripts, SAT and ACT scores along. That helped the recruiters determine their eligibility for admissions and scholarships.



Tashauna Burnette and Kaley Bragg, seniors at American High School in Fremont, were both accepted into ten colleges, including their favorite: Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas.

“It’s amazing. That’s where we want to go. It’s our dream to go to college and be roommates,” Bragg said. The young women had previously visited the college in April as a part of the Young Scholars Program. Burnette is interested in studying Sociology while Bragg is interested in Zoology. The young women came to the event prepared with their transcripts and SAT scores. They even had their own business cards.

Dozens of recruiters from HBCU’s pitched their institutions to students and their families to see what would be the best fit.

“Every school they apply to may not be the best place for them,” Philander Smith recruiter Gregory Douthard said. “We want to get them the experience on campus, with college visits.”

Many parents and family members came along to assist their children and younger siblings with applications.

Claudine Shine, mother of Oakland School for the Arts senior Jalen Preston, also credited her son’s involvement in the Young Scholar’s Program as helping to prepare him for college. Her objective Wednesday night was to find the best, affordable college for her son.

“Our goal is to apply for an HBCU and receive a President scholarship that will pay for all of the tuition or at least half,” Shine said.

Brittney Robinson of Oakland was heading to her class when she stumbled upon the event. She was later accepted into two colleges: Morgan State and Grambling State University.

“I was excited … inside,” Robinson said of not wanting to break her professional cool by screaming. “I didn’t know this was even going on. I kind of ran into it and took advantage.”



Over 1,800 students and their families attended the event, according to Laney College Dean of Student Services Newin Orante, who added that, “There’s more work to do after the event.”

“It went really well. We’re intent on seeing what the registration numbers are and find out how many of our OUSD and Laney College students came,” Orante said, since many OUSD students come through Laney.



“Whether our youth make it to these colleges or not, the primary goal is to show them there are options and opportunities,” Orante said.

With no Black Colleges west of the Mississippi–besides the Charles Drew Medical School in Los Angeles–Shine said she’s not worried about her son leaving home. “I think that’ll help him grow. Sometimes as African Americans, we keep them in the nest too long,” she said.

Shine added, “We need to do like the birds and push them out the nest and let them fly.”

And with tuition for higher education becoming less affordable for many Black students, the Historically Black Colleges and University are another option, Rowe said.

As for getting into college, two young scholars, Burnette and Braggs, have advice for their peers:

“Stay on top of everything. You have to work hard,” Burnette said.

Kaley said a high school counselor tried to discourage her when she was a high school freshman, doubting that she could even go to college.

“Don’t let anyone get in the way of your dreams,” Kaley said.

For more information about U-CAN, visit www.ucangotocollege.org.

http://oaklandlocal.com/article/hbcus-recruit-students-laney-college-fair

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UC Berkeley Yard Show

UC Berkeley Yard Show

[PHOTOS]

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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 and live art.


Oakland artists Refa1 and Khufy were painting "Somalia" and "Unapologetically Black."


Artist and educator Karen Senefru gathers dirt to mix with sage that will be put inside a satchel for an upcoming art exhibit.

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SLIDESHOW: Oakland Fam Bab Labor Day Get Down Photos

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People danced to everything from Michael Jackson to Too $hort. And after the Electric Slide, lil' brotha Essau set the dance circle off.


Essau Bilal dances before his many admirers.

After folks danced to the sounds of the DJ D-Sharp and Aebldee, among others, the drums took center stage. Folks went to go watch "The Wiz" in the amphitheatre.


Jazmine Vassar leads the Samba impromptu ensemble at Mosswood Park.

Mosswood was transformed into the Malonga Center, as the sounds of samba vibrated to the top of the trees, into the dusk sky.

The video below created by Sasha Kelly of C-Proof features footage from the event and an interview with the event organizer, Travis Watts, of I-Am Oakland.




Photos, story by Reginald James. These photos were originally posted on The Daily Regiment.

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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 and classmates shared stories about Peabo, who was quick with a smile and a kind word, and enjoyed laughing with others.



Peabo worked in the EOPS–Extended Opportunities, Programs and Services–offices and previously worked in the campus bookstore. Peabo was previously involved in the Alameda County Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) and his worked once landed him on the front page of the Oakland Post newspaper.

A large "Stop the Violence" banner near candles was visible in the campus quad. Blue and white balloons were released in his memory after the noontime vigil.



Peabo planned to transfer to Howard University in Washington, D.C. and had been talking to college recruiters since attending the Black College Fair at Laney College in 2010.

He was also an expecting father, possibly twins, according to friends.

Ten days before his untimely death, Peabo posted this Facebook status, "Its almost time to go back to school one more semester and its graduation time 2012." The post continues, "the world wont end for me but it will definitely begin ~YOUNG LIFE~."

RIP "Bo."

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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 Tooth."

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Chauncey Bailey murder trial begins, four Blacks removed from jury

By Reginald James
Black Chauncey Bailey Project

A 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 confessed to the shooting after an Oakland Police raid the day after Bailey's assassination. He later recanted, only to confess again and testify before a grand jury. He is expected to testify as a part of a plea deal.

Of over 100 potential jurors, there were seven women and five men selected for the jury, including two older African Americans. Five alternates were chosen too, including one younger Black man and an older Black woman.

Highlights: Over 100 potential jurists Jury selected Monday, March 21 in Chauncey Seven (7) women Five (5) men Four African Americans removed Judge denies motion challenging removal of Black jurors

Alameda County prosecutor Melissa Krum removed four African American potential jurors. Lawyers for the defendants, Yusef Bey IV and Antoine Mackey, challenged their removal. Krum argued that the African Americans were not removed from the jury pool due to race, but for other reasons.

One woman was "extremely religious" while another had a son who felt her son was "treated unjustly" by the criminal justice system. One man was formerly employed by "Spectator" magazine, and having someone on the jury who worked for a "counter culture" publication was "not in the interest of the people," Krum said. The man also had a positive attitude towards Black Muslims, and Black Muslim organizations.

The last juror dismissed, a young Black man, was dismissed before he could even be seated. Krum said he was removed because he of his "cynicism" and "mistrust" of the criminal justice system. Krum also said she did not believe that the young man, who lived in the community where Your Black Muslim Bakery operated and had patronized the establishment, had not heard about the murder trial.

Judge Thomas Reardon denied the motion. Opening statements in the murder trial may begin this afternoon.

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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 Lovelle Mixon a murderer or a martyr?

Regardless, many young Black men in Oakland, with the murder of Oscar Grant fresh on their minds, victimized by generations of police terrorism, have saluted Mixon's resistance.

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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 Back Coalition.

His newest book "reveals the causes behind the crisis in the world today and shows the way forward for African people and our allies." As the Chairman of the African Socialist International, Yeshitela is on the forefront of the demand for one united Africa, following in the footsteps of Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X before him.

Chairman Yeshitela was last in Oakland speaking on the one-year anniversary of the shootout between Oakland Police and 26 year old resident Lovelle Mixon. Many Hip-Hop fans will remember him from the intro song, "Wolves" on dead prez's "Let's Get Free."

After speaking on Monday at Modern Times Bookstore in San Francisco, he will speak at the Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street (between Broadway and Telegraph) on Tuesday, March 22 at 7 p.m.

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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 Poetry" and "Throw the Rope" is a part of that project. Help him raise money to complete the film via Kickstarter.com.

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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, at Studio One Art Center, 365 - 45th St., in Oakland. Admission is free and open to the public.

Scheduled to coincide with the annual observance of A Season for Nonviolence, “Transformative Visions” is intended to both challenge and inspire by offering a spiritually-rooted response to the critical concerns of the present day.


The event uses the arts to address issues like violence, poverty, racism, and the environment, but instead of simply describing the problems, seeks to provide a vision of hope beyond the current conditions.


The concert will feature jazz legends the Richard Howell Quintet, with Destiny the “Harpist from the Hood.” Spoken word artists will perform original works that carry a message of positive social change. This year’s line-up includes Aimee Suzara, Chas Jackson, Tha Ghetto Prophet, Queen Jahneen, Lex, and Richard Moore a.k.a. Paradise. More than 20 Bay Area visual artists will present works affirming values such as dignity, freedom, compassion, interdependence, peacemaking, justice, and healing. The art exhibit will be on display through March 26th.

“Transformative Visions centers on the power of the arts to heal, activate, and build community,” says Rev. Liza Rankow, founder and director of OneLife Institute. “In these times of local and global violence and upheaval, economic crisis, and social division, it’s important to come together and affirm that each of us carries a creative vision. Within each of us is the power to transform ourselves and our world.”

Image: "The Shaman's Heart" by Abba Yahudah (c) 2008. For more information, visit the One Life Institute.

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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 Get Down at Eastside Arts Alliance in East Oakland.

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The Art of Living Black Exhibit

More info: The Art of Living Black The Art of Living Black at Mills College

Being 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 arts.

the Campanil reports, "This year artists and founders of The Art of Living Black, Rae Louise Hayward and Jan Hart Schuyers were honored. In 1997, Rae Louise Hayward and Jan Hart Schuyers founded The Art of Living Black. Sadly, these two passionate leaders passed away -- Hart Schuyers in 1998 and Hayward in 2008."

There was also a satellite show at Mills College on February 26 and 27.




Photo: Jan Hart-Schuyers In her Image,Richmond Art Center. Video: The Campanil

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