'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 work in progress, Rich Fertile Soil, is a multi-media theater piece explores connections to family, farming and the entrepreneurial spirit.

The event takes place at p.m. at the EastSide Cultural Center located at 2277 International Blvd in Oakland. For more info, visit www.eastsideartsalliance.com.

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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. Admissions is $8 online, or $10 at the door. Visit www.thecollegeexpo.org for more info.

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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; hambone player Derique McGee, and more. There will also be a presentation by Duane Deterville on California's history of resistance in jazz and the role of jazz in visual art.

The event takes place from 5-11:45 at the Oakland Museum, located on Oak St between 10th and 11th Street across from Laney College.

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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 place from 6-8 pm at AAMLO, located at 14th St and Jefferson, and is being co-sponsored by 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) and the First Fridays group. A $15 donation is requested to support the initiative.

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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 and identification (original birth certificate and CA identification/driver's license).

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Laney College Gym at 900 Fallon St in Oakland.

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