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Wanda’s Picks for November 2016
November 4, 2016
The 50th Anniversary of the Black Panther Party Conference, Oct. 20-23, held at the Oakland Museum of California and in Bobby Hutton Grove at deFremery Park, was a huge success. To see the Vanguards of the Revolution saluted in such elegant surroundings at the banquet Saturday evening was certainly a fitting tribute to the legacy their lives concretely represent. Hats off to the committee that organized the conference.
Put your money where your knee is!
November 1, 2016
In a recent article entitled “We don’t heel, we kneel,” I wrote about the importance of supporting Colin Kaepernick as he endeavors to draw attention to the systemic racism, oppression and police terror that Black folks in this country are subjected to. It took a little time for people to engage in the act of “taking a knee,” but one by one they got on board. Now that people are following Kap’s lead, the objective is to get them to put their money where their knee is.
Buffalo Soldiers made their mark in California
October 31, 2016
Ranger Rik Penn and historian John William Templeton led a tour of the Buffalo Soldier Historical Trail on Oct. 22 with Los Banos as the destination for the dedication of a mural by the Los Banos Chamber of Commerce marking where the 9th Cavalry and 24th Infantry camped on their way to duty protecting Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.
‘Enter a Challenger, Exit a Champion’: an interview with Zimbabwe Davis
October 30, 2016
Overcoming the foster care system is a lifelong struggle. After emancipating from the system, many youth are left to live on the streets. Zimbabwe Davis understands the struggles foster and former foster youth experience. He went from having all these challenges to becoming a champion, all while fighting to overcome the foster care system. I sat down with Zimbabwe to understand why he decided to create this dynamic film, and this is what he had to say …
Revolutionary 50 years of the Black Panther Party
October 29, 2016
Looking back at the Black Panther Party is like looking at a large landscape of people, locations and events in time and space. For me, that time was between the years 1966 and 1974. As memory fades increasingly with age, I won’t try to document in detail specifics such as the names of people and the exact dates of events. However, I do remember working with some of the most dynamic, resourceful and dedicated community organizers on the planet.
How Solange and Michelle saved me from the beast of Trump
October 29, 2016
Donald Trump is the consequence of an America in which a white man with money is automatically bestowed with power and political freedom. Despite his blatant stupidity, repulsiveness and toxic influence, he remains a presidential candidate – to me this is ridiculous. An imposed hierarchy means that my voice as a Black woman is the last to be heard. Cue Solange Knowles and Michelle Obama to deliver me from this angst.
ArtReach: Exhibition of artwork and poetry by 20 men on San Quentin’s death row
October 28, 2016
Last June, an inspiring and thought provoking art exhibition took place in London, in the UK. From June 24 to July 6, 2016, approximately 20 inmates from San Quentin’s death row showcased their work alongside mine; I make collages and sculptures from discarded objects I pick up along the banks of the River Thames. The name of the exhibition was ArtReach (reaching out with art), and the aim of it was to enable prisoners to share their work with the outside world.
Welcome to ‘The Tech Boom’: an interview with producer Traxamillion
October 27, 2016
Many young people want to pursue a career in music but don’t understand the science behind creating and producing. San Jose producer Traxamillion has mastered this science and constructs an iconic sound with every song he touches. His blaring beats have made him the driving force behind the historical hip hop sounds of the notorious hyphy movement. His new project, titled “The Tech Boom,” has given local artists an opportunity to showcase their talent.
‘Already a Legend’: Soaking up game with young rap legend G-Val
October 14, 2016
G-Val, born and raised in Bayview, is an artist who spits dope lyrics that young children in inner city communities, especially Bayview, can look up to. G-Val is not just an artist; he is a dream. His smile and positive attitude causes him to be loved by his community and communities nationwide. Check out what G-Val has to say about staying focused and committed to being successful and making it out the hood …
Troubled legacy: a review of Nate Parker’s ‘Birth of a Nation’
October 14, 2016
Perhaps the reason why Nat Turner is almost completely buried within documented and oral histories is connected to the fear his rebellion caused in the Southampton and by extension the Southern antebellum community. Nate Parker’s “The Birth of a Nation” visits this story as Donald Trump draws a white male constituency very much in keeping philosophically with the angry mob who tear the flesh from the iconic Prophet Nat Turner’s body.
We don’t heel, we kneel!
October 12, 2016
What Colin Kaepemick has done is not only courageous but long overdue. The game plan, henceforth, should be to turn that momentum into a nationwide movement. Yes, the best way to show solidarity and support for Colin Kaepemick is to emulate his heroic act. Stand for something bigger than “self.” You can accomplish this by taking a knee. Let’s see who has the heart, character and courage to kneel for change.
Wanda’s Picks for October 2016
October 10, 2016
This Maafa Commemoration Month we continue to lift “A Love Supreme” as we organize a defense against state violence. Congratulations to Professor Aaliyah Dunn-Salahuddin, whose community vigil and program honored the lives of the Bayview Hunters Point revolutionaries killed 50 years ago when the community rose up after SFPD killed Matthew “Peanut” Johnson and more recently when the community turned out after SFPD killed Mario Woods.
First Tuesdays Spoken Word at Radio Africa Kitchen tonight: ‘Bringing Ideas to Life’
October 4, 2016
Big Mouth Productions is presenting a cultural event for everyone in the community to come together and have a pleasurable time. A recent First Tuesdays Spoken Word event I attended was filled with an abundance of positive energy and great people. The event takes place this evening and every first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Radio Africa Kitchen restaurant, located on the corner of Third and Oakdale in the heart of Bayview Hunters Point.
‘Kicks,’ debut film by East Bay native Justin Tipping
September 29, 2016
“Kicks,” the first feature for East Bay native Justin Tipping, is a throwback to the harsh brutal ‘80s-’90s, when hip hop was painting landscapes along urban highways. It’s post-everything … urban removal complete – crack, pistols and cars about all that’s left for those who remain. Life is moving fast, so fast boys need their kicks to keep up. The story centers on Brandon, a petite youth who wants to buy a pair of Classic Jordans – Esu-Legba colors.
Nathaniel Mason Jr., pillar of the community
September 26, 2016
Nathaniel Mason Jr., nicknamed Red Bean and Sonny Boy, 87, died Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, peacefully in his home in Oakland, after a brief illness. Throughout his life, Nathaniel worked as a school teacher, a postman, a sheriff for the City and County of San Francisco, a police officer for the City of San Francisco, and Head Start director for the City of San Francisco, to name a few. Nathaniel lived his life to the fullest and he did it his way! We will miss his caring, loving and strong personality.
#7: Seventh Son
September 24, 2016
Colin Kaepernick, Yusef Lateef, Willie Dixon — Prelude: It’s nev-er, it’s nev-er, ever the time, — It’s nev-er, it’s never, never, ever the way — Never, ever time for free-dom fight-ing — It’s al-ways, it’s al-ways, always the wrong way — It’s al-ways, al-ways, al-ways wrong and unwise — Al-ways wrong and un-wise, to fight for free-dom (REPEAT) — The Chinese had a saying — About single sparks igniting prairie fires — #7’s that spark – for The Fire This Time …
Dameion Brown is Othello in Marin Shakespeare Company production
September 23, 2016
William Shakespeare’s “Othello” rings with contemporary accuracy in the Marin Shakespeare Company’s production. Damieon Brown, who performed in Marin Shakespeare Company’s 2015 “Shakespeare at Solano” theater arts program at Solano State Prison, studied, pursued, auditioned and won the role of Othello, one of Shakespeare’s most complicated and enthralling characters. The show closes Sept. 25.
Original Good in East Palo Alto
September 3, 2016
Black people are genetic experts at dislocation and assimilation; what with centuries of practice, we come to this place with authority and grief. However, Saturday, July 30, at the fifth OG or Original Good Community Barbecue, children, youth and adults had a chance to mingle, eat and enjoy the chance to introduce Gen X to those elders who made this city situated between Silicon Valley giants – Palo Alto and Menlo Park – what it was, if not what it is now.
Colin Kaepernick, Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali and Curt Flood
September 2, 2016
Colin Kaepernick just became an instant national hero in the Black community, risking his career like Muhammad Ali, taking a stand or a seat like Rosa Parks, and shocking the sports world by doing what the vast majority of modern day athletes wouldn’t dare even think about doing and jeopardize their million dollar contracts by speak out against injustice. So WE GOT YOUR BACK, CAP!
Wanda’s Picks for September 2016
September 2, 2016
Actor Dameion Brown, playing the title role in the Marin Shakespeare Company’s production of “Othello,” is getting standing ovations since the production started. Still in previews, Brown has with this role seen a dream come true. Since the MSC production of “Othello” opened Aug. 26 for previews, we learn that Brown is a formerly incarcerated or convicted person (FICP), just released after serving 23 years of a life sentence.
