Video | Here’s how this community-focused coffee shop, wine bar is helping revive downtown Oakland

Creighton Davis is a born and raised San Franciscan, who as a kid, always loved spending time across the bridge in Oakland.

“I remember growing up and just walking up to people, dapping, you know just showing that love and showing that openness that is very much emblematic of the Bay,” Davis said.

That sense of community is part of the reason why after many years of living around the country, Davis moved to the Town, but things are different.

“As the characteristics and the demographic of the Bay has changed, more tech, more in your home, we’ve lost some of that feeling of community,” Davis said. More…

Photos | The Recharge Group Holiday Celebration & BLKMarketPlace

Event: The Recharge Group Holiday Celebration & BLKMarketPlace (2023)
Date: December 12, 2023
Location: The Battery Penthouse
Photography: courtesy of The Recharge Group

The event, attended by over 200 guests, was a celebration of Black economic prosperity and amplification of 6 Black owned luxury brands in the Bay Area. According to Dr. Marc Spencer, Founder and CEO of The Recharge Group, “It served as a reminder that our financial future begins with supporting our businesses today.”

The Recharge Group, previously known as the Black Battery, a company dedicated to curating exceptional experiences for African American professionals is currently transitioning through a rebranding and evolution. Stepping away from its previous name, The Recharge Group signifies a renewed commitment to amplifying connection, creativity, and cultural immersion in its offerings.

“This isn’t just a name change,” explains Spencer. “It’s a declaration of intent. We recognize the unique needs and aspirations of African American professionals – the desire to recharge not just our batteries, but our souls. The Recharge Group isn’t just about travel and events; it’s about fostering meaningful connections, igniting inspiration, and celebrating our culture on a global stage.”


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Video | ‘The Wiz’ star Wayne Brady talks beloved musical now playing in San Francisco

The Wiz himself, Wayne Brady, joined ABC7’s “Midday Live” to tell us more about the beloved musical now playing in San Francisco.

Video | Trail Chats: Autumn King in Conversation w/ Fire Marshal Felicia Bryant

Welcome to Trail Chats! Trek with Autumn King and local leaders of Oakland as they chat about managing mental health, well-being, and how they serve our community – all while exploring the natural beauty of the Town.

About Felicia Bryant
Bryant is an 18-year veteran of the department and a trailblazer, just like her great-grandfather, Bill Williams. He was one of the first Black firefighters hired by the Oakland Fire Department in 1920. There’s even an oral history of Williams at the Oakland Museum archives.

‘One of the biggest joys I had when I was on the engine was seeing little girls. It was just a little girl to look up and be like, Wow, she’s a woman firefighter, she’s a girl like me.’

As fire marshal, she is now responsible for fire prevention and life safety, which is why vegetation management is a top priority, especially after the firestorm of 1991. More…

About Autumn King
Autumn has more than two decades of experience strategically connecting people, places, and concepts through clear communications and innovative ideating. She currently serves as Sr. Director of Marketing, Communications, & Visitor Experience at Oakland Museum of California.

With over 20 years of experience working in Communications in varied capacities, including media relations, public relations, public information, marketing, and public engagement, her professional career has been primarily in nonprofit management and local government.

King has worked in many settings where resources were limited, worn many hats and carried many torches. She feels equally comfortable in front of the camera delivering a message as she does writing the best message for the moment and audience.

Related
Oakland appoints first woman ever to become city’s fire marshalCBS News Bay Area

Video | Trail Chats: Autumn King in Conversation w/ Councilmember Councilmember Kevin Jenkins

Welcome to Trail Chats! Trek with Autumn King and local leaders of Oakland as they chat about managing mental health, well-being, and how they serve our community – all while exploring the natural beauty of the Town.

About Kevin Jenkins
Kevin was elected to represent Oakland City Council District 6 in November of 2022. Kevin was born and raised in East Oakland, California as the son of two Oakland Unified School District employees. He graduated from Oakland High School and attended Laney College and College of Alameda. Kevin then transferred to San Francisco State University where he earned a B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning. After graduating from San Francisco State, Kevin attended California State University, East Bay, earning a Master’s in Public Administration.

In November 2020, Kevin was elected to represent Area 2 for the Peralta Community College District, which includes all of East Oakland. While on the Peralta Board of Trustees, Kevin advocated for funding for student housing and worked closely with his colleagues to ensure that the district navigated the global pandemic. During his tenure with Peralta, Kevin orchestrated cross-sector partnerships with Peralta Community College and Oakland community-based organizations to enhance educational opportunities. More…

About Autumn King
Autumn has more than two decades of experience strategically connecting people, places, and concepts through clear communications and innovative ideating. She currently serves as Sr. Director of Marketing, Communications, & Visitor Experience at Oakland Museum of California.

With over 20 years of experience working in Communications in varied capacities, including media relations, public relations, public information, marketing, and public engagement, her professional career has been primarily in nonprofit management and local government.

King has worked in many settings where resources were limited, worn many hats and carried many torches. She feels equally comfortable in front of the camera delivering a message as she does writing the best message for the moment and audience.

Related
Oakland City Council in conversation: Kevin Jenkins talks District 6 The Oaklandside

Video | Trail Chats: Autumn King in Conversation w/ Councilmember Janani Ramachandran

Welcome to Trail Chats! Trek with Autumn King and local leaders of Oakland as they chat about managing mental health, well-being, and how they serve our community – all while exploring the natural beauty of the Town.

About Janani Ramachandran
Janani Ramachandran is the City Councilmember for Oakland’s District 4.

Ramachandran is a public interest attorney who has dedicated her life to empowering communities and fighting for responsive government institutions. A graduate of Stanford University and Berkeley Law, Ramachandran has worked at various legal nonprofits, and served on the board of violence prevention nonprofits across Oakland. She is a Commissioner on the California Commission for API American Affairs, and previously served on the City of Oakland Public Ethics Commission. Ramachandran is an East Bay native, and a former professional musician.

Ramachandran is the youngest person elected to Oakland’s City Council, as well as the first South Asian and first LGBTQ woman of color to serve on Oakland City Council.

Ramachandran is honored to represent Oakland’s District 4. She looks forward to building a safe, vibrant Oakland, and accountable City Hall.

About Autumn King
Autumn has more than two decades of experience strategically connecting people, places, and concepts through clear communications and innovative ideating. She currently serves as Sr. Director of Marketing, Communications, & Visitor Experience at Oakland Museum of California.

With over 20 years of experience working in Communications in varied capacities, including media relations, public relations, public information, marketing, and public engagement, her professional career has been primarily in nonprofit management and local government.

King has worked in many settings where resources were limited, worn many hats and carried many torches. She feels equally comfortable in front of the camera delivering a message as she does writing the best message for the moment and audience.

Related
Democracy at the Local LevelCommonwealth Club
Oakland City Council in conversation: Janani Ramachandran talks District 4The Oaklandside

Photos | 100 Black Men of the Bay Area Draw Over 700 to Annual Gala

Event: 35th Annual 100 Black Men Scholarship Benefit and Awards Gala (2023)
Date: December 9, 2023
Location: San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Photography (241): Photographers at Large

“As we celebrate our 35th annual gala, it’s important to reflect on the profound impact we’ve had on so many lives starting with our charter year in 1988, when 13 high minded, distinguished Black gentlemen created a bold vision for the future and founded our beloved chapter … to today when we’ve achieved record levels of impact for the community. We couldn’t have done it without the generosity of our sponsors, donors and community partners.” Chuck Baker, Chairman of the Board, 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Inc.

Fast Facts
• Attendees: 700+
• Awardees: Community Services Award (Organization) – Roots Community Health Center; Community Service Award (Individual) – Dave Clark; Lifetime Achievement Award – Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson
• Sponsors: 30+

About
The Bay Area Chapter of 100 Black Men was officially recognized as the fifth National Chapter on June 10, 1988.

In 1992, 100 Black Men of the Bay Area established the Young Black Scholar Program and hosted the first statewide Young Black Scholars Conference in June 1993.  The Young Black Scholar Program continues to be the cornerstone of the Chapter’s Role Modeling, Mentoring, Scholarship, and Fundraising endeavors.

Each year, scholarship awards and financial assistance is given to students throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Awards are given out each year at our Annual Scholarship Reception which takes place in July and our Annual Scholarship Benefit & Awards Gala which happens in December.


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Video | Trail Chats: Autumn King in Conversation w/ Elliot Jones (MACRO)

Welcome to Trail Chats! Trek with Autumn King and local leaders of Oakland as they chat about managing mental health, well-being, and how they serve our community – all while exploring the natural beauty of the Town.

About MACRO
The Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland (MACRO) Program is a community response program for non-violent, non-emergency 911 calls. The purpose of MACRO is to meet the needs of the community with a compassionate care first response model grounded in empathy, service, and community. MACRO’s goal is to reduce responses by police, resulting in fewer arrests and negative interactions, and increased access to community-based services and resources for impacted individuals and families, and most especially for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

About Autumn King
Autumn has more than two decades of experience strategically connecting people, places, and concepts through clear communications and innovative ideating. She currently serves as Sr. Director of Marketing, Communications, & Visitor Experience at Oakland Museum of California.

With over 20 years of experience working in Communications in varied capacities, including media relations, public relations, public information, marketing, and public engagement, her professional career has been primarily in nonprofit management and local government.

King has worked in many settings where resources were limited, worn many hats and carried many torches. She feels equally comfortable in front of the camera delivering a message as she does writing the best message for the moment and audience.

Related
Oakland has a non-police crisis response team, but when do they get the call? – KALW
MACRO director describes new program in OaklandKTVU Fox2

Photos & Video | Over 250 Attend Annual Twelve Days of Christmas, $50k Raised for Oakland Children

Event: 2023 Twelve Days of Christmas Oakland – Party with a Purpose Holiday Soiree
Date: November 30, 2023
Location: Town Fare, Oakland
Photography: Photographers at Large

The 2023 Party with a Purpose was a tremendous success, exceeding previous years. Community support and commitment was key in the event’s ability to raise over $50,000. Generous donors have made it possible to expand the organization’s positive impact through gift giving, reaching over 400 children this holiday season and providing educational support for students in the Oakland schools the group has adopted.

About
Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) organization created in 1999 with one simple mission: “To share our blessings with others through collective effort, charitable activities, and community involvement.” They have committed to remembering the true spirit of Christmas throughout the year by making a difference through the gift of giving to Oakland children and families.

As it embarks on its 23rd season in Oakland, they are committed to making 2023 more profound and impactful than ever! Most of the proceeds (ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships) will provide gifts and necessities to the families that they serve, and they have recently added improving childhood literacy to their fundraising goals. Eight (8) out of ten (10) Black and brown children in Oakland are unable to read at grade level. They plan to use some of their funds this year to purchase books and other necessities for grade school children.


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Photos & Video | 6th Annual Black Sunday Holiday Shopping Experience

Event: 6th Annual Black Sunday Holiday Shopping Experience
Date: December 3, 2023
Location: Calabash Restaurant, Oakland
Photography: Adam Turner
Videography: Off Tha Hook-TV

Fast Facts
• 15 Vendors
• Over 250 attendees


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Video | Here’s how this community-focused coffee shop, wine bar is helping revive downtown Oakland

Kinfolx is an incredibly popular coffee and wine bar in downtown Oakland. It launched as a pop-up in 2022 with a lease ending September 2024. Despite challenges with crime and a changing business landscape- they don’t ever want to leave.

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — Creighton Davis is a born and raised San Franciscan, who as a kid, always loved spending time across the bridge in Oakland.

“I remember growing up and just walking up to people, dapping, you know just showing that love and showing that openness that is very much emblematic of the Bay,” Davis said.

That sense of community is part of the reason why after many years of living around the country, Davis moved to the Town, but things are different. More…

Photos & Video | MoAD Shines with Top Notch Annual Afropolitan Ball, Raises Over $650k

Event: MoAD Afropolitan Ball 2023
Date: October 21, 2023
Location: The Hibernia, San Francisco
Photography (83): Agency Moanalani Jeffrey

On October 21, over 500 Bay Area arts enthusiasts gathered at The Hibernia in San Francisco to celebrate the Museum of African Diaspora’s (MoAD) new 2023-2024 exhibition season and the museum’s rich cultural diversity. The celebration raised over $650K to support the museum’s exhibitions, educational programs and beloved public programs.

The Afropolitian Ball: One Love, One MoAD began with an elegant VIP reception catered by Melons Catering and Events, one of the Bay Area’s preeminent caterers, in the beautiful ballroom of The Hibernia. Guests were entertained with a performance by the popular musical group Sabor De Mi Cuba. During the reception, Co-Chairs of the event Jill Cowan and Shannon Nash encouraged guests to take center stage for MoAD’s “raise the paddle” session to meet critical funding needs for the museum’s mission.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed made an appearance saying “MoAD is a valuable institution.” “The museum is not just about the exhibits, it’s about the educational opportunities of connecting the African Diaspora with our schools, making sure that we set a strong curriculum of Black history across the Diaspora.” MoAD Executive Director Monetta White was quoted as saying “In the spirit of our theme One Love, One MoAD, I am reminded of the resilience that binds us together. We face challenges, conquer them, and we come out stronger as a vibrant community.” “ As we face these challenges, it is our artists who we always call upon to uplift our community.” “When I reflect on what drives me to do this work daily, it’s my staff, the artists, the curators, and the community I am proud to serve.”

After the reception, artist Autumn Breon gave a site-specific performance created uniquely for the Afropolitian Ball. The party continued with dancing until midnight with official Golden State Warriors DJ, DJ Sharp.

Related
MoAD’s Afropolitan Ball Raises $650K in Lively StyleNob Hill Gazette
MoAD presents Joe SamSan Francisco Chronicle
Museum of the African Diaspora’s Monetta White was a key player in the San Francisco food scene before making her mark in artSan Francisco Business Times


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One Love, One MoAD

Photos | Ingrid Best Launches Wine Label with Two Successful Events on Both Sides of the Bay

Event: Ingrid Best Wine Launch
Date: October 2023
Location: Coco Noir Wine Shop (Oakland) and Copas (San Francisco)
Photos: Courtesy of Photographers at Large

Ingrid Best has emerged as the newest female African American vintner on the scene. She claims SF Bay Area for her roots but her education of wine is global. While working in the liquor distribution industry for major suppliers such as Diageo, Moët Hennessy, Bacardi, and Combs Enterprises for over two decades she gained not only a knowledge of the business but significant relationships with other African American distributors like Jay Z and Sean “Puffy” Combs. She eventually stepped away from the corporate world to follow her passion and founded IBest Wines.

After years of research and travel Ingrid Best has finally released her signature wines to the public, and recently held signature wine release parties in SF and Oakland. She is currently offering two blends of wines, a red blend and a white blend from South Africa grapes. Her love of culture, art and wine is her motivation to making her wine unique and appreciated.

Chef Mimi (Black Food & Wine Experience), Ingrid Best

Chef Mimi (Black Food & Wine Experience) and entrepreneur Alicia Kidd (Coco Noir Wine Shop) hosted events in San Francisco and Oakland to help announce Ingrid Best’s wine launch.

Chef Mimi hosted a sit down dinner for a select clientele which enjoyed the pairing of Mexican food with Ingrid’s wine at Copas Restaurant in San Francisco. Several friends, business associates and wine enthusiasts came out in support of Ingrid’s premiere wine launch.

Copas is a Mexican themed restaurant in the Castro district owned by two Hispanic women and offered guests a delicious sampling of their heritage menu.

Over in the East Bay, Coco Noir Wine Shop Bar in Downtown Oakland hosted a fireside sip conversation with Ingrid to share her journey from wine enthusiast to CEO and Wine Negociant. Once again friends, restaurateurs, bar owners and wine aficionados came out to support Ingrid’s wine launch debut, and the venue was bustling with people sampling and purchasing Ingrid’s dynamic duo of blends along with their unique charcuterie plates.


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Video | Oakland cafe plans to be hub for community discussion of crime prevention

Kinfolx, a coffee shop in downtown Oakland, is planning a town hall to address the nagging issue of crime in the community. Lezla Gooden reports. (12-1-23)

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