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Photos | Award Winning Film “Pursuit of Equality” Marked Its 20th Anniversary at the Castro Theater
Event: 20th Anniversary “Pursuit of Equality”
Date: February 1, 2024
Location: Castro Theater, San Francisco
Photos (45): Drew Altizer, Ando Caulfield or Katie Ravas for Drew Altizer Photography
An exclusive anniversary film screening event sponsored by Salesforce was held on February 1 in San Francisco celebrating the 20-year milestone of the groundbreaking pursuit of same-sex marital civil rights as told through the film “Pursuit of Equality”. The private event was attended by over 700 guests and included a welcome reception, opening remarks by California State Governor Gavin Newsom, the screening of the film, a surprise performance by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, and concluded with a post-presentation by the filmmakers and cast.
Two decades ago, former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, now California State Governor, courageously issued marriage licenses to same-gender couples, sparking a nationwide movement for marriage emancipation. Newsom teamed up with Callan and Shaw to document loving partners via film while they tirelessly advocated for equal rights during this historic moment. “Pursuit of Equality” originally premiered at the Castro Theatre during the 2005 San Francisco International Film Festival and has gone on to win multiple awards and accolades encompassing the film’s unapparelled storytelling surrounding the intimate lives of those at the forefront of the marriage justice movement.
“Pursuit of Equality” is a true testament to the enduring fight for impartiality and stands committed in their support of the ongoing importance of advocacy and solidarity in the pursuit of justness and equitability for one and all. Callan & Shaw plan to bring the film to mass audiences everywhere, with a second screening scheduled for February 29, 2024, at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and more to follow in the coming months.
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Photos | Visit Oakland, Bocanova Partner to Host Oakland Restaurant Week Industry Night
Event: Oakland Restaurant Week Industry Night
Date: March 4, 2024
Location: Bocanova, Oakland
Photos (32): Andrew Weaver Photography (4-31)
Visit Oakland launched Oakland Restaurant Week with Industry Night at Bocanova Restaurant. It was a memorable evening of cuisine, wine and wonderful connections. Attendees celebrated their colleagues and the businesses that nourish The Town, in support of the non-profit beneficiary Community Kitchens and their mission to “Help Feed All Oaklanders.”
The evening was emceed by Liam Mayclem, KCBS Radio Foodie Chap with bites from celebrated Oakland chefs:
- Host Chef Rick Hackett of Bocanova
- Chef Dirk Tolsma of Acre
- Chef Charles Farrier of Crumble & Whisk
- Chef Intu-On Kornnawong of Jo’s Modern Thai
- Chef Priscilla Przygocki of MAMA Oakland
- Chef Juan Hormiga of Parche
- Chef Imani Greer of Roasted & Raw
- Chef Nelson German of Sobre Mesa & alaMar Kitchen and Bar
Guests enjoyed a live set by DJ Christie James, 80s + @ 103.7 and PRIDE Radio of iHeartMedia and music by West Coast Caravan Trio while sipping wine from E. & J. Gallo Winery, cocktails by Basil Hayden and Fluid510, beer by Dokkaebier, non-alcoholic beverages, coffee from Mr Espresso and desserts by Bocanova and Crumble & Whisk.
Launched in 2010, Oakland Restaurant Week is an annual dining promotion presented by Visit Oakland, a non-profit organization marketing Oakland, California as a travel destination. The 10-day celebration highlights the flavors of Oakland and is designed to support local establishments, enticing diners with menu offerings and experiences made available only during the 10 days from March 14-24, 2024.
“Oakland restaurant week is an amazing time to experience The Town’s vibrant culinary scene” commented Peter Gamez, President and CEO of Visit Oakland. “With talented chefs creating award-winning global cuisine, visitors and locals can definitely satisfy their appetite in Oakland. We encourage people to take advantage of our hotel offers, stay awhile, and enjoy all there is to do in The Town.” More…
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Musical Chronicling Life of Betty Reid Soskin Set for Bay Area Debut
Betty Reid Soskin’s storied 102 years includes time spent as a WWII defense worker, activist, business owner, songwriter, National Park Service park ranger and so much more. Now, the Richmond icon is the subject of a musical based on her incredible life.
“Sign My Name to Freedom,” a San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company (SFBATCO) production which will focus on the life, music and writing of Ms. Soskin, will premiere at San Francisco’s Z Space Friday, March 29 and continue through Saturday, April 13. Tickets range from $15–$65 can be purchased online.
The musical is directed by Elizabeth Carter, while playwright Michael Gene Sullivan integrates Ms. Soskin’s own music throughout dialogue between what SFBATCO calls “The Four Bettys,” namely Little Betty, Married Betty, Revolutionary Betty and Ranger Betty, as they progress through a century of experiences of this awe-inspiring American woman.
The cast of “Sign My Name to Freedom” features Tierra Allen as Little Betty, Aidaa Peerzada as Married Betty, Cathleen Riddley as Present Betty Reid Soskin, Lucca Troutman as Revolutionary Betty and Jasmine Milan Williams as Renee, according to Artistic Director Rodney Earl Jackson Jr. and Managing Director Adam Maggio. Other casting will be announced in the future.
Jackson said that having Ms. Soskin’s blessing to steward her life’s story is an honor and career highlight for him and that her journey stands as “a beacon for Black Americans, women and people of color all across the world [and] is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.”
San Francisco’s Z Space is located at 450 Florida St. in San Francisco. Check out the trailer here.
Photos | Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco “Youth Of The Year”
Event: Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco “Youth Of The Year”
Date: February 7, 2024
Location: Chase Center, San Francisco
Photos (45): Jessica Monroy or Katie Ravas for Drew Altizer Photography
This event recognizes the accomplishments of young people in San Francisco who have shown an incredible drive to succeed, dedication to their community, and passion for their Clubhouse or Camp.
Diego from the Mission Clubhouse won the Citywide Youth of the Year award. Diego is an 11-year Club member who credits supportive and caring Club staff, mentorship, and participation in programs such as Keystone, competitive sports, Leaders-In-Training, and Camp Mendocino as key aspects of his Club experience. A strong student and athlete, Diego will graduate from high school this spring and attend a four-year university where he plans to play collegiate soccer.
The event raised: $1.2M.
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Video | Kamilah Mitchell of ‘Teas with Meaning’ crafts healing tea blends with purpose
Whatever the feeling or emotion, Kamilah Mitchell of Oakland’s Teas with Meaning has a special blend to match it.
Her thoughtfully handcrafted tea types share thoughtfulness and intentionality in every cup.
“I have a tea for smiles, tears, health, real conversations,” described Mitchell. “I really believe that tea time really gives you the power to slow down.”
Teas with Meaning began in 2018 following Mitchell’s cancer diagnosis. The news lead her to discover the wellness benefits of various herbs found in tea. More…
Video | This self-guided tour takes you through the Black history of UC Berkeley’s campus
“He was right here,” said Daniella Lake, a senior at UC Berkeley, pointing at Sproul Hall.
“7,000 students,” added Gia White, Administrative Director of Global International and Area Studies at UC Berkeley.
When Lake and White look at UC Berkeley’s Sproul Hall they see more than a building. They see history, Black history. “Martin Luther King, Jr. Came here in 1967, in May of 1967,” White explained. “He gave an anti-war speech, civil rights and anti-war against the Vietnam War. And he was just tons of people at his feet, 7,000 students and people from the community that came to hear him speak.” More…
Video | New Betty Reid Soskin documentary reflects on retired national park ranger’s passion for music
“There’s a part of my life that I’ve kept hidden for a half century.” Bay Area legend Betty Reid Soskin retired as a National Park Ranger at 100-year-old, and she’s reflecting on all the parts of her historic life, including singing, in a new documentary “Sign My Name to Freedom.” Now, the team behind the documentary say they need help to finish the film. https://abc7ne.ws/48ASySn.
Read and view more about Betty Reid Soskin>
Video | Farmacy Berkeley is introducing senior citizens to the benefits of cannabis
“What’s wrong with just feeling good?” Asks Sue Taylor, “I naturally feel good.”
And if you ask Taylor how she’s feeling, she’ll likely say… “Oh, I’m incredibly well.”
And her mission is to make sure as many people around her age can say the same thing.
“This is what 76 looks like, woohoo!” Says Taylor.. More…
Video | Thousands crowd downtown Oakland for Black Joy Parade
Tens of thousands of people gathered on the streets of Oakland Sunday to celebrate the happiness and joy of being Black John Ramos reports (2-25-24)
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Video | AAAC Concludes Inaugural Season of Black Art with Memorable Fashion Show
Catch a glimpse of Season of Black Art (SOBA), a series of extraordinary events that featured talented Black artists and collectives, presenting a diverse array of artistic expressions from October 2023 to February 2024, presented by the African American Art & Culture Complex. Audiences experienced thought provoking speaker series, interactive presentations, and inspiring performances. There was for something for Everyone! View the Afro Funk Black History Fashion Show below…
Celebrate Black Literature + Narratives + Business (October 29, 2023)
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Celebrate Black Music (November 18, 2023)
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Celebrate Black Theatre and Film (December 9, 2023)
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Celebrate Black Dance (January 13, 2024)
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Black Art Symposium (February 10, 2024)
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Video | Marin City woman helping area students learn about their community’s Black history
Sharon Chin reports on the traveling exhibit The Legacy of Marin City, which brings to life the history of Marin City’s Black community.
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Video | Berkeley woman becomes fashion model in her 70s
For most people, retirement is a time to slide into some hobbies, take a trip here and there, and maybe spend some quality time in the armchair. When Carolyn Doelling retired at age 70, she became a fashion model.
The now 77-year-old Berkeley woman fashioned a busy modeling career not long ago, jetting between the Bay Area and New York to pose for magazines, clothing campaigns and lifestyle shoots with companies like Estée Lauder, CVS and Athleta.
“It’s almost a miracle,” Doelling said sitting in the kitchen of her Berkeley home. “It’s amazing because I never had any aspirations to be a model.”
In her 70s, Doelling addressed her personal doldrums about advancing age by revamping herself into a model, becoming the face for boutique brands and lifestyle articles, even chronicling her other recently discovered passion: kickboxing. More…
Video | The Forum with Bryan Gibel and Di’ara Reid
Join us for an exclusive sneak peek of “Sign My Name to Freedom,” a feature documentary about iconic National Park Ranger Betty Reid Soskin, her hidden life as a singer-songwriter, and her family’s experiences confronting Jim Crow-style segregation on the West Coast.
Betty gained fame as the oldest Park Ranger in the country after starting that job at the age of 85, and she continued working at the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Site as an interpretive oral historian until she retired at 100. Through her experience as a WWII file clerk for an all-black union auxiliary in Richmond, she helped to reshape the national narrative about home front segregation in the workplace, labor unions, and in the armed forces. More…
Read and view more about Betty Reid Soskin>
Photos | 100 Black Men of the Bay Area Recognize Black Excellence with Awards Evening
Event: 2nd Annual 100 Black Men of the Bay Area “Black Excellence Awards” (2024)
Date: February 6, 2024
Location: Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland
Photography (50): Lionel Seals
“Once again, we gather here to honor and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments in the Black community at our 2nd Annual Black Excellence Awards. It is of utmost importance that we seize this opportunity to showcase the outstanding achievements within our community. We hold deep appreciation for those who consistently strive for excellence, as our organization is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community, without expecting any recognition for our selfless contributions. We extend our heartfelt recognition and gratitude to those who are not members of the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, yet continue to exceed expectations. Our chapter embraces progressive visions and is committed to creating change within our community. We express our sincere appreciation to our sponsors and contributors, knowing that having the support of others makes our journey much smoother.“ – Danny Williams, Chairman of the Board, 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Inc.
Fast Facts
• Attendees: 200+
• Awardees: Legends Award – Congresswoman Rep. Barbara Lee, Service Award – Oakland Public Schools Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell, Pioneer Award – Mental Health Therapist DeShannon Williamson, Champions Award – ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Innovator Award – Lynda Gayden of Biotech Partners
• Sponsors: Bayer and Naked Wines
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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