“Notes from the African Diaspora” premiered at the Oakland Symphony, Friday, January 25. The evening was chilly with showers off and on all day. As my friend and I hustled from where we’d parked blocks away, we intentionally avoided puddles, raced into the side entrance, picked up our tickets, cleared security and relaxed in our seats as the Symphony orchestra warmed up. Noticeable was the small ensemble size, later on that would increase, but it reminded one of parlor concerts in wealthy homes. This setting was perfect for Joseph Bologne’s Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799) work: Symphony No. 1 in G major, Op. 11, opened the concert. Known as the “‘black Mozart,” Saint-Georges was born in the French colony Guadeloupe. “He was the son of the plantation owner and his African slave Nanon. The family moved to Paris in 1749 . . . where was given music instruction, fencing and riding lessons. He later received the title of ‘chevalier’ after becoming an ‘officer’ of the king’s bodyguard. . . Today he is known as the first classical composer of African descent” (Oakland Symphony 7).
All the sections in the program were by composers who were little known, such as Antonio Carlos Gomes (1836-1896), Brazilian composer of the first opera by a person of African descent, not in Portuguese, but in Italian. Ms. Shawnette Sulker, soprano, was theatrically awesome and on point as she sang the aria Gomes’s opera, C’era una volta un princie from Act II of Il Guarany.
Included in the program was a magnificent work by Florence Price (1887-1953), born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Symphony No. 3 in C minor. She had to pass as Mexican to have her work produced – isn’t that amazing? “She was the first black female composer to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra, when Frederick Stock and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra played the world premiere of her Symphony No. 1 in E minor, in 1933” (Oakland Symphony 8). Though Price published over 300 works, Maestro Morgan asked us to imagine what the breath of her work might have been had she not had to battle racism and sexism. The finale was Duke Ellington’s “Harlem.” All I can say is “wow!” Poetry to one’s ear, with the Oakland Symphony’s percussion section in superb form as they showed out on this selection.
William Grant Still’s (1895-1978) “Songs of Separation,” was of particular interest. For one, I knew his name (smile)– he’s the composer for Eubie Blake’s musical, “Shuffle Along,” and was the first African American to conduct a major American orchestra, LA Philharmonic Orchestra; for two, this work is a “cycle of five thematically related songs set to texts by black poets. Ms. Sulker sang these poems too. It was amazing (smile). “Parted” by Paul Lawrence Dunbar, from his, Lyrics of Sunshine and Shadow (1905) was my favorite, although “Poéme by the Haitian poet Philippe Thoby-Marcelin, was lovely too as was Arna Bontemps (1902-1973)’s “Idolatry.”
Maestro Morgan commented on how his Oakland audience comes out, even when it does not know what he has planned for them. And we do show up, because during his tenure, the maestro always expands our humanity by inviting into the room those marginalized yet immensely important American voices. We literally floated out of the Paramount Theatre afterward. Don’t miss “Si, Se Puede”: Dolores Herta’s Playlist, Friday, Feb. 22, 8 p.m. at the Paramount theatre. The Youth Orchestra’s Winter Concert is Sun., Feb. 24, 2 p.m. at San Leandro High School Performing Arts Center. Visit oaklandsymphony.org
On the Fly:
SF Indie continues with lots of great films and free programs at the Roxie and Victoria theatres in San Francisco: http://sfindie.com/festivals/sf-indiefest/ Not My F-ing President’s Day 2019 at Brava, Sunday, Feb. 17, 7-9 p.m. Visit brava.org Museum of the African Diaspora in Conjunction with the Studio Museum of Harlem present: Black Refractions: Highlights from the Studio Museum of Harlem on the occasion of the SMH’s 50th Anniversary. This exhibit is the first stop on a national tour. The MoAD features a special exhibit by artist Sadie Barnette, “Phone Home,” on the first level of the museum (which means it is free admission (smile). Black Refractions is up through April 14 and features artist talks (2/7 and 3/2) and a special symposium, Sat., Feb. 23, 10:30 AM -3:30 PM at the museum which is located at 685 Mission at Third Street, 415-358-7200 https://www.moadsf.org/ Free admissions 3rd Thursdays. Liberated Lens hosts “BLACK: 400 Years in American” Film Series — free film nights the 3rd Sunday of each month starting from February 17, 2019 and ending August 18, 2019. The film series is commemorating 400 years of African-American history at Omni Commons, 4799 Shattuck Ave, Oakland. For information contact: liberatedlens@omnicommons.org Swingin’ at the Savoy is bringing out a crew of VIPs, African American Dance royalty: Norma Miller, Chazz Young, and Chester Whitmore, for the weekend of Feb 22-24. There is a free reception to meet Ms. Miller, Mr. Young and Mr. Whitmore, if you can’t afford the classes. Visit https://swinginatthesavoy.com Sincerella, the Black Cinderella adapted by Dr. Mona Vaughn Scott, at Black Rep in Berkeley, 3201 Adeline Street, Feb. 15-17, 8 p.m. nightly, Sat. 3 and 8 p.m. For information call: 510-652-2120 Destiny Muhammad’s StoryTime Feb. 17, 3 p.m. at Malonga Casquelourd Center Theater, 1428 Alice Street, Oakland, CA 94612 Black Choreographers Festival Here and Now, Feb. 16-17 and Feb. 23-24. Visit https://www.bcfhereandnow.com/
Alameda Island Poets February Reading
Alameda Island Poets (AIP) celebrates Black History Month Wednesday, February 6, 7-9pm, at the Frank Bette Center, Lincoln Avenue @ Paru in Alameda. We are excited to feature an all-star line-up, including award-winning author of over 30 books, Ishmael Reed, daughter and author of 7 poetry collections Tennessee Reed, Fairfield’s 1st Poet Laureate Juanita Martin, and poet-singer-songwriter Boundless Gratitude, aka Haussan Jones-Bey.
Following AIP Reading features there are refreshments and its famously-friendly open mic. Come early if you’d like to help set up. And for any poets who didn’t get to donate to the Poets of Paradise last month, AIPs are still accepting donations.
Art Exhibit
Vanguard Revisited: Black Power Black Futures at SF Art Insitute
San Francisco Art Institute, in conjunction with the University of California, Santa Cruz, exhibits the photographic essay, BLACK PANTHERS, 1968 by Ruth-Marion Baruch and Pirkle Jones. Initially shown at the DeYoung from Dec 1968 through Feb 1969, these images have not been exhibited since, and the SFAI students working on this exhibition through Jeff Gunderson’s Collaborative Practices class are also picking a number of photos from the rolls of the photographers to reprint that have never been exhibited. The free exhibition, Vanguard Revisited: Black Power Black Futures, is on view Jan 21 – April 7 in the Walter and McBean Galleries at the campus located at 800 Chestnut St. and coincides with the 50-year anniversary of its original exhibition. Guest curator Leila Weefur of The Black Aesthetic curates the work of contemporary black artists alongside these photographs; expanding on the historical narrative to our present time where the issues facing the Black Liberation Movement have yet to cease. Visit https://sfai.edu/exhibitions-public-events/detail/vanguard-revisited
Theatre
TheatreFirst world premiere of Cleavon Smith’s The Last Sermon of Sister Imani, Feb. 14-March 3, starring Dezi Solèy and Jasmine Williams, directed by Michael Gene Sullivan. Visit http://theatrefirst.com/last-sermon-of-sister-imani/ To hear an interview with the playwright Cleavon Smith, visit Wanda’s Picks Radio, Jan. 25, 9:30 AM: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks/2019/01/25/wandas-picks-radio-show
It’s been six years since Adrian and Danielle have spoken. Once on the same path to hip-hop stardom, tragedy splits the longtime friends on to two very different and conflicting paths. Now, Adrian – an up-and-coming politician – needs the endorsement of Danielle – now a spiritual leader named Sister Imani – and comes to her retreat to find common ground between what they’ve both become. To get a $10 ticket visit the Facebook page for T1.
Reclaining Dignity presented by The World As It Could Be in Collaboration with Ellen Sebastian Chang, Rasida Chase and Virginia Jourdan
In honor of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, artist, Virginia “Nia” Jourdan, decided to paint 30 paintings connected with the 30 Articles of the UDHR. The World As It Could Be in collaboration with the artist will be showcasing these paintings at: Virginia Jourdan’s Studio, 399 San Fernando Way, San Francisco. The entrance on Ocean Ave. BART and MUNI accessible.
In addition to the painting exhibit, each event will have its own featured interactive discussion, art activity or performance to spark camaraderie, as well as ideas and actions for positive change. Reclaiming Dignity welcomes all ages, and encourages attendance of families, as well as teachers and students. Visit http://www.theworldasitcouldbe.org/?p=2818
The program:
February 14th, 6:30pm–8pm: Opening Reception
—Interactive art making & conversation
—Opening reception with food & beverages
—Art making & conversation about love, humanity & human rights
February 21st, 6:30pm–8pm: Presentations on the UDHR, Art, & Being Human
—Guest speakers
—Musical performance by Rashida Chase
—Food & beverages
February 23rd, 5pm–7pm: Closing Reception
Low body image can give rise to inferiority complex and low self-esteem about one’s purchase cheap levitra body. Individuals value their levitra tablets diligent work, their patriotism, their administrations and penances. This means you should have it a few minutes before engaging in sexual activity to get the hard and bigger. viagra in australia Genuine online pharmacies have pharmacists who can validate prescriptions, respond to questions, and offer warnings and suggestions just like their brick and mortar equivalents. cialis discounts
—Closing reception with food & beverages to celebrate love, art & humanity
—Interactive art making & discussion
Film
Voices for Freedom: The Hyer Sisters’ Legacy Screening and Talk, Tuesday, February 26, 2019 6:00PM at the California Historical Society Headquarters, 678 Mission Street, San Francisco; $5 General Admission, Free for CHS Members, plus one guest per membership.
Join California Historical Society and independent filmmaker Susheel Bibbs for a documentary screening, followed by a short talk, on The Hyers Sisters. This award-winning, half-hour documentary features acclaimed performances, re-enactments, archival footage, and commentary as it chronicles the life and times of touring opera artists Anna & Emma Hyers who left their success in the opera to oppose the negative imaging of their people by black-face minstrels and changed minds and hearts for 20 years with unique, lovable musicals.
This was 1870’s and 80’s America, at a time when night riders and lynching terrorized African Americans, and blackface minstrels ridiculed them. The Hyers Sisters work became the first American musicals to use black leading players and the first to integrate casting in mainstream Music Theater. To listen to a radio interview with Dr. Bibbs visit Wanda’s Picks Radio Show, June 27, 2018 or http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks/2018/06/27/wandas-picks-radio-show-special
Maxine Gordon’s “Sophisticated Giant” chronicles the life and legacy of her late husband, jazz legend, Dexter Gordon
Born in Los Angeles in 1923, the only son of the city’s second Black doctor, long, tall Dexter answered his musical calling at age 17, thrilling jazz greats with his innovative tenor saxophone riffs, eventually fleeing US racism to live and perform in Paris, Copenhagen where he left an indelible mark on the world of jazz!
The tour has several stops some musical, most free beginning at the end of this month Feb. 26-March 4:
February 26, Tuesday, 7pm City Lights Booksellers, San Francisco, 261 Columbus Avenue at Broadway, http://www.citylights.com; Dexter Gordon Birthday Celebration and Gala, Wed., February 27, Wednesday, 7 pm, Mills College, Oakland at Lisser Hall. Presentation, Discussion, Book Reading with the author, Ricki Stevenson and Marcus Shelby. Visit https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4031873; February 28, Thursday, 6:30pm, Museum of the African Diaspora, San Francisco, CA, 685 Mission Street (at 3rd)Book Discussion and Signing, Visit https://www.moadsf.org/event/authors-in-conversation-sophisticated-giant-the-life-and-legacy-of-dexter-gordon/?instance_id=14997
Book Discussion and Signing, Friday March 1st, 11am at the East Oakland Senior Center, Oakland, CA, 9255 Edes Avenue; Marcus Books, reading and signing, Friday, March 1 at 6:30pm., 3900 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland; March 2, Saturday, 2pm at the African American Museum & Library, Oakland, 659 14th Street, Book Discussion and Signing http://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/african-american-museum-library-oakland; March 3, Sunday, 4pm at the Piedmont Piano Company, Oakland,1728 San Pablo Avenue at 18thStreet. There will be a concert tribute to Dexter Gordon and Book Discussion with Nicolas Bearde. Visit http://piedmontpiano.com; Monday, March 4th, San Jose State University, Reading and Concert by SJSU Jazz Band. Time/Place TBD
The Social Justice Council invites you to our: SOUL LINE-DANCE POTLUCK PARTY, Saturday February 23, 2019
6 – 7 PM Potluck Dinner
7 – 10 PM DANCE!!!
Ifasina T L Clear facilitates this dance at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Road, Kensington CA, children welcomed. RSVP required: uucbsoullinedance.eventbrite.com
Ifasina TaMeicka L. Clear is a Spiritual Coach, Body Positive Coach, and Community Educator. She is a certified Usui Reiki Level 1 practitioner and Level 2/Master Level studies student of Master Reiki Teacher Bah’Dori Oyanna, Atlanta Georgia. Ifasina is an ordained interfaith minister and a spiritual artist that believes deeply in the sovereignty of creation and the sacred act of honoring one’s inner wisdom.
This is a FUN(D)RAISER — donations accepted at door ($20/scale) — no one turned away for lack of funds. Questions: uucbsoulline@gmail.com www.uucb.org
Quest for Democracy
They came bearing arms, the kind El Hajj Malik spoke of in his speech about the power of the electoral vote– ballots as bullets. For millions of Americans, citizenship rights are tied to punishment– break the law and lose one’s right to vote forever. However, for Desmond Mead, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and Norris Henderson, Voice of the Experienced — New Orleans, their campaigns to re-enfranchise men and women who’d pay their debt to society in a climate where judicial systems still wanted its pound of flesh was a power move. Their successful moves brought them to California to educate other grassroots organizers on the strategies employed to make voter restoration possible throughout the country.
Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and Voice of the Experienced changed the language of unjust laws last election which meant millions of people in those two states can now participate in this democracy. The victory was bittersweet because all citizens cannot vote, people with murder convictions and child molestation convictions were a legislative compromise, Mead said.
Voting or participation in one’s community is a deterrent to crime another panelist, Taina Vargas-Edmond stated. Her organization, Initiate Justice, has a report coming out next month, that queried incarcerated persons about voting rights and what it would mean to vote and if they had voted prior to incarceration. 98 percent answered affirmatively, that yes, they would vote given the opportunity. Daurus Cyprian, Senior Organizer for All Of Us Or None, spoke of how since his release two years ago, he cannot vote until his five year probation ends. Though he pays taxes, he cannot say who spends the money or where it money goes. This country was founded on the notion, “no taxes without representation.”
Dorsey Nunn, Executive Director, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children shared his experience in Florida this fall at The Formerly Incarcerated and Convicted People and Families Movement Conference where everyone went out and registered people to vote, canvased neighborhoods, and used multimedia marketing strategies to get the word out about the ballot initiative to give people their rights back. It was an overwhelmingly successful campaign.
Meade echoed Dr. King, It was love in action.
He said when talking about the broad base of support for changing the law; “People came out for the ones they love. It’s hard to defeat love. We used love. Love was our secret sauce.”
Here is a link to the Live Stream: https://www.facebook.com/AOUON/videos/279902496019306/
Tamara Rasberry, Assistant to Secretary of State, Alex Padilla, was present and spoke about a Restore Your Vote Initiative. The website is www.sos.ca.gov or call 800.345-VOTE (8683).
To listen to an interview with Daurus Cyprian, Senior Organizer for All Of Us Or None,
on Wanda’s Picks, Wed., Jan. 16, 2019, visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks/2019/01/16/wandas-picks-radio-show