Community
GirlTalk Celebrates Seven Year Anniversary at Everett and Jones Barbeque Restaurant at Oakland’s Jack London Square.
GirlTalk celebrated its seven-year anniversary at Everett and Jones Barbeque Restaurant in Jack London Square on Saturday afternoon, February 18, themed “Forever and Always.” The women’s empowerment organization hosts monthly gatherings for women to discuss their trials, triumphs, and uplift each other as mothers, wives, professionals, and women of faith.

By Carla Thomas
GirlTalk celebrated its seven-year anniversary at Everett and Jones Barbeque Restaurant in Jack London Square on Saturday afternoon, February 18, themed “Forever and Always.”
The women’s empowerment organization hosts monthly gatherings for women to discuss their trials, triumphs, and uplift each other as mothers, wives, professionals, and women of faith. From college students to elders, the women’s forum connects generations that keep the youth informed and mentored, while the seniors are kept up to date in an ever-changing society. Created by Pastor Dr. Doris Limbrick, a licensed counselor and leader at Acts Full Church of God in Christ in East Oakland, the organization was a way of getting women together beyond the church walls.
“I wanted to create a space outside the church that brings together all women,” explained Limbrick. “It’s really important for women to have a place where they can be themselves, relax, learn, and have fun. GirlTalk is also a ministry that gives women a platform to discuss personal issues, some as far back as childhood, issues within that were never resolved.”
The sisterhood meets monthly at a local event space in Oakland, however during the pandemic, like many organizations, GirlTalk found a way to keep the group together virtually. “When we are unable to meet in person, we meet through zoom and through zoom we’re able to include women out of the area expanding our reach.”
While Limbrick has made an impact on many people throughout the community she prays for, she thanked Dr. Mona Scott, CEO of the Black Repertory Theater and a family member, who recently ascended, Mother Mary Butler for their guidance and assistance with structuring the organization. “Mother Butler was always a big help to me and Dr. Scott opened her theater for us,” said Limbrick. “It’s so important for women to support one another and in 2023, I want us to support more of our businesses.” As a community leader, Limbrick also attended a rally in support of Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong.
Program entertainer Barbara Rhodes Woods performed, “Georgia,” accompanied by keyboardist Paul Wade while about 50 guests dined on a barbecue buffet.
Many guests and members are small business owners offering notary and graphics services to skin care and clothing. In addition to networking, a raffle was held with luxury gift bags presented to 6 lucky winners, featuring all-natural bath and body products by Soapy Faith.
Business owner, Brittney Follings, co-founder and COO of Soapy Faith provided a motivational talk about her life’s challenges and successes. Over a decade ago, she and her sisters created a company and in just a few short years they were out of business. And after suffering the deaths of her parents and two other loved ones in 4 short years, Rollings stood on her faith to push through life and to see the resurgence of her company called Soapy Faith in 2015. For the past few years, her all-natural bath and body line products have been featured in the Grammys swag bags and earned the #10 slot of Esty’s Top 100 products. “Never give up, your trials are seeds for you to reap God’s harvest for you,” said Rollings. “Stand on God’s promises for your life.”
Some members of the GirlTalk leadership team are Dr. Limbrick’s own family including daughter Stephanie Davis and granddaughter Britteny Davis and great granddaughter little three-year-old Brielle, the youngest princess in the house.
“My mom has been an inspiration,” said Stephanie Davis. “It’s nice to see all that she does for others,” said Brittney Davis.
With generations of women from their 20s to 80s, no generation is left behind as knowledge is shared, important issues are raised, and women can be a part of a sisterhood.
For the organization’s communications coordinator, Debra Guillory, GirlTalk has been a way to build friendships. “GirlTalk has meant a lot to me and it’s actually helped me get over my shyness and make friends.”
For more information on GirlTalk or Christian counseling services call 510-381-1401.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

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#NNPA BlackPress
Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.
Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”
The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”
#NNPA BlackPress
Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”
But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”
Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”
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