Events

San Francisco Remembers Martin Luther King, Jr.

Published

6 years ago

January 30, 2019

The San Francisco Interfaith Council hosted the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at the Yerba Buena Garden complex on Monday, January 21. The celebration featured an array of speakers, singers and events that brought the San Francisco Bay Area together to remember Dr. King and his legacy of service and his fight for racial justice.

“This is the legacy of Dr. King and his work,” said San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, who is the second African American to hold that position in San Francisco. “Look at the people in leadership positions in San Francisco, starting with me to the mayor to countless others.”

Born and raised in Alabama, Scott moved to California and worked his way up the ranks of the Police Department in Los Angeles. After several years of service and a nationwide search, he was selected to be police chief in San Francisco.

“Dr. King’s fight for civil rights gave everyone a fair shot at opportunity,” continued Scott. “It gave people a chance to live and thrive. We still have a long ways go, but we are on our way.”

Other speakers at the event, which is in its 34th year, included U.S. House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Dr. Arelious Walker from True Hope Church of God and Christ, Rudy Corpuz from the United Playaz youth organization and Rev. Amos Brown from Third Baptist Church.

There were also various other events at the Yerba Buena Complex, including a Black and Brown Comic Book Festival for kids in the View Lounge at the Metreon, a speakers’ series at the Yerba Buena Auditorium and various arts and crafts for sale.

Kimberly Brandon, the President of the San Francisco Port Commission, was proud to be at Yerba Buena Gardens reflecting on King and his work.

“It’s 2019, and Dr. King and his work are needed more now than ever before,” said Brandon. “He was about freedom, respect and coming together and we need this during this time in our country.”

The Yerba Buena Gardens complex is home to a waterfall memorial of King, which has his various quotes, as well as pictures of local San Francisco Civil Rights leaders marching in the streets of San Francisco.

Aaron Grizzell, executive director of the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Foundation and one of the organizers of the celebration, was pleased with the turnout.

“This is one of the main spots in San Francisco for people to express ourselves and to be heard on this day,” said Grizzell.

Dr. Amos Brown, was one of eight students who King taught at Morehouse College in the 1960s. He looked at the day with gladness as well as some sadness.

“I am glad we are celebrating a great man today, but this ceremony in San Francisco is kind of tepid in my opinion,” said Dr. Brown.

“We have 800,000 people in San Francisco and there should at least be 8,000 people here,” said Dr. Brown. “If this was Cinco De Mayo or Gay Pride, this place would be packed, but it isn’t.”

Dr. Brown said that civil rights is on the back burner in San Francisco. He pointed to the decline in the city’s black population, which he said was unacceptable.

“The black community in San Francisco is almost extinct, including the cultural community,” continued Brown. “We have to fight this, and help bring in more black people to the city.” Brown said that this needs to be fought politically, with housing policies that help retain blacks in San Francisco, which is something that Dr. King would be in favor of in 2019.

Lee Hubbard

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Activism

Newsom, Pelosi Welcome Election of First American Pope; Call for Unity and Compassion

“In his first address, he reminded us that God loves each and every person,” said Newsom. “We trust that he will shepherd us through the best of the Church’s teachings: to respect human dignity, care for the poor, and wish for the common good of us all.” Newsom also expressed hope that the pontiff’s leadership would serve as a unifying force in a time of global instability.

Published

2 days ago

May 19, 2025

Oakland Post

Pope Leo XIV. Screenshot.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom on May 8 issued a statement congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the first American to lead the Catholic Church.

The announcement has drawn widespread reaction from U.S. leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who called the moment spiritually significant and aligned with the values of service and social justice.

In their statement, the Newsoms expressed hope that the newly elected pope would guide the Church with a focus on compassion, dignity, and care for the most vulnerable. Newsom said he and the First Partner joined others around the world in celebrating the milestone and were encouraged by the pope’s first message.

Newsom also expressed hope that the pontiff’s leadership would serve as a unifying force in a time of global instability.

“May he remind us that our better angels are not far away — they’re always within us, waiting to be heard,” he said.

Pelosi, a devout Catholic, also welcomed the pope’s election and noted his symbolic connection to earlier church leaders who championed workers’ rights and social equality.

“It is heartening that His Holiness continued the blessing that Pope Francis gave on Easter Sunday: ‘God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail,’” said Pelosi.

Oakland Post

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Activism

California Observes Third Annual Black Health Advocacy Week

On May 4, 2023, the California Assembly unanimously passed ACR 53, enacting BHEAW every first week of May. “The life expectancy at birth for Black Californians is 76.2 years of age, which is five years shorter than the state average and the lowest life expectancy of all racial and ethnic groups in California,” said Weber in a statement.

Published

2 days ago

May 19, 2025

Oakland Post

Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California’s third annual Black Health Equity Advocacy Week (BHEAW), observed from May 5-9, reaffirmed the commitment of the state and advocates to address systemic health disparities affecting Black communities.

Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-San Diego), who is a medical doctor and chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), authored the resolution that created BHEAW — the first statewide initiative of its kind focused on advancing Black health equity.

On May 4, 2023, the California Assembly unanimously passed ACR 53, enacting BHEAW every first week of May.

“The life expectancy at birth for Black Californians is 76.2 years of age, which is five years shorter than the state average and the lowest life expectancy of all racial and ethnic groups in California,” said Weber in a statement.

“This disparity is a stark reminder of the systemic and institutional factors that contribute to health inequities in communities of color,” she added.

The California Black Health Network (CBHN) led this year’s events, combining advocacy, training, and public engagement to amplify the urgency of closing health gaps for Black Californians.

The theme of this year’s observance was “We’ve Got the Power.”

“CBHN is calling on our community to step up, speak out, and get involved. Increasing the participation of Black Californians in policymaking — across the health industry and public sector — is one of the most powerful ways we can drive change and save lives,” reads a message from the organization promoting this year’s BHEAW.

“Policy change is within your power and this week we’re in Sacramento with our Health Equity Advocacy Training (HEAT) Program Cohort 3 to uplift issues impacting our community and advocate to help shape the policies and programs that will improve the health of current and future generations of Black Californians,” the message continued.

Focused on public awareness and information, this year’s BHEAW included a social media campaign, a rally and training program with vital information on medical conditions that have a disproportionate impact on Black Californians, including maternal mortality, mental health, diabetes, cancer and more.

For more information on the resolution or to join the movement, visit CBHN’s official site, www.cablackhealthnetwork.org.

Oakland Post

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

3 days ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.