In Hunters Point, Black History Comes Alive in Malik Seneferu’s Paintings
Berkeley’s Stained Glass Garden to Celebrate 50 Years of Art
How Young Bari and BossLife Big Spence’s ‘That's a Playa’ Took Over the Bay
Colin Kaepernick Is Coming to the East Bay With a New Memoir
15 of the Best Outdoor Festivals in the Bay Area This Fall
A Massive New Oakland Mural Inspires Lasting Friendships and New Life Callings
A BAPE Block Party and the Changing Face of San Francisco’s Union Square
20 Years Later, Traxamillion’s ‘Slapp Addict’ Remains the Royal Hyphy Standard
A Big Youth Boxing Event Is Coming to East Oakland
In ‘Splash City,’ Actor Galaxy Brooks Brings Firsthand Knowledge of the Streets
30 Years After its Founding, Youth Speaks to Host National Poetry Slam Competition
West African Flavors Do Battle as Jollof Festival Returns to Oakland
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"title": "In Hunters Point, Black History Comes Alive in Malik Seneferu’s Paintings",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Inside \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/maliksart/\">Malik Seneferu’s\u003c/a> arts studio, cultural movements take the form of paintings.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Situated on the hallowed grounds of the Hunters Point Shipyard, the eggshell-colored room holds brightly painted canvases that illustrate the artist’s appreciation of history, connection to the soil and love for the people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Seneferu paints portraits that pair elements of the African Diaspora with Bay Area culture under one common philosophy: “Remain creative.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A man faces a colorful canvas as he paints in a studio.\" class=\"wp-image-13994120\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Malik Seneferu, ‘Juneteenth to Black August,’ 2025. (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Seneferu’s art has been in galleries and museums, but it’s also been out in the community. He worked with \u003ca href=\"https://www.markdoox.com/\">Mark Dukes\u003c/a> on \u003cem>Dancing Saints\u003c/em>, a piece that adorns the walls of St. Gregory’s Church in San Francisco. In 2020, he partnered with community members to paint the words “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11832947/housing-black-tenderloin-mural-spotlights-black-san-franciscos-housing-crisis\">HOUSING BLACK\u003c/a>” on the streets of the Tenderloin to shed light on the housing crisis. A year later, he worked with young artists to create a series of pieces on \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfpuc.gov/about-us/news/malik-seneferus-mural-installation-evans-avenue\">Evans Avenue\u003c/a> in Hunters Point to amplify calls for environmental justice.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Seneferu is no stranger to working on multiple projects at a time. Currently, that includes a series of paved symbols to be laid as part of the new \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/3050\">Buchanan Street Mall\u003c/a>’s “memory walk” in the Fillmore District. This week, for \u003ca href=\"https://nexus2026a.sched.com/\">Bay Area Black Arts Week\u003c/a>, he’ll lead \u003ca href=\"https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoxuNSR-RTUu9BXTciOj1gJWmxt7wNzVsU-_YNDLTA10BLDQ/viewform\">a workshop touring the Third Street area of Bayview-Hunters Point\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But no matter where his work goes, he tells me, it never strays too far from where he started, or why.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I was the youngest [artist], and first artist from Bayview-Hunters Point, to be given the opportunity to have a studio down here in terms of a residency,” Seneferu tells me as we stand at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepointart.com/hunters-point-shipyard\">Hunters Point Shipyard studios\u003c/a>. The building is a remnant of the U.S. Navy shipyard and laboratory that was housed at the southeasternmost point of San Francisco for most of the 20th century. The crane off the coast and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088662/toxic-land-protest-targets-sf-housing-plans-at-contaminated-hunters-point-naval-shipyard\">constant reports of toxins in the soil\u003c/a> are lingering ghosts of that history.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Seneferu first worked in this studio 30 years ago. In 1996, he was awarded a fellowship and commissioned to do a piece for the film \u003cem>The Panther\u003c/em>, which he debuted at the film’s premiere. Before that, he was just a kid creating at the crib. “I was still doing my work out of my mother’s house when I lived on Harbor Road,” he recalls.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13994124\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Inside of a studio at Hunters Point Shipyard, Malik Seneferu’s art fills a room with stories of the past and visions of the future. (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Born and raised in Hunters Point, Seneferu grew up with a mother who was a clandestine artist. But the glimmers of her work that he did see stayed with him. “I saw a doodling on a matchbook,” he recalls, “which inspired a lot of my miniature work that I do.” Similarly, her depictions of the local landscape influence his work to this day, particularly his 2014 \u003ca href=\"https://www.artsy.net/artwork/malik-senefreru-from-the-hill-and-beyond\">\u003cem>From the Hill and Beyond\u003c/em> \u003c/a>series.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Seneferu pushed his mother to pursue her art, but she was clear: Creating was \u003cem>his\u003c/em> thing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I really started out on a mission to prove to my mom that [art] could be something valuable to get into,” Seneferu tells me. As his work grew, so did his goals. “I wanted to use my art to show that I can defy gravity,” he says — metaphorically referencing economic disparities, food deserts, traumatic experiences and “white supremacy across the board.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Self-taught as an artist, the young Seneferu bounced between a dozen elementary schools and a handful of middle schools before graduating high school from McAteer School of the Arts. As a young adult, Seneferu worked with the organizer Ms. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Julia-Middleton-leader-of-youth-in-Hunters-2650605.php\">Julia “Aunt Bea” Middleton\u003c/a> and taught art to kids at tenant association meetings around the city.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Around that time, he saw a mural that changed his artistic trajectory.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“\u003ca href=\"https://deweycrumpler.com/\">Dewey Crumpler\u003c/a> was working on this mural called \u003ca href=\"http://www.sfmuralarts.com/mural/270.html#\">\u003cem>The Fire Next Time\u003c/em>,\u003c/a>” recalls Seneferu. It was based on James Baldwin’s book of the same name, as well as Baldwin’s San Francisco-based documentary film \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4sjoomxSa8\">Take This Hammer\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, “When the youngsters were saying ‘Man, you know the issues in San Francisco are even worse than the south,’” says Seneferu.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It opened Seneferu’s eyes to what art could achieve. Crumpler, along with the late painter and community pillar \u003ca href=\"https://www.shipyardartists.com/artist/joesam/\">JoeSam\u003c/a>, became a mentor to Seneferu. (For this year’s \u003ca href=\"https://nexus2026a.sched.com/\">Black Arts Week\u003c/a>, Crumpler will open his first major solo museum exhibition in nearly two decades, \u003ca href=\"https://nexus2026a.sched.com/event/2QyY2/dewey-crumpler-sonic-lineages?iframe=no\">\u003cem>Sonic Lineages\u003c/em>\u003c/a> at the Museum of the African Diaspora.) \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"An African American man in a brown outfit panting a giant colorful mural.\" class=\"wp-image-13994148\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-2000x2667.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Artist at work: a glimpse inside of Malik Seneferu’s studio. (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In his studio, Seneferu walks around the many supplies, splotches of paint and canvases to show me a series in progress called \u003cem>Forever Fourteen\u003c/em>. In his long locs and brown monotone outfit, he explains that the series traces tragic instances, at 11-year intervals, from African-American history.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He starts with 1933, when Marcus Garvey stopped publishing his newspaper, \u003cem>The Negro World\u003c/em>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And in 1944, we got \u003ca href=\"https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/remembering-the-execution-of-14-year-old-george-stinney-80-years-later\">George Stinney\u003c/a>,” Seneferu tells me, referring to the 14 year-old African American boy who was executed after being wrongfully convicted of killing two white girls in South Carolina. “It was really a big deal,” says Seneferu. “They tried to sweep it under the rug. We didn’t allow it to happen.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A painting of a stoic looking Black young woman.\" class=\"wp-image-13994288\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Malik Seneferu, Latasha Harlins, 2022. (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In 1955, the murder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.loc.gov/collections/civil-rights-history-project/articles-and-essays/murder-of-emmett-till/\">Emmett Till\u003c/a>, a 14 year-old African American boy who was killed by two white men after he allegedly whistled at a white girl, shocked the nation. “And that kicked off the civil rights movement,” says Seneferu. Eleven years later, in 1966, teenaged \u003ca href=\"https://www.foundsf.org/Hunters_Point_Uprising\">Matthew Johnson, Jr\u003c/a>. was killed by San Francisco Police in Hunters Point, inspiring an uprising.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In 1977, hip-hop started growing out of inner-city neighborhoods, and 11 years later the crack cocaine epidemic devastated those same Black communities. The series ends with a piece dedicated to 15 year-old \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/04/29/1095444468/storycorps-remembering-15-year-old-latasha-harlins\">Latasha Harlins\u003c/a>, who was shot and killed by a storeowner in 1991.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The series encompasses many Seneferu trademarks; it encapsulates key aspects of 20th century Black history while illustrating instances that’ve informed his worldview.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Having grown up with an artistic mother and a stepfather who was a gunnery sergeant in the Marines during the Vietnam War, he’s learned to speak through painting as a second artistic language. His first artistic language was hip-hop.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6621-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A table full of small painted art pieces.\" class=\"wp-image-13994289\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6621-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6621-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6621-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6621-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6621-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A table full of Malike Seneferu’s work. (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In 1988,” he says, “I was about a couple of blocks away from here, I was rapping at the time.” He started as a beatboxer, and soon learned to use his deep voice to deliver his lyrics. “I really had something I wanted to say, and I wanted it to be heard,” Seneferu tells me. “I found that the best way I could do that is in my painting,” he says, and in a way, “I’m still rapping.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The first piece in the \u003cem>Forever Fourteen \u003c/em>series, an image dedicated to George Stinney, is on permanent display at the \u003ca href=\"https://thehubinsf.org/\">Sunnydale Hub\u003c/a>. Seneferu plans on completing the series with a portrait in the spirit of Matthew Johnson, Jr. next year. In the meantime, he’s juggling multiple projects as usual, ranging from environmental advocacy to economic education, all done through the visual arts and an innovative mindset.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“A lot of the things I do are strictly from my imagination, because it’s really defiance,” Seneferu tells me. “To be creative is to defy annihilation. That’s why I’ll always remain creative.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Malik Seneferu will also participate in the Hunters Point Shipyard & Islais Creek Studios open studios event on Oct. 17 and 18 at the Hunters Point Shipyard (451 Galvez Avenue San Francisco, CA 94124).\u003c/em> \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shipyard-open-studios-fall-2026-registration-1992234233221?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=6ebd4af823122ca2a076762936f3f5be642a0fc6087d942b690ea23370a12f69b0e61ce80cef0a8b67b1b3aba3869b58a11565fb11670033e88d4aa2a62d9df530fbd95445996d453ac082a7\">Check here for tickets and more information\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A man faces a colorful canvas as he paints in a studio.\" class=\"wp-image-13994120\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Malik Seneferu, ‘Juneteenth to Black August,’ 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A man faces a colorful canvas as he paints in a studio.\" class=\"wp-image-13994120\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Malik Seneferu, ‘Juneteenth to Black August,’ 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Seneferu’s art has been in galleries and museums, but it’s also been out in the community. He worked with \u003ca href=\"https://www.markdoox.com/\">Mark Dukes\u003c/a> on \u003cem>Dancing Saints\u003c/em>, a piece that adorns the walls of St. Gregory’s Church in San Francisco. In 2020, he partnered with community members to paint the words “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11832947/housing-black-tenderloin-mural-spotlights-black-san-franciscos-housing-crisis\">HOUSING BLACK\u003c/a>” on the streets of the Tenderloin to shed light on the housing crisis. A year later, he worked with young artists to create a series of pieces on \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfpuc.gov/about-us/news/malik-seneferus-mural-installation-evans-avenue\">Evans Avenue\u003c/a> in Hunters Point to amplify calls for environmental justice.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Seneferu’s art has been in galleries and museums, but it’s also been out in the community. He worked with \u003ca href=\"https://www.markdoox.com/\">Mark Dukes\u003c/a> on \u003cem>Dancing Saints\u003c/em>, a piece that adorns the walls of St. Gregory’s Church in San Francisco. In 2020, he partnered with community members to paint the words “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11832947/housing-black-tenderloin-mural-spotlights-black-san-franciscos-housing-crisis\">HOUSING BLACK\u003c/a>” on the streets of the Tenderloin to shed light on the housing crisis. A year later, he worked with young artists to create a series of pieces on \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfpuc.gov/about-us/news/malik-seneferus-mural-installation-evans-avenue\">Evans Avenue\u003c/a> in Hunters Point to amplify calls for environmental justice.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Seneferu is no stranger to working on multiple projects at a time. Currently, that includes a series of paved symbols to be laid as part of the new \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/3050\">Buchanan Street Mall\u003c/a>’s “memory walk” in the Fillmore District. This week, for \u003ca href=\"https://nexus2026a.sched.com/\">Bay Area Black Arts Week\u003c/a>, he’ll lead \u003ca href=\"https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoxuNSR-RTUu9BXTciOj1gJWmxt7wNzVsU-_YNDLTA10BLDQ/viewform\">a workshop touring the Third Street area of Bayview-Hunters Point\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Seneferu is no stranger to working on multiple projects at a time. Currently, that includes a series of paved symbols to be laid as part of the new \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/3050\">Buchanan Street Mall\u003c/a>’s “memory walk” in the Fillmore District. This week, for \u003ca href=\"https://nexus2026a.sched.com/\">Bay Area Black Arts Week\u003c/a>, he’ll lead \u003ca href=\"https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoxuNSR-RTUu9BXTciOj1gJWmxt7wNzVsU-_YNDLTA10BLDQ/viewform\">a workshop touring the Third Street area of Bayview-Hunters Point\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But no matter where his work goes, he tells me, it never strays too far from where he started, or why.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But no matter where his work goes, he tells me, it never strays too far from where he started, or why.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I was the youngest [artist], and first artist from Bayview-Hunters Point, to be given the opportunity to have a studio down here in terms of a residency,” Seneferu tells me as we stand at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepointart.com/hunters-point-shipyard\">Hunters Point Shipyard studios\u003c/a>. The building is a remnant of the U.S. Navy shipyard and laboratory that was housed at the southeasternmost point of San Francisco for most of the 20th century. The crane off the coast and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088662/toxic-land-protest-targets-sf-housing-plans-at-contaminated-hunters-point-naval-shipyard\">constant reports of toxins in the soil\u003c/a> are lingering ghosts of that history.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I was the youngest [artist], and first artist from Bayview-Hunters Point, to be given the opportunity to have a studio down here in terms of a residency,” Seneferu tells me as we stand at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepointart.com/hunters-point-shipyard\">Hunters Point Shipyard studios\u003c/a>. The building is a remnant of the U.S. Navy shipyard and laboratory that was housed at the southeasternmost point of San Francisco for most of the 20th century. The crane off the coast and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088662/toxic-land-protest-targets-sf-housing-plans-at-contaminated-hunters-point-naval-shipyard\">constant reports of toxins in the soil\u003c/a> are lingering ghosts of that history.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Seneferu first worked in this studio 30 years ago. In 1996, he was awarded a fellowship and commissioned to do a piece for the film \u003cem>The Panther\u003c/em>, which he debuted at the film’s premiere. Before that, he was just a kid creating at the crib. “I was still doing my work out of my mother’s house when I lived on Harbor Road,” he recalls.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Seneferu first worked in this studio 30 years ago. In 1996, he was awarded a fellowship and commissioned to do a piece for the film \u003cem>The Panther\u003c/em>, which he debuted at the film’s premiere. Before that, he was just a kid creating at the crib. “I was still doing my work out of my mother’s house when I lived on Harbor Road,” he recalls.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13994124\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Inside of a studio at Hunters Point Shipyard, Malik Seneferu’s art fills a room with stories of the past and visions of the future. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13994124\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Inside of a studio at Hunters Point Shipyard, Malik Seneferu’s art fills a room with stories of the past and visions of the future. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Born and raised in Hunters Point, Seneferu grew up with a mother who was a clandestine artist. But the glimmers of her work that he did see stayed with him. “I saw a doodling on a matchbook,” he recalls, “which inspired a lot of my miniature work that I do.” Similarly, her depictions of the local landscape influence his work to this day, particularly his 2014 \u003ca href=\"https://www.artsy.net/artwork/malik-senefreru-from-the-hill-and-beyond\">\u003cem>From the Hill and Beyond\u003c/em> \u003c/a>series.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Born and raised in Hunters Point, Seneferu grew up with a mother who was a clandestine artist. But the glimmers of her work that he did see stayed with him. “I saw a doodling on a matchbook,” he recalls, “which inspired a lot of my miniature work that I do.” Similarly, her depictions of the local landscape influence his work to this day, particularly his 2014 \u003ca href=\"https://www.artsy.net/artwork/malik-senefreru-from-the-hill-and-beyond\">\u003cem>From the Hill and Beyond\u003c/em> \u003c/a>series.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Seneferu pushed his mother to pursue her art, but she was clear: Creating was \u003cem>his\u003c/em> thing.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Seneferu pushed his mother to pursue her art, but she was clear: Creating was \u003cem>his\u003c/em> thing.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I really started out on a mission to prove to my mom that [art] could be something valuable to get into,” Seneferu tells me. As his work grew, so did his goals. “I wanted to use my art to show that I can defy gravity,” he says — metaphorically referencing economic disparities, food deserts, traumatic experiences and “white supremacy across the board.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I really started out on a mission to prove to my mom that [art] could be something valuable to get into,” Seneferu tells me. As his work grew, so did his goals. “I wanted to use my art to show that I can defy gravity,” he says — metaphorically referencing economic disparities, food deserts, traumatic experiences and “white supremacy across the board.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Self-taught as an artist, the young Seneferu bounced between a dozen elementary schools and a handful of middle schools before graduating high school from McAteer School of the Arts. As a young adult, Seneferu worked with the organizer Ms. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Julia-Middleton-leader-of-youth-in-Hunters-2650605.php\">Julia “Aunt Bea” Middleton\u003c/a> and taught art to kids at tenant association meetings around the city.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Self-taught as an artist, the young Seneferu bounced between a dozen elementary schools and a handful of middle schools before graduating high school from McAteer School of the Arts. As a young adult, Seneferu worked with the organizer Ms. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Julia-Middleton-leader-of-youth-in-Hunters-2650605.php\">Julia “Aunt Bea” Middleton\u003c/a> and taught art to kids at tenant association meetings around the city.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Around that time, he saw a mural that changed his artistic trajectory.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Around that time, he saw a mural that changed his artistic trajectory.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“\u003ca href=\"https://deweycrumpler.com/\">Dewey Crumpler\u003c/a> was working on this mural called \u003ca href=\"http://www.sfmuralarts.com/mural/270.html#\">\u003cem>The Fire Next Time\u003c/em>,\u003c/a>” recalls Seneferu. It was based on James Baldwin’s book of the same name, as well as Baldwin’s San Francisco-based documentary film \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4sjoomxSa8\">Take This Hammer\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, “When the youngsters were saying ‘Man, you know the issues in San Francisco are even worse than the south,’” says Seneferu.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“\u003ca href=\"https://deweycrumpler.com/\">Dewey Crumpler\u003c/a> was working on this mural called \u003ca href=\"http://www.sfmuralarts.com/mural/270.html#\">\u003cem>The Fire Next Time\u003c/em>,\u003c/a>” recalls Seneferu. It was based on James Baldwin’s book of the same name, as well as Baldwin’s San Francisco-based documentary film \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4sjoomxSa8\">Take This Hammer\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, “When the youngsters were saying ‘Man, you know the issues in San Francisco are even worse than the south,’” says Seneferu.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It opened Seneferu’s eyes to what art could achieve. Crumpler, along with the late painter and community pillar \u003ca href=\"https://www.shipyardartists.com/artist/joesam/\">JoeSam\u003c/a>, became a mentor to Seneferu. (For this year’s \u003ca href=\"https://nexus2026a.sched.com/\">Black Arts Week\u003c/a>, Crumpler will open his first major solo museum exhibition in nearly two decades, \u003ca href=\"https://nexus2026a.sched.com/event/2QyY2/dewey-crumpler-sonic-lineages?iframe=no\">\u003cem>Sonic Lineages\u003c/em>\u003c/a> at the Museum of the African Diaspora.) \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It opened Seneferu’s eyes to what art could achieve. Crumpler, along with the late painter and community pillar \u003ca href=\"https://www.shipyardartists.com/artist/joesam/\">JoeSam\u003c/a>, became a mentor to Seneferu. (For this year’s \u003ca href=\"https://nexus2026a.sched.com/\">Black Arts Week\u003c/a>, Crumpler will open his first major solo museum exhibition in nearly two decades, \u003ca href=\"https://nexus2026a.sched.com/event/2QyY2/dewey-crumpler-sonic-lineages?iframe=no\">\u003cem>Sonic Lineages\u003c/em>\u003c/a> at the Museum of the African Diaspora.) \u003c/p>\n"
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"alt": "An African American man in a brown outfit panting a giant colorful mural.",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"An African American man in a brown outfit panting a giant colorful mural.\" class=\"wp-image-13994148\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-2000x2667.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Artist at work: a glimpse inside of Malik Seneferu’s studio.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"An African American man in a brown outfit panting a giant colorful mural.\" class=\"wp-image-13994148\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Artist at work: a glimpse inside of Malik Seneferu’s studio.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In his studio, Seneferu walks around the many supplies, splotches of paint and canvases to show me a series in progress called \u003cem>Forever Fourteen\u003c/em>. In his long locs and brown monotone outfit, he explains that the series traces tragic instances, at 11-year intervals, from African-American history.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In his studio, Seneferu walks around the many supplies, splotches of paint and canvases to show me a series in progress called \u003cem>Forever Fourteen\u003c/em>. In his long locs and brown monotone outfit, he explains that the series traces tragic instances, at 11-year intervals, from African-American history.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He starts with 1933, when Marcus Garvey stopped publishing his newspaper, \u003cem>The Negro World\u003c/em>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“And in 1944, we got \u003ca href=\"https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/remembering-the-execution-of-14-year-old-george-stinney-80-years-later\">George Stinney\u003c/a>,” Seneferu tells me, referring to the 14 year-old African American boy who was executed after being wrongfully convicted of killing two white girls in South Carolina. “It was really a big deal,” says Seneferu. “They tried to sweep it under the rug. We didn’t allow it to happen.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“And in 1944, we got \u003ca href=\"https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/remembering-the-execution-of-14-year-old-george-stinney-80-years-later\">George Stinney\u003c/a>,” Seneferu tells me, referring to the 14 year-old African American boy who was executed after being wrongfully convicted of killing two white girls in South Carolina. “It was really a big deal,” says Seneferu. “They tried to sweep it under the rug. We didn’t allow it to happen.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A painting of a stoic looking Black young woman.\" class=\"wp-image-13994288\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Malik Seneferu, Latasha Harlins, 2022. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A painting of a stoic looking Black young woman.\" class=\"wp-image-13994288\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Malik Seneferu, Latasha Harlins, 2022. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 1955, the murder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.loc.gov/collections/civil-rights-history-project/articles-and-essays/murder-of-emmett-till/\">Emmett Till\u003c/a>, a 14 year-old African American boy who was killed by two white men after he allegedly whistled at a white girl, shocked the nation. “And that kicked off the civil rights movement,” says Seneferu. Eleven years later, in 1966, teenaged \u003ca href=\"https://www.foundsf.org/Hunters_Point_Uprising\">Matthew Johnson, Jr\u003c/a>. was killed by San Francisco Police in Hunters Point, inspiring an uprising.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In 1955, the murder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.loc.gov/collections/civil-rights-history-project/articles-and-essays/murder-of-emmett-till/\">Emmett Till\u003c/a>, a 14 year-old African American boy who was killed by two white men after he allegedly whistled at a white girl, shocked the nation. “And that kicked off the civil rights movement,” says Seneferu. Eleven years later, in 1966, teenaged \u003ca href=\"https://www.foundsf.org/Hunters_Point_Uprising\">Matthew Johnson, Jr\u003c/a>. was killed by San Francisco Police in Hunters Point, inspiring an uprising.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 1977, hip-hop started growing out of inner-city neighborhoods, and 11 years later the crack cocaine epidemic devastated those same Black communities. The series ends with a piece dedicated to 15 year-old \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/04/29/1095444468/storycorps-remembering-15-year-old-latasha-harlins\">Latasha Harlins\u003c/a>, who was shot and killed by a storeowner in 1991.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In 1977, hip-hop started growing out of inner-city neighborhoods, and 11 years later the crack cocaine epidemic devastated those same Black communities. The series ends with a piece dedicated to 15 year-old \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/04/29/1095444468/storycorps-remembering-15-year-old-latasha-harlins\">Latasha Harlins\u003c/a>, who was shot and killed by a storeowner in 1991.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The series encompasses many Seneferu trademarks; it encapsulates key aspects of 20th century Black history while illustrating instances that’ve informed his worldview.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The series encompasses many Seneferu trademarks; it encapsulates key aspects of 20th century Black history while illustrating instances that’ve informed his worldview.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Having grown up with an artistic mother and a stepfather who was a gunnery sergeant in the Marines during the Vietnam War, he’s learned to speak through painting as a second artistic language. His first artistic language was hip-hop.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Having grown up with an artistic mother and a stepfather who was a gunnery sergeant in the Marines during the Vietnam War, he’s learned to speak through painting as a second artistic language. His first artistic language was hip-hop.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“In 1988,” he says, “I was about a couple of blocks away from here, I was rapping at the time.” He started as a beatboxer, and soon learned to use his deep voice to deliver his lyrics. “I really had something I wanted to say, and I wanted it to be heard,” Seneferu tells me. “I found that the best way I could do that is in my painting,” he says, and in a way, “I’m still rapping.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“In 1988,” he says, “I was about a couple of blocks away from here, I was rapping at the time.” He started as a beatboxer, and soon learned to use his deep voice to deliver his lyrics. “I really had something I wanted to say, and I wanted it to be heard,” Seneferu tells me. “I found that the best way I could do that is in my painting,” he says, and in a way, “I’m still rapping.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The first piece in the \u003cem>Forever Fourteen \u003c/em>series, an image dedicated to George Stinney, is on permanent display at the \u003ca href=\"https://thehubinsf.org/\">Sunnydale Hub\u003c/a>. Seneferu plans on completing the series with a portrait in the spirit of Matthew Johnson, Jr. next year. In the meantime, he’s juggling multiple projects as usual, ranging from environmental advocacy to economic education, all done through the visual arts and an innovative mindset.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The first piece in the \u003cem>Forever Fourteen \u003c/em>series, an image dedicated to George Stinney, is on permanent display at the \u003ca href=\"https://thehubinsf.org/\">Sunnydale Hub\u003c/a>. Seneferu plans on completing the series with a portrait in the spirit of Matthew Johnson, Jr. next year. In the meantime, he’s juggling multiple projects as usual, ranging from environmental advocacy to economic education, all done through the visual arts and an innovative mindset.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“A lot of the things I do are strictly from my imagination, because it’s really defiance,” Seneferu tells me. “To be creative is to defy annihilation. That’s why I’ll always remain creative.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“A lot of the things I do are strictly from my imagination, because it’s really defiance,” Seneferu tells me. “To be creative is to defy annihilation. That’s why I’ll always remain creative.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Malik Seneferu will also participate in the Hunters Point Shipyard & Islais Creek Studios open studios event on Oct. 17 and 18 at the Hunters Point Shipyard (451 Galvez Avenue San Francisco, CA 94124).\u003c/em> \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shipyard-open-studios-fall-2026-registration-1992234233221?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=6ebd4af823122ca2a076762936f3f5be642a0fc6087d942b690ea23370a12f69b0e61ce80cef0a8b67b1b3aba3869b58a11565fb11670033e88d4aa2a62d9df530fbd95445996d453ac082a7\">Check here for tickets and more information\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Malik Seneferu will also participate in the Hunters Point Shipyard & Islais Creek Studios open studios event on Oct. 17 and 18 at the Hunters Point Shipyard (451 Galvez Avenue San Francisco, CA 94124).\u003c/em> \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shipyard-open-studios-fall-2026-registration-1992234233221?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=6ebd4af823122ca2a076762936f3f5be642a0fc6087d942b690ea23370a12f69b0e61ce80cef0a8b67b1b3aba3869b58a11565fb11670033e88d4aa2a62d9df530fbd95445996d453ac082a7\">Check here for tickets and more information\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Not far from where he grew up, Seneferu’s studio is a cultural lab guided by one motto: \"Remain creative.\"",
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"title": "In Hunters Point, Black History Comes Alive in Malik Seneferu’s Paintings | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Inside \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/maliksart/\">Malik Seneferu’s\u003c/a> arts studio, cultural movements take the form of paintings.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Situated on the hallowed grounds of the Hunters Point Shipyard, the eggshell-colored room holds brightly painted canvases that illustrate the artist’s appreciation of history, connection to the soil and love for the people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Seneferu paints portraits that pair elements of the African Diaspora with Bay Area culture under one common philosophy: “Remain creative.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A man faces a colorful canvas as he paints in a studio.\" class=\"wp-image-13994120\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9989-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Malik Seneferu, ‘Juneteenth to Black August,’ 2025. (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Seneferu’s art has been in galleries and museums, but it’s also been out in the community. He worked with \u003ca href=\"https://www.markdoox.com/\">Mark Dukes\u003c/a> on \u003cem>Dancing Saints\u003c/em>, a piece that adorns the walls of St. Gregory’s Church in San Francisco. In 2020, he partnered with community members to paint the words “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11832947/housing-black-tenderloin-mural-spotlights-black-san-franciscos-housing-crisis\">HOUSING BLACK\u003c/a>” on the streets of the Tenderloin to shed light on the housing crisis. A year later, he worked with young artists to create a series of pieces on \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfpuc.gov/about-us/news/malik-seneferus-mural-installation-evans-avenue\">Evans Avenue\u003c/a> in Hunters Point to amplify calls for environmental justice.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Seneferu is no stranger to working on multiple projects at a time. Currently, that includes a series of paved symbols to be laid as part of the new \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/3050\">Buchanan Street Mall\u003c/a>’s “memory walk” in the Fillmore District. This week, for \u003ca href=\"https://nexus2026a.sched.com/\">Bay Area Black Arts Week\u003c/a>, he’ll lead \u003ca href=\"https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoxuNSR-RTUu9BXTciOj1gJWmxt7wNzVsU-_YNDLTA10BLDQ/viewform\">a workshop touring the Third Street area of Bayview-Hunters Point\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But no matter where his work goes, he tells me, it never strays too far from where he started, or why.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I was the youngest [artist], and first artist from Bayview-Hunters Point, to be given the opportunity to have a studio down here in terms of a residency,” Seneferu tells me as we stand at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepointart.com/hunters-point-shipyard\">Hunters Point Shipyard studios\u003c/a>. The building is a remnant of the U.S. Navy shipyard and laboratory that was housed at the southeasternmost point of San Francisco for most of the 20th century. The crane off the coast and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088662/toxic-land-protest-targets-sf-housing-plans-at-contaminated-hunters-point-naval-shipyard\">constant reports of toxins in the soil\u003c/a> are lingering ghosts of that history.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Seneferu first worked in this studio 30 years ago. In 1996, he was awarded a fellowship and commissioned to do a piece for the film \u003cem>The Panther\u003c/em>, which he debuted at the film’s premiere. Before that, he was just a kid creating at the crib. “I was still doing my work out of my mother’s house when I lived on Harbor Road,” he recalls.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13994124\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_9977-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Inside of a studio at Hunters Point Shipyard, Malik Seneferu’s art fills a room with stories of the past and visions of the future. (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Born and raised in Hunters Point, Seneferu grew up with a mother who was a clandestine artist. But the glimmers of her work that he did see stayed with him. “I saw a doodling on a matchbook,” he recalls, “which inspired a lot of my miniature work that I do.” Similarly, her depictions of the local landscape influence his work to this day, particularly his 2014 \u003ca href=\"https://www.artsy.net/artwork/malik-senefreru-from-the-hill-and-beyond\">\u003cem>From the Hill and Beyond\u003c/em> \u003c/a>series.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Seneferu pushed his mother to pursue her art, but she was clear: Creating was \u003cem>his\u003c/em> thing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I really started out on a mission to prove to my mom that [art] could be something valuable to get into,” Seneferu tells me. As his work grew, so did his goals. “I wanted to use my art to show that I can defy gravity,” he says — metaphorically referencing economic disparities, food deserts, traumatic experiences and “white supremacy across the board.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Self-taught as an artist, the young Seneferu bounced between a dozen elementary schools and a handful of middle schools before graduating high school from McAteer School of the Arts. As a young adult, Seneferu worked with the organizer Ms. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Julia-Middleton-leader-of-youth-in-Hunters-2650605.php\">Julia “Aunt Bea” Middleton\u003c/a> and taught art to kids at tenant association meetings around the city.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Around that time, he saw a mural that changed his artistic trajectory.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“\u003ca href=\"https://deweycrumpler.com/\">Dewey Crumpler\u003c/a> was working on this mural called \u003ca href=\"http://www.sfmuralarts.com/mural/270.html#\">\u003cem>The Fire Next Time\u003c/em>,\u003c/a>” recalls Seneferu. It was based on James Baldwin’s book of the same name, as well as Baldwin’s San Francisco-based documentary film \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4sjoomxSa8\">Take This Hammer\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, “When the youngsters were saying ‘Man, you know the issues in San Francisco are even worse than the south,’” says Seneferu.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It opened Seneferu’s eyes to what art could achieve. Crumpler, along with the late painter and community pillar \u003ca href=\"https://www.shipyardartists.com/artist/joesam/\">JoeSam\u003c/a>, became a mentor to Seneferu. (For this year’s \u003ca href=\"https://nexus2026a.sched.com/\">Black Arts Week\u003c/a>, Crumpler will open his first major solo museum exhibition in nearly two decades, \u003ca href=\"https://nexus2026a.sched.com/event/2QyY2/dewey-crumpler-sonic-lineages?iframe=no\">\u003cem>Sonic Lineages\u003c/em>\u003c/a> at the Museum of the African Diaspora.) \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"An African American man in a brown outfit panting a giant colorful mural.\" class=\"wp-image-13994148\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-2000x2667.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6634-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Artist at work: a glimpse inside of Malik Seneferu’s studio. (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In his studio, Seneferu walks around the many supplies, splotches of paint and canvases to show me a series in progress called \u003cem>Forever Fourteen\u003c/em>. In his long locs and brown monotone outfit, he explains that the series traces tragic instances, at 11-year intervals, from African-American history.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He starts with 1933, when Marcus Garvey stopped publishing his newspaper, \u003cem>The Negro World\u003c/em>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And in 1944, we got \u003ca href=\"https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/remembering-the-execution-of-14-year-old-george-stinney-80-years-later\">George Stinney\u003c/a>,” Seneferu tells me, referring to the 14 year-old African American boy who was executed after being wrongfully convicted of killing two white girls in South Carolina. “It was really a big deal,” says Seneferu. “They tried to sweep it under the rug. We didn’t allow it to happen.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A painting of a stoic looking Black young woman.\" class=\"wp-image-13994288\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Latasha-Harlins-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Malik Seneferu, Latasha Harlins, 2022. (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In 1955, the murder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.loc.gov/collections/civil-rights-history-project/articles-and-essays/murder-of-emmett-till/\">Emmett Till\u003c/a>, a 14 year-old African American boy who was killed by two white men after he allegedly whistled at a white girl, shocked the nation. “And that kicked off the civil rights movement,” says Seneferu. Eleven years later, in 1966, teenaged \u003ca href=\"https://www.foundsf.org/Hunters_Point_Uprising\">Matthew Johnson, Jr\u003c/a>. was killed by San Francisco Police in Hunters Point, inspiring an uprising.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In 1977, hip-hop started growing out of inner-city neighborhoods, and 11 years later the crack cocaine epidemic devastated those same Black communities. The series ends with a piece dedicated to 15 year-old \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/04/29/1095444468/storycorps-remembering-15-year-old-latasha-harlins\">Latasha Harlins\u003c/a>, who was shot and killed by a storeowner in 1991.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The series encompasses many Seneferu trademarks; it encapsulates key aspects of 20th century Black history while illustrating instances that’ve informed his worldview.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Having grown up with an artistic mother and a stepfather who was a gunnery sergeant in the Marines during the Vietnam War, he’s learned to speak through painting as a second artistic language. His first artistic language was hip-hop.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6621-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"A table full of small painted art pieces.\" class=\"wp-image-13994289\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6621-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6621-160x213.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6621-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6621-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_6621-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A table full of Malike Seneferu’s work. (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In 1988,” he says, “I was about a couple of blocks away from here, I was rapping at the time.” He started as a beatboxer, and soon learned to use his deep voice to deliver his lyrics. “I really had something I wanted to say, and I wanted it to be heard,” Seneferu tells me. “I found that the best way I could do that is in my painting,” he says, and in a way, “I’m still rapping.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The first piece in the \u003cem>Forever Fourteen \u003c/em>series, an image dedicated to George Stinney, is on permanent display at the \u003ca href=\"https://thehubinsf.org/\">Sunnydale Hub\u003c/a>. Seneferu plans on completing the series with a portrait in the spirit of Matthew Johnson, Jr. next year. In the meantime, he’s juggling multiple projects as usual, ranging from environmental advocacy to economic education, all done through the visual arts and an innovative mindset.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“A lot of the things I do are strictly from my imagination, because it’s really defiance,” Seneferu tells me. “To be creative is to defy annihilation. That’s why I’ll always remain creative.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Malik Seneferu will also participate in the Hunters Point Shipyard & Islais Creek Studios open studios event on Oct. 17 and 18 at the Hunters Point Shipyard (451 Galvez Avenue San Francisco, CA 94124).\u003c/em> \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shipyard-open-studios-fall-2026-registration-1992234233221?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=6ebd4af823122ca2a076762936f3f5be642a0fc6087d942b690ea23370a12f69b0e61ce80cef0a8b67b1b3aba3869b58a11565fb11670033e88d4aa2a62d9df530fbd95445996d453ac082a7\">Check here for tickets and more information\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "Berkeley’s Stained Glass Garden to Celebrate 50 Years of Art",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>West Berkeley’s \u003ca href=\"https://stainedglassgarden.com/\">Stained Glass Garden\u003c/a> is an active community hub built on artistic expression. Fifty years after opening its doors, in many ways, the glassmaking studio and gallery is a mosaic in and of itself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The venue rents studio space for making fused glass panels and glass lampshades. The organization sells supplies to artists, holds classes for students and, in their gallery, showcases the works of more than 100 local glassmakers. “Many of whom got their start in our classes at some point in time,” says Julie Orchard, Stained Glass Garden owner.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The space is open daily, welcoming seasoned professionals, recent retirees and new visitors influenced by Instagram. “There’s a whole new generation of young folks coming out and creating with glass,” says Orchard, who also hosts many longtime glassmakers. “An hour ago I was with a someone who has been our customer for all 50 years. It’s just a wonderful, unique place.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The range of artists who find peace in glasswork will be present on Sunday, Sept. 20, as \u003ca href=\"https://stainedglassgarden.com/blogs/news/50th\">Stained Glass Garden celebrates its 50th birthday\u003c/a> with a block party.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1706\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_0144-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A display of items made of stained glass, including a colorful lamp.\" class=\"wp-image-13993958\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_0144-scaled.jpg 1706w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_0144-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_0144-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_0144-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_0144-1365x2048.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1706px) 100vw, 1706px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stained glass lamp shades are one of many items artists create at Stained Glass Garden in Berkeley. (Kelly Sullivan)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The event, which includes a community mosaic project and works from students over the past half-century, will take place in Berkeley’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.fourthstreet.com/alllist\">Fourth Street\u003c/a> shopping district. The organization has called the area home long before it turned into the bustling upscale neighborhood it is today, with a Sur la Table, Sephora and Herman Miller outlet all a short walk away.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We were the first store down here,” says Orchard of what was then a small home-studio, founded in 1976 by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/glassartmosaics/\">Joan McLean\u003c/a>. Orchard first joined Stained Glass Garden in 2004 and soon “fell in love with glass and all of its aspects,” she says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, her glasswork community extends far beyond the shop. “I actually had a student in the delivery room with me when I was having my first child,” Orchard tells me, “and a different student was the pediatrician the next day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The work itself extends beyond the shop’s walls as well, and can be seen \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DcgqdR_IVQj/\">throughout the region\u003c/a>. One of the company’s instructors was a part of the team that recently restored the glass at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral. In the Bay Area, “if you look at a stained glass window in somebody’s house,” she says, “it’s probably from Stained Glass Garden.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When McLean semi-retired in 2008, Orchard took over the store. “She just was a great mentor, and gave me complete freedom to build the store as I saw fit,” Orchard recalls.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McLean is officially stepping away this year, making this weekend’s event a bit of a retirement party, as well as an opportunity to see Stained Glass Garden’s next chapter, says Orchard.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Eventually, the torch could get passed down in more ways than one.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My 11-year-old daughter,” Orchard says, “just designed, cut, ground and soldered her very first stained glass panel just about two weeks ago.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" />\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Stained Glass Garden’s 50th anniversary party is Sunday Sept. 20 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Stained Glass Garden (1800 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710). \u003ca href=\"https://stainedglassgarden.com/blogs/news/50th\">Check here for more information\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The venue rents studio space for making fused glass panels and glass lampshades. The organization sells supplies to artists, holds classes for students and, in their gallery, showcases the works of more than 100 local glassmakers. “Many of whom got their start in our classes at some point in time,” says Julie Orchard, Stained Glass Garden owner.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The space is open daily, welcoming seasoned professionals, recent retirees and new visitors influenced by Instagram. “There’s a whole new generation of young folks coming out and creating with glass,” says Orchard, who also hosts many longtime glassmakers. “An hour ago I was with a someone who has been our customer for all 50 years. It’s just a wonderful, unique place.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The range of artists who find peace in glasswork will be present on Sunday, Sept. 20, as \u003ca href=\"https://stainedglassgarden.com/blogs/news/50th\">Stained Glass Garden celebrates its 50th birthday\u003c/a> with a block party.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The event, which includes a community mosaic project and works from students over the past half-century, will take place in Berkeley’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.fourthstreet.com/alllist\">Fourth Street\u003c/a> shopping district. The organization has called the area home long before it turned into the bustling upscale neighborhood it is today, with a Sur la Table, Sephora and Herman Miller outlet all a short walk away.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We were the first store down here,” says Orchard of what was then a small home-studio, founded in 1976 by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/glassartmosaics/\">Joan McLean\u003c/a>. Orchard first joined Stained Glass Garden in 2004 and soon “fell in love with glass and all of its aspects,” she says.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Now, her glasswork community extends far beyond the shop. “I actually had a student in the delivery room with me when I was having my first child,” Orchard tells me, “and a different student was the pediatrician the next day.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The work itself extends beyond the shop’s walls as well, and can be seen \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DcgqdR_IVQj/\">throughout the region\u003c/a>. One of the company’s instructors was a part of the team that recently restored the glass at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral. In the Bay Area, “if you look at a stained glass window in somebody’s house,” she says, “it’s probably from Stained Glass Garden.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When McLean semi-retired in 2008, Orchard took over the store. “She just was a great mentor, and gave me complete freedom to build the store as I saw fit,” Orchard recalls.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>McLean is officially stepping away this year, making this weekend’s event a bit of a retirement party, as well as an opportunity to see Stained Glass Garden’s next chapter, says Orchard.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“My 11-year-old daughter,” Orchard says, “just designed, cut, ground and soldered her very first stained glass panel just about two weeks ago.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Stained Glass Garden’s 50th anniversary party is Sunday Sept. 20 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Stained Glass Garden (1800 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710). \u003ca href=\"https://stainedglassgarden.com/blogs/news/50th\">Check here for more information\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Founded in 1976, the store and studio rental space celebrates its half-decade of glassmaking with a block party.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>West Berkeley’s \u003ca href=\"https://stainedglassgarden.com/\">Stained Glass Garden\u003c/a> is an active community hub built on artistic expression. Fifty years after opening its doors, in many ways, the glassmaking studio and gallery is a mosaic in and of itself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The venue rents studio space for making fused glass panels and glass lampshades. The organization sells supplies to artists, holds classes for students and, in their gallery, showcases the works of more than 100 local glassmakers. “Many of whom got their start in our classes at some point in time,” says Julie Orchard, Stained Glass Garden owner.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The space is open daily, welcoming seasoned professionals, recent retirees and new visitors influenced by Instagram. “There’s a whole new generation of young folks coming out and creating with glass,” says Orchard, who also hosts many longtime glassmakers. “An hour ago I was with a someone who has been our customer for all 50 years. It’s just a wonderful, unique place.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The range of artists who find peace in glasswork will be present on Sunday, Sept. 20, as \u003ca href=\"https://stainedglassgarden.com/blogs/news/50th\">Stained Glass Garden celebrates its 50th birthday\u003c/a> with a block party.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1706\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_0144-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A display of items made of stained glass, including a colorful lamp.\" class=\"wp-image-13993958\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_0144-scaled.jpg 1706w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_0144-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_0144-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_0144-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/IMG_0144-1365x2048.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1706px) 100vw, 1706px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stained glass lamp shades are one of many items artists create at Stained Glass Garden in Berkeley. (Kelly Sullivan)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The event, which includes a community mosaic project and works from students over the past half-century, will take place in Berkeley’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.fourthstreet.com/alllist\">Fourth Street\u003c/a> shopping district. The organization has called the area home long before it turned into the bustling upscale neighborhood it is today, with a Sur la Table, Sephora and Herman Miller outlet all a short walk away.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We were the first store down here,” says Orchard of what was then a small home-studio, founded in 1976 by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/glassartmosaics/\">Joan McLean\u003c/a>. Orchard first joined Stained Glass Garden in 2004 and soon “fell in love with glass and all of its aspects,” she says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, her glasswork community extends far beyond the shop. “I actually had a student in the delivery room with me when I was having my first child,” Orchard tells me, “and a different student was the pediatrician the next day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The work itself extends beyond the shop’s walls as well, and can be seen \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DcgqdR_IVQj/\">throughout the region\u003c/a>. One of the company’s instructors was a part of the team that recently restored the glass at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral. In the Bay Area, “if you look at a stained glass window in somebody’s house,” she says, “it’s probably from Stained Glass Garden.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When McLean semi-retired in 2008, Orchard took over the store. “She just was a great mentor, and gave me complete freedom to build the store as I saw fit,” Orchard recalls.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McLean is officially stepping away this year, making this weekend’s event a bit of a retirement party, as well as an opportunity to see Stained Glass Garden’s next chapter, says Orchard.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Eventually, the torch could get passed down in more ways than one.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My 11-year-old daughter,” Orchard says, “just designed, cut, ground and soldered her very first stained glass panel just about two weeks ago.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" />\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Stained Glass Garden’s 50th anniversary party is Sunday Sept. 20 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Stained Glass Garden (1800 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710). \u003ca href=\"https://stainedglassgarden.com/blogs/news/50th\">Check here for more information\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "How Young Bari and BossLife Big Spence’s ‘That's a Playa’ Took Over the Bay",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Our current era is full of songs that become hits after going viral on TikTok. Meanwhile, since August of 2025, Oakland’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/bosslifebigspence/\">BossLife Big Spence\u003c/a> and San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/y0ungbari/?hl=en\">Young Bari\u003c/a> have worked their hit song “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOg-IMiT-oU\">That’s a Playa\u003c/a>” like it’s the old days.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They’ve done local radio hits and traveled for features on \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpHRNcxgBQM\">national video platforms\u003c/a>. They’ve made made guest appearances at major events, like E-40’s recent set at the Oakland Arena and a Levi’s Super Bowl event in February. They even tapped rap legends \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRtSJHRx1YE\">Richie Rich, Too Short and E-40\u003c/a> for a remix, extending the song’s longevity.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, on Sept. 7, Spence and Bari are set to headline the second stage at the 14th annual \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13991284/hiero-day-2026-san-francisco-lineup-expansion-la-canada\">Hiero Day\u003c/a>, closing out a show with a lineup of talent that includes Mereba, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Killer Mike.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While many artists typically drop songs and then pray the algorithm helps them catch a wave, Spence and Bari say taking a single track and going on a “campaign” with it is the reason for its success. They even got a special shout out from one of the most popular comedians of the past two decades, Mike Epps.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.instagram.com/reel/DXHe0AzgaVO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsi=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It all started with a video of Epps responding to a question about which artists he’s listening to right now. Between mentions of Kendrick Lamar and Fetty P. Franklin,”It’s a young dude out of the Bay right now named Young Bari,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.tmz.com/watch/mike-epps-odell-beckham-jr-kendrick-lamar-12-04-2025/\">Epps says\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When I seen that,” Bari tells me, “I was like, ‘I gotta make a clip of this instantly and post it, so people can know we \u003cem>moving\u003c/em> right now!'”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Weeks later, when Epps was scheduled to come to the Bay for a show at Tommy T’s Comedy Club in Concord with an afterparty at Oakland’s M2 lounge, he told Spence, “Bro, we finna go pull up on Mike.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Not only did they meet the award-winning actor and former host of HBO’s \u003cem>Def Comedy Jam\u003c/em>, they performed that same night. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m talking about a real campaign, bro,” Bari says, explaining their grind over the past year. “We was running it up,” he exclaims. “Whatever we had to do to get the record out, we did it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOg-IMiT-oU\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Spence, who made the original version of the song while working with producer \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/payseanprod/\">PAY$EAN\u003c/a>, points out an important aspect of their promotion: it’s all been out of their own pockets. “We really put our all into the record,” says Spence, “and I think the results you see are the results of that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Though they’re both Bay Area-raised students of hip-hop, the two artists come from different eras.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Spence, who started as a producer before stepping to the mic, has made his mark with tracks like “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brbOTU5TiKY\">The Deal\u003c/a>”by DaBoii (feat. Drakeo the Ruler) and “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuHpLZRRYIk\">Pimpin’ Like Kenny Red\u003c/a>” by Too Short (feat. Larry June). “I had a little success with my first single that I ever dropped, ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5i4Sa2a7k4\">10K,\u003c/a>’” he says. “But the success of ‘That’s a Playa’ is totally different.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That kind of success is a new experience for Spence. But Bari has been here before.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a 10th grader at Berkeley High School, Spence saw Bari perform his classic track, “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JjvzlpNiH0&list=RD8JjvzlpNiH0&start_radio=1\">So Mobby\u003c/a>.” At the time, Spence hadn’t been to many concerts, and “definitely no rap concerts,” he says. “So when [Bari] did that, I was just so impacted. I was like, ‘Man, one day I got to have it.'”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A recently shared \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DcSB_hCt_d2/\">video of Bari performing in 2009 \u003c/a>shows just how lit audiences would get when “So Mobby” would come kabobulating through the speakers. Referenced in the 2012 \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-iC-irllqY&list=RDg-iC-irllqY&start_radio=1\">E-40 track “Function”\u003c/a> (feat. YG, Problem and IamSu!), the song still holds its weight in the Bay Area hall of game. And Bari’s stage show is partially to credit for it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I grew up in the turf dancing era,” he says. “If you was in the party being a wallflower, you getting cooked, you feel me?” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bari, who recently released the P-Lo-produced song “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkejTZUV1-U\">IN TRAFFIC\u003c/a>” (feat. Keak Da Sneak and DB Tha General) as well as “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPE-8ide9Ig\">MOBBY MIYAZAKI\u003c/a>” (a re-interpolation of “So Mobby” with Seiji Oda), possesses dance moves that entertain his peers and simultaneously pay homage to his Frisco roots.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The Get Low,” he says, “that’s a neighborhood dance. My uncle \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVMSAkfEn99/\">J.D. Walker made that dance\u003c/a>.” The key to hitting The Get Low, says Bari, is energy. “It’s a feeling.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And it’s that same energy that led him to working with Big Spence.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Three men in a recording studio, posing for a photo.\" class=\"wp-image-13993588\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-160x213.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-1536x2048.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rapper Young Bari, producer Pay$ean and rapper-producer BossLife Big Spence pose for a photo at the On The Radar studio in New York. (Courtesy of BossLife Big Spence)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While visiting the producer and going through beats, Spence played an unfinished version of “That’s a Playa.” Bari instantly felt it. “I seen the vision,” he says. “I heard the energy of it and I was like this is \u003cem>that sound\u003c/em>.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Between the mobby beat, Spence’s flossy lyrics and catchy hook, Bari could tell Spence was having fun in the studio. That’s the most important ingredient in making a song to dance to, Bari says: freeing yourself, and being unbothered by thoughts of going viral, or worry of any negative critiques. “You gotta cat off in the booth,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And, clearly, after you’re done having fun recording, you go to work.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With 12 months under their belts of pushing the song, their Hiero Day performance is big. While Bari has rocked the festival’s stage multiple times, Spence has only done so as a DJ. And for him, this year’s show is deeper than rap, as his late father was a huge fan of Hieroglyphics and Souls of Mischief.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Everywhere I go I take him with me; every stage I’m on,” says Spence in respect to his father. “Plus I was born in ’93. So ‘93 ’til Infinity,’ that’s my jam.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" />\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>BossLife Big Spence and Young Bari perform Monday, Sept. 7, as part of Hiero Day at The Midway (900 Marin St, San Francisco). \u003ca href=\"https://www.hieroday.com/\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It all started with a video of Epps responding to a question about which artists he’s listening to right now. Between mentions of Kendrick Lamar and Fetty P. Franklin,”It’s a young dude out of the Bay right now named Young Bari,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.tmz.com/watch/mike-epps-odell-beckham-jr-kendrick-lamar-12-04-2025/\">Epps says\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When I seen that,” Bari tells me, “I was like, ‘I gotta make a clip of this instantly and post it, so people can know we \u003cem>moving\u003c/em> right now!'”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Weeks later, when Epps was scheduled to come to the Bay for a show at Tommy T’s Comedy Club in Concord with an afterparty at Oakland’s M2 lounge, he told Spence, “Bro, we finna go pull up on Mike.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’m talking about a real campaign, bro,” Bari says, explaining their grind over the past year. “We was running it up,” he exclaims. “Whatever we had to do to get the record out, we did it.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Spence, who made the original version of the song while working with producer \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/payseanprod/\">PAY$EAN\u003c/a>, points out an important aspect of their promotion: it’s all been out of their own pockets. “We really put our all into the record,” says Spence, “and I think the results you see are the results of that.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Spence, who started as a producer before stepping to the mic, has made his mark with tracks like “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brbOTU5TiKY\">The Deal\u003c/a>”by DaBoii (feat. Drakeo the Ruler) and “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuHpLZRRYIk\">Pimpin’ Like Kenny Red\u003c/a>” by Too Short (feat. Larry June). “I had a little success with my first single that I ever dropped, ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5i4Sa2a7k4\">10K,\u003c/a>’” he says. “But the success of ‘That’s a Playa’ is totally different.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As a 10th grader at Berkeley High School, Spence saw Bari perform his classic track, “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JjvzlpNiH0&list=RD8JjvzlpNiH0&start_radio=1\">So Mobby\u003c/a>.” At the time, Spence hadn’t been to many concerts, and “definitely no rap concerts,” he says. “So when [Bari] did that, I was just so impacted. I was like, ‘Man, one day I got to have it.'”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I grew up in the turf dancing era,” he says. “If you was in the party being a wallflower, you getting cooked, you feel me?” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bari, who recently released the P-Lo-produced song “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkejTZUV1-U\">IN TRAFFIC\u003c/a>” (feat. Keak Da Sneak and DB Tha General) as well as “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPE-8ide9Ig\">MOBBY MIYAZAKI\u003c/a>” (a re-interpolation of “So Mobby” with Seiji Oda), possesses dance moves that entertain his peers and simultaneously pay homage to his Frisco roots.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The Get Low,” he says, “that’s a neighborhood dance. My uncle \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVMSAkfEn99/\">J.D. Walker made that dance\u003c/a>.” The key to hitting The Get Low, says Bari, is energy. “It’s a feeling.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Three men in a recording studio, posing for a photo.\" class=\"wp-image-13993588\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-160x213.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-1536x2048.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rapper Young Bari, producer Pay$ean and rapper-producer BossLife Big Spence pose for a photo at the On The Radar studio in New York. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of BossLife Big Spence)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While visiting the producer and going through beats, Spence played an unfinished version of “That’s a Playa.” Bari instantly felt it. “I seen the vision,” he says. “I heard the energy of it and I was like this is \u003cem>that sound\u003c/em>.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Between the mobby beat, Spence’s flossy lyrics and catchy hook, Bari could tell Spence was having fun in the studio. That’s the most important ingredient in making a song to dance to, Bari says: freeing yourself, and being unbothered by thoughts of going viral, or worry of any negative critiques. “You gotta cat off in the booth,” he says.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Between the mobby beat, Spence’s flossy lyrics and catchy hook, Bari could tell Spence was having fun in the studio. That’s the most important ingredient in making a song to dance to, Bari says: freeing yourself, and being unbothered by thoughts of going viral, or worry of any negative critiques. “You gotta cat off in the booth,” he says.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And, clearly, after you’re done having fun recording, you go to work.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With 12 months under their belts of pushing the song, their Hiero Day performance is big. While Bari has rocked the festival’s stage multiple times, Spence has only done so as a DJ. And for him, this year’s show is deeper than rap, as his late father was a huge fan of Hieroglyphics and Souls of Mischief.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Everywhere I go I take him with me; every stage I’m on,” says Spence in respect to his father. “Plus I was born in ’93. So ‘93 ’til Infinity,’ that’s my jam.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>BossLife Big Spence and Young Bari perform Monday, Sept. 7, as part of Hiero Day at The Midway (900 Marin St, San Francisco). \u003ca href=\"https://www.hieroday.com/\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>BossLife Big Spence and Young Bari perform Monday, Sept. 7, as part of Hiero Day at The Midway (900 Marin St, San Francisco). \u003ca href=\"https://www.hieroday.com/\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "After a 12-month campaign of working the song into a hit, the duo headlines the second stage at Hiero Day.",
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"title": "How Young Bari and BossLife Big Spence’s ‘That's a Playa’ Took Over the Bay | KQED",
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"headline": "How Young Bari and BossLife Big Spence’s ‘That's a Playa’ Took Over the Bay",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Our current era is full of songs that become hits after going viral on TikTok. Meanwhile, since August of 2025, Oakland’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/bosslifebigspence/\">BossLife Big Spence\u003c/a> and San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/y0ungbari/?hl=en\">Young Bari\u003c/a> have worked their hit song “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOg-IMiT-oU\">That’s a Playa\u003c/a>” like it’s the old days.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They’ve done local radio hits and traveled for features on \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpHRNcxgBQM\">national video platforms\u003c/a>. They’ve made made guest appearances at major events, like E-40’s recent set at the Oakland Arena and a Levi’s Super Bowl event in February. They even tapped rap legends \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRtSJHRx1YE\">Richie Rich, Too Short and E-40\u003c/a> for a remix, extending the song’s longevity.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, on Sept. 7, Spence and Bari are set to headline the second stage at the 14th annual \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13991284/hiero-day-2026-san-francisco-lineup-expansion-la-canada\">Hiero Day\u003c/a>, closing out a show with a lineup of talent that includes Mereba, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Killer Mike.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While many artists typically drop songs and then pray the algorithm helps them catch a wave, Spence and Bari say taking a single track and going on a “campaign” with it is the reason for its success. They even got a special shout out from one of the most popular comedians of the past two decades, Mike Epps.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It all started with a video of Epps responding to a question about which artists he’s listening to right now. Between mentions of Kendrick Lamar and Fetty P. Franklin,”It’s a young dude out of the Bay right now named Young Bari,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.tmz.com/watch/mike-epps-odell-beckham-jr-kendrick-lamar-12-04-2025/\">Epps says\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When I seen that,” Bari tells me, “I was like, ‘I gotta make a clip of this instantly and post it, so people can know we \u003cem>moving\u003c/em> right now!'”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Weeks later, when Epps was scheduled to come to the Bay for a show at Tommy T’s Comedy Club in Concord with an afterparty at Oakland’s M2 lounge, he told Spence, “Bro, we finna go pull up on Mike.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Not only did they meet the award-winning actor and former host of HBO’s \u003cem>Def Comedy Jam\u003c/em>, they performed that same night. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m talking about a real campaign, bro,” Bari says, explaining their grind over the past year. “We was running it up,” he exclaims. “Whatever we had to do to get the record out, we did it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/tOg-IMiT-oU'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/tOg-IMiT-oU'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Spence, who made the original version of the song while working with producer \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/payseanprod/\">PAY$EAN\u003c/a>, points out an important aspect of their promotion: it’s all been out of their own pockets. “We really put our all into the record,” says Spence, “and I think the results you see are the results of that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Though they’re both Bay Area-raised students of hip-hop, the two artists come from different eras.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Spence, who started as a producer before stepping to the mic, has made his mark with tracks like “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brbOTU5TiKY\">The Deal\u003c/a>”by DaBoii (feat. Drakeo the Ruler) and “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuHpLZRRYIk\">Pimpin’ Like Kenny Red\u003c/a>” by Too Short (feat. Larry June). “I had a little success with my first single that I ever dropped, ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5i4Sa2a7k4\">10K,\u003c/a>’” he says. “But the success of ‘That’s a Playa’ is totally different.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That kind of success is a new experience for Spence. But Bari has been here before.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a 10th grader at Berkeley High School, Spence saw Bari perform his classic track, “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JjvzlpNiH0&list=RD8JjvzlpNiH0&start_radio=1\">So Mobby\u003c/a>.” At the time, Spence hadn’t been to many concerts, and “definitely no rap concerts,” he says. “So when [Bari] did that, I was just so impacted. I was like, ‘Man, one day I got to have it.'”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A recently shared \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DcSB_hCt_d2/\">video of Bari performing in 2009 \u003c/a>shows just how lit audiences would get when “So Mobby” would come kabobulating through the speakers. Referenced in the 2012 \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-iC-irllqY&list=RDg-iC-irllqY&start_radio=1\">E-40 track “Function”\u003c/a> (feat. YG, Problem and IamSu!), the song still holds its weight in the Bay Area hall of game. And Bari’s stage show is partially to credit for it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I grew up in the turf dancing era,” he says. “If you was in the party being a wallflower, you getting cooked, you feel me?” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bari, who recently released the P-Lo-produced song “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkejTZUV1-U\">IN TRAFFIC\u003c/a>” (feat. Keak Da Sneak and DB Tha General) as well as “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPE-8ide9Ig\">MOBBY MIYAZAKI\u003c/a>” (a re-interpolation of “So Mobby” with Seiji Oda), possesses dance moves that entertain his peers and simultaneously pay homage to his Frisco roots.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The Get Low,” he says, “that’s a neighborhood dance. My uncle \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVMSAkfEn99/\">J.D. Walker made that dance\u003c/a>.” The key to hitting The Get Low, says Bari, is energy. “It’s a feeling.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And it’s that same energy that led him to working with Big Spence.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Three men in a recording studio, posing for a photo.\" class=\"wp-image-13993588\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-160x213.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/Young-Bari-Payean-and-BossLife-Big-Spence-1536x2048.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rapper Young Bari, producer Pay$ean and rapper-producer BossLife Big Spence pose for a photo at the On The Radar studio in New York. (Courtesy of BossLife Big Spence)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While visiting the producer and going through beats, Spence played an unfinished version of “That’s a Playa.” Bari instantly felt it. “I seen the vision,” he says. “I heard the energy of it and I was like this is \u003cem>that sound\u003c/em>.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Between the mobby beat, Spence’s flossy lyrics and catchy hook, Bari could tell Spence was having fun in the studio. That’s the most important ingredient in making a song to dance to, Bari says: freeing yourself, and being unbothered by thoughts of going viral, or worry of any negative critiques. “You gotta cat off in the booth,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And, clearly, after you’re done having fun recording, you go to work.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With 12 months under their belts of pushing the song, their Hiero Day performance is big. While Bari has rocked the festival’s stage multiple times, Spence has only done so as a DJ. And for him, this year’s show is deeper than rap, as his late father was a huge fan of Hieroglyphics and Souls of Mischief.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Everywhere I go I take him with me; every stage I’m on,” says Spence in respect to his father. “Plus I was born in ’93. So ‘93 ’til Infinity,’ that’s my jam.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" />\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>BossLife Big Spence and Young Bari perform Monday, Sept. 7, as part of Hiero Day at The Midway (900 Marin St, San Francisco). \u003ca href=\"https://www.hieroday.com/\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "colin-kaepernick-memoir-the-perilous-fight-book-tour-berkeley",
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"content": "\u003cp>Ten year ago, before a preseason football game against the San Diego Chargers on Sept. 1, 2016, San Francisco 49ers quarterback \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/colin-kaepernick\">Colin Kaepernick\u003c/a> decided to kneel during pregame performances of “The Star Spangled Banner.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fed up with the extrajudicial killings of Black people in this country, Kaepernick took a knee and also took a stand. While it brought much-needed attention to an issue plaguing our society, it also drastically changed the course of Kaepernick’s career. Months later, the former Super Bowl quarterback was effectively pushed out of the NFL for his weekly quiet protest; he would later \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2019/02/15/695213705/colin-kaepernick-reaches-agreement-with-the-nfl-his-lawyer-says\">successfully sue the NFL for collusion\u003c/a>, alleging that teams blackballed him and former teammate Eric Reid.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, a decade after first quietly taking a knee in protest, Kaepernick is speaking about his journey, as he shares his new book with the world.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1705\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13908962\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-2048x1364.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Eli Harold (from left), Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on Oct. 6, 2016, in Santa Clara. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Wednesday, Sept. 23, Berkeley’s Black Repertory Group will open its doors, allowing audience members a chance to hear \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/colin-kaepernick-x-marcus-books-the-perilous-fight-tickets-1997421539594?aff=erelpanelorg\">Kaepernick discuss\u003c/a> his new memoir, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/colin-kaepernick/the-perilous-fight/9781538777879/\">The Perilous Fight\u003c/a>\u003c/em> (Hachette Book Group). Each attendee will also receive a signed copy of the book, which covers Kaepernick’s upbringing in Turlock, his experience as a professional athlete, and how he found footing in the world of activism.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Kaepernick will be in conversation with comedian and award-winning host \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/w-kamau-bell\">W. Kamau Bell\u003c/a>; they’ll be joined that evening by appearances from the former head of the Black Panther Party’s Oakland Community School \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13940221/black-panthers-oakland-community-school-50th-anniversary\">Ericka Huggins\u003c/a> and Black Panther Party illustrator \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13984778/emory-douglas-in-our-lifetime-aaacc-san-francisco\">Emory Douglas\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The event is backed by the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nab2.org/\">National Association of Black Bookstores\u003c/a> and hosted by Oakland’s \u003ca href=\"https://marcusbooks.com/\">Marcus Books\u003c/a>. The collaboration between Kaepernick, one of the most high-profile activists of the last decade; the \u003ca href=\"https://blackrepertorygroup.com/\">Black Repertory Group\u003c/a>, founded in 1964 as one of the longest-running African American theatrical organizations; and Marcus Books, the United States’ oldest bookstore specializing in African American literature, is a rare confluence of greats. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"alignright size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1695\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Colin Kaepernick's book 'The Perilous Fight'.\" class=\"wp-image-13993330\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-scaled.jpg 1695w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-160x242.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-768x1160.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-1017x1536.jpg 1017w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-1356x2048.jpg 1356w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1695px) 100vw, 1695px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Colin Kaepernick’s book ‘The Perilous Fight’ publishes Sept. 15, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>It is also, according to Marcus Books owner Blanche Richardson, “the direct result of the work of the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2).”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In an email to KQED, Richardson gives credit to NAB2, which is only in its second year of existence, for coordinating Kaepernick’s book tour with the publisher. “[NAB2] demands equity in sending Black authors to Black bookstores where their fan bases are,” writes Richardson.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Kaepernick has signed thousands of bookplates for this tour, so all ticket-holders will receive signed books. There will also be Q&A session after the conversation with W. Kamau Bell. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“All are welcome to have their pictures taken with the author,” Richardson adds, noting that VIP tickets have sold out and regular tickets are selling fast. “We will be adding a number of lesser-priced tickets for seats in the ‘overflow’ room once the $50 tickets are sold out.” (The overflow crowd will also receive signed books and be able to take photos.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Kaepernick’s rare public appearance outside of his foundation, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.knowyourrightscamp.org/\">Know Your Rights Camp,\u003c/a> is part of a book tour that will also stop at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/colin-kaepernick-author-talk-tickets-1997911346620\">Guild Theater\u003c/a> in Sacramento on Sept. 21 and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebellofla.org/events/writers-bloc-and-the-ebell-present-football-legend-colin-kaepernick\">Ebell Dining Room\u003c/a> in Los Angeles on Sept. 22.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oakland’s Marcus Books regularly hosts convenings with authors and cultural figures. In the coming month they also have events with civil rights attorney and activist \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walter-riley-x-marcus-books-civil-rights-and-structural-attacks-tickets-1997521565775?aff=erelpanelorg\">Walter Riley \u003c/a>on Sept. 6, author \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/deborah-santana-x-marcus-books-loving-the-fire-tickets-1997526462421?aff=erelpanelorg\">Deborah Santana\u003c/a> on Sept. 20 and poet \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kevin-powell-w-kwc-complex-jazz-trio-x-marcus-books-tickets-1997528025095?aff=erelpanelorg\">Kevin Powell\u003c/a> (with KWC Complex Jazz Trio) on Sept. 26.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Colin Kaepernick discusses his book ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/colin-kaepernick/the-perilous-fight/9781538777879/\">The Perilous Fight\u003c/a>’ at the Black Repertory Group Theater (3201 Adeline St., Berkeley) on Sept. 22, \u003cem>6–8 p.m\u003c/em>. \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/colin-kaepernick-x-marcus-books-the-perilous-fight-tickets-1997421539594?aff=erelpanelorg\">Check here\u003c/a> for further information. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On Wednesday, Sept. 23, Berkeley’s Black Repertory Group will open its doors, allowing audience members a chance to hear \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/colin-kaepernick-x-marcus-books-the-perilous-fight-tickets-1997421539594?aff=erelpanelorg\">Kaepernick discuss\u003c/a> his new memoir, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/colin-kaepernick/the-perilous-fight/9781538777879/\">The Perilous Fight\u003c/a>\u003c/em> (Hachette Book Group). Each attendee will also receive a signed copy of the book, which covers Kaepernick’s upbringing in Turlock, his experience as a professional athlete, and how he found footing in the world of activism.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>On Wednesday, Sept. 23, Berkeley’s Black Repertory Group will open its doors, allowing audience members a chance to hear \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/colin-kaepernick-x-marcus-books-the-perilous-fight-tickets-1997421539594?aff=erelpanelorg\">Kaepernick discuss\u003c/a> his new memoir, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/colin-kaepernick/the-perilous-fight/9781538777879/\">The Perilous Fight\u003c/a>\u003c/em> (Hachette Book Group). Each attendee will also receive a signed copy of the book, which covers Kaepernick’s upbringing in Turlock, his experience as a professional athlete, and how he found footing in the world of activism.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Kaepernick will be in conversation with comedian and award-winning host \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/w-kamau-bell\">W. Kamau Bell\u003c/a>; they’ll be joined that evening by appearances from the former head of the Black Panther Party’s Oakland Community School \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13940221/black-panthers-oakland-community-school-50th-anniversary\">Ericka Huggins\u003c/a> and Black Panther Party illustrator \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13984778/emory-douglas-in-our-lifetime-aaacc-san-francisco\">Emory Douglas\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The event is backed by the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nab2.org/\">National Association of Black Bookstores\u003c/a> and hosted by Oakland’s \u003ca href=\"https://marcusbooks.com/\">Marcus Books\u003c/a>. The collaboration between Kaepernick, one of the most high-profile activists of the last decade; the \u003ca href=\"https://blackrepertorygroup.com/\">Black Repertory Group\u003c/a>, founded in 1964 as one of the longest-running African American theatrical organizations; and Marcus Books, the United States’ oldest bookstore specializing in African American literature, is a rare confluence of greats. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Colin Kaepernick's book 'The Perilous Fight'.\" class=\"wp-image-13993330\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-scaled.jpg 1695w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-160x242.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-768x1160.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-1017x1536.jpg 1017w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-1356x2048.jpg 1356w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Colin Kaepernick’s book ‘The Perilous Fight’ publishes Sept. 15, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In an email to KQED, Richardson gives credit to NAB2, which is only in its second year of existence, for coordinating Kaepernick’s book tour with the publisher. “[NAB2] demands equity in sending Black authors to Black bookstores where their fan bases are,” writes Richardson.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Kaepernick has signed thousands of bookplates for this tour, so all ticket-holders will receive signed books. There will also be Q&A session after the conversation with W. Kamau Bell. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“All are welcome to have their pictures taken with the author,” Richardson adds, noting that VIP tickets have sold out and regular tickets are selling fast. “We will be adding a number of lesser-priced tickets for seats in the ‘overflow’ room once the $50 tickets are sold out.” (The overflow crowd will also receive signed books and be able to take photos.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Oakland’s Marcus Books regularly hosts convenings with authors and cultural figures. In the coming month they also have events with civil rights attorney and activist \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walter-riley-x-marcus-books-civil-rights-and-structural-attacks-tickets-1997521565775?aff=erelpanelorg\">Walter Riley \u003c/a>on Sept. 6, author \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/deborah-santana-x-marcus-books-loving-the-fire-tickets-1997526462421?aff=erelpanelorg\">Deborah Santana\u003c/a> on Sept. 20 and poet \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kevin-powell-w-kwc-complex-jazz-trio-x-marcus-books-tickets-1997528025095?aff=erelpanelorg\">Kevin Powell\u003c/a> (with KWC Complex Jazz Trio) on Sept. 26.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Colin Kaepernick discusses his book ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/colin-kaepernick/the-perilous-fight/9781538777879/\">The Perilous Fight\u003c/a>’ at the Black Repertory Group Theater (3201 Adeline St., Berkeley) on Sept. 22, \u003cem>6–8 p.m\u003c/em>. \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/colin-kaepernick-x-marcus-books-the-perilous-fight-tickets-1997421539594?aff=erelpanelorg\">Check here\u003c/a> for further information. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The author, activist and former NFL quarterback brings his new memoir, ‘The Perilous Fight’ to Berkeley. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Ten year ago, before a preseason football game against the San Diego Chargers on Sept. 1, 2016, San Francisco 49ers quarterback \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/colin-kaepernick\">Colin Kaepernick\u003c/a> decided to kneel during pregame performances of “The Star Spangled Banner.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fed up with the extrajudicial killings of Black people in this country, Kaepernick took a knee and also took a stand. While it brought much-needed attention to an issue plaguing our society, it also drastically changed the course of Kaepernick’s career. Months later, the former Super Bowl quarterback was effectively pushed out of the NFL for his weekly quiet protest; he would later \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2019/02/15/695213705/colin-kaepernick-reaches-agreement-with-the-nfl-his-lawyer-says\">successfully sue the NFL for collusion\u003c/a>, alleging that teams blackballed him and former teammate Eric Reid.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, a decade after first quietly taking a knee in protest, Kaepernick is speaking about his journey, as he shares his new book with the world.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1705\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13908962\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-2048x1364.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/gettyimages-613006826_custom-f97a5013d911721d6d056c2efd00c749ed8f41c5-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Eli Harold (from left), Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on Oct. 6, 2016, in Santa Clara. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Wednesday, Sept. 23, Berkeley’s Black Repertory Group will open its doors, allowing audience members a chance to hear \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/colin-kaepernick-x-marcus-books-the-perilous-fight-tickets-1997421539594?aff=erelpanelorg\">Kaepernick discuss\u003c/a> his new memoir, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/colin-kaepernick/the-perilous-fight/9781538777879/\">The Perilous Fight\u003c/a>\u003c/em> (Hachette Book Group). Each attendee will also receive a signed copy of the book, which covers Kaepernick’s upbringing in Turlock, his experience as a professional athlete, and how he found footing in the world of activism.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Kaepernick will be in conversation with comedian and award-winning host \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/w-kamau-bell\">W. Kamau Bell\u003c/a>; they’ll be joined that evening by appearances from the former head of the Black Panther Party’s Oakland Community School \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13940221/black-panthers-oakland-community-school-50th-anniversary\">Ericka Huggins\u003c/a> and Black Panther Party illustrator \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13984778/emory-douglas-in-our-lifetime-aaacc-san-francisco\">Emory Douglas\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The event is backed by the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nab2.org/\">National Association of Black Bookstores\u003c/a> and hosted by Oakland’s \u003ca href=\"https://marcusbooks.com/\">Marcus Books\u003c/a>. The collaboration between Kaepernick, one of the most high-profile activists of the last decade; the \u003ca href=\"https://blackrepertorygroup.com/\">Black Repertory Group\u003c/a>, founded in 1964 as one of the longest-running African American theatrical organizations; and Marcus Books, the United States’ oldest bookstore specializing in African American literature, is a rare confluence of greats. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"alignright size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1695\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Colin Kaepernick's book 'The Perilous Fight'.\" class=\"wp-image-13993330\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-scaled.jpg 1695w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-160x242.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-768x1160.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-1017x1536.jpg 1017w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Colin-K-1356x2048.jpg 1356w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1695px) 100vw, 1695px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Colin Kaepernick’s book ‘The Perilous Fight’ publishes Sept. 15, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>It is also, according to Marcus Books owner Blanche Richardson, “the direct result of the work of the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2).”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In an email to KQED, Richardson gives credit to NAB2, which is only in its second year of existence, for coordinating Kaepernick’s book tour with the publisher. “[NAB2] demands equity in sending Black authors to Black bookstores where their fan bases are,” writes Richardson.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Kaepernick has signed thousands of bookplates for this tour, so all ticket-holders will receive signed books. There will also be Q&A session after the conversation with W. Kamau Bell. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“All are welcome to have their pictures taken with the author,” Richardson adds, noting that VIP tickets have sold out and regular tickets are selling fast. “We will be adding a number of lesser-priced tickets for seats in the ‘overflow’ room once the $50 tickets are sold out.” (The overflow crowd will also receive signed books and be able to take photos.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Kaepernick’s rare public appearance outside of his foundation, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.knowyourrightscamp.org/\">Know Your Rights Camp,\u003c/a> is part of a book tour that will also stop at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/colin-kaepernick-author-talk-tickets-1997911346620\">Guild Theater\u003c/a> in Sacramento on Sept. 21 and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebellofla.org/events/writers-bloc-and-the-ebell-present-football-legend-colin-kaepernick\">Ebell Dining Room\u003c/a> in Los Angeles on Sept. 22.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oakland’s Marcus Books regularly hosts convenings with authors and cultural figures. In the coming month they also have events with civil rights attorney and activist \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walter-riley-x-marcus-books-civil-rights-and-structural-attacks-tickets-1997521565775?aff=erelpanelorg\">Walter Riley \u003c/a>on Sept. 6, author \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/deborah-santana-x-marcus-books-loving-the-fire-tickets-1997526462421?aff=erelpanelorg\">Deborah Santana\u003c/a> on Sept. 20 and poet \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kevin-powell-w-kwc-complex-jazz-trio-x-marcus-books-tickets-1997528025095?aff=erelpanelorg\">Kevin Powell\u003c/a> (with KWC Complex Jazz Trio) on Sept. 26.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Colin Kaepernick discusses his book ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/colin-kaepernick/the-perilous-fight/9781538777879/\">The Perilous Fight\u003c/a>’ at the Black Repertory Group Theater (3201 Adeline St., Berkeley) on Sept. 22, \u003cem>6–8 p.m\u003c/em>. \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/colin-kaepernick-x-marcus-books-the-perilous-fight-tickets-1997421539594?aff=erelpanelorg\">Check here\u003c/a> for further information. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "15 of the Best Outdoor Festivals in the Bay Area This Fall",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Be sure to check out our full \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fall-guide-2026\">2026 Fall Arts Guide\u003c/a> to live music, movies, art, theater, festivals and more in the Bay Area.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the magic of autumn approaches, winds swirl and sunsets turn to sherbert hues of pink and orange. Stores fill with Halloween decorations, and kids in backpacks are once again up early, zombie-walking to class.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With fall comes festivals; for centuries, harvest time has meant outdoor celebrations. Here in the Bay Area, people sing in parks, eat in parking lots and dance in the streets. Below, find a select handful of this year’s outdoor fall festivals.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13974858\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Performances at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival are always free. (Courtesy Yerba Buena Gardens Festival)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/events/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=36955909&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Ys4dhgMHawicf5GGZOYX0Sz9gJ\">Yerba Buena Gardens Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Through Nov. 13\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s diversity, and then there’s this festival’s lineup, which includes the Cuban Afro-Latin Funk combo \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/los-calderones/\">Los Calderones\u003c/a>, a full day celebrating cultures of the continent during \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/african-arts-festival-2026/\">the African Arts Festival\u003c/a> and a special \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/indigenous-peoples-day-jeremy-dutcher/\">San Francisco Indigenous Peoples Day\u003c/a> performance by classically trained Indigenous Canadian tenor, Jeremy Dutcher. With free weekly performances on the open lawn between the Metreon and SFMOMA, the series concludes with a celebration of South Asian culture during the \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/bhangra-and-beats-111326/\">Bhangra & Beats Night Market\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-bizerkeley-food-fest-2026-tickets-1685365305999?aff=odcleoeventsincollection\">Bizerkeley Food Fest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 6\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park, Berkeley \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What’s more Berkeley than a vegan food festival? A vegan food festival that helps rescue animals. In addition to live performances and free samples of food from an array of plant-based restaurants, the festival spreads awareness and raises funds for California Pit Bull Rescue — and even hosts a meet-and-greet with a few furry four-legged friends. (Note: Attendees may not bring their own dogs.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838.jpg\" alt=\"An older Black man in a shiny purple suit jacket smiles with eyes shut and arms raised in the air\" class=\"wp-image-13993027\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Soul singer Eddie Holman, of “Hey There Lonely Girl” fame, is a scheduled performer at San José’s 2026 Chicano Soul Festival. (Bobby Bank/WireImage)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-chicano-soul-fest-tickets-1984652009586\">Chicano Soul Fest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Aug. 29\u003cbr>History Park, San José\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lowriders, Aztec dancers and special appearances dot this afternoon festival. Two stages of live entertainment host performances by the likes of Eddie Holman, Sunny Ozuna, Mellow Man Ace and Discos Resaca. Also taking place is a special tribute to George Kerr, an architect of Latin soul music.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mill-valley-fall-arts-festival-september-19-20-2026-hours-10-5-tickets-1988942471473?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 19 and 20\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Old Mill Park, Mill Valley\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Next year will mark seven decades of the Mill Valley Arts Festival, a traditional celebration of live performances, crafts from over 100 different makers and a children’s grove with magic tricks and storytelling. And who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? This year’s celebration introduces a new wine tasting element with local vineyards like \u003ca href=\"https://www.barraofmendocino.com/\">Barra of Mendocino\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.gibbsnapavalley.com/\">Gibbs of Napa Valley\u003c/a> and more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Schoolchildren in face masks stringing up paper lanterns in Clinton Park, Oakland.\" class=\"wp-image-13901757\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Children string up paper lanterns at Clinton Park during the 2020 edition of the Little Saigon Mid-Autumn Festival. (Good Good Eatz)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ovcc-mid-autumn-festival-2026-tickets-1990660367747\">Oakland Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 20\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Clinton Park, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oakland’s Little Saigon district is home to several thousand Vietnamese residents, along with dozens of Vietnamese-owned businesses, including markets, restaurants and stores. Sponsored by the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, this annual event offers a chance to learn about the neighborhood while enjoying food, meeting small businesses owners and more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.dcpla.org/artfest-about\">Daly City Public Library’s Art & Lit Fest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 26\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Serramonte Center, Daly City\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All the festivals in this guide are outdoors, but c’mon, we had to make an exception for the library. This festival is… inside \u003cem>the mall\u003c/em>? Hear us out: for the fifth year in a row, Daly City’s arts and crafts scene is on full display at this event, with local performers, craftspeople and musicians. An event for all ages, the celebration doubles as a fundraiser for the Daly City Public Library, whose main branch is just a short walk from the mall.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.folsomstreet.org/folsom-street-fair\">Folsom Street Fair\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 27\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Folsom Street, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For 42 years, this eye-popping event has been a place where “pleasure meets protest, leather meets liberation, and visibility is an act of defiance.” A late-September celebration, Folsom is all about taking to the streets and enjoying the sunshine — even where the sun doesn’t usually shine.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/sshhb5ISHvI?si=PelIllKibSJTWDbQ\">Oktoberfest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Throughout October\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Various locations\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lederhosen! Tubas! And most importantly: beer! \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaktoberfest.org/\">Oakland’s “Oaktoberfest”\u003c/a> takes place on Saturday Oct. 3 and Sunday Oct. 4 in East Oakland’s Dimond District. On the peninsula, \u003ca href=\"https://www.mvoktoberfest.com/\">Mountain View’s Oktoberfest\u003c/a> gets underway the following weekend, Oct. 10 and 11. And if you’re in the South Bay, \u003ca href=\"https://campbelloktoberfest.com/\">Campbell’s Oktoberfest\u003c/a> is Oct. 17 and 18. Up north, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/events/oktoberfest\">Vallejo’s Oktoberfest\u003c/a> takes place beneath the roller coasters at none other than Six Flags amusement park. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13980417\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jaelah (left), 12, a member of the Blue Bird Riders from Manteca, rides with her friend Aniyah, 13, during the Oakland Black Cowboy Association parade in Oakland on Oct. 5, 2024. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandbca.org/\">Oakland’s Black Cowboy Parade\u003c/a> \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 3\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Little Bobby Hutton Park, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>An annual celebration of African American history and horseback riding, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12008139/oaklands-black-cowboy-association-celebrates-50-years-with-parade-and-festival\">the Oakland Black Cowboy Association\u003c/a> returns for its yearly celebration. With food vendors, dancers, pony rides and a parade, this event has been the pride of West Oakland for over 50 years\u003cstrong>. \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://castrostreetfair.org/fair/\">Castro Street Fair\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 4\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Castro Street, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For more than half a century, this celebration of community resilience takes over the Castro with music, arts and chic fashion. People are invited to come out and enjoy live music, food, DJs and more, all while raising funds for a number of charitable causes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.bpp60th.org/\">Black Panther Party 60th Anniversary Celebration\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 15–18\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Location to be determined\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sixty years ago, Bobby Seale and Dr. Huey P. Newton created and implemented a 10-point program, certifying the Oakland-born Black Panther Party for Self-Defense as a leading organization of new ideas and movements. On this weekend, the organization’s lasting legacy will be celebrated in proper fashion: a reunion of those who did the work and the community that’s benefited from their efforts. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://gardensatlakemerritt.org/autumn-lights-festival-2026/\">Autumn Lights Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 15–17\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Lake Merritt, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s an all-ages artistic light show, full of brightly colored illuminated installations, all inside a garden on the edge of Lake Merritt. What more does one need in life?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993026\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rangoli, a colorful form of Indian folk art celebrating art, beauty and culture, is seen drawn on the sidewalks of Bishop Ranch City Center to celebrate the Hindu holiday Diwali in San Ramon, California, on Nov. 14, 2020. (Jessica Christian/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.aiaevents.org/diwali-dhamaka-2026\">Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka Festival of Lights & Fireworks\u003c/a> \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 17\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With bright lights, live Bollywood dancers and Indian cuisine of all sorts, the East Bay’s largest Diwali celebration boasts carnival rides and more than 150 food and shopping stalls. In addition to community dance groups and a huge fireworks show, attendees can also witness a 40 foot effigy of the demon king Raavan Dahan set aflame. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/\">Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 17–18\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Half Moon Bay\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They’ll have a Halloween costume contest, seasonal drinks and workshops on pumpkin carving, plus work from over 250 artists, three stages of live music, a pumpkin parade and a pumpkin-weighing contest with some of the largest gourds known to man. All of that, plus a run, walk and stroll on Sunday to raise funds for \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercyhousing.org/california/coastside-senior/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23143634391&gbraid=0AAAAAD2ps6efEFaB6t-5JtQvVQFIEn2CA&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4orUBhCjARIsAIbF3qy72I2TfDfTNSAmIIRW3Ixp4Nt2_lR2SN0J6oSQt3gd5sKS51BZLpQaAoYSEALw_wcB\">low-income senior housing\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13937452\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Amalia Canales attends the Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival in Fruitvale on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://unitycouncil.org/program/diaoakland/\">Oakland’s Día De Los Muertos Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Fruitvale Village, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are many other Día de los Muertos festivals around the Bay, but if you’ve never been to Fruitvale’s, you’re missing something special. This year’s theme is “La Lucha Continúa: Aquí Estamos y no Nos Vamos” (“The Struggle Continues: We’re Here and We’re Not Leaving”). A celebration of culture, rife with sugar skulls and marigolds, this festival doubles as a reminder that coming together in community can be a political act. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Briefly noted\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcheesefest.com/\">SF Cheese Fest\u003c/a> (Oct. 3, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filipino-island-fest-tickets-1992240712601?aff=erelpanelorg\">Filipino Island Fest\u003c/a> (Oct. 3, Alameda)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://fleetweeksf.org/\">Fleet Week\u003c/a> (Oct. 4–12, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://www.litquake.org/\">Litquake\u003c/a> (Oct. 8–24, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"http://eventbrite.com/e/prescott-market-holiday-pop-up-craft-faires-tickets-1983919211768?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Prescott Market Holiday Pop-Up Craft Faires\u003c/a> (Oct. 24 and Dec. 19, Oakland)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fallchocolatesalon.com/\">Fall Holiday Chocolate Salon and Festival\u003c/a> (Nov. 22, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Be sure to check out our full \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fall-guide-2026\">2026 Fall Arts Guide\u003c/a> to live music, movies, art, theater, festivals and more in the Bay Area.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Be sure to check out our full \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fall-guide-2026\">2026 Fall Arts Guide\u003c/a> to live music, movies, art, theater, festivals and more in the Bay Area.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As the magic of autumn approaches, winds swirl and sunsets turn to sherbert hues of pink and orange. Stores fill with Halloween decorations, and kids in backpacks are once again up early, zombie-walking to class.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>As the magic of autumn approaches, winds swirl and sunsets turn to sherbert hues of pink and orange. Stores fill with Halloween decorations, and kids in backpacks are once again up early, zombie-walking to class.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With fall comes festivals; for centuries, harvest time has meant outdoor celebrations. Here in the Bay Area, people sing in parks, eat in parking lots and dance in the streets. Below, find a select handful of this year’s outdoor fall festivals.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>With fall comes festivals; for centuries, harvest time has meant outdoor celebrations. Here in the Bay Area, people sing in parks, eat in parking lots and dance in the streets. Below, find a select handful of this year’s outdoor fall festivals.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13974858\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Performances at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival are always free.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy Yerba Buena Gardens Festival)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13974858\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Performances at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival are always free.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy Yerba Buena Gardens Festival)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"text": "Yerba Buena Gardens Festival",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/events/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=36955909&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Ys4dhgMHawicf5GGZOYX0Sz9gJ\">Yerba Buena Gardens Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Through Nov. 13\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Through Nov. 13\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There’s diversity, and then there’s this festival’s lineup, which includes the Cuban Afro-Latin Funk combo \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/los-calderones/\">Los Calderones\u003c/a>, a full day celebrating cultures of the continent during \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/african-arts-festival-2026/\">the African Arts Festival\u003c/a> and a special \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/indigenous-peoples-day-jeremy-dutcher/\">San Francisco Indigenous Peoples Day\u003c/a> performance by classically trained Indigenous Canadian tenor, Jeremy Dutcher. With free weekly performances on the open lawn between the Metreon and SFMOMA, the series concludes with a celebration of South Asian culture during the \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/bhangra-and-beats-111326/\">Bhangra & Beats Night Market\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There’s diversity, and then there’s this festival’s lineup, which includes the Cuban Afro-Latin Funk combo \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/los-calderones/\">Los Calderones\u003c/a>, a full day celebrating cultures of the continent during \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/african-arts-festival-2026/\">the African Arts Festival\u003c/a> and a special \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/indigenous-peoples-day-jeremy-dutcher/\">San Francisco Indigenous Peoples Day\u003c/a> performance by classically trained Indigenous Canadian tenor, Jeremy Dutcher. With free weekly performances on the open lawn between the Metreon and SFMOMA, the series concludes with a celebration of South Asian culture during the \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/bhangra-and-beats-111326/\">Bhangra & Beats Night Market\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Bizerkeley Food Fest",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-bizerkeley-food-fest-2026-tickets-1685365305999?aff=odcleoeventsincollection\">Bizerkeley Food Fest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 6\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park, Berkeley \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 6\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park, Berkeley \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>What’s more Berkeley than a vegan food festival? A vegan food festival that helps rescue animals. In addition to live performances and free samples of food from an array of plant-based restaurants, the festival spreads awareness and raises funds for California Pit Bull Rescue — and even hosts a meet-and-greet with a few furry four-legged friends. (Note: Attendees may not bring their own dogs.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>What’s more Berkeley than a vegan food festival? A vegan food festival that helps rescue animals. In addition to live performances and free samples of food from an array of plant-based restaurants, the festival spreads awareness and raises funds for California Pit Bull Rescue — and even hosts a meet-and-greet with a few furry four-legged friends. (Note: Attendees may not bring their own dogs.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838.jpg\" alt=\"An older Black man in a shiny purple suit jacket smiles with eyes shut and arms raised in the air\" class=\"wp-image-13993027\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Soul singer Eddie Holman, of “Hey There Lonely Girl” fame, is a scheduled performer at San José’s 2026 Chicano Soul Festival.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Bobby Bank/WireImage)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838.jpg\" alt=\"An older Black man in a shiny purple suit jacket smiles with eyes shut and arms raised in the air\" class=\"wp-image-13993027\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Soul singer Eddie Holman, of “Hey There Lonely Girl” fame, is a scheduled performer at San José’s 2026 Chicano Soul Festival.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Bobby Bank/WireImage)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Chicano Soul Fest",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-chicano-soul-fest-tickets-1984652009586\">Chicano Soul Fest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-chicano-soul-fest-tickets-1984652009586\">Chicano Soul Fest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Aug. 29\u003cbr>History Park, San José\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Lowriders, Aztec dancers and special appearances dot this afternoon festival. Two stages of live entertainment host performances by the likes of Eddie Holman, Sunny Ozuna, Mellow Man Ace and Discos Resaca. Also taking place is a special tribute to George Kerr, an architect of Latin soul music.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Lowriders, Aztec dancers and special appearances dot this afternoon festival. Two stages of live entertainment host performances by the likes of Eddie Holman, Sunny Ozuna, Mellow Man Ace and Discos Resaca. Also taking place is a special tribute to George Kerr, an architect of Latin soul music.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mill-valley-fall-arts-festival-september-19-20-2026-hours-10-5-tickets-1988942471473?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mill-valley-fall-arts-festival-september-19-20-2026-hours-10-5-tickets-1988942471473?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 19 and 20\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Old Mill Park, Mill Valley\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 19 and 20\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Old Mill Park, Mill Valley\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Next year will mark seven decades of the Mill Valley Arts Festival, a traditional celebration of live performances, crafts from over 100 different makers and a children’s grove with magic tricks and storytelling. And who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? This year’s celebration introduces a new wine tasting element with local vineyards like \u003ca href=\"https://www.barraofmendocino.com/\">Barra of Mendocino\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.gibbsnapavalley.com/\">Gibbs of Napa Valley\u003c/a> and more.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Next year will mark seven decades of the Mill Valley Arts Festival, a traditional celebration of live performances, crafts from over 100 different makers and a children’s grove with magic tricks and storytelling. And who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? This year’s celebration introduces a new wine tasting element with local vineyards like \u003ca href=\"https://www.barraofmendocino.com/\">Barra of Mendocino\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.gibbsnapavalley.com/\">Gibbs of Napa Valley\u003c/a> and more.\u003c/p>\n"
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"alt": "Schoolchildren in face masks stringing up paper lanterns in Clinton Park, Oakland.",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Schoolchildren in face masks stringing up paper lanterns in Clinton Park, Oakland.\" class=\"wp-image-13901757\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Children string up paper lanterns at Clinton Park during the 2020 edition of the Little Saigon Mid-Autumn Festival.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Good Good Eatz)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Schoolchildren in face masks stringing up paper lanterns in Clinton Park, Oakland.\" class=\"wp-image-13901757\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Children string up paper lanterns at Clinton Park during the 2020 edition of the Little Saigon Mid-Autumn Festival.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Good Good Eatz)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Oakland Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ovcc-mid-autumn-festival-2026-tickets-1990660367747\">Oakland Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ovcc-mid-autumn-festival-2026-tickets-1990660367747\">Oakland Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 20\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Clinton Park, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 20\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Clinton Park, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Oakland’s Little Saigon district is home to several thousand Vietnamese residents, along with dozens of Vietnamese-owned businesses, including markets, restaurants and stores. Sponsored by the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, this annual event offers a chance to learn about the neighborhood while enjoying food, meeting small businesses owners and more.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Oakland’s Little Saigon district is home to several thousand Vietnamese residents, along with dozens of Vietnamese-owned businesses, including markets, restaurants and stores. Sponsored by the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, this annual event offers a chance to learn about the neighborhood while enjoying food, meeting small businesses owners and more.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Daly City Public Library’s Art & Lit Fest",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.dcpla.org/artfest-about\">Daly City Public Library’s Art & Lit Fest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.dcpla.org/artfest-about\">Daly City Public Library’s Art & Lit Fest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 26\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Serramonte Center, Daly City\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>All the festivals in this guide are outdoors, but c’mon, we had to make an exception for the library. This festival is… inside \u003cem>the mall\u003c/em>? Hear us out: for the fifth year in a row, Daly City’s arts and crafts scene is on full display at this event, with local performers, craftspeople and musicians. An event for all ages, the celebration doubles as a fundraiser for the Daly City Public Library, whose main branch is just a short walk from the mall.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>All the festivals in this guide are outdoors, but c’mon, we had to make an exception for the library. This festival is… inside \u003cem>the mall\u003c/em>? Hear us out: for the fifth year in a row, Daly City’s arts and crafts scene is on full display at this event, with local performers, craftspeople and musicians. An event for all ages, the celebration doubles as a fundraiser for the Daly City Public Library, whose main branch is just a short walk from the mall.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Folsom Street Fair",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.folsomstreet.org/folsom-street-fair\">Folsom Street Fair\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.folsomstreet.org/folsom-street-fair\">Folsom Street Fair\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 27\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Folsom Street, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For 42 years, this eye-popping event has been a place where “pleasure meets protest, leather meets liberation, and visibility is an act of defiance.” A late-September celebration, Folsom is all about taking to the streets and enjoying the sunshine — even where the sun doesn’t usually shine.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>For 42 years, this eye-popping event has been a place where “pleasure meets protest, leather meets liberation, and visibility is an act of defiance.” A late-September celebration, Folsom is all about taking to the streets and enjoying the sunshine — even where the sun doesn’t usually shine.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Oktoberfest",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/sshhb5ISHvI?si=PelIllKibSJTWDbQ\">Oktoberfest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Throughout October\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Various locations\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Throughout October\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Various locations\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Lederhosen! Tubas! And most importantly: beer! \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaktoberfest.org/\">Oakland’s “Oaktoberfest”\u003c/a> takes place on Saturday Oct. 3 and Sunday Oct. 4 in East Oakland’s Dimond District. On the peninsula, \u003ca href=\"https://www.mvoktoberfest.com/\">Mountain View’s Oktoberfest\u003c/a> gets underway the following weekend, Oct. 10 and 11. And if you’re in the South Bay, \u003ca href=\"https://campbelloktoberfest.com/\">Campbell’s Oktoberfest\u003c/a> is Oct. 17 and 18. Up north, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/events/oktoberfest\">Vallejo’s Oktoberfest\u003c/a> takes place beneath the roller coasters at none other than Six Flags amusement park. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Lederhosen! Tubas! And most importantly: beer! \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaktoberfest.org/\">Oakland’s “Oaktoberfest”\u003c/a> takes place on Saturday Oct. 3 and Sunday Oct. 4 in East Oakland’s Dimond District. On the peninsula, \u003ca href=\"https://www.mvoktoberfest.com/\">Mountain View’s Oktoberfest\u003c/a> gets underway the following weekend, Oct. 10 and 11. And if you’re in the South Bay, \u003ca href=\"https://campbelloktoberfest.com/\">Campbell’s Oktoberfest\u003c/a> is Oct. 17 and 18. Up north, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/events/oktoberfest\">Vallejo’s Oktoberfest\u003c/a> takes place beneath the roller coasters at none other than Six Flags amusement park. \u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13980417\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jaelah (left), 12, a member of the Blue Bird Riders from Manteca, rides with her friend Aniyah, 13, during the Oakland Black Cowboy Association parade in Oakland on Oct. 5, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13980417\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jaelah (left), 12, a member of the Blue Bird Riders from Manteca, rides with her friend Aniyah, 13, during the Oakland Black Cowboy Association parade in Oakland on Oct. 5, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Oakland’s Black Cowboy Parade ",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandbca.org/\">Oakland’s Black Cowboy Parade\u003c/a> \u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandbca.org/\">Oakland’s Black Cowboy Parade\u003c/a> \u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 3\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Little Bobby Hutton Park, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 3\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Little Bobby Hutton Park, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>An annual celebration of African American history and horseback riding, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12008139/oaklands-black-cowboy-association-celebrates-50-years-with-parade-and-festival\">the Oakland Black Cowboy Association\u003c/a> returns for its yearly celebration. With food vendors, dancers, pony rides and a parade, this event has been the pride of West Oakland for over 50 years\u003cstrong>. \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>An annual celebration of African American history and horseback riding, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12008139/oaklands-black-cowboy-association-celebrates-50-years-with-parade-and-festival\">the Oakland Black Cowboy Association\u003c/a> returns for its yearly celebration. With food vendors, dancers, pony rides and a parade, this event has been the pride of West Oakland for over 50 years\u003cstrong>. \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Castro Street Fair",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://castrostreetfair.org/fair/\">Castro Street Fair\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://castrostreetfair.org/fair/\">Castro Street Fair\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 4\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Castro Street, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 4\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Castro Street, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For more than half a century, this celebration of community resilience takes over the Castro with music, arts and chic fashion. People are invited to come out and enjoy live music, food, DJs and more, all while raising funds for a number of charitable causes. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>For more than half a century, this celebration of community resilience takes over the Castro with music, arts and chic fashion. People are invited to come out and enjoy live music, food, DJs and more, all while raising funds for a number of charitable causes. \u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Black Panther Party 60th Anniversary Celebration",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.bpp60th.org/\">Black Panther Party 60th Anniversary Celebration\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.bpp60th.org/\">Black Panther Party 60th Anniversary Celebration\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 15–18\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Location to be determined\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 15–18\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Location to be determined\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Sixty years ago, Bobby Seale and Dr. Huey P. Newton created and implemented a 10-point program, certifying the Oakland-born Black Panther Party for Self-Defense as a leading organization of new ideas and movements. On this weekend, the organization’s lasting legacy will be celebrated in proper fashion: a reunion of those who did the work and the community that’s benefited from their efforts. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Sixty years ago, Bobby Seale and Dr. Huey P. Newton created and implemented a 10-point program, certifying the Oakland-born Black Panther Party for Self-Defense as a leading organization of new ideas and movements. On this weekend, the organization’s lasting legacy will be celebrated in proper fashion: a reunion of those who did the work and the community that’s benefited from their efforts. \u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Autumn Lights Festival",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://gardensatlakemerritt.org/autumn-lights-festival-2026/\">Autumn Lights Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://gardensatlakemerritt.org/autumn-lights-festival-2026/\">Autumn Lights Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 15–17\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Lake Merritt, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 15–17\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Lake Merritt, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s an all-ages artistic light show, full of brightly colored illuminated installations, all inside a garden on the edge of Lake Merritt. What more does one need in life?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It’s an all-ages artistic light show, full of brightly colored illuminated installations, all inside a garden on the edge of Lake Merritt. What more does one need in life?\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993026\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rangoli, a colorful form of Indian folk art celebrating art, beauty and culture, is seen drawn on the sidewalks of Bishop Ranch City Center to celebrate the Hindu holiday Diwali in San Ramon, California, on Nov. 14, 2020.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jessica Christian/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993026\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rangoli, a colorful form of Indian folk art celebrating art, beauty and culture, is seen drawn on the sidewalks of Bishop Ranch City Center to celebrate the Hindu holiday Diwali in San Ramon, California, on Nov. 14, 2020.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jessica Christian/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"text": "Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka Festival of Lights & Fireworks ",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.aiaevents.org/diwali-dhamaka-2026\">Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka Festival of Lights & Fireworks\u003c/a> \u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.aiaevents.org/diwali-dhamaka-2026\">Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka Festival of Lights & Fireworks\u003c/a> \u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 17\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With bright lights, live Bollywood dancers and Indian cuisine of all sorts, the East Bay’s largest Diwali celebration boasts carnival rides and more than 150 food and shopping stalls. In addition to community dance groups and a huge fireworks show, attendees can also witness a 40 foot effigy of the demon king Raavan Dahan set aflame. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>With bright lights, live Bollywood dancers and Indian cuisine of all sorts, the East Bay’s largest Diwali celebration boasts carnival rides and more than 150 food and shopping stalls. In addition to community dance groups and a huge fireworks show, attendees can also witness a 40 foot effigy of the demon king Raavan Dahan set aflame. \u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/\">Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/\">Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 17–18\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Half Moon Bay\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 17–18\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Half Moon Bay\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>They’ll have a Halloween costume contest, seasonal drinks and workshops on pumpkin carving, plus work from over 250 artists, three stages of live music, a pumpkin parade and a pumpkin-weighing contest with some of the largest gourds known to man. All of that, plus a run, walk and stroll on Sunday to raise funds for \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercyhousing.org/california/coastside-senior/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23143634391&gbraid=0AAAAAD2ps6efEFaB6t-5JtQvVQFIEn2CA&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4orUBhCjARIsAIbF3qy72I2TfDfTNSAmIIRW3Ixp4Nt2_lR2SN0J6oSQt3gd5sKS51BZLpQaAoYSEALw_wcB\">low-income senior housing\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>They’ll have a Halloween costume contest, seasonal drinks and workshops on pumpkin carving, plus work from over 250 artists, three stages of live music, a pumpkin parade and a pumpkin-weighing contest with some of the largest gourds known to man. All of that, plus a run, walk and stroll on Sunday to raise funds for \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercyhousing.org/california/coastside-senior/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23143634391&gbraid=0AAAAAD2ps6efEFaB6t-5JtQvVQFIEn2CA&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4orUBhCjARIsAIbF3qy72I2TfDfTNSAmIIRW3Ixp4Nt2_lR2SN0J6oSQt3gd5sKS51BZLpQaAoYSEALw_wcB\">low-income senior housing\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13937452\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Amalia Canales attends the Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival in Fruitvale on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13937452\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Amalia Canales attends the Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival in Fruitvale on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Oakland’s Día De Los Muertos Festival",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://unitycouncil.org/program/diaoakland/\">Oakland’s Día De Los Muertos Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://unitycouncil.org/program/diaoakland/\">Oakland’s Día De Los Muertos Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Fruitvale Village, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Fruitvale Village, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There are many other Día de los Muertos festivals around the Bay, but if you’ve never been to Fruitvale’s, you’re missing something special. This year’s theme is “La Lucha Continúa: Aquí Estamos y no Nos Vamos” (“The Struggle Continues: We’re Here and We’re Not Leaving”). A celebration of culture, rife with sugar skulls and marigolds, this festival doubles as a reminder that coming together in community can be a political act. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There are many other Día de los Muertos festivals around the Bay, but if you’ve never been to Fruitvale’s, you’re missing something special. This year’s theme is “La Lucha Continúa: Aquí Estamos y no Nos Vamos” (“The Struggle Continues: We’re Here and We’re Not Leaving”). A celebration of culture, rife with sugar skulls and marigolds, this festival doubles as a reminder that coming together in community can be a political act. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcheesefest.com/\">SF Cheese Fest\u003c/a> (Oct. 3, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filipino-island-fest-tickets-1992240712601?aff=erelpanelorg\">Filipino Island Fest\u003c/a> (Oct. 3, Alameda)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://fleetweeksf.org/\">Fleet Week\u003c/a> (Oct. 4–12, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://www.litquake.org/\">Litquake\u003c/a> (Oct. 8–24, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"http://eventbrite.com/e/prescott-market-holiday-pop-up-craft-faires-tickets-1983919211768?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Prescott Market Holiday Pop-Up Craft Faires\u003c/a> (Oct. 24 and Dec. 19, Oakland)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fallchocolatesalon.com/\">Fall Holiday Chocolate Salon and Festival\u003c/a> (Nov. 22, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcheesefest.com/\">SF Cheese Fest\u003c/a> (Oct. 3, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filipino-island-fest-tickets-1992240712601?aff=erelpanelorg\">Filipino Island Fest\u003c/a> (Oct. 3, Alameda)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://fleetweeksf.org/\">Fleet Week\u003c/a> (Oct. 4–12, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://www.litquake.org/\">Litquake\u003c/a> (Oct. 8–24, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"http://eventbrite.com/e/prescott-market-holiday-pop-up-craft-faires-tickets-1983919211768?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Prescott Market Holiday Pop-Up Craft Faires\u003c/a> (Oct. 24 and Dec. 19, Oakland)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fallchocolatesalon.com/\">Fall Holiday Chocolate Salon and Festival\u003c/a> (Nov. 22, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "There’s plenty of places to eat, drink, dance and celebrate outside this fall.",
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"title": "15 of the Best Outdoor Festivals in the Bay Area This Fall | KQED",
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"headline": "15 of the Best Outdoor Festivals in the Bay Area This Fall",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Be sure to check out our full \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fall-guide-2026\">2026 Fall Arts Guide\u003c/a> to live music, movies, art, theater, festivals and more in the Bay Area.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the magic of autumn approaches, winds swirl and sunsets turn to sherbert hues of pink and orange. Stores fill with Halloween decorations, and kids in backpacks are once again up early, zombie-walking to class.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With fall comes festivals; for centuries, harvest time has meant outdoor celebrations. Here in the Bay Area, people sing in parks, eat in parking lots and dance in the streets. Below, find a select handful of this year’s outdoor fall festivals.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13974858\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/Courtesy-of-Yerba-Buena-Gardens-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Performances at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival are always free. (Courtesy Yerba Buena Gardens Festival)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/events/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=36955909&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Ys4dhgMHawicf5GGZOYX0Sz9gJ\">Yerba Buena Gardens Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Through Nov. 13\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s diversity, and then there’s this festival’s lineup, which includes the Cuban Afro-Latin Funk combo \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/los-calderones/\">Los Calderones\u003c/a>, a full day celebrating cultures of the continent during \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/african-arts-festival-2026/\">the African Arts Festival\u003c/a> and a special \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/indigenous-peoples-day-jeremy-dutcher/\">San Francisco Indigenous Peoples Day\u003c/a> performance by classically trained Indigenous Canadian tenor, Jeremy Dutcher. With free weekly performances on the open lawn between the Metreon and SFMOMA, the series concludes with a celebration of South Asian culture during the \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/bhangra-and-beats-111326/\">Bhangra & Beats Night Market\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-bizerkeley-food-fest-2026-tickets-1685365305999?aff=odcleoeventsincollection\">Bizerkeley Food Fest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 6\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park, Berkeley \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What’s more Berkeley than a vegan food festival? A vegan food festival that helps rescue animals. In addition to live performances and free samples of food from an array of plant-based restaurants, the festival spreads awareness and raises funds for California Pit Bull Rescue — and even hosts a meet-and-greet with a few furry four-legged friends. (Note: Attendees may not bring their own dogs.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838.jpg\" alt=\"An older Black man in a shiny purple suit jacket smiles with eyes shut and arms raised in the air\" class=\"wp-image-13993027\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-533139838-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Soul singer Eddie Holman, of “Hey There Lonely Girl” fame, is a scheduled performer at San José’s 2026 Chicano Soul Festival. (Bobby Bank/WireImage)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-chicano-soul-fest-tickets-1984652009586\">Chicano Soul Fest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Aug. 29\u003cbr>History Park, San José\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lowriders, Aztec dancers and special appearances dot this afternoon festival. Two stages of live entertainment host performances by the likes of Eddie Holman, Sunny Ozuna, Mellow Man Ace and Discos Resaca. Also taking place is a special tribute to George Kerr, an architect of Latin soul music.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mill-valley-fall-arts-festival-september-19-20-2026-hours-10-5-tickets-1988942471473?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 19 and 20\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Old Mill Park, Mill Valley\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Next year will mark seven decades of the Mill Valley Arts Festival, a traditional celebration of live performances, crafts from over 100 different makers and a children’s grove with magic tricks and storytelling. And who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? This year’s celebration introduces a new wine tasting element with local vineyards like \u003ca href=\"https://www.barraofmendocino.com/\">Barra of Mendocino\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.gibbsnapavalley.com/\">Gibbs of Napa Valley\u003c/a> and more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Schoolchildren in face masks stringing up paper lanterns in Clinton Park, Oakland.\" class=\"wp-image-13901757\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/midautumnfestival_goodgoodeatz-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Children string up paper lanterns at Clinton Park during the 2020 edition of the Little Saigon Mid-Autumn Festival. (Good Good Eatz)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ovcc-mid-autumn-festival-2026-tickets-1990660367747\">Oakland Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 20\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Clinton Park, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oakland’s Little Saigon district is home to several thousand Vietnamese residents, along with dozens of Vietnamese-owned businesses, including markets, restaurants and stores. Sponsored by the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, this annual event offers a chance to learn about the neighborhood while enjoying food, meeting small businesses owners and more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.dcpla.org/artfest-about\">Daly City Public Library’s Art & Lit Fest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 26\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Serramonte Center, Daly City\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All the festivals in this guide are outdoors, but c’mon, we had to make an exception for the library. This festival is… inside \u003cem>the mall\u003c/em>? Hear us out: for the fifth year in a row, Daly City’s arts and crafts scene is on full display at this event, with local performers, craftspeople and musicians. An event for all ages, the celebration doubles as a fundraiser for the Daly City Public Library, whose main branch is just a short walk from the mall.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.folsomstreet.org/folsom-street-fair\">Folsom Street Fair\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 27\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Folsom Street, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For 42 years, this eye-popping event has been a place where “pleasure meets protest, leather meets liberation, and visibility is an act of defiance.” A late-September celebration, Folsom is all about taking to the streets and enjoying the sunshine — even where the sun doesn’t usually shine.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/sshhb5ISHvI?si=PelIllKibSJTWDbQ\">Oktoberfest\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Throughout October\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Various locations\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lederhosen! Tubas! And most importantly: beer! \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaktoberfest.org/\">Oakland’s “Oaktoberfest”\u003c/a> takes place on Saturday Oct. 3 and Sunday Oct. 4 in East Oakland’s Dimond District. On the peninsula, \u003ca href=\"https://www.mvoktoberfest.com/\">Mountain View’s Oktoberfest\u003c/a> gets underway the following weekend, Oct. 10 and 11. And if you’re in the South Bay, \u003ca href=\"https://campbelloktoberfest.com/\">Campbell’s Oktoberfest\u003c/a> is Oct. 17 and 18. Up north, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/events/oktoberfest\">Vallejo’s Oktoberfest\u003c/a> takes place beneath the roller coasters at none other than Six Flags amusement park. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13980417\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/241005-OaklandBlackCowboyParade-019-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jaelah (left), 12, a member of the Blue Bird Riders from Manteca, rides with her friend Aniyah, 13, during the Oakland Black Cowboy Association parade in Oakland on Oct. 5, 2024. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandbca.org/\">Oakland’s Black Cowboy Parade\u003c/a> \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 3\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Little Bobby Hutton Park, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>An annual celebration of African American history and horseback riding, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12008139/oaklands-black-cowboy-association-celebrates-50-years-with-parade-and-festival\">the Oakland Black Cowboy Association\u003c/a> returns for its yearly celebration. With food vendors, dancers, pony rides and a parade, this event has been the pride of West Oakland for over 50 years\u003cstrong>. \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://castrostreetfair.org/fair/\">Castro Street Fair\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 4\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Castro Street, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For more than half a century, this celebration of community resilience takes over the Castro with music, arts and chic fashion. People are invited to come out and enjoy live music, food, DJs and more, all while raising funds for a number of charitable causes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.bpp60th.org/\">Black Panther Party 60th Anniversary Celebration\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 15–18\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Location to be determined\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sixty years ago, Bobby Seale and Dr. Huey P. Newton created and implemented a 10-point program, certifying the Oakland-born Black Panther Party for Self-Defense as a leading organization of new ideas and movements. On this weekend, the organization’s lasting legacy will be celebrated in proper fashion: a reunion of those who did the work and the community that’s benefited from their efforts. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://gardensatlakemerritt.org/autumn-lights-festival-2026/\">Autumn Lights Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 15–17\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Lake Merritt, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s an all-ages artistic light show, full of brightly colored illuminated installations, all inside a garden on the edge of Lake Merritt. What more does one need in life?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993026\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DiwaliSanRamonGetty-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rangoli, a colorful form of Indian folk art celebrating art, beauty and culture, is seen drawn on the sidewalks of Bishop Ranch City Center to celebrate the Hindu holiday Diwali in San Ramon, California, on Nov. 14, 2020. (Jessica Christian/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.aiaevents.org/diwali-dhamaka-2026\">Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka Festival of Lights & Fireworks\u003c/a> \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 17\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With bright lights, live Bollywood dancers and Indian cuisine of all sorts, the East Bay’s largest Diwali celebration boasts carnival rides and more than 150 food and shopping stalls. In addition to community dance groups and a huge fireworks show, attendees can also witness a 40 foot effigy of the demon king Raavan Dahan set aflame. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/\">Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 17–18\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Half Moon Bay\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They’ll have a Halloween costume contest, seasonal drinks and workshops on pumpkin carving, plus work from over 250 artists, three stages of live music, a pumpkin parade and a pumpkin-weighing contest with some of the largest gourds known to man. All of that, plus a run, walk and stroll on Sunday to raise funds for \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercyhousing.org/california/coastside-senior/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23143634391&gbraid=0AAAAAD2ps6efEFaB6t-5JtQvVQFIEn2CA&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4orUBhCjARIsAIbF3qy72I2TfDfTNSAmIIRW3Ixp4Nt2_lR2SN0J6oSQt3gd5sKS51BZLpQaAoYSEALw_wcB\">low-income senior housing\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13937452\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231029_OAKDiadelosMuertosFestival_EG-18-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Amalia Canales attends the Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival in Fruitvale on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://unitycouncil.org/program/diaoakland/\">Oakland’s Día De Los Muertos Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\u003c/em>\u003cem>Fruitvale Village, Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are many other Día de los Muertos festivals around the Bay, but if you’ve never been to Fruitvale’s, you’re missing something special. This year’s theme is “La Lucha Continúa: Aquí Estamos y no Nos Vamos” (“The Struggle Continues: We’re Here and We’re Not Leaving”). A celebration of culture, rife with sugar skulls and marigolds, this festival doubles as a reminder that coming together in community can be a political act. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Briefly noted\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcheesefest.com/\">SF Cheese Fest\u003c/a> (Oct. 3, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filipino-island-fest-tickets-1992240712601?aff=erelpanelorg\">Filipino Island Fest\u003c/a> (Oct. 3, Alameda)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://fleetweeksf.org/\">Fleet Week\u003c/a> (Oct. 4–12, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://www.litquake.org/\">Litquake\u003c/a> (Oct. 8–24, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"http://eventbrite.com/e/prescott-market-holiday-pop-up-craft-faires-tickets-1983919211768?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Prescott Market Holiday Pop-Up Craft Faires\u003c/a> (Oct. 24 and Dec. 19, Oakland)\u003cbr>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fallchocolatesalon.com/\">Fall Holiday Chocolate Salon and Festival\u003c/a> (Nov. 22, San Francisco)\u003cbr>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "oakland-mural-5th-avenue-laney-peralta-colleges",
"title": "A Massive New Oakland Mural Inspires Lasting Friendships and New Life Callings",
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"headTitle": "A Massive New Oakland Mural Inspires Lasting Friendships and New Life Callings | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/findingyourpeople\">Finding Your People\u003c/a>, a series celebrating the Bay Area’s meetups and subcultures that bring people together IRL in an increasingly online world.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s a new gigantic work of art on 5th Avenue in Oakland, and it’s as colorful as the community that created it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sorbet-like shades of yellow and red provide a background for an array of flora. An Iranian dancer in orange strikes a fierce pose on one side. And on the other, a young Aztec dancer with piercing eyes holds a drum. Double meanings and secret messages are interlaced throughout the piece.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Painted on a Peralta Community College District warehouse, the mural centers the four school mascots from the network of East Bay junior colleges: a Merritt College black panther, a Berkeley City College owl, a College of Alameda cougar and a Laney College eagle.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992971\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ernesto Cortes (left) and instructor Fredericko Alvarado touch up a mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course in Oakland. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Roughly 20 students and a handful of volunteers painted the murals as part of \u003ca href=\"https://laney.edu/news/unity-through-diversity-mural-celebrates-oakland-education-community\">Laney’s Art 129 summer course\u003c/a>. It covers the broadside of a nondescript building, visible to a steady flow of thousands of daily commuters on 5th Avenue and Interstate 880.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This undertaking shows the power of individuals coming together in pursuit of a simple lesson in art. When they signed up for the class, they knew they’d create a gigantic mural. What they didn’t realize was that they’d also walk away with cross-cultural connections and lasting bonds with dope artists that go beyond paint on a wall.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Mural making is a cross-section between labor, psychotherapy, art making and community work,” says instructor \u003ca href=\"https://fredalvaradoarchives.space/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAae14fUv8GL1aoaws95Lc4vfKaUaVlLIo8WvWSMBoxZy4vGRxISkLOIpMlyalg_aem_vFPtRnB2d61orrWem_4YVA\">Fredericko Alvarado\u003c/a>, who has taught the class for the past four years. All of this happens at once, he stresses while painting in the sun. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s labor-intensive and heavy on the body,” adds Alvarado, a longtime muralist himself, “especially at the scale that we were working.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992958\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(From left) Ernesto Cortes, Fredericko Alvarado and Emilio Hernandez look at the mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course after a fence blocking it from view was removed in Oakland on Aug. 18, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Yet according to his students, the hard work pays off.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m finally giving myself permission to go to art school,” says Malena Mayorga, standing on a patch of grass near the sprawling mural. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mayorga, a longtime Oakland resident originally from El Salvador, contributed a tree that represents the original people of this land, the Ohlone people. Her painting of a large oak has cultural references etched into the bark. There’s a Chinese dragon, Brazilian flags and an Aztec Quetzalcōātl, as well as a Palestinian keffiyeh, Filipino markings, West African Adinkra symbols, Ethiopian embroidery, a Mayan figure that represents the universe and more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992969\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ernesto Cortes speaks with fellow student Malena Mayorga from Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course as they gather to see their completed mural. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Looking at the bigger picture, Mayorga professes, “We need to be changing the world [and moving] in the direction we want to see.” For her, the mural embodies that idea.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The artists had to first agree on what the mural would collectively depict, and then design their individual contributions before placing them on a wall. They made minor miscalculations and adjusted them along the way.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992955\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992955\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sketches for a mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 course. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992954\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-01-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992954\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-01-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-01-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-01-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-01-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A completed sketch of the mural. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The end result is a towering community collage that illustrates the importance of community college. It stands about a paint bucket-toss from the Peralta District headquarters, a place that has recently dealt with a storm of budgetary issues.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Recently, California’s community colleges lost the support of \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/education/2025/06/california-bay-area-community-colleges-funding-formula/\">a cost-of-living fund\u003c/a>, and the Peralta School District dealt with a $11.8 million deficit by cutting numerous classes and over 60 positions. This past spring they began closing \u003ca href=\"https://peraltacitizen.com/2026/02/03/laney-college-tower-to-retire/\">the Laney tower building\u003c/a>, and in June they agreed to \u003ca href=\"https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/peralta/Board.nsf/files/DURLE55624C7/%24file/25_26-212%20RESOLUTION%20AFFIRMING%20THE%20DISTRICT%20TRANSFORMATION%20PLAN%20AND%20THE%20CREATION%20OF%20OAKLAND%20CITY%20COLLEGE.pdf\">move forward with a plan to consolidate two schools\u003c/a> — Merritt and Laney — under one umbrella, Oakland City College. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Despite the instability, this summer voters overwhelmingly approved a nine-year \u003ca href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Peralta_Community_College_District,_California,_Measure_A,_Reauthorize_Parcel_Tax_to_Fund_Community_Colleges_Measure_(June_2026)\">parcel tax\u003c/a> to help fund the district, easing the tension and assuring students that the district plans on remaining affordable and accessible.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992973\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Emilio Hernandez looks at the mural he helped paint during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>The class of muralists reflects the wide array of reasons people choose to pursue their education at a community college. Some students are dealing with housing insecurity and physical health issues. Some are elders finally prioritizing art careers, and others are young students chasing their creative dreams. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Twenty-year-old \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/vintage.vrtbre\">Kiana Tondre\u003c/a>, born and raised in Oakland, is a studio arts major at San Francisco State University. Partially inspired by her grandfather, a former California College of the Arts and Crafts professor, Tondre has long known that she’s an artist. And after taking this course at Laney over the past two summers, she honed in on murals as her preferred format. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is what I want to do with my life,” she says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992957\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Student Kiana Tondre and instructor Fredericko Alvarado prepare to touch up a mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992956\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Student Kiana Tondre and instructor Fredericko Alvarado prepare paint for a mural touch-up. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Through the class she got connected to the legendary community arts organization \u003ca href=\"https://www.precitaeyes.org/\">Precita Eyes\u003c/a>, as well as a world of students she wouldn’t have met at her more expensive four-year college.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>”In terms of community, I think Laney brings people together a lot more,” Tondre says. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tondre painted a beautifully stoic Iranian dancer, an image that’s emblematic of a group of women who are “very misrepresented,” she explains. An Iranian woman herself, Tondre imagined the design as an homage to her grandmother. “She is kind of like one of the guardians to the mural,” Tondre says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992964\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Qi Han takes a photo of Kiana Tondre in front of the section of the mural she created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course in Oakland on Aug. 14, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>On the other side of that stands Ernesto Cortes’ painting based on an old photo of his nephew, who began learning about traditional Aztec dances and culture at nine years old. Cortes tells KQED in Spanish that his nephew is now a young adult, and teaches cultural classes at the college level. Noting the importance of remaining steadfast in your calling and cultural pride, despite racism and other oppressive forces, Cortes says he had to honor his nephew’s vision.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Below Cortes’ dancing nephew, depicted in vibrant shades of green and blue, are the Ngíva words for grass and water. And to the righthand side of that image is a mocha-colored owl with spread wings and huge eyes, painted by traditionally trained fine artist \u003ca href=\"https://hanqiart.com/\">Qi Han\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-21-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992974\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-21-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-21-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-21-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-21-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ernesto Cortes touches up a section of the mural he created. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992972\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ernesto Cortes speaks with fellow student Qi Han. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Before taking Alvarado’s class, Han had never painted a mural. Now, she’s already completed a second one through connections she made in the class. “Yeah, I think I’m hooked,” says Han.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When you do a mural,” the Chinese-born artist reflects, “so many people can get to enjoy it. It’s just a different kind of art.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It also takes more people to make it. “The project is very big, you cannot do it by yourself,” Han says. “So you really have to work with other people.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Puerto Rican artist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/liodez\">Emilio Hernandez\u003c/a> says this is the most diverse group of people he’s ever worked with. Not just a variety of ethnicities, but ages, expertise and interests in the craft. “There are students who are there just to dip their toes in art,” he says, “then there are artists like myself, who’ve been doing it for a few years.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hernandez spent a decade working as a commercial painter, specializing in coating metal surfaces and scaling huge items. His second job was painting the cranes at the Port of Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992959\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-09-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992959\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-09-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-09-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-09-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-09-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Emilio Hernandez prepares to touch up a mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992960\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-10-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992960\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-10-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-10-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-10-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-10-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Emilio Hernandez works on a section of the mural he created. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He enjoyed the view from the towering machines, but the labor was rigorous, the schedule was stressful and racist interactions were pervasive. A lingering injury from a car accident years ago prompted him to save money, walk away from the job and return to art school.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Not easy for a married father of four, especially after he’d already gone through the Bay Area housing ringer. After facing a couple of eviction notices and multiple slumlords, he and his family ended up squatting in an abandoned apartment building. Hernandez used his painting abilities to renovate the spot with the help of a few others. Backed by the \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaclt.org/\">Bay Area Community Land Trust\u003c/a>, he and the residents of the apartment building successfully earned the right to stay in their home on \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaclt.org/our-houses/12th-ave\">12th Avenue\u003c/a>, not far from the mural.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hernandez wanted to paint the mural’s black panther “as close to the sun as possible” to uplift Black and brown people’s legacy of activism. “I don’t want the children to be raised and not know the history of where we came from and what got us to get to where we’re at today,” he explains. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-11-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992961\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-11-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-11-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-11-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-11-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Emilio Hernandez touches up a section of the mural he created. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992962\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Instructor Fredericko Alvarado (left) and student Emilio Hernandez prepare to touch up the mural. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>When he shared his stance with the class early in the semester, the discussion resulted in a bit of friction among students. But the tough conversation paid dividends in the end. “I couldn’t believe that we were having a civil conversation with a lot of tension,” Hernandez reflects, “and we ended it at peace.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/lamakina510/\">Makina\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/shishi.madriz/\">Shi Shi\u003c/a>, two mural-painting vets who volunteered with this summer’s class, agree that creating art with a collective is a surefire way to get artists in conversation and out of their silos. Shi Shi, who is also a dancer and tattoo artist from Berkeley, originally took the Peralta college class with late artist and professor \u003ca href=\"https://missionlocal.org/2024/04/ray-patlan-mayor-of-balmy-alley-dies/\">Ray Patlán\u003c/a>. Proud that Alvarado is continuing the class’ legacy, Shi Shi highlights how it contributes to the region’s larger artist ecosystem.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When I took that class,” she says, “I met other artists, and also tapped in with other maestros and maestras here in the Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Makina concurs, noting that the class is a catalyst for creatives to “think bigger about the impact of your arts.” Public art can inspire “community dialogue around the visual landscape of your neighborhood, around the way your city is represented and the cultural equity that it offers,” she says. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992967\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mural advisor Makina speaks with students from Laney College’s ART 129 course. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Donald Diggs, a 72-year-old Monterey-raised returning student, says his life changed when he found the world of public art. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I happened to be incarcerated for 43 years,” Diggs shares, explaining that he got bit by the creative bug while taking classes through the \u003ca href=\"https://williamjamesassociation.org/\">William James Association\u003c/a> in prison. “I just focused on art and it was like my escape.” For four decades he sat behind bars, working mostly with ceramics. After his release he joined the Peralta college network, signing up for Alvarado’s class only a few months after his return.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He showed up and morally supported the group this year after helping paint last year’s piece — an adjacent mural that’s roughly a quarter of the size of this year’s mural. “Art school,” Diggs says with an exhale, “was probably the best choice I could have made. And God has been blessing me ever since, so I just keep doing it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Each semester, Alvarado, the instructor, designs the class slightly differently, but he keeps the “scaffolding” the same. It’s hard to fail, he admits, no matter your skill level. “Active engagement, being present, participating and just trying” are his grading criteria. “I don’t judge too much on aesthetics,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-15-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992963\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-15-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-15-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-15-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-15-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Instructor Fredericko Alvarado (left) and student Emilio Hernandez prepare paint. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Alvarado, who took over the class just as pandemic restrictions lifted, says he’s seen how the student artists have created their own community.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Laney now has their own art club,” Alvarado says, referring to the newly-founded \u003ca href=\"https://linktr.ee/societyofartistsandmakers\">Society of Artists & Markers\u003c/a>. With an email list of over 100 artists, the collective has already held two art openings since it began last spring, and a handful of Alvarado’s students are in the mix.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The beauty of the art club, much like his class, is the variety of work and different perspectives it offers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992966\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Students and volunteers from Laney College’s ART 129 mural summer course gather for a group photo in front of their completed mural. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“Our classes are always filled or overfilled,” Alvarado says, explaining that the art department is always thinking of new ways to leverage access to resources and studio space for students in the Peralta system.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In reality,” Alvarado concludes, “the community college belongs to everybody, right? So it should always be available to folks in some sort of way.”\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There’s a new gigantic work of art on 5th Avenue in Oakland, and it’s as colorful as the community that created it.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Sorbet-like shades of yellow and red provide a background for an array of flora. An Iranian dancer in orange strikes a fierce pose on one side. And on the other, a young Aztec dancer with piercing eyes holds a drum. Double meanings and secret messages are interlaced throughout the piece.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Sorbet-like shades of yellow and red provide a background for an array of flora. An Iranian dancer in orange strikes a fierce pose on one side. And on the other, a young Aztec dancer with piercing eyes holds a drum. Double meanings and secret messages are interlaced throughout the piece.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Painted on a Peralta Community College District warehouse, the mural centers the four school mascots from the network of East Bay junior colleges: a Merritt College black panther, a Berkeley City College owl, a College of Alameda cougar and a Laney College eagle.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Painted on a Peralta Community College District warehouse, the mural centers the four school mascots from the network of East Bay junior colleges: a Merritt College black panther, a Berkeley City College owl, a College of Alameda cougar and a Laney College eagle.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992971\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ernesto Cortes (left) and instructor Fredericko Alvarado touch up a mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course in Oakland.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Roughly 20 students and a handful of volunteers painted the murals as part of \u003ca href=\"https://laney.edu/news/unity-through-diversity-mural-celebrates-oakland-education-community\">Laney’s Art 129 summer course\u003c/a>. It covers the broadside of a nondescript building, visible to a steady flow of thousands of daily commuters on 5th Avenue and Interstate 880.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Roughly 20 students and a handful of volunteers painted the murals as part of \u003ca href=\"https://laney.edu/news/unity-through-diversity-mural-celebrates-oakland-education-community\">Laney’s Art 129 summer course\u003c/a>. It covers the broadside of a nondescript building, visible to a steady flow of thousands of daily commuters on 5th Avenue and Interstate 880.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This undertaking shows the power of individuals coming together in pursuit of a simple lesson in art. When they signed up for the class, they knew they’d create a gigantic mural. What they didn’t realize was that they’d also walk away with cross-cultural connections and lasting bonds with dope artists that go beyond paint on a wall.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This undertaking shows the power of individuals coming together in pursuit of a simple lesson in art. When they signed up for the class, they knew they’d create a gigantic mural. What they didn’t realize was that they’d also walk away with cross-cultural connections and lasting bonds with dope artists that go beyond paint on a wall.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Mural making is a cross-section between labor, psychotherapy, art making and community work,” says instructor \u003ca href=\"https://fredalvaradoarchives.space/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAae14fUv8GL1aoaws95Lc4vfKaUaVlLIo8WvWSMBoxZy4vGRxISkLOIpMlyalg_aem_vFPtRnB2d61orrWem_4YVA\">Fredericko Alvarado\u003c/a>, who has taught the class for the past four years. All of this happens at once, he stresses while painting in the sun. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Mural making is a cross-section between labor, psychotherapy, art making and community work,” says instructor \u003ca href=\"https://fredalvaradoarchives.space/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAae14fUv8GL1aoaws95Lc4vfKaUaVlLIo8WvWSMBoxZy4vGRxISkLOIpMlyalg_aem_vFPtRnB2d61orrWem_4YVA\">Fredericko Alvarado\u003c/a>, who has taught the class for the past four years. All of this happens at once, he stresses while painting in the sun. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s labor-intensive and heavy on the body,” adds Alvarado, a longtime muralist himself, “especially at the scale that we were working.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992958\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(From left) Ernesto Cortes, Fredericko Alvarado and Emilio Hernandez look at the mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course after a fence blocking it from view was removed in Oakland on Aug. 18, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992958\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(From left) Ernesto Cortes, Fredericko Alvarado and Emilio Hernandez look at the mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course after a fence blocking it from view was removed in Oakland on Aug. 18, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Yet according to his students, the hard work pays off.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’m finally giving myself permission to go to art school,” says Malena Mayorga, standing on a patch of grass near the sprawling mural. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mayorga, a longtime Oakland resident originally from El Salvador, contributed a tree that represents the original people of this land, the Ohlone people. Her painting of a large oak has cultural references etched into the bark. There’s a Chinese dragon, Brazilian flags and an Aztec Quetzalcōātl, as well as a Palestinian keffiyeh, Filipino markings, West African Adinkra symbols, Ethiopian embroidery, a Mayan figure that represents the universe and more.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Mayorga, a longtime Oakland resident originally from El Salvador, contributed a tree that represents the original people of this land, the Ohlone people. Her painting of a large oak has cultural references etched into the bark. There’s a Chinese dragon, Brazilian flags and an Aztec Quetzalcōātl, as well as a Palestinian keffiyeh, Filipino markings, West African Adinkra symbols, Ethiopian embroidery, a Mayan figure that represents the universe and more.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992969\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ernesto Cortes speaks with fellow student Malena Mayorga from Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course as they gather to see their completed mural.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992969\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ernesto Cortes speaks with fellow student Malena Mayorga from Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course as they gather to see their completed mural.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Looking at the bigger picture, Mayorga professes, “We need to be changing the world [and moving] in the direction we want to see.” For her, the mural embodies that idea.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Looking at the bigger picture, Mayorga professes, “We need to be changing the world [and moving] in the direction we want to see.” For her, the mural embodies that idea.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The artists had to first agree on what the mural would collectively depict, and then design their individual contributions before placing them on a wall. They made minor miscalculations and adjusted them along the way.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The artists had to first agree on what the mural would collectively depict, and then design their individual contributions before placing them on a wall. They made minor miscalculations and adjusted them along the way.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992955\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sketches for a mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 course.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992955\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sketches for a mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 course.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The end result is a towering community collage that illustrates the importance of community college. It stands about a paint bucket-toss from the Peralta District headquarters, a place that has recently dealt with a storm of budgetary issues.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Recently, California’s community colleges lost the support of \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/education/2025/06/california-bay-area-community-colleges-funding-formula/\">a cost-of-living fund\u003c/a>, and the Peralta School District dealt with a $11.8 million deficit by cutting numerous classes and over 60 positions. This past spring they began closing \u003ca href=\"https://peraltacitizen.com/2026/02/03/laney-college-tower-to-retire/\">the Laney tower building\u003c/a>, and in June they agreed to \u003ca href=\"https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/peralta/Board.nsf/files/DURLE55624C7/$file/25_26-212%20RESOLUTION%20AFFIRMING%20THE%20DISTRICT%20TRANSFORMATION%20PLAN%20AND%20THE%20CREATION%20OF%20OAKLAND%20CITY%20COLLEGE.pdf\">move forward with a plan to consolidate two schools\u003c/a> — Merritt and Laney — under one umbrella, Oakland City College. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Recently, California’s community colleges lost the support of \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/education/2025/06/california-bay-area-community-colleges-funding-formula/\">a cost-of-living fund\u003c/a>, and the Peralta School District dealt with a $11.8 million deficit by cutting numerous classes and over 60 positions. This past spring they began closing \u003ca href=\"https://peraltacitizen.com/2026/02/03/laney-college-tower-to-retire/\">the Laney tower building\u003c/a>, and in June they agreed to \u003ca href=\"https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/peralta/Board.nsf/files/DURLE55624C7/$file/25_26-212%20RESOLUTION%20AFFIRMING%20THE%20DISTRICT%20TRANSFORMATION%20PLAN%20AND%20THE%20CREATION%20OF%20OAKLAND%20CITY%20COLLEGE.pdf\">move forward with a plan to consolidate two schools\u003c/a> — Merritt and Laney — under one umbrella, Oakland City College. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Despite the instability, this summer voters overwhelmingly approved a nine-year \u003ca href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Peralta_Community_College_District,_California,_Measure_A,_Reauthorize_Parcel_Tax_to_Fund_Community_Colleges_Measure_(June_2026)\">parcel tax\u003c/a> to help fund the district, easing the tension and assuring students that the district plans on remaining affordable and accessible.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Despite the instability, this summer voters overwhelmingly approved a nine-year \u003ca href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Peralta_Community_College_District,_California,_Measure_A,_Reauthorize_Parcel_Tax_to_Fund_Community_Colleges_Measure_(June_2026)\">parcel tax\u003c/a> to help fund the district, easing the tension and assuring students that the district plans on remaining affordable and accessible.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992973\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Emilio Hernandez looks at the mural he helped paint during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The class of muralists reflects the wide array of reasons people choose to pursue their education at a community college. Some students are dealing with housing insecurity and physical health issues. Some are elders finally prioritizing art careers, and others are young students chasing their creative dreams. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Twenty-year-old \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/vintage.vrtbre\">Kiana Tondre\u003c/a>, born and raised in Oakland, is a studio arts major at San Francisco State University. Partially inspired by her grandfather, a former California College of the Arts and Crafts professor, Tondre has long known that she’s an artist. And after taking this course at Laney over the past two summers, she honed in on murals as her preferred format. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Twenty-year-old \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/vintage.vrtbre\">Kiana Tondre\u003c/a>, born and raised in Oakland, is a studio arts major at San Francisco State University. Partially inspired by her grandfather, a former California College of the Arts and Crafts professor, Tondre has long known that she’s an artist. And after taking this course at Laney over the past two summers, she honed in on murals as her preferred format. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992957\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Student Kiana Tondre and instructor Fredericko Alvarado prepare to touch up a mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992956\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Student Kiana Tondre and instructor Fredericko Alvarado prepare paint for a mural touch-up.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992956\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Student Kiana Tondre and instructor Fredericko Alvarado prepare paint for a mural touch-up.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Through the class she got connected to the legendary community arts organization \u003ca href=\"https://www.precitaeyes.org/\">Precita Eyes\u003c/a>, as well as a world of students she wouldn’t have met at her more expensive four-year college.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Through the class she got connected to the legendary community arts organization \u003ca href=\"https://www.precitaeyes.org/\">Precita Eyes\u003c/a>, as well as a world of students she wouldn’t have met at her more expensive four-year college.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>”In terms of community, I think Laney brings people together a lot more,” Tondre says. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tondre painted a beautifully stoic Iranian dancer, an image that’s emblematic of a group of women who are “very misrepresented,” she explains. An Iranian woman herself, Tondre imagined the design as an homage to her grandmother. “She is kind of like one of the guardians to the mural,” Tondre says.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Tondre painted a beautifully stoic Iranian dancer, an image that’s emblematic of a group of women who are “very misrepresented,” she explains. An Iranian woman herself, Tondre imagined the design as an homage to her grandmother. “She is kind of like one of the guardians to the mural,” Tondre says.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992964\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Qi Han takes a photo of Kiana Tondre in front of the section of the mural she created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course in Oakland on Aug. 14, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On the other side of that stands Ernesto Cortes’ painting based on an old photo of his nephew, who began learning about traditional Aztec dances and culture at nine years old. Cortes tells KQED in Spanish that his nephew is now a young adult, and teaches cultural classes at the college level. Noting the importance of remaining steadfast in your calling and cultural pride, despite racism and other oppressive forces, Cortes says he had to honor his nephew’s vision.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>On the other side of that stands Ernesto Cortes’ painting based on an old photo of his nephew, who began learning about traditional Aztec dances and culture at nine years old. Cortes tells KQED in Spanish that his nephew is now a young adult, and teaches cultural classes at the college level. Noting the importance of remaining steadfast in your calling and cultural pride, despite racism and other oppressive forces, Cortes says he had to honor his nephew’s vision.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Below Cortes’ dancing nephew, depicted in vibrant shades of green and blue, are the Ngíva words for grass and water. And to the righthand side of that image is a mocha-colored owl with spread wings and huge eyes, painted by traditionally trained fine artist \u003ca href=\"https://hanqiart.com/\">Qi Han\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Below Cortes’ dancing nephew, depicted in vibrant shades of green and blue, are the Ngíva words for grass and water. And to the righthand side of that image is a mocha-colored owl with spread wings and huge eyes, painted by traditionally trained fine artist \u003ca href=\"https://hanqiart.com/\">Qi Han\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992972\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ernesto Cortes speaks with fellow student Qi Han.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Before taking Alvarado’s class, Han had never painted a mural. Now, she’s already completed a second one through connections she made in the class. “Yeah, I think I’m hooked,” says Han.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Before taking Alvarado’s class, Han had never painted a mural. Now, she’s already completed a second one through connections she made in the class. “Yeah, I think I’m hooked,” says Han.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When you do a mural,” the Chinese-born artist reflects, “so many people can get to enjoy it. It’s just a different kind of art.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It also takes more people to make it. “The project is very big, you cannot do it by yourself,” Han says. “So you really have to work with other people.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Puerto Rican artist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/liodez\">Emilio Hernandez\u003c/a> says this is the most diverse group of people he’s ever worked with. Not just a variety of ethnicities, but ages, expertise and interests in the craft. “There are students who are there just to dip their toes in art,” he says, “then there are artists like myself, who’ve been doing it for a few years.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Puerto Rican artist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/liodez\">Emilio Hernandez\u003c/a> says this is the most diverse group of people he’s ever worked with. Not just a variety of ethnicities, but ages, expertise and interests in the craft. “There are students who are there just to dip their toes in art,” he says, “then there are artists like myself, who’ve been doing it for a few years.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-09-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992959\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Emilio Hernandez prepares to touch up a mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He enjoyed the view from the towering machines, but the labor was rigorous, the schedule was stressful and racist interactions were pervasive. A lingering injury from a car accident years ago prompted him to save money, walk away from the job and return to art school.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Not easy for a married father of four, especially after he’d already gone through the Bay Area housing ringer. After facing a couple of eviction notices and multiple slumlords, he and his family ended up squatting in an abandoned apartment building. Hernandez used his painting abilities to renovate the spot with the help of a few others. Backed by the \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaclt.org/\">Bay Area Community Land Trust\u003c/a>, he and the residents of the apartment building successfully earned the right to stay in their home on \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaclt.org/our-houses/12th-ave\">12th Avenue\u003c/a>, not far from the mural.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Not easy for a married father of four, especially after he’d already gone through the Bay Area housing ringer. After facing a couple of eviction notices and multiple slumlords, he and his family ended up squatting in an abandoned apartment building. Hernandez used his painting abilities to renovate the spot with the help of a few others. Backed by the \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaclt.org/\">Bay Area Community Land Trust\u003c/a>, he and the residents of the apartment building successfully earned the right to stay in their home on \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaclt.org/our-houses/12th-ave\">12th Avenue\u003c/a>, not far from the mural.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hernandez wanted to paint the mural’s black panther “as close to the sun as possible” to uplift Black and brown people’s legacy of activism. “I don’t want the children to be raised and not know the history of where we came from and what got us to get to where we’re at today,” he explains. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Hernandez wanted to paint the mural’s black panther “as close to the sun as possible” to uplift Black and brown people’s legacy of activism. “I don’t want the children to be raised and not know the history of where we came from and what got us to get to where we’re at today,” he explains. \u003c/p>\n"
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-11-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992961\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Emilio Hernandez touches up a section of the mural he created.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992962\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Instructor Fredericko Alvarado (left) and student Emilio Hernandez prepare to touch up the mural.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992962\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Instructor Fredericko Alvarado (left) and student Emilio Hernandez prepare to touch up the mural.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When he shared his stance with the class early in the semester, the discussion resulted in a bit of friction among students. But the tough conversation paid dividends in the end. “I couldn’t believe that we were having a civil conversation with a lot of tension,” Hernandez reflects, “and we ended it at peace.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>When he shared his stance with the class early in the semester, the discussion resulted in a bit of friction among students. But the tough conversation paid dividends in the end. “I couldn’t believe that we were having a civil conversation with a lot of tension,” Hernandez reflects, “and we ended it at peace.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/lamakina510/\">Makina\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/shishi.madriz/\">Shi Shi\u003c/a>, two mural-painting vets who volunteered with this summer’s class, agree that creating art with a collective is a surefire way to get artists in conversation and out of their silos. Shi Shi, who is also a dancer and tattoo artist from Berkeley, originally took the Peralta college class with late artist and professor \u003ca href=\"https://missionlocal.org/2024/04/ray-patlan-mayor-of-balmy-alley-dies/\">Ray Patlán\u003c/a>. Proud that Alvarado is continuing the class’ legacy, Shi Shi highlights how it contributes to the region’s larger artist ecosystem.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/lamakina510/\">Makina\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/shishi.madriz/\">Shi Shi\u003c/a>, two mural-painting vets who volunteered with this summer’s class, agree that creating art with a collective is a surefire way to get artists in conversation and out of their silos. Shi Shi, who is also a dancer and tattoo artist from Berkeley, originally took the Peralta college class with late artist and professor \u003ca href=\"https://missionlocal.org/2024/04/ray-patlan-mayor-of-balmy-alley-dies/\">Ray Patlán\u003c/a>. Proud that Alvarado is continuing the class’ legacy, Shi Shi highlights how it contributes to the region’s larger artist ecosystem.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When I took that class,” she says, “I met other artists, and also tapped in with other maestros and maestras here in the Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“When I took that class,” she says, “I met other artists, and also tapped in with other maestros and maestras here in the Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Makina concurs, noting that the class is a catalyst for creatives to “think bigger about the impact of your arts.” Public art can inspire “community dialogue around the visual landscape of your neighborhood, around the way your city is represented and the cultural equity that it offers,” she says. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Makina concurs, noting that the class is a catalyst for creatives to “think bigger about the impact of your arts.” Public art can inspire “community dialogue around the visual landscape of your neighborhood, around the way your city is represented and the cultural equity that it offers,” she says. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992967\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mural advisor Makina speaks with students from Laney College’s ART 129 course.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992967\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mural advisor Makina speaks with students from Laney College’s ART 129 course.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Donald Diggs, a 72-year-old Monterey-raised returning student, says his life changed when he found the world of public art. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I happened to be incarcerated for 43 years,” Diggs shares, explaining that he got bit by the creative bug while taking classes through the \u003ca href=\"https://williamjamesassociation.org/\">William James Association\u003c/a> in prison. “I just focused on art and it was like my escape.” For four decades he sat behind bars, working mostly with ceramics. After his release he joined the Peralta college network, signing up for Alvarado’s class only a few months after his return.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I happened to be incarcerated for 43 years,” Diggs shares, explaining that he got bit by the creative bug while taking classes through the \u003ca href=\"https://williamjamesassociation.org/\">William James Association\u003c/a> in prison. “I just focused on art and it was like my escape.” For four decades he sat behind bars, working mostly with ceramics. After his release he joined the Peralta college network, signing up for Alvarado’s class only a few months after his return.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He showed up and morally supported the group this year after helping paint last year’s piece — an adjacent mural that’s roughly a quarter of the size of this year’s mural. “Art school,” Diggs says with an exhale, “was probably the best choice I could have made. And God has been blessing me ever since, so I just keep doing it.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>He showed up and morally supported the group this year after helping paint last year’s piece — an adjacent mural that’s roughly a quarter of the size of this year’s mural. “Art school,” Diggs says with an exhale, “was probably the best choice I could have made. And God has been blessing me ever since, so I just keep doing it.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Each semester, Alvarado, the instructor, designs the class slightly differently, but he keeps the “scaffolding” the same. It’s hard to fail, he admits, no matter your skill level. “Active engagement, being present, participating and just trying” are his grading criteria. “I don’t judge too much on aesthetics,” he says.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Alvarado, who took over the class just as pandemic restrictions lifted, says he’s seen how the student artists have created their own community.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Laney now has their own art club,” Alvarado says, referring to the newly-founded \u003ca href=\"https://linktr.ee/societyofartistsandmakers\">Society of Artists & Markers\u003c/a>. With an email list of over 100 artists, the collective has already held two art openings since it began last spring, and a handful of Alvarado’s students are in the mix.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Laney now has their own art club,” Alvarado says, referring to the newly-founded \u003ca href=\"https://linktr.ee/societyofartistsandmakers\">Society of Artists & Markers\u003c/a>. With an email list of over 100 artists, the collective has already held two art openings since it began last spring, and a handful of Alvarado’s students are in the mix.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992966\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Students and volunteers from Laney College’s ART 129 mural summer course gather for a group photo in front of their completed mural.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“In reality,” Alvarado concludes, “the community college belongs to everybody, right? So it should always be available to folks in some sort of way.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Community college students of all ages and cultural backgrounds came together to paint the vibrant wall on 5th Avenue. ",
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"title": "A Massive New Oakland Mural Inspires Lasting Friendships and New Life Callings | KQED",
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"headline": "A Massive New Oakland Mural Inspires Lasting Friendships and New Life Callings",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/findingyourpeople\">Finding Your People\u003c/a>, a series celebrating the Bay Area’s meetups and subcultures that bring people together IRL in an increasingly online world.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s a new gigantic work of art on 5th Avenue in Oakland, and it’s as colorful as the community that created it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sorbet-like shades of yellow and red provide a background for an array of flora. An Iranian dancer in orange strikes a fierce pose on one side. And on the other, a young Aztec dancer with piercing eyes holds a drum. Double meanings and secret messages are interlaced throughout the piece.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Painted on a Peralta Community College District warehouse, the mural centers the four school mascots from the network of East Bay junior colleges: a Merritt College black panther, a Berkeley City College owl, a College of Alameda cougar and a Laney College eagle.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992971\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ernesto Cortes (left) and instructor Fredericko Alvarado touch up a mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course in Oakland. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Roughly 20 students and a handful of volunteers painted the murals as part of \u003ca href=\"https://laney.edu/news/unity-through-diversity-mural-celebrates-oakland-education-community\">Laney’s Art 129 summer course\u003c/a>. It covers the broadside of a nondescript building, visible to a steady flow of thousands of daily commuters on 5th Avenue and Interstate 880.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This undertaking shows the power of individuals coming together in pursuit of a simple lesson in art. When they signed up for the class, they knew they’d create a gigantic mural. What they didn’t realize was that they’d also walk away with cross-cultural connections and lasting bonds with dope artists that go beyond paint on a wall.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Mural making is a cross-section between labor, psychotherapy, art making and community work,” says instructor \u003ca href=\"https://fredalvaradoarchives.space/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAae14fUv8GL1aoaws95Lc4vfKaUaVlLIo8WvWSMBoxZy4vGRxISkLOIpMlyalg_aem_vFPtRnB2d61orrWem_4YVA\">Fredericko Alvarado\u003c/a>, who has taught the class for the past four years. All of this happens at once, he stresses while painting in the sun. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s labor-intensive and heavy on the body,” adds Alvarado, a longtime muralist himself, “especially at the scale that we were working.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992958\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(From left) Ernesto Cortes, Fredericko Alvarado and Emilio Hernandez look at the mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course after a fence blocking it from view was removed in Oakland on Aug. 18, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Yet according to his students, the hard work pays off.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m finally giving myself permission to go to art school,” says Malena Mayorga, standing on a patch of grass near the sprawling mural. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mayorga, a longtime Oakland resident originally from El Salvador, contributed a tree that represents the original people of this land, the Ohlone people. Her painting of a large oak has cultural references etched into the bark. There’s a Chinese dragon, Brazilian flags and an Aztec Quetzalcōātl, as well as a Palestinian keffiyeh, Filipino markings, West African Adinkra symbols, Ethiopian embroidery, a Mayan figure that represents the universe and more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992969\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-04-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ernesto Cortes speaks with fellow student Malena Mayorga from Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course as they gather to see their completed mural. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Looking at the bigger picture, Mayorga professes, “We need to be changing the world [and moving] in the direction we want to see.” For her, the mural embodies that idea.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The artists had to first agree on what the mural would collectively depict, and then design their individual contributions before placing them on a wall. They made minor miscalculations and adjusted them along the way.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992955\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992955\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sketches for a mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 course. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992954\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-01-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992954\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-01-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-01-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-01-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-01-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A completed sketch of the mural. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The end result is a towering community collage that illustrates the importance of community college. It stands about a paint bucket-toss from the Peralta District headquarters, a place that has recently dealt with a storm of budgetary issues.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Recently, California’s community colleges lost the support of \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/education/2025/06/california-bay-area-community-colleges-funding-formula/\">a cost-of-living fund\u003c/a>, and the Peralta School District dealt with a $11.8 million deficit by cutting numerous classes and over 60 positions. This past spring they began closing \u003ca href=\"https://peraltacitizen.com/2026/02/03/laney-college-tower-to-retire/\">the Laney tower building\u003c/a>, and in June they agreed to \u003ca href=\"https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/peralta/Board.nsf/files/DURLE55624C7/%24file/25_26-212%20RESOLUTION%20AFFIRMING%20THE%20DISTRICT%20TRANSFORMATION%20PLAN%20AND%20THE%20CREATION%20OF%20OAKLAND%20CITY%20COLLEGE.pdf\">move forward with a plan to consolidate two schools\u003c/a> — Merritt and Laney — under one umbrella, Oakland City College. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Despite the instability, this summer voters overwhelmingly approved a nine-year \u003ca href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Peralta_Community_College_District,_California,_Measure_A,_Reauthorize_Parcel_Tax_to_Fund_Community_Colleges_Measure_(June_2026)\">parcel tax\u003c/a> to help fund the district, easing the tension and assuring students that the district plans on remaining affordable and accessible.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992973\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-20-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Emilio Hernandez looks at the mural he helped paint during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>The class of muralists reflects the wide array of reasons people choose to pursue their education at a community college. Some students are dealing with housing insecurity and physical health issues. Some are elders finally prioritizing art careers, and others are young students chasing their creative dreams. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Twenty-year-old \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/vintage.vrtbre\">Kiana Tondre\u003c/a>, born and raised in Oakland, is a studio arts major at San Francisco State University. Partially inspired by her grandfather, a former California College of the Arts and Crafts professor, Tondre has long known that she’s an artist. And after taking this course at Laney over the past two summers, she honed in on murals as her preferred format. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is what I want to do with my life,” she says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992957\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-06-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Student Kiana Tondre and instructor Fredericko Alvarado prepare to touch up a mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992956\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-05-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Student Kiana Tondre and instructor Fredericko Alvarado prepare paint for a mural touch-up. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Through the class she got connected to the legendary community arts organization \u003ca href=\"https://www.precitaeyes.org/\">Precita Eyes\u003c/a>, as well as a world of students she wouldn’t have met at her more expensive four-year college.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>”In terms of community, I think Laney brings people together a lot more,” Tondre says. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tondre painted a beautifully stoic Iranian dancer, an image that’s emblematic of a group of women who are “very misrepresented,” she explains. An Iranian woman herself, Tondre imagined the design as an homage to her grandmother. “She is kind of like one of the guardians to the mural,” Tondre says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992964\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-08-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Qi Han takes a photo of Kiana Tondre in front of the section of the mural she created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course in Oakland on Aug. 14, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>On the other side of that stands Ernesto Cortes’ painting based on an old photo of his nephew, who began learning about traditional Aztec dances and culture at nine years old. Cortes tells KQED in Spanish that his nephew is now a young adult, and teaches cultural classes at the college level. Noting the importance of remaining steadfast in your calling and cultural pride, despite racism and other oppressive forces, Cortes says he had to honor his nephew’s vision.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Below Cortes’ dancing nephew, depicted in vibrant shades of green and blue, are the Ngíva words for grass and water. And to the righthand side of that image is a mocha-colored owl with spread wings and huge eyes, painted by traditionally trained fine artist \u003ca href=\"https://hanqiart.com/\">Qi Han\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-21-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992974\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-21-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-21-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-21-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-21-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ernesto Cortes touches up a section of the mural he created. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992972\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-03-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ernesto Cortes speaks with fellow student Qi Han. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Before taking Alvarado’s class, Han had never painted a mural. Now, she’s already completed a second one through connections she made in the class. “Yeah, I think I’m hooked,” says Han.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When you do a mural,” the Chinese-born artist reflects, “so many people can get to enjoy it. It’s just a different kind of art.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It also takes more people to make it. “The project is very big, you cannot do it by yourself,” Han says. “So you really have to work with other people.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Puerto Rican artist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/liodez\">Emilio Hernandez\u003c/a> says this is the most diverse group of people he’s ever worked with. Not just a variety of ethnicities, but ages, expertise and interests in the craft. “There are students who are there just to dip their toes in art,” he says, “then there are artists like myself, who’ve been doing it for a few years.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hernandez spent a decade working as a commercial painter, specializing in coating metal surfaces and scaling huge items. His second job was painting the cranes at the Port of Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992959\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-09-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992959\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-09-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-09-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-09-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-09-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Emilio Hernandez prepares to touch up a mural created during Laney College’s ART 129 summer mural course. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992960\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-10-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992960\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-10-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-10-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-10-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-10-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Emilio Hernandez works on a section of the mural he created. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He enjoyed the view from the towering machines, but the labor was rigorous, the schedule was stressful and racist interactions were pervasive. A lingering injury from a car accident years ago prompted him to save money, walk away from the job and return to art school.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Not easy for a married father of four, especially after he’d already gone through the Bay Area housing ringer. After facing a couple of eviction notices and multiple slumlords, he and his family ended up squatting in an abandoned apartment building. Hernandez used his painting abilities to renovate the spot with the help of a few others. Backed by the \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaclt.org/\">Bay Area Community Land Trust\u003c/a>, he and the residents of the apartment building successfully earned the right to stay in their home on \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaclt.org/our-houses/12th-ave\">12th Avenue\u003c/a>, not far from the mural.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hernandez wanted to paint the mural’s black panther “as close to the sun as possible” to uplift Black and brown people’s legacy of activism. “I don’t want the children to be raised and not know the history of where we came from and what got us to get to where we’re at today,” he explains. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-11-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992961\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-11-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-11-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-11-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-11-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Emilio Hernandez touches up a section of the mural he created. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992962\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-14-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Instructor Fredericko Alvarado (left) and student Emilio Hernandez prepare to touch up the mural. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>When he shared his stance with the class early in the semester, the discussion resulted in a bit of friction among students. But the tough conversation paid dividends in the end. “I couldn’t believe that we were having a civil conversation with a lot of tension,” Hernandez reflects, “and we ended it at peace.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/lamakina510/\">Makina\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/shishi.madriz/\">Shi Shi\u003c/a>, two mural-painting vets who volunteered with this summer’s class, agree that creating art with a collective is a surefire way to get artists in conversation and out of their silos. Shi Shi, who is also a dancer and tattoo artist from Berkeley, originally took the Peralta college class with late artist and professor \u003ca href=\"https://missionlocal.org/2024/04/ray-patlan-mayor-of-balmy-alley-dies/\">Ray Patlán\u003c/a>. Proud that Alvarado is continuing the class’ legacy, Shi Shi highlights how it contributes to the region’s larger artist ecosystem.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When I took that class,” she says, “I met other artists, and also tapped in with other maestros and maestras here in the Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Makina concurs, noting that the class is a catalyst for creatives to “think bigger about the impact of your arts.” Public art can inspire “community dialogue around the visual landscape of your neighborhood, around the way your city is represented and the cultural equity that it offers,” she says. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992967\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-19-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mural advisor Makina speaks with students from Laney College’s ART 129 course. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Donald Diggs, a 72-year-old Monterey-raised returning student, says his life changed when he found the world of public art. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I happened to be incarcerated for 43 years,” Diggs shares, explaining that he got bit by the creative bug while taking classes through the \u003ca href=\"https://williamjamesassociation.org/\">William James Association\u003c/a> in prison. “I just focused on art and it was like my escape.” For four decades he sat behind bars, working mostly with ceramics. After his release he joined the Peralta college network, signing up for Alvarado’s class only a few months after his return.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He showed up and morally supported the group this year after helping paint last year’s piece — an adjacent mural that’s roughly a quarter of the size of this year’s mural. “Art school,” Diggs says with an exhale, “was probably the best choice I could have made. And God has been blessing me ever since, so I just keep doing it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Each semester, Alvarado, the instructor, designs the class slightly differently, but he keeps the “scaffolding” the same. It’s hard to fail, he admits, no matter your skill level. “Active engagement, being present, participating and just trying” are his grading criteria. “I don’t judge too much on aesthetics,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-15-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992963\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-15-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-15-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-15-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260818-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-15-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Instructor Fredericko Alvarado (left) and student Emilio Hernandez prepare paint. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Alvarado, who took over the class just as pandemic restrictions lifted, says he’s seen how the student artists have created their own community.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Laney now has their own art club,” Alvarado says, referring to the newly-founded \u003ca href=\"https://linktr.ee/societyofartistsandmakers\">Society of Artists & Markers\u003c/a>. With an email list of over 100 artists, the collective has already held two art openings since it began last spring, and a handful of Alvarado’s students are in the mix.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The beauty of the art club, much like his class, is the variety of work and different perspectives it offers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992966\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260814-FYP-CommunityCollegeArtClass-16-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Students and volunteers from Laney College’s ART 129 mural summer course gather for a group photo in front of their completed mural. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“Our classes are always filled or overfilled,” Alvarado says, explaining that the art department is always thinking of new ways to leverage access to resources and studio space for students in the Peralta system.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In reality,” Alvarado concludes, “the community college belongs to everybody, right? So it should always be available to folks in some sort of way.”\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "bape-block-party-san-francisco-union-square",
"title": "A BAPE Block Party and the Changing Face of San Francisco’s Union Square",
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"headTitle": "A BAPE Block Party and the Changing Face of San Francisco’s Union Square | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>At the turn of the millennium, BAPE had the hip-hop world in a veritable headlock. Now, the Japanese streetwear brand has \u003ca href=\"https://us.bape.com/pages/bape-in-the-bay\">a San Francisco storefront\u003c/a>. Their Union Square location soft-launched over the summer, and this Saturday, Aug. 22, its celebrates its official grand opening with a block party.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The brick-and-mortar shop will open at 10 a.m. — earlier than usual — while the block party, just around the corner, will run from 1 p.m.–5 p.m. The free, all-ages event features a live performance from \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/p-lo\">Pinole rapper-producer P-Lo\u003c/a>, as well as DJ sets from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/cydneychristine/?hl=en\">Lil CC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/shabazzo/?hl=en\">Shabazz\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13956839/dj-d-sharp\">DJ D Sharp\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ll also be restocking all of our sold-out SF BAPE merch,” adds the store’s assistant manager, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/antbankx/\">Ant Bankx\u003c/a>, referring to the special San Francisco-branded apparel that flew off shelves as soon as the store opened. “We’ve had a line every day, out the store,” Bankx attests. “Even for BAPE, that’s not normal.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1337\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993110\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315-1536x1027.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Designer Ant Bankx says San Francisco fashion is thriving, but too often overlooked. (Pendarvis Harshaw/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The company, founded in 1993 by fashion designer \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/nigo/?hl=en\">Nigo\u003c/a>, has long been a standard of urban wear. By opening a store in Union Square, Bankx says, San Francisco’s fashion scene is getting the recognition it deserves.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ve always been here,” says Bankx, “and we’ve always had a voice.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Raised in Richmond, Bankx has styled some of the Bay’s top entertainers, including Rexx Life Raj and Ovrkast. Co-producer of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/cafe_gumbo/\">Cafe Gumbo\u003c/a> streetwear pop-up series, Bankx has also worked with local and nationally recognized brands and retailers, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandish.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19573623042&gbraid=0AAAAADtk0K2CZWJkeivHVJmKH6XT5LS14&gclid=CjwKCAjwy5rUBhB5EiwAIoAtChymH-kRB7MBeeQiFfx6aEmwajIVNvkdcXbMMGqjzCnDPwF94ZQmzBoCKY4QAvD_BwE\">Oaklandish\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"http://instagram.com/thestashed/?hl=en\">STASHED SF\u003c/a> and the high-end consignment shop \u003ca href=\"https://shoprelove.com/\">ReLove\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Steeped in Bay Area culture and the world of fashion, Bankx knows all about what’s impeding the region from being credited as a hub for stylish apparel and fly garments.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“People want fashion to look like how fashion looks everywhere,” he says — but the Bay Area has always developed a style of its own. “It’s not on anyone else’s terms. We’re not imitating New York or Los Angeles, we’re out here doing our own thing. Setting our own vibe.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993099\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Union Square in downtown San Francisco, pictured on January 22, 2026. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Along with the notion that people aren’t \u003cem>getting fits off\u003c/em> in the Bay, there’s also a reputation that Union Square is trying to shed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 2024 attempted robbery and shooting of \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47150842/ricky-pearsall-recounts-shooting-want-live-happy-life\">49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall\u003c/a> in the area, plus a series of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11897148/rash-of-organized-weekend-robberies-target-luxury-stores-across-the-bay-area\">smash-and-grab robberies\u003c/a> at luxury retail stores in 2021, plagued the “brand” of Union Square. While reports of these incidents were accurate, Bankx says the tone online quickly became sensationalized. “Everybody focuses on the negative,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Last year, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-builds-on-downtown-public-safety-progress-with-safety-improvements-ahead-of-busy-holiday-shopping-season\">San Francisco reported\u003c/a> a 40% drop in crime in the area. That came on the heels of a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11961449/california-targets-smash-and-grabs-with-267-million-program-aimed-at-brazen-store-thefts\">$267 million dollar\u003c/a> California Highway Patrol program announced in 2023, which aimed to crack down on robberies at shopping areas across the state. And in 2025, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie implemented a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/mayor-lurie-launches-sfpd-hospitality-task-force-major-new-effort-to-strengthen-public-safety-drive-economic-comeback\">SFPD Hospitality Task Force\u003c/a>, created specifically to “improve public safety, boost tourism and drive economic recovery in key commercial area(s),” including Union Square.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Much like the rest of downtown San Francisco, Union Square is in a state of transition. Since 2020, \u003ca href=\"https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/25/union-square-stores-closing-san-francisco/\">more than 15 stores\u003c/a>, ranging from DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) to Saks Fifth Avenue, have left the area. At one point, even Macy’s threatened to vacate its flagship store on the square. This year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101912760/what-should-replace-san-francisco-centre\">closure of San Francisco’s largest mall\u003c/a>, three blocks away, didn’t help. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But in the wake of the mass exodus, new stores have appeared, including \u003ca class=\"\" href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/viral-toy-store-quietly-opens-bay-area-20771398.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pop Mart\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2025/08/06/moscot-union-square-geary-fillmore-luxury-eyewear.html\">Moscot\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/zara-open-new-flagship-store-san-francisco-union-square/3839664/\">Zara\u003c/a> and a \u003ca href=\"https://abc7news.com/post/nintendo-san-francisco-opens-doors-bringing-gaming-world-union-square-2nd-us-location/16426508/\">Nintendo\u003c/a> store.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2252688144.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993100\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2252688144.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2252688144-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2252688144-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2252688144-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shoppers wait in the rain outside of the Pop Mart store in San Francisco’s Union Square on Dec. 23, 2025. (Aidin Vaziri/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“San Francisco is making a conscious effort to put these things here,” says Bankx, describing it as not just post-pandemic rebuilding, but building better. “And I think BAPE was one of those early pieces to fall into place.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With a SUPREME store just minutes away, Bankx sees “synergy within the culture.” Other major brands like \u003ca href=\"https://sfstandard.com/2026/07/28/kith-streetwear-union-square-sf/\">Kith\u003c/a> also have plans to open stores downtown. With the influx, San Francisco itself is rebranding. The question is: Will it have a lasting impact or will it fold during the next economic downturn?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You don’t really know if it’s going to work until you see,” says Bankx.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Given the lines out of the BAPE store and the demand for regionally specific merch — and what’s sure to be a large crowd at Saturday’s event — there’s clearly a healthy market for fashion in Frisco.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The \u003ca href=\"https://us.bape.com/pages/bape-in-the-bay?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAae0M6GhQgGtgkmjghveF5i_h3pDDQwhLHpxOu0nYy9Ntn8TeCXVPrNiNU5zOA_aem_NmsTk4RfxOdmjDS_8ZeBtw&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3\">BAPE in the Bay\u003c/a> block party takes place on Saturday, Aug. 22, \u003cem>1–5 p.m. \u003c/em>at Union Square Plaza (216 Stockton St., San Francisco). \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DcMQjTDs55z/\">Check here for more information.\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At the turn of the millennium, BAPE had the hip-hop world in a veritable headlock. Now, the Japanese streetwear brand has \u003ca href=\"https://us.bape.com/pages/bape-in-the-bay\">a San Francisco storefront\u003c/a>. Their Union Square location soft-launched over the summer, and this Saturday, Aug. 22, its celebrates its official grand opening with a block party.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>At the turn of the millennium, BAPE had the hip-hop world in a veritable headlock. Now, the Japanese streetwear brand has \u003ca href=\"https://us.bape.com/pages/bape-in-the-bay\">a San Francisco storefront\u003c/a>. Their Union Square location soft-launched over the summer, and this Saturday, Aug. 22, its celebrates its official grand opening with a block party.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The brick-and-mortar shop will open at 10 a.m. — earlier than usual — while the block party, just around the corner, will run from 1 p.m.–5 p.m. The free, all-ages event features a live performance from \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/p-lo\">Pinole rapper-producer P-Lo\u003c/a>, as well as DJ sets from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/cydneychristine/?hl=en\">Lil CC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/shabazzo/?hl=en\">Shabazz\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13956839/dj-d-sharp\">DJ D Sharp\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The brick-and-mortar shop will open at 10 a.m. — earlier than usual — while the block party, just around the corner, will run from 1 p.m.–5 p.m. The free, all-ages event features a live performance from \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/p-lo\">Pinole rapper-producer P-Lo\u003c/a>, as well as DJ sets from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/cydneychristine/?hl=en\">Lil CC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/shabazzo/?hl=en\">Shabazz\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13956839/dj-d-sharp\">DJ D Sharp\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’ll also be restocking all of our sold-out SF BAPE merch,” adds the store’s assistant manager, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/antbankx/\">Ant Bankx\u003c/a>, referring to the special San Francisco-branded apparel that flew off shelves as soon as the store opened. “We’ve had a line every day, out the store,” Bankx attests. “Even for BAPE, that’s not normal.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’ll also be restocking all of our sold-out SF BAPE merch,” adds the store’s assistant manager, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/antbankx/\">Ant Bankx\u003c/a>, referring to the special San Francisco-branded apparel that flew off shelves as soon as the store opened. “We’ve had a line every day, out the store,” Bankx attests. “Even for BAPE, that’s not normal.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993110\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315-1536x1027.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Designer Ant Bankx says San Francisco fashion is thriving, but too often overlooked.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993110\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Designer Ant Bankx says San Francisco fashion is thriving, but too often overlooked.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The company, founded in 1993 by fashion designer \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/nigo/?hl=en\">Nigo\u003c/a>, has long been a standard of urban wear. By opening a store in Union Square, Bankx says, San Francisco’s fashion scene is getting the recognition it deserves.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The company, founded in 1993 by fashion designer \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/nigo/?hl=en\">Nigo\u003c/a>, has long been a standard of urban wear. By opening a store in Union Square, Bankx says, San Francisco’s fashion scene is getting the recognition it deserves.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’ve always been here,” says Bankx, “and we’ve always had a voice.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’ve always been here,” says Bankx, “and we’ve always had a voice.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Raised in Richmond, Bankx has styled some of the Bay’s top entertainers, including Rexx Life Raj and Ovrkast. Co-producer of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/cafe_gumbo/\">Cafe Gumbo\u003c/a> streetwear pop-up series, Bankx has also worked with local and nationally recognized brands and retailers, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandish.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19573623042&gbraid=0AAAAADtk0K2CZWJkeivHVJmKH6XT5LS14&gclid=CjwKCAjwy5rUBhB5EiwAIoAtChymH-kRB7MBeeQiFfx6aEmwajIVNvkdcXbMMGqjzCnDPwF94ZQmzBoCKY4QAvD_BwE\">Oaklandish\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"http://instagram.com/thestashed/?hl=en\">STASHED SF\u003c/a> and the high-end consignment shop \u003ca href=\"https://shoprelove.com/\">ReLove\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Raised in Richmond, Bankx has styled some of the Bay’s top entertainers, including Rexx Life Raj and Ovrkast. Co-producer of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/cafe_gumbo/\">Cafe Gumbo\u003c/a> streetwear pop-up series, Bankx has also worked with local and nationally recognized brands and retailers, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandish.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19573623042&gbraid=0AAAAADtk0K2CZWJkeivHVJmKH6XT5LS14&gclid=CjwKCAjwy5rUBhB5EiwAIoAtChymH-kRB7MBeeQiFfx6aEmwajIVNvkdcXbMMGqjzCnDPwF94ZQmzBoCKY4QAvD_BwE\">Oaklandish\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"http://instagram.com/thestashed/?hl=en\">STASHED SF\u003c/a> and the high-end consignment shop \u003ca href=\"https://shoprelove.com/\">ReLove\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Steeped in Bay Area culture and the world of fashion, Bankx knows all about what’s impeding the region from being credited as a hub for stylish apparel and fly garments.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Steeped in Bay Area culture and the world of fashion, Bankx knows all about what’s impeding the region from being credited as a hub for stylish apparel and fly garments.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“People want fashion to look like how fashion looks everywhere,” he says — but the Bay Area has always developed a style of its own. “It’s not on anyone else’s terms. We’re not imitating New York or Los Angeles, we’re out here doing our own thing. Setting our own vibe.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“People want fashion to look like how fashion looks everywhere,” he says — but the Bay Area has always developed a style of its own. “It’s not on anyone else’s terms. We’re not imitating New York or Los Angeles, we’re out here doing our own thing. Setting our own vibe.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993099\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Union Square in downtown San Francisco, pictured on January 22, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993099\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Union Square in downtown San Francisco, pictured on January 22, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Along with the notion that people aren’t \u003cem>getting fits off\u003c/em> in the Bay, there’s also a reputation that Union Square is trying to shed.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Along with the notion that people aren’t \u003cem>getting fits off\u003c/em> in the Bay, there’s also a reputation that Union Square is trying to shed.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The 2024 attempted robbery and shooting of \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47150842/ricky-pearsall-recounts-shooting-want-live-happy-life\">49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall\u003c/a> in the area, plus a series of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11897148/rash-of-organized-weekend-robberies-target-luxury-stores-across-the-bay-area\">smash-and-grab robberies\u003c/a> at luxury retail stores in 2021, plagued the “brand” of Union Square. While reports of these incidents were accurate, Bankx says the tone online quickly became sensationalized. “Everybody focuses on the negative,” he says.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The 2024 attempted robbery and shooting of \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47150842/ricky-pearsall-recounts-shooting-want-live-happy-life\">49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall\u003c/a> in the area, plus a series of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11897148/rash-of-organized-weekend-robberies-target-luxury-stores-across-the-bay-area\">smash-and-grab robberies\u003c/a> at luxury retail stores in 2021, plagued the “brand” of Union Square. While reports of these incidents were accurate, Bankx says the tone online quickly became sensationalized. “Everybody focuses on the negative,” he says.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Last year, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-builds-on-downtown-public-safety-progress-with-safety-improvements-ahead-of-busy-holiday-shopping-season\">San Francisco reported\u003c/a> a 40% drop in crime in the area. That came on the heels of a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11961449/california-targets-smash-and-grabs-with-267-million-program-aimed-at-brazen-store-thefts\">$267 million dollar\u003c/a> California Highway Patrol program announced in 2023, which aimed to crack down on robberies at shopping areas across the state. And in 2025, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie implemented a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/mayor-lurie-launches-sfpd-hospitality-task-force-major-new-effort-to-strengthen-public-safety-drive-economic-comeback\">SFPD Hospitality Task Force\u003c/a>, created specifically to “improve public safety, boost tourism and drive economic recovery in key commercial area(s),” including Union Square.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Last year, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-builds-on-downtown-public-safety-progress-with-safety-improvements-ahead-of-busy-holiday-shopping-season\">San Francisco reported\u003c/a> a 40% drop in crime in the area. That came on the heels of a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11961449/california-targets-smash-and-grabs-with-267-million-program-aimed-at-brazen-store-thefts\">$267 million dollar\u003c/a> California Highway Patrol program announced in 2023, which aimed to crack down on robberies at shopping areas across the state. And in 2025, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie implemented a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/mayor-lurie-launches-sfpd-hospitality-task-force-major-new-effort-to-strengthen-public-safety-drive-economic-comeback\">SFPD Hospitality Task Force\u003c/a>, created specifically to “improve public safety, boost tourism and drive economic recovery in key commercial area(s),” including Union Square.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Much like the rest of downtown San Francisco, Union Square is in a state of transition. Since 2020, \u003ca href=\"https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/25/union-square-stores-closing-san-francisco/\">more than 15 stores\u003c/a>, ranging from DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) to Saks Fifth Avenue, have left the area. At one point, even Macy’s threatened to vacate its flagship store on the square. This year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101912760/what-should-replace-san-francisco-centre\">closure of San Francisco’s largest mall\u003c/a>, three blocks away, didn’t help. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Much like the rest of downtown San Francisco, Union Square is in a state of transition. Since 2020, \u003ca href=\"https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/25/union-square-stores-closing-san-francisco/\">more than 15 stores\u003c/a>, ranging from DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) to Saks Fifth Avenue, have left the area. At one point, even Macy’s threatened to vacate its flagship store on the square. This year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101912760/what-should-replace-san-francisco-centre\">closure of San Francisco’s largest mall\u003c/a>, three blocks away, didn’t help. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But in the wake of the mass exodus, new stores have appeared, including \u003ca class=\"\" href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/viral-toy-store-quietly-opens-bay-area-20771398.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pop Mart\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2025/08/06/moscot-union-square-geary-fillmore-luxury-eyewear.html\">Moscot\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/zara-open-new-flagship-store-san-francisco-union-square/3839664/\">Zara\u003c/a> and a \u003ca href=\"https://abc7news.com/post/nintendo-san-francisco-opens-doors-bringing-gaming-world-union-square-2nd-us-location/16426508/\">Nintendo\u003c/a> store.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“San Francisco is making a conscious effort to put these things here,” says Bankx, describing it as not just post-pandemic rebuilding, but building better. “And I think BAPE was one of those early pieces to fall into place.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With a SUPREME store just minutes away, Bankx sees “synergy within the culture.” Other major brands like \u003ca href=\"https://sfstandard.com/2026/07/28/kith-streetwear-union-square-sf/\">Kith\u003c/a> also have plans to open stores downtown. With the influx, San Francisco itself is rebranding. The question is: Will it have a lasting impact or will it fold during the next economic downturn?\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>With a SUPREME store just minutes away, Bankx sees “synergy within the culture.” Other major brands like \u003ca href=\"https://sfstandard.com/2026/07/28/kith-streetwear-union-square-sf/\">Kith\u003c/a> also have plans to open stores downtown. With the influx, San Francisco itself is rebranding. The question is: Will it have a lasting impact or will it fold during the next economic downturn?\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Given the lines out of the BAPE store and the demand for regionally specific merch — and what’s sure to be a large crowd at Saturday’s event — there’s clearly a healthy market for fashion in Frisco.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The \u003ca href=\"https://us.bape.com/pages/bape-in-the-bay?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAae0M6GhQgGtgkmjghveF5i_h3pDDQwhLHpxOu0nYy9Ntn8TeCXVPrNiNU5zOA_aem_NmsTk4RfxOdmjDS_8ZeBtw&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3\">BAPE in the Bay\u003c/a> block party takes place on Saturday, Aug. 22, \u003cem>1–5 p.m. \u003c/em>at Union Square Plaza (216 Stockton St., San Francisco). \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DcMQjTDs55z/\">Check here for more information.\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The clothing brand’s opening celebration with P-Lo and others comes amid a rebranding of the area.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>At the turn of the millennium, BAPE had the hip-hop world in a veritable headlock. Now, the Japanese streetwear brand has \u003ca href=\"https://us.bape.com/pages/bape-in-the-bay\">a San Francisco storefront\u003c/a>. Their Union Square location soft-launched over the summer, and this Saturday, Aug. 22, its celebrates its official grand opening with a block party.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The brick-and-mortar shop will open at 10 a.m. — earlier than usual — while the block party, just around the corner, will run from 1 p.m.–5 p.m. The free, all-ages event features a live performance from \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/p-lo\">Pinole rapper-producer P-Lo\u003c/a>, as well as DJ sets from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/cydneychristine/?hl=en\">Lil CC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/shabazzo/?hl=en\">Shabazz\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13956839/dj-d-sharp\">DJ D Sharp\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ll also be restocking all of our sold-out SF BAPE merch,” adds the store’s assistant manager, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/antbankx/\">Ant Bankx\u003c/a>, referring to the special San Francisco-branded apparel that flew off shelves as soon as the store opened. “We’ve had a line every day, out the store,” Bankx attests. “Even for BAPE, that’s not normal.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1337\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993110\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/DSC01315-1536x1027.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Designer Ant Bankx says San Francisco fashion is thriving, but too often overlooked. (Pendarvis Harshaw/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The company, founded in 1993 by fashion designer \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/nigo/?hl=en\">Nigo\u003c/a>, has long been a standard of urban wear. By opening a store in Union Square, Bankx says, San Francisco’s fashion scene is getting the recognition it deserves.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ve always been here,” says Bankx, “and we’ve always had a voice.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Raised in Richmond, Bankx has styled some of the Bay’s top entertainers, including Rexx Life Raj and Ovrkast. Co-producer of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/cafe_gumbo/\">Cafe Gumbo\u003c/a> streetwear pop-up series, Bankx has also worked with local and nationally recognized brands and retailers, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandish.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19573623042&gbraid=0AAAAADtk0K2CZWJkeivHVJmKH6XT5LS14&gclid=CjwKCAjwy5rUBhB5EiwAIoAtChymH-kRB7MBeeQiFfx6aEmwajIVNvkdcXbMMGqjzCnDPwF94ZQmzBoCKY4QAvD_BwE\">Oaklandish\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"http://instagram.com/thestashed/?hl=en\">STASHED SF\u003c/a> and the high-end consignment shop \u003ca href=\"https://shoprelove.com/\">ReLove\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Steeped in Bay Area culture and the world of fashion, Bankx knows all about what’s impeding the region from being credited as a hub for stylish apparel and fly garments.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“People want fashion to look like how fashion looks everywhere,” he says — but the Bay Area has always developed a style of its own. “It’s not on anyone else’s terms. We’re not imitating New York or Los Angeles, we’re out here doing our own thing. Setting our own vibe.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993099\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2258368806-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Union Square in downtown San Francisco, pictured on January 22, 2026. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Along with the notion that people aren’t \u003cem>getting fits off\u003c/em> in the Bay, there’s also a reputation that Union Square is trying to shed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 2024 attempted robbery and shooting of \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47150842/ricky-pearsall-recounts-shooting-want-live-happy-life\">49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall\u003c/a> in the area, plus a series of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11897148/rash-of-organized-weekend-robberies-target-luxury-stores-across-the-bay-area\">smash-and-grab robberies\u003c/a> at luxury retail stores in 2021, plagued the “brand” of Union Square. While reports of these incidents were accurate, Bankx says the tone online quickly became sensationalized. “Everybody focuses on the negative,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Last year, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-builds-on-downtown-public-safety-progress-with-safety-improvements-ahead-of-busy-holiday-shopping-season\">San Francisco reported\u003c/a> a 40% drop in crime in the area. That came on the heels of a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11961449/california-targets-smash-and-grabs-with-267-million-program-aimed-at-brazen-store-thefts\">$267 million dollar\u003c/a> California Highway Patrol program announced in 2023, which aimed to crack down on robberies at shopping areas across the state. And in 2025, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie implemented a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/mayor-lurie-launches-sfpd-hospitality-task-force-major-new-effort-to-strengthen-public-safety-drive-economic-comeback\">SFPD Hospitality Task Force\u003c/a>, created specifically to “improve public safety, boost tourism and drive economic recovery in key commercial area(s),” including Union Square.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Much like the rest of downtown San Francisco, Union Square is in a state of transition. Since 2020, \u003ca href=\"https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/25/union-square-stores-closing-san-francisco/\">more than 15 stores\u003c/a>, ranging from DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) to Saks Fifth Avenue, have left the area. At one point, even Macy’s threatened to vacate its flagship store on the square. This year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101912760/what-should-replace-san-francisco-centre\">closure of San Francisco’s largest mall\u003c/a>, three blocks away, didn’t help. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But in the wake of the mass exodus, new stores have appeared, including \u003ca class=\"\" href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/viral-toy-store-quietly-opens-bay-area-20771398.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pop Mart\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2025/08/06/moscot-union-square-geary-fillmore-luxury-eyewear.html\">Moscot\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/zara-open-new-flagship-store-san-francisco-union-square/3839664/\">Zara\u003c/a> and a \u003ca href=\"https://abc7news.com/post/nintendo-san-francisco-opens-doors-bringing-gaming-world-union-square-2nd-us-location/16426508/\">Nintendo\u003c/a> store.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2252688144.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993100\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2252688144.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2252688144-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2252688144-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-2252688144-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shoppers wait in the rain outside of the Pop Mart store in San Francisco’s Union Square on Dec. 23, 2025. (Aidin Vaziri/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“San Francisco is making a conscious effort to put these things here,” says Bankx, describing it as not just post-pandemic rebuilding, but building better. “And I think BAPE was one of those early pieces to fall into place.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With a SUPREME store just minutes away, Bankx sees “synergy within the culture.” Other major brands like \u003ca href=\"https://sfstandard.com/2026/07/28/kith-streetwear-union-square-sf/\">Kith\u003c/a> also have plans to open stores downtown. With the influx, San Francisco itself is rebranding. The question is: Will it have a lasting impact or will it fold during the next economic downturn?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You don’t really know if it’s going to work until you see,” says Bankx.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Given the lines out of the BAPE store and the demand for regionally specific merch — and what’s sure to be a large crowd at Saturday’s event — there’s clearly a healthy market for fashion in Frisco.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The \u003ca href=\"https://us.bape.com/pages/bape-in-the-bay?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAae0M6GhQgGtgkmjghveF5i_h3pDDQwhLHpxOu0nYy9Ntn8TeCXVPrNiNU5zOA_aem_NmsTk4RfxOdmjDS_8ZeBtw&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3\">BAPE in the Bay\u003c/a> block party takes place on Saturday, Aug. 22, \u003cem>1–5 p.m. \u003c/em>at Union Square Plaza (216 Stockton St., San Francisco). \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DcMQjTDs55z/\">Check here for more information.\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>Traxamillion’s album \u003cem>The Slapp Addict\u003c/em> is a Renaissance painting; a still life, depicting a moment in time of oversized white T’s and Gucci Air Forces, dancing a \u003cem>little different\u003c/em> to a sound unlike anything hip-hop had heard before.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a proper portrayal of the hyphy period, it combines the San José-raised producer’s canvas of banging beats with lyrics from rap heavyweights in the region. The result is a record that represents hyphy-era royalty — but the only Regals referenced are Buicks.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Released in August 2006, the album joined an onslaught from Bay Area hip-hop artists that same year. Vallejo’s E-40 dropped \u003cem>My Ghetto Report Card\u003c/em> and Oakland’s Too Short released \u003cem>Blow The Whistle\u003c/em>. The Pack came out of Berkeley with the song “Vans,” while San Francisco’s Messy Marv had a run of seven back-to-back albums.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the midst of it all, Traxamillion delivered one of the most significant and underrated albums of the entire subgenre that had folks going dumb.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2023\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Cover_.jpg\" alt=\"A young Black man in oversized T-shirt and jeans, with dreadlocks and a backwards cap, amid text and a UPC code\" class=\"wp-image-13992864\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Cover_.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Cover_-160x162.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Cover_-768x777.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Cover_-1519x1536.jpg 1519w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">‘The Slapp Addict’ album cover was styled like a magazine, and numbered ‘Issue 408’ after San José’s area code. (Slapp Addict Productions)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s audible time capsule, preserving a slice of culture while serving as a history lesson that you can still gig to, 20 years later. On Saturday, Aug. 22 at Passport Bar & Lounge in Oakland, an event \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/traxamillion-slapp-addict-20-year-anniversary-day-party-tickets-1996318754133?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaetrh9j8FTEryTdLFwPpmR9aZuZmuilCte0_jBfAWql3FLQqyk3Qgfp2XbTGw_aem_yR3U2jfjWmr9fR76s_j6wA\">honors the album’s 20th anniversary.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It has so many hits on it,” says \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DbqsT_rplbR/\">Alex Jimenez\u003c/a>, event co-organizer and Traxamillion’s former assistant, adding that the album is “arguably one of the top records for that era.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Near the top of the project is “Wakin Em Up” (feat. Dem Hoodstarz and Turf Talk), made to be played at a high volume, preferably by an old-school car with a huge sound system. (It pairs well with whistle tips, the kind that go \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhVWeDwSkzc\">woo early in the morning\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The track “Grown Man (Remix)” (feat. Clyde Carson, Dem Hoodstarz, Mistah F.A.B., San Quinn and Turf Talk) is a function anthem. It’s also a bit of a protest song, pushing back against the dress codes at hip-hop clubs in the early 2000s. The high-energy track essentially says: \u003cem>Even with these Stacy Adams shoes on, I’m still finna go dumb\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The track “From The Hood” (feat. Husalah, The Jacka and San Quinn) is an ode to the real ones. Over a slower, menacing beat, the rappers bring audiences into the underbelly of the Yay Area. The gritty black-and-white music video is a perfect compliment to the song.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kk_2q7rvkQ\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The project captures certain people at early stages of their careers. “We Like the Slapps” features \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13978372/saaed-crumpler-oakland-bravemaker-film-festival\">Saeed Crumpler\u003c/a>, rapping under the name Balance; Crumpler is now a full-time television writer and filmmaker. “Club Stuntin” features Lil B when he was with The Pack, and before he became the Based God. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some people on the album are no longer with us, like The Jacka, who guests on “From the Hood.” There’s also “Top Down” with Zion I; the duo’s lead lyricist, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13962689/zumbi-zion-i-stephen-gaines-lawsuit-vigil-update\">Stephen “Zumbi” Gaines\u003c/a>, was killed five years ago during an altercation with a security guard at a hospital in Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The interludes further illustrate the era. In one skit, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/rita-forte\">Rita Forte\u003c/a> (then known as DJ Backside) calls Traxamillion looking to help deliver his songs to DJs around the nation. In another, someone calls Traxamillion impersonating then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, frustrated after trying to get in contact with the producer via Myspace.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1861\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet.jpg\" alt=\"A young Black man in an oversized red T-shirt, backwards white striped baseball cap, studded belt and large jeans, in front of a hamburger stand\" class=\"wp-image-13992865\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet-160x149.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet-768x715.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet-1536x1429.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traxamillion, pictured in 2006 style, from the CD booklet for ‘The Slapp Addict.’ (Awnica ‘Flix’ Browne / Slapp Addict Productions)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The album also contains aspects of the time that didn’t age well, namely using the term “retarded” to describe dancing; “Yellow Bus” by Mistah F.A.B. is a reminder of that. Meanwhile, \u003ca href=\"https://rap.fandom.com/wiki/Mistah_F.A.B.\">Mistah F.A.B.\u003c/a>’s “Sideshow” (which also features \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/mistah-fab\">T\u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/too-short\">oo Short\u003c/a>) has provided a soundtrack to car culture in this region for two decades, featured in street parties, bootleg DVDs and Instagram stories.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And the bass-heavy track “On Citas” (feat. Keak da Sneak), which made kids turf dance at the bus stop back in the day, is now being paired with a popular dance routine \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/music/On-Citas-6757185322213214210\">on TikTok\u003c/a> by the next generation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jimenez, who has a nine-year-old and 13-year old, reports that “When [the song] started trending last year, they came up to me like, ‘You know Traxamillion is trending?’”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And that’s the larger goal, Jimenez tells me — to “reintroduce” Traxamillion’s work.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541.jpeg\" alt=\"A black and white photo of an African American man in a backwards hat and plaid shirt.\" class=\"wp-image-13992722\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541-160x160.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541-600x600.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sultan ‘Traxamillion’ Banks was a producer known for his heavy drums and uptempo sound. He died in January of 2022 from nasopharyngeal cancer. (Courtesy of Traxamillion's estate)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With appearances from Keak Da Sneak and Turf Talk, Jimenez says the 20th anniversary event will feel like a “hyphy reunion.” Co-hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/pricelessdaroc/\">Priceless Da ROC\u003c/a>, with a headlining DJ set from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/djmindmotion1/\">DJ Mind Motion\u003c/a>, the event will also benefit Traxamillion’s estate.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Traxamillion never stopped reaching new heights. He produced City Girls’ 2020 song “Broke N—-s” (feat. Yo Gotti) and E-40’s 2021 track “I Stand On That” (feat. Joyner Lucas and T.I.). Today, 20 years after his debut album and nearly five years after his passing, he’s still moving the people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The people that are coming together,” Jimenez says of the upcoming event, “probably haven’t been together in the same room in a while. That’s going to be pretty cool to see.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The Traxamillion ‘Slapp Addict’ 20th Anniversary Day Party takes place Saturday, Aug. 22, at Passport Bar & Lounge (1915 Broadway, Oakland). \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/traxamillion-slapp-addict-20-year-anniversary-day-party-tickets-1996318754133?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaetrh9j8FTEryTdLFwPpmR9aZuZmuilCte0_jBfAWql3FLQqyk3Qgfp2XbTGw_aem_yR3U2jfjWmr9fR76s_j6wA\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The project captures certain people at early stages of their careers. “We Like the Slapps” features \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13978372/saaed-crumpler-oakland-bravemaker-film-festival\">Saeed Crumpler\u003c/a>, rapping under the name Balance; Crumpler is now a full-time television writer and filmmaker. “Club Stuntin” features Lil B when he was with The Pack, and before he became the Based God. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some people on the album are no longer with us, like The Jacka, who guests on “From the Hood.” There’s also “Top Down” with Zion I; the duo’s lead lyricist, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13962689/zumbi-zion-i-stephen-gaines-lawsuit-vigil-update\">Stephen “Zumbi” Gaines\u003c/a>, was killed five years ago during an altercation with a security guard at a hospital in Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The interludes further illustrate the era. In one skit, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/rita-forte\">Rita Forte\u003c/a> (then known as DJ Backside) calls Traxamillion looking to help deliver his songs to DJs around the nation. In another, someone calls Traxamillion impersonating then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, frustrated after trying to get in contact with the producer via Myspace.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The interludes further illustrate the era. In one skit, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/rita-forte\">Rita Forte\u003c/a> (then known as DJ Backside) calls Traxamillion looking to help deliver his songs to DJs around the nation. In another, someone calls Traxamillion impersonating then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, frustrated after trying to get in contact with the producer via Myspace.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet.jpg\" alt=\"A young Black man in an oversized red T-shirt, backwards white striped baseball cap, studded belt and large jeans, in front of a hamburger stand\" class=\"wp-image-13992865\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet-160x149.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet-768x715.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet-1536x1429.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traxamillion, pictured in 2006 style, from the CD booklet for ‘The Slapp Addict.’\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet.jpg\" alt=\"A young Black man in an oversized red T-shirt, backwards white striped baseball cap, studded belt and large jeans, in front of a hamburger stand\" class=\"wp-image-13992865\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traxamillion, pictured in 2006 style, from the CD booklet for ‘The Slapp Addict.’\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The album also contains aspects of the time that didn’t age well, namely using the term “retarded” to describe dancing; “Yellow Bus” by Mistah F.A.B. is a reminder of that. Meanwhile, \u003ca href=\"https://rap.fandom.com/wiki/Mistah_F.A.B.\">Mistah F.A.B.\u003c/a>’s “Sideshow” (which also features \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/mistah-fab\">T\u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/too-short\">oo Short\u003c/a>) has provided a soundtrack to car culture in this region for two decades, featured in street parties, bootleg DVDs and Instagram stories.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The album also contains aspects of the time that didn’t age well, namely using the term “retarded” to describe dancing; “Yellow Bus” by Mistah F.A.B. is a reminder of that. Meanwhile, \u003ca href=\"https://rap.fandom.com/wiki/Mistah_F.A.B.\">Mistah F.A.B.\u003c/a>’s “Sideshow” (which also features \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/mistah-fab\">T\u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/too-short\">oo Short\u003c/a>) has provided a soundtrack to car culture in this region for two decades, featured in street parties, bootleg DVDs and Instagram stories.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And the bass-heavy track “On Citas” (feat. Keak da Sneak), which made kids turf dance at the bus stop back in the day, is now being paired with a popular dance routine \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/music/On-Citas-6757185322213214210\">on TikTok\u003c/a> by the next generation.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Jimenez, who has a nine-year-old and 13-year old, reports that “When [the song] started trending last year, they came up to me like, ‘You know Traxamillion is trending?’”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Jimenez, who has a nine-year-old and 13-year old, reports that “When [the song] started trending last year, they came up to me like, ‘You know Traxamillion is trending?’”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And that’s the larger goal, Jimenez tells me — to “reintroduce” Traxamillion’s work.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541.jpeg\" alt=\"A black and white photo of an African American man in a backwards hat and plaid shirt.\" class=\"wp-image-13992722\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541-160x160.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541-600x600.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sultan ‘Traxamillion’ Banks was a producer known for his heavy drums and uptempo sound. He died in January of 2022 from nasopharyngeal cancer. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541.jpeg\" alt=\"A black and white photo of an African American man in a backwards hat and plaid shirt.\" class=\"wp-image-13992722\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sultan ‘Traxamillion’ Banks was a producer known for his heavy drums and uptempo sound. He died in January of 2022 from nasopharyngeal cancer. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With appearances from Keak Da Sneak and Turf Talk, Jimenez says the 20th anniversary event will feel like a “hyphy reunion.” Co-hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/pricelessdaroc/\">Priceless Da ROC\u003c/a>, with a headlining DJ set from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/djmindmotion1/\">DJ Mind Motion\u003c/a>, the event will also benefit Traxamillion’s estate.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>With appearances from Keak Da Sneak and Turf Talk, Jimenez says the 20th anniversary event will feel like a “hyphy reunion.” Co-hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/pricelessdaroc/\">Priceless Da ROC\u003c/a>, with a headlining DJ set from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/djmindmotion1/\">DJ Mind Motion\u003c/a>, the event will also benefit Traxamillion’s estate.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Traxamillion never stopped reaching new heights. He produced City Girls’ 2020 song “Broke N—-s” (feat. Yo Gotti) and E-40’s 2021 track “I Stand On That” (feat. Joyner Lucas and T.I.). Today, 20 years after his debut album and nearly five years after his passing, he’s still moving the people.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Traxamillion never stopped reaching new heights. He produced City Girls’ 2020 song “Broke N—-s” (feat. Yo Gotti) and E-40’s 2021 track “I Stand On That” (feat. Joyner Lucas and T.I.). Today, 20 years after his debut album and nearly five years after his passing, he’s still moving the people.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The people that are coming together,” Jimenez says of the upcoming event, “probably haven’t been together in the same room in a while. That’s going to be pretty cool to see.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The Traxamillion ‘Slapp Addict’ 20th Anniversary Day Party takes place Saturday, Aug. 22, at Passport Bar & Lounge (1915 Broadway, Oakland). \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/traxamillion-slapp-addict-20-year-anniversary-day-party-tickets-1996318754133?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaetrh9j8FTEryTdLFwPpmR9aZuZmuilCte0_jBfAWql3FLQqyk3Qgfp2XbTGw_aem_yR3U2jfjWmr9fR76s_j6wA\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Traxamillion’s album \u003cem>The Slapp Addict\u003c/em> is a Renaissance painting; a still life, depicting a moment in time of oversized white T’s and Gucci Air Forces, dancing a \u003cem>little different\u003c/em> to a sound unlike anything hip-hop had heard before.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a proper portrayal of the hyphy period, it combines the San José-raised producer’s canvas of banging beats with lyrics from rap heavyweights in the region. The result is a record that represents hyphy-era royalty — but the only Regals referenced are Buicks.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Released in August 2006, the album joined an onslaught from Bay Area hip-hop artists that same year. Vallejo’s E-40 dropped \u003cem>My Ghetto Report Card\u003c/em> and Oakland’s Too Short released \u003cem>Blow The Whistle\u003c/em>. The Pack came out of Berkeley with the song “Vans,” while San Francisco’s Messy Marv had a run of seven back-to-back albums.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the midst of it all, Traxamillion delivered one of the most significant and underrated albums of the entire subgenre that had folks going dumb.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2023\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Cover_.jpg\" alt=\"A young Black man in oversized T-shirt and jeans, with dreadlocks and a backwards cap, amid text and a UPC code\" class=\"wp-image-13992864\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Cover_.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Cover_-160x162.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Cover_-768x777.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Cover_-1519x1536.jpg 1519w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">‘The Slapp Addict’ album cover was styled like a magazine, and numbered ‘Issue 408’ after San José’s area code. (Slapp Addict Productions)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s audible time capsule, preserving a slice of culture while serving as a history lesson that you can still gig to, 20 years later. On Saturday, Aug. 22 at Passport Bar & Lounge in Oakland, an event \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/traxamillion-slapp-addict-20-year-anniversary-day-party-tickets-1996318754133?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaetrh9j8FTEryTdLFwPpmR9aZuZmuilCte0_jBfAWql3FLQqyk3Qgfp2XbTGw_aem_yR3U2jfjWmr9fR76s_j6wA\">honors the album’s 20th anniversary.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It has so many hits on it,” says \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DbqsT_rplbR/\">Alex Jimenez\u003c/a>, event co-organizer and Traxamillion’s former assistant, adding that the album is “arguably one of the top records for that era.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Near the top of the project is “Wakin Em Up” (feat. Dem Hoodstarz and Turf Talk), made to be played at a high volume, preferably by an old-school car with a huge sound system. (It pairs well with whistle tips, the kind that go \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhVWeDwSkzc\">woo early in the morning\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The track “Grown Man (Remix)” (feat. Clyde Carson, Dem Hoodstarz, Mistah F.A.B., San Quinn and Turf Talk) is a function anthem. It’s also a bit of a protest song, pushing back against the dress codes at hip-hop clubs in the early 2000s. The high-energy track essentially says: \u003cem>Even with these Stacy Adams shoes on, I’m still finna go dumb\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The track “From The Hood” (feat. Husalah, The Jacka and San Quinn) is an ode to the real ones. Over a slower, menacing beat, the rappers bring audiences into the underbelly of the Yay Area. The gritty black-and-white music video is a perfect compliment to the song.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/-kk_2q7rvkQ'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/-kk_2q7rvkQ'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The project captures certain people at early stages of their careers. “We Like the Slapps” features \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13978372/saaed-crumpler-oakland-bravemaker-film-festival\">Saeed Crumpler\u003c/a>, rapping under the name Balance; Crumpler is now a full-time television writer and filmmaker. “Club Stuntin” features Lil B when he was with The Pack, and before he became the Based God. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some people on the album are no longer with us, like The Jacka, who guests on “From the Hood.” There’s also “Top Down” with Zion I; the duo’s lead lyricist, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13962689/zumbi-zion-i-stephen-gaines-lawsuit-vigil-update\">Stephen “Zumbi” Gaines\u003c/a>, was killed five years ago during an altercation with a security guard at a hospital in Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The interludes further illustrate the era. In one skit, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/rita-forte\">Rita Forte\u003c/a> (then known as DJ Backside) calls Traxamillion looking to help deliver his songs to DJs around the nation. In another, someone calls Traxamillion impersonating then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, frustrated after trying to get in contact with the producer via Myspace.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1861\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet.jpg\" alt=\"A young Black man in an oversized red T-shirt, backwards white striped baseball cap, studded belt and large jeans, in front of a hamburger stand\" class=\"wp-image-13992865\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet-160x149.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet-768x715.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Traxamillion.SlappAddict.Booklet-1536x1429.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traxamillion, pictured in 2006 style, from the CD booklet for ‘The Slapp Addict.’ (Awnica ‘Flix’ Browne / Slapp Addict Productions)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The album also contains aspects of the time that didn’t age well, namely using the term “retarded” to describe dancing; “Yellow Bus” by Mistah F.A.B. is a reminder of that. Meanwhile, \u003ca href=\"https://rap.fandom.com/wiki/Mistah_F.A.B.\">Mistah F.A.B.\u003c/a>’s “Sideshow” (which also features \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/mistah-fab\">T\u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/too-short\">oo Short\u003c/a>) has provided a soundtrack to car culture in this region for two decades, featured in street parties, bootleg DVDs and Instagram stories.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And the bass-heavy track “On Citas” (feat. Keak da Sneak), which made kids turf dance at the bus stop back in the day, is now being paired with a popular dance routine \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/music/On-Citas-6757185322213214210\">on TikTok\u003c/a> by the next generation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jimenez, who has a nine-year-old and 13-year old, reports that “When [the song] started trending last year, they came up to me like, ‘You know Traxamillion is trending?’”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And that’s the larger goal, Jimenez tells me — to “reintroduce” Traxamillion’s work.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541.jpeg\" alt=\"A black and white photo of an African American man in a backwards hat and plaid shirt.\" class=\"wp-image-13992722\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541-160x160.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Resized_IMG_44541-600x600.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sultan ‘Traxamillion’ Banks was a producer known for his heavy drums and uptempo sound. He died in January of 2022 from nasopharyngeal cancer. (Courtesy of Traxamillion's estate)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With appearances from Keak Da Sneak and Turf Talk, Jimenez says the 20th anniversary event will feel like a “hyphy reunion.” Co-hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/pricelessdaroc/\">Priceless Da ROC\u003c/a>, with a headlining DJ set from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/djmindmotion1/\">DJ Mind Motion\u003c/a>, the event will also benefit Traxamillion’s estate.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Traxamillion never stopped reaching new heights. He produced City Girls’ 2020 song “Broke N—-s” (feat. Yo Gotti) and E-40’s 2021 track “I Stand On That” (feat. Joyner Lucas and T.I.). Today, 20 years after his debut album and nearly five years after his passing, he’s still moving the people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The people that are coming together,” Jimenez says of the upcoming event, “probably haven’t been together in the same room in a while. That’s going to be pretty cool to see.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The Traxamillion ‘Slapp Addict’ 20th Anniversary Day Party takes place Saturday, Aug. 22, at Passport Bar & Lounge (1915 Broadway, Oakland). \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/traxamillion-slapp-addict-20-year-anniversary-day-party-tickets-1996318754133?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaetrh9j8FTEryTdLFwPpmR9aZuZmuilCte0_jBfAWql3FLQqyk3Qgfp2XbTGw_aem_yR3U2jfjWmr9fR76s_j6wA\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "youth-boxing-coach-g-vertical-skillz-outreach-east-oakland-san-antonio-park",
"title": "A Big Youth Boxing Event Is Coming to East Oakland",
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"headTitle": "A Big Youth Boxing Event Is Coming to East Oakland | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>On Saturday afternoon, Aug. 8, more than 40 young fighters will meet a boxing ring in East Oakland’s San Antonio Park, taking turns throwing jabs and ducking hooks as they participate in the inaugural \u003ca href=\"https://luma.com/ne0hegvn?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn6QdsT63_bN0NoumtDEZu27mprGnD8olQ-r0zgdF5c2omXfDNKAM6Q_fREP0_aem_yFVzKsXvz2yfLyE8VGQ0HA&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ig\">Fights & Function Fundraiser\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Each fight is scheduled to go three rounds and will count toward the competitors’ official amateur boxing record; the winner of each bout will receive a replica World Boxing Association belt.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The OG, old-school coach in me believes that you don’t get belts until a tournament or a world title as a pro,” says \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/dalialapantera/\">Dalia “La Pantera” Gomez\u003c/a> (also known as Coach G), founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.verticalskillz.org/\">Vertical Skillz Outreach\u003c/a>, the organization behind the event.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“But the fact is,” she tells me during a recent call, “kids love belts, you know?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of three boxing championship belts.\" class=\"wp-image-13992452\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Title belts will be awarded to the winner of each bout at the ‘Fights & Function’ event this Saturday at San Antonio Park in East Oakland. (Courtesy of Dalia 'La Pantera' Gomez)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And that’s the motivation behind this weekend’s event, as well as Coach G’s daily boxing training programs: making sure her fighters, specifically the younger ones, are happy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re just trying to make these kids feel regal,” Coach G says, “because that’s what they are —warriors, kings and queens of this earth, let alone Oakland.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The title belts, adorned with the names of local sponsors and decorated with imitation gem stones, are also a bit of a tribute to Coach G’s family roots.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The belt’s “rubies” are an homage to her late grandmother. “She loved the color red, specifically red roses,” she says. With her grandmother’s love for flowers in mind, Coach G reflects on what Vertical Skillz Outreach has created at the park. “Here we are,” she says, pulling from Tupac’s classic poem about defying the odds, “trying to be that rose that grows through concrete.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905.jpg\" alt=\"A large group of boxers pose for a photo at a boxing ring in East Oakland.\" class=\"wp-image-13992453\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fighters flex their muscles at a recent Vertical Skillz Outreach boxing class at San Antonio Park in East Oakland. (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coach G has pulled weeds from the park’s cracked pavement and twisted her ankle on the uneven grounds; it’s all a part of the sweat equity that has gone into the park since 2020. Back then, she says, “Nobody said anything when I was doing it on the on the playground, that’s because there was a gigantic homeless encampment on the playground.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She worked with occupants of the encampment, and got folks to make room for her to hang punching bags from the jungle gym. But once the space was cleared Coach G realized more kids were playing on the structure. “I felt like I was in the way,” she reflects, “because I’m hanging the bags on the monkey bars and all of the kids would \u003cem>monkey\u003c/em> around it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Realizing “more kids in the park is always great,” she moved her boxing training program to the tennis courts. But with that expansion, and the later construction of a full boxing ring, came more eyes. Coach G met with \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2021/01/07/a-youth-fitness-camp-pops-up-in-an-east-oakland-park/\">former council member Nikki Fortunada Bass\u003c/a>, who was transparent: she couldn’t give Coach G official permission to use the park, but they wouldn’t stop her either. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Oakland had so many things going on, they just had to kind of turn a blind eye,” Coach G explains.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With a background in childhood development and a job as an OUSD teacher, Coach G’s résumé eased the process. “They didn’t feel that it was a threat,” she says, “especially because none of my kids would get any trouble.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992451\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">‘When we had no lights, we still would train,’ says Dalia ‘La Pantera’ Gomez, founder of Vertical Skillz Outreach. (Courtesy of Dalia 'La Pantera' Gomez)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Originally from Oxnard (which, because of the amount of fighters who’ve come from there, is also referred to as “\u003ca href=\"https://www.boxinginsider.com/headlines/best-boxers-from-oxnard/\">Boxnard\u003c/a>“), Coach G was a college hooper before finding her way to the ring. A Golden Gloves Champion in 2015, she turned pro in 2017 and fought her last bout in 2019 — a fundraising venture in Tijuana.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Before offering classes at San Antonio Park, Coach G would train fighters by Lake Merritt. While her main focus is using boxing as a tool to holistically mentor younger kids from the community, she’s also worked with titans like famed Black Panther Party leader \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/tag/elaine-brown\">Elaine Brown\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coach G says that Brown once told her, “You know, Pantera, ain’t nobody down to fight no more.” People weren’t willing to fight for a righteous cause, Coach G remembers Brown saying, “Everybody’s afraid to lose what they got.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That pushed Coach G to consider how deeply people have been indoctrinated to think about themselves only. Boxing, like the revolutionary work of the Black Panther Party and the Brown Berets, isn’t about concentrated power. “Technique comes way before power,” Coach G professes, “you don’t ever lead with power.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Instead, she says, a successful fighter and a impactful community activist should live by the same equation: “technique plus speed equals power.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So this Saturday at San Antonio Park, the site of the historic \u003ca href=\"https://localwiki.org/oakland/Oakland_Chicano_Moratorium\">Chicano Moratorium\u003c/a> protest and the longstanding \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13981396/eastside-arts-alliance-greg-morozumi-elena-serrano-susanne-takehara-oakland\">Malcolm X Jazz Festival\u003c/a>, her \u003cem>technique\u003c/em> for creating change is to do it big for the community.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In addition to two dozen boxing matches there’ll be water balloons and a dunk tank, free breakfast served in the morning and old-school cars pulling up all afternoon. Marketing Kings’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/tyrannyallengallery/?hl=en\">Tyranny Allen\u003c/a> will be the ringside announcer, and musicians including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/stunnaman02\">Stunnaman02\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/ian-kelly\">Ian Kelly\u003c/a> are set to walk boxers out to the ring. “I just want to do everything I can,” says Coach G.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The soil is very rich,” she says, referring to the Town as a whole and going back to the analogy of a rose growing through concrete. “I don’t care what type of flower, weed, plant or fruit, it takes its time to grow — and we’re constantly fighting through that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The \u003ca href=\"https://luma.com/ne0hegvn?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn6QdsT63_bN0NoumtDEZu27mprGnD8olQ-r0zgdF5c2omXfDNKAM6Q_fREP0_aem_yFVzKsXvz2yfLyE8VGQ0HA&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ig\">Fights & Function Fundraiser\u003c/a> takes place Saturday, Aug. 8, 12:30–6 p.m. at San Antonio Park (1701 E 19th St., Oakland). For tickets and information, \u003ca href=\"https://luma.com/ne0hegvn?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn6QdsT63_bN0NoumtDEZu27mprGnD8olQ-r0zgdF5c2omXfDNKAM6Q_fREP0_aem_yFVzKsXvz2yfLyE8VGQ0HA&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ig\">click here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The OG, old-school coach in me believes that you don’t get belts until a tournament or a world title as a pro,” says \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/dalialapantera/\">Dalia “La Pantera” Gomez\u003c/a> (also known as Coach G), founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.verticalskillz.org/\">Vertical Skillz Outreach\u003c/a>, the organization behind the event.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The OG, old-school coach in me believes that you don’t get belts until a tournament or a world title as a pro,” says \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/dalialapantera/\">Dalia “La Pantera” Gomez\u003c/a> (also known as Coach G), founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.verticalskillz.org/\">Vertical Skillz Outreach\u003c/a>, the organization behind the event.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“But the fact is,” she tells me during a recent call, “kids love belts, you know?”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“But the fact is,” she tells me during a recent call, “kids love belts, you know?”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of three boxing championship belts.\" class=\"wp-image-13992452\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Title belts will be awarded to the winner of each bout at the ‘Fights & Function’ event this Saturday at San Antonio Park in East Oakland.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of three boxing championship belts.\" class=\"wp-image-13992452\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Title belts will be awarded to the winner of each bout at the ‘Fights & Function’ event this Saturday at San Antonio Park in East Oakland.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And that’s the motivation behind this weekend’s event, as well as Coach G’s daily boxing training programs: making sure her fighters, specifically the younger ones, are happy.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And that’s the motivation behind this weekend’s event, as well as Coach G’s daily boxing training programs: making sure her fighters, specifically the younger ones, are happy.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re just trying to make these kids feel regal,” Coach G says, “because that’s what they are —warriors, kings and queens of this earth, let alone Oakland.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’re just trying to make these kids feel regal,” Coach G says, “because that’s what they are —warriors, kings and queens of this earth, let alone Oakland.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The title belts, adorned with the names of local sponsors and decorated with imitation gem stones, are also a bit of a tribute to Coach G’s family roots.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The belt’s “rubies” are an homage to her late grandmother. “She loved the color red, specifically red roses,” she says. With her grandmother’s love for flowers in mind, Coach G reflects on what Vertical Skillz Outreach has created at the park. “Here we are,” she says, pulling from Tupac’s classic poem about defying the odds, “trying to be that rose that grows through concrete.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The belt’s “rubies” are an homage to her late grandmother. “She loved the color red, specifically red roses,” she says. With her grandmother’s love for flowers in mind, Coach G reflects on what Vertical Skillz Outreach has created at the park. “Here we are,” she says, pulling from Tupac’s classic poem about defying the odds, “trying to be that rose that grows through concrete.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905.jpg\" alt=\"A large group of boxers pose for a photo at a boxing ring in East Oakland.\" class=\"wp-image-13992453\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fighters flex their muscles at a recent Vertical Skillz Outreach boxing class at San Antonio Park in East Oakland.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905.jpg\" alt=\"A large group of boxers pose for a photo at a boxing ring in East Oakland.\" class=\"wp-image-13992453\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fighters flex their muscles at a recent Vertical Skillz Outreach boxing class at San Antonio Park in East Oakland.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Coach G has pulled weeds from the park’s cracked pavement and twisted her ankle on the uneven grounds; it’s all a part of the sweat equity that has gone into the park since 2020. Back then, she says, “Nobody said anything when I was doing it on the on the playground, that’s because there was a gigantic homeless encampment on the playground.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Coach G has pulled weeds from the park’s cracked pavement and twisted her ankle on the uneven grounds; it’s all a part of the sweat equity that has gone into the park since 2020. Back then, she says, “Nobody said anything when I was doing it on the on the playground, that’s because there was a gigantic homeless encampment on the playground.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She worked with occupants of the encampment, and got folks to make room for her to hang punching bags from the jungle gym. But once the space was cleared Coach G realized more kids were playing on the structure. “I felt like I was in the way,” she reflects, “because I’m hanging the bags on the monkey bars and all of the kids would \u003cem>monkey\u003c/em> around it.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>She worked with occupants of the encampment, and got folks to make room for her to hang punching bags from the jungle gym. But once the space was cleared Coach G realized more kids were playing on the structure. “I felt like I was in the way,” she reflects, “because I’m hanging the bags on the monkey bars and all of the kids would \u003cem>monkey\u003c/em> around it.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Realizing “more kids in the park is always great,” she moved her boxing training program to the tennis courts. But with that expansion, and the later construction of a full boxing ring, came more eyes. Coach G met with \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2021/01/07/a-youth-fitness-camp-pops-up-in-an-east-oakland-park/\">former council member Nikki Fortunada Bass\u003c/a>, who was transparent: she couldn’t give Coach G official permission to use the park, but they wouldn’t stop her either. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Realizing “more kids in the park is always great,” she moved her boxing training program to the tennis courts. But with that expansion, and the later construction of a full boxing ring, came more eyes. Coach G met with \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2021/01/07/a-youth-fitness-camp-pops-up-in-an-east-oakland-park/\">former council member Nikki Fortunada Bass\u003c/a>, who was transparent: she couldn’t give Coach G official permission to use the park, but they wouldn’t stop her either. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Oakland had so many things going on, they just had to kind of turn a blind eye,” Coach G explains.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Oakland had so many things going on, they just had to kind of turn a blind eye,” Coach G explains.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With a background in childhood development and a job as an OUSD teacher, Coach G’s résumé eased the process. “They didn’t feel that it was a threat,” she says, “especially because none of my kids would get any trouble.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>With a background in childhood development and a job as an OUSD teacher, Coach G’s résumé eased the process. “They didn’t feel that it was a threat,” she says, “especially because none of my kids would get any trouble.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992451\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">‘When we had no lights, we still would train,’ says Dalia ‘La Pantera’ Gomez, founder of Vertical Skillz Outreach.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992451\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">‘When we had no lights, we still would train,’ says Dalia ‘La Pantera’ Gomez, founder of Vertical Skillz Outreach.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Originally from Oxnard (which, because of the amount of fighters who’ve come from there, is also referred to as “\u003ca href=\"https://www.boxinginsider.com/headlines/best-boxers-from-oxnard/\">Boxnard\u003c/a>“), Coach G was a college hooper before finding her way to the ring. A Golden Gloves Champion in 2015, she turned pro in 2017 and fought her last bout in 2019 — a fundraising venture in Tijuana.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Originally from Oxnard (which, because of the amount of fighters who’ve come from there, is also referred to as “\u003ca href=\"https://www.boxinginsider.com/headlines/best-boxers-from-oxnard/\">Boxnard\u003c/a>“), Coach G was a college hooper before finding her way to the ring. A Golden Gloves Champion in 2015, she turned pro in 2017 and fought her last bout in 2019 — a fundraising venture in Tijuana.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Before offering classes at San Antonio Park, Coach G would train fighters by Lake Merritt. While her main focus is using boxing as a tool to holistically mentor younger kids from the community, she’s also worked with titans like famed Black Panther Party leader \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/tag/elaine-brown\">Elaine Brown\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Before offering classes at San Antonio Park, Coach G would train fighters by Lake Merritt. While her main focus is using boxing as a tool to holistically mentor younger kids from the community, she’s also worked with titans like famed Black Panther Party leader \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/tag/elaine-brown\">Elaine Brown\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Coach G says that Brown once told her, “You know, Pantera, ain’t nobody down to fight no more.” People weren’t willing to fight for a righteous cause, Coach G remembers Brown saying, “Everybody’s afraid to lose what they got.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Coach G says that Brown once told her, “You know, Pantera, ain’t nobody down to fight no more.” People weren’t willing to fight for a righteous cause, Coach G remembers Brown saying, “Everybody’s afraid to lose what they got.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That pushed Coach G to consider how deeply people have been indoctrinated to think about themselves only. Boxing, like the revolutionary work of the Black Panther Party and the Brown Berets, isn’t about concentrated power. “Technique comes way before power,” Coach G professes, “you don’t ever lead with power.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>That pushed Coach G to consider how deeply people have been indoctrinated to think about themselves only. Boxing, like the revolutionary work of the Black Panther Party and the Brown Berets, isn’t about concentrated power. “Technique comes way before power,” Coach G professes, “you don’t ever lead with power.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Instead, she says, a successful fighter and a impactful community activist should live by the same equation: “technique plus speed equals power.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Instead, she says, a successful fighter and a impactful community activist should live by the same equation: “technique plus speed equals power.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So this Saturday at San Antonio Park, the site of the historic \u003ca href=\"https://localwiki.org/oakland/Oakland_Chicano_Moratorium\">Chicano Moratorium\u003c/a> protest and the longstanding \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13981396/eastside-arts-alliance-greg-morozumi-elena-serrano-susanne-takehara-oakland\">Malcolm X Jazz Festival\u003c/a>, her \u003cem>technique\u003c/em> for creating change is to do it big for the community.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>So this Saturday at San Antonio Park, the site of the historic \u003ca href=\"https://localwiki.org/oakland/Oakland_Chicano_Moratorium\">Chicano Moratorium\u003c/a> protest and the longstanding \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13981396/eastside-arts-alliance-greg-morozumi-elena-serrano-susanne-takehara-oakland\">Malcolm X Jazz Festival\u003c/a>, her \u003cem>technique\u003c/em> for creating change is to do it big for the community.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In addition to two dozen boxing matches there’ll be water balloons and a dunk tank, free breakfast served in the morning and old-school cars pulling up all afternoon. Marketing Kings’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/tyrannyallengallery/?hl=en\">Tyranny Allen\u003c/a> will be the ringside announcer, and musicians including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/stunnaman02\">Stunnaman02\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/ian-kelly\">Ian Kelly\u003c/a> are set to walk boxers out to the ring. “I just want to do everything I can,” says Coach G.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In addition to two dozen boxing matches there’ll be water balloons and a dunk tank, free breakfast served in the morning and old-school cars pulling up all afternoon. Marketing Kings’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/tyrannyallengallery/?hl=en\">Tyranny Allen\u003c/a> will be the ringside announcer, and musicians including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/stunnaman02\">Stunnaman02\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/ian-kelly\">Ian Kelly\u003c/a> are set to walk boxers out to the ring. “I just want to do everything I can,” says Coach G.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The soil is very rich,” she says, referring to the Town as a whole and going back to the analogy of a rose growing through concrete. “I don’t care what type of flower, weed, plant or fruit, it takes its time to grow — and we’re constantly fighting through that.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The soil is very rich,” she says, referring to the Town as a whole and going back to the analogy of a rose growing through concrete. “I don’t care what type of flower, weed, plant or fruit, it takes its time to grow — and we’re constantly fighting through that.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The \u003ca href=\"https://luma.com/ne0hegvn?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn6QdsT63_bN0NoumtDEZu27mprGnD8olQ-r0zgdF5c2omXfDNKAM6Q_fREP0_aem_yFVzKsXvz2yfLyE8VGQ0HA&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ig\">Fights & Function Fundraiser\u003c/a> takes place Saturday, Aug. 8, 12:30–6 p.m. at San Antonio Park (1701 E 19th St., Oakland). For tickets and information, \u003ca href=\"https://luma.com/ne0hegvn?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn6QdsT63_bN0NoumtDEZu27mprGnD8olQ-r0zgdF5c2omXfDNKAM6Q_fREP0_aem_yFVzKsXvz2yfLyE8VGQ0HA&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ig\">click here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Coach G’s fighters from Vertical Skillz Outreach will square off in San Antonio Park for an inaugural tournament.",
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"title": "A Big Youth Boxing Event Is Coming to East Oakland | KQED",
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"headline": "A Big Youth Boxing Event Is Coming to East Oakland",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>On Saturday afternoon, Aug. 8, more than 40 young fighters will meet a boxing ring in East Oakland’s San Antonio Park, taking turns throwing jabs and ducking hooks as they participate in the inaugural \u003ca href=\"https://luma.com/ne0hegvn?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn6QdsT63_bN0NoumtDEZu27mprGnD8olQ-r0zgdF5c2omXfDNKAM6Q_fREP0_aem_yFVzKsXvz2yfLyE8VGQ0HA&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ig\">Fights & Function Fundraiser\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Each fight is scheduled to go three rounds and will count toward the competitors’ official amateur boxing record; the winner of each bout will receive a replica World Boxing Association belt.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The OG, old-school coach in me believes that you don’t get belts until a tournament or a world title as a pro,” says \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/dalialapantera/\">Dalia “La Pantera” Gomez\u003c/a> (also known as Coach G), founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.verticalskillz.org/\">Vertical Skillz Outreach\u003c/a>, the organization behind the event.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“But the fact is,” she tells me during a recent call, “kids love belts, you know?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of three boxing championship belts.\" class=\"wp-image-13992452\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/126681f5-4e51-4a93-a689-518a122f1a1f-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Title belts will be awarded to the winner of each bout at the ‘Fights & Function’ event this Saturday at San Antonio Park in East Oakland. (Courtesy of Dalia 'La Pantera' Gomez)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And that’s the motivation behind this weekend’s event, as well as Coach G’s daily boxing training programs: making sure her fighters, specifically the younger ones, are happy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re just trying to make these kids feel regal,” Coach G says, “because that’s what they are —warriors, kings and queens of this earth, let alone Oakland.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The title belts, adorned with the names of local sponsors and decorated with imitation gem stones, are also a bit of a tribute to Coach G’s family roots.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The belt’s “rubies” are an homage to her late grandmother. “She loved the color red, specifically red roses,” she says. With her grandmother’s love for flowers in mind, Coach G reflects on what Vertical Skillz Outreach has created at the park. “Here we are,” she says, pulling from Tupac’s classic poem about defying the odds, “trying to be that rose that grows through concrete.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905.jpg\" alt=\"A large group of boxers pose for a photo at a boxing ring in East Oakland.\" class=\"wp-image-13992453\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_1905-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fighters flex their muscles at a recent Vertical Skillz Outreach boxing class at San Antonio Park in East Oakland. (Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coach G has pulled weeds from the park’s cracked pavement and twisted her ankle on the uneven grounds; it’s all a part of the sweat equity that has gone into the park since 2020. Back then, she says, “Nobody said anything when I was doing it on the on the playground, that’s because there was a gigantic homeless encampment on the playground.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She worked with occupants of the encampment, and got folks to make room for her to hang punching bags from the jungle gym. But once the space was cleared Coach G realized more kids were playing on the structure. “I felt like I was in the way,” she reflects, “because I’m hanging the bags on the monkey bars and all of the kids would \u003cem>monkey\u003c/em> around it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Realizing “more kids in the park is always great,” she moved her boxing training program to the tennis courts. But with that expansion, and the later construction of a full boxing ring, came more eyes. Coach G met with \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2021/01/07/a-youth-fitness-camp-pops-up-in-an-east-oakland-park/\">former council member Nikki Fortunada Bass\u003c/a>, who was transparent: she couldn’t give Coach G official permission to use the park, but they wouldn’t stop her either. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Oakland had so many things going on, they just had to kind of turn a blind eye,” Coach G explains.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With a background in childhood development and a job as an OUSD teacher, Coach G’s résumé eased the process. “They didn’t feel that it was a threat,” she says, “especially because none of my kids would get any trouble.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992451\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/B81I9162-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">‘When we had no lights, we still would train,’ says Dalia ‘La Pantera’ Gomez, founder of Vertical Skillz Outreach. (Courtesy of Dalia 'La Pantera' Gomez)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Originally from Oxnard (which, because of the amount of fighters who’ve come from there, is also referred to as “\u003ca href=\"https://www.boxinginsider.com/headlines/best-boxers-from-oxnard/\">Boxnard\u003c/a>“), Coach G was a college hooper before finding her way to the ring. A Golden Gloves Champion in 2015, she turned pro in 2017 and fought her last bout in 2019 — a fundraising venture in Tijuana.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Before offering classes at San Antonio Park, Coach G would train fighters by Lake Merritt. While her main focus is using boxing as a tool to holistically mentor younger kids from the community, she’s also worked with titans like famed Black Panther Party leader \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/tag/elaine-brown\">Elaine Brown\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coach G says that Brown once told her, “You know, Pantera, ain’t nobody down to fight no more.” People weren’t willing to fight for a righteous cause, Coach G remembers Brown saying, “Everybody’s afraid to lose what they got.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That pushed Coach G to consider how deeply people have been indoctrinated to think about themselves only. Boxing, like the revolutionary work of the Black Panther Party and the Brown Berets, isn’t about concentrated power. “Technique comes way before power,” Coach G professes, “you don’t ever lead with power.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Instead, she says, a successful fighter and a impactful community activist should live by the same equation: “technique plus speed equals power.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So this Saturday at San Antonio Park, the site of the historic \u003ca href=\"https://localwiki.org/oakland/Oakland_Chicano_Moratorium\">Chicano Moratorium\u003c/a> protest and the longstanding \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13981396/eastside-arts-alliance-greg-morozumi-elena-serrano-susanne-takehara-oakland\">Malcolm X Jazz Festival\u003c/a>, her \u003cem>technique\u003c/em> for creating change is to do it big for the community.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In addition to two dozen boxing matches there’ll be water balloons and a dunk tank, free breakfast served in the morning and old-school cars pulling up all afternoon. Marketing Kings’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/tyrannyallengallery/?hl=en\">Tyranny Allen\u003c/a> will be the ringside announcer, and musicians including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/stunnaman02\">Stunnaman02\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/ian-kelly\">Ian Kelly\u003c/a> are set to walk boxers out to the ring. “I just want to do everything I can,” says Coach G.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The soil is very rich,” she says, referring to the Town as a whole and going back to the analogy of a rose growing through concrete. “I don’t care what type of flower, weed, plant or fruit, it takes its time to grow — and we’re constantly fighting through that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The \u003ca href=\"https://luma.com/ne0hegvn?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn6QdsT63_bN0NoumtDEZu27mprGnD8olQ-r0zgdF5c2omXfDNKAM6Q_fREP0_aem_yFVzKsXvz2yfLyE8VGQ0HA&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ig\">Fights & Function Fundraiser\u003c/a> takes place Saturday, Aug. 8, 12:30–6 p.m. at San Antonio Park (1701 E 19th St., Oakland). For tickets and information, \u003ca href=\"https://luma.com/ne0hegvn?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn6QdsT63_bN0NoumtDEZu27mprGnD8olQ-r0zgdF5c2omXfDNKAM6Q_fREP0_aem_yFVzKsXvz2yfLyE8VGQ0HA&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ig\">click here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "splash-city-movie-galaxy-brooks-berner-bipping-san-francisco",
"title": "In ‘Splash City,’ Actor Galaxy Brooks Brings Firsthand Knowledge of the Streets",
"publishDate": 1784907856,
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"headTitle": "In ‘Splash City,’ Actor Galaxy Brooks Brings Firsthand Knowledge of the Streets | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>The crime drama \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27666105/\">\u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>\u003c/a> is a feature film with local star power, glossy cinematography and a dark storyline about an issue that has long plagued the Bay Area: \u003ca href=\"https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/let-me-show-you-how-to-bip-tracing-the-origins-of-hip-hop-favorite-new-word/\">bippin\u003c/a>‘.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Car windows are shattered. Backpacks are snatched. Underbuckets bend corners through busy San Francisco streets. There’s guns, sex, big money and high stakes. \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>, written and directed by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/berner415/?hl=en\">Berner\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6484571/?ref_=tt_ov_1_2\">Alex Ferrufino\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7229790/?ref_=tt_ov_2_2\">David Mansanalez\u003c/a> (and distributed by Lionsgate), also features an affecting performance by Oakland lyricist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/babygas/\">Baby Gas\u003c/a>, a cameo from Pinole-raised producer \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13971354/p-lo-for-the-soil-warriors-golden-state-entertainment-nba-all-star-weekend\">P-Lo\u003c/a> and a brief appearance by Fillmore rapper \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/mobetta__mochedda/?hl=en\">Ronski Mayfield\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But it’s the film’s antagonist who embodies an archetype often seen in hood films. Through him, \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em> brings into focus real-life issues caused by wealth inequality in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"834\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13991926\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R-160x67.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R-768x320.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R-1536x641.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reed Shannon as Julian ‘Juju’ Johnson and Quincy ‘Galaxy’ Brooks as Darnell ‘Dolo’ Ferguson in ‘Splash City.’ (Courtesy of Lionsgate)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It was a time in my life where I was waking up and bippin’ all day,” says \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DbBmf7ovBO6/\">Quincy “Galaxy” Brooks\u003c/a> today. “That’s how I was getting my money to eat.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Brooks, a 27 year-old rapper and son of San Francisco hip-hop legend \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-quinn\">San Quinn\u003c/a>, plays the menacing role of Darnell “Dolo” Ferguson in the film. As the ultimate bad guy, his character is a wolf in high-end clothing, tattoos and shiny jewels.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To prepare for the role, Brooks relied on his own lived experiences, and his mother’s mentality from a time when she, too, was forced to navigate all the streets entail. Lastly, Brooks says, he was heavily influenced by the iconic role Tupac played in 1992 film \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I was like ‘I want make that new millennium 2026 Bishop,’” says Brooks, adding that he watched \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em> over a dozen times before taking the role of Dolo. In doing so, he saw beyond the ruthless character on the screen and identified with Tupac the person, a young rapper and actor influenced by the Bay’s culture. Tupac brought a certain “ummph” with him to the set of the film, says Brooks, and “that’s the same thing I wanted to do for Dolo.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"834\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13991933\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R-160x67.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R-768x320.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R-1536x641.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reed Shannon as Julian ‘Juju’ Johnson in ‘Splash City. ’ (Lionsgate)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>, Dolo is a headstrong character who holds a boss-like influence in the community. He pays for a couple younger homies’ jewelry when their stolen credit card is declined. He also does scandalous stuff to the younger ring of thieves, cutting them short on loads of cash because he runs the operation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the film’s story unfolds, a chain of events pits Dolo against a childhood friend and rising hoop star, Elijah “Slim” Johnson (\u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7094722/?ref_=tt_cst_t_8\">Zach Sowers\u003c/a>). Eventually, Slim’s brother and the main protagonist of the film, Julian “Juju” Johnson (\u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5476739/?ref_=tt_cst_t_2\">Reed Shannon\u003c/a>), steps up to bring Dolo to justice — but not before Dolo and his hot temper wreak havoc on the community.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the outspoken live wire of the crew, Dolo is an archetype that we’ve seen before. Similar to Bishop in \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em>, O-Dog in \u003cem>Menace II Society\u003c/em> or Bundy in \u003cem>Belly\u003c/em>, he’s a Black man who’s both charismatic and a crashout. Full of ego and rage, he overly flexes his power to get revenge on those who once made him feel powerless.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"834\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R.jpg\" alt=\"A young Black man in a beanie has a terrified look as a pistol is aimed at his face in a darkly-lit room\" class=\"wp-image-13991927\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R-160x67.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R-768x320.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R-1536x641.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Quincy ‘Galaxy’ Brooks as Darnell ‘Dolo’ Ferguson in ‘Splash City.’ Brooks, the son of San Francisco rapper San Quinn, drew on real-life experiences for the role. (Lionsgate)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thanks to Brooks’ performance, even as Dolo goes off the deep end, his character retains a relatable humanity.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“\u003cem>I know that dude\u003c/em>,” Brooks says, explaining his familiarity with the role, which he landed in a circuitous way. Initially in contact with \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/berner415/?hl=en\">Berner\u003c/a> (founder of the Cookies cannabis brand and San Francisco hip-hop artist) to play the role of Preach in the film, he heard Dolo described as “a young street dude from the city — the wild one.” Brooks said to himself: “I feel like I do that real good.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He and his younger brother Zakee “\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/h2othawave/\">H20\u003c/a>” Brooks, who raps with Brooks in a group called \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JnWE3QX96U\">THA SOULJAS\u003c/a>, each auditioned multiple times before being awarded roles in the film. “I wasn’t \u003cem>that\u003c/em> deeply involved in the streets,” the older Brooks says, contrasting his life with Dolo’s.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In order to really tap into that cutthroat mentality, he looked to his mother, Cheryl-T.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My mom was ruthless out here on the streets,” says Brooks, adding that she’s done it all, from robberies to theft, all as a means of survival.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/Vrze2vx3avI?si=O3TLrzX2trGkEztl\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a child, Brooks’ mom moved from New Orleans to the West Point housing projects in Bayview-Hunters Point. She later lived in the notorious Harbor Road projects before being kicked out of the house at age 13. She became a parent while still young, mothering two children before Brooks, plus his younger brother soon after.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a mom, Brooks says, Cheryl-T stole school clothes to ensure the kids had fresh fits in the classroom. She took football pads from the store to make sure Brooks had the gear he needed when he stepped on the gridiron.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My mom made everything happen, by any means necessary,” says Brooks. Even as she settled down and found legal employment, Brooks saw her adapt that same hard-won “I’m gonna do what I have to do to make sure my kids get by” mentality in the corporate world.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And Dolo was that same type of dude,” Brooks says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“He’s a dude of logic,” explains Brooks, adding that he’s also “a little bit of a dictator.” Despite Dolo’s immoral actions throughout the film, Brooks says, there’s a certain rationale to his logic, based upon the circumstances from which he comes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ultimately, Brooks says, Dolo’s downfall is that he wants it all. “He didn’t know how to be a team player,” Brooks tells me. “There \u003cem>was\u003c/em> an ‘I’ in ‘team’ for Dolo.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"834\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00165R.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13991932\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00165R.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00165R-160x67.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00165R-768x320.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00165R-1536x641.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reed Shannon as Julian ‘Juju’ Johnson and Zach Sowers as Elijah ‘Slim’ Johnson in ‘Splash City.’ (Lionsgate)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even with Dolo’s snake-like mentality, many viewers may find themselves siding with him at times, much like Bundy in \u003cem>Belly\u003c/em> or Bishop in \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think we all have a little Bishop or O-Dog or Dolo in us,” says Brooks. A lot of folks have experienced the feeling of being pushed to the limit. “Especially as Black people, just because all the scrutiny and hardships. Dolo is just a young dude who’s been through hardships and isn’t turning down no more.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What’s more human than navigating an oppressive system by taking vengeance out on those in close proximity? In the Bay Area, where the chasm between the haves and have nots is wider than the Salesforce Tower laying on its side, it’s no wonder that people wielding a spark plug are preying on the parked vehicles of others.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bippin’ has been around for years. At this point, if you haven’t had your car window busted, it means you ride a bike to get around. People readily live in worry that they might be the next victim. It’s nearly impossible to get audiences to feel empathy for the head of a crime syndicate focused on burglarizing vehicles.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Dolo is a foul snake. But somehow, in \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>, you can \u003cem>lightweight\u003c/em> understand where he’s coming from.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think the reason he’s got that likability,” Brooks says, reflecting on his role, “is because I was able to add a little bit of myself in there.” Brooks credits the directors for allowing him to bring his full self to his first acting role, and for pushing him to “humanize” Dolo.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I didn’t want him to be a ruthless murderer,” says Brooks. “He has a conscience too.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>‘\u003cem>Splash City’ is currently showing at select theaters nationwide, with upcoming screenings on \u003ca href=\"https://www.amctheatres.com/showtimes/145059063/seats\">Friday, July 31\u003c/a> in San José and \u003ca href=\"https://www.amctheatres.com/showtimes/145059056/seats\">Saturday, Aug. 1\u003c/a> in San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/splashcitythemovie/\">Screening times and more information here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The crime drama \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27666105/\">\u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>\u003c/a> is a feature film with local star power, glossy cinematography and a dark storyline about an issue that has long plagued the Bay Area: \u003ca href=\"https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/let-me-show-you-how-to-bip-tracing-the-origins-of-hip-hop-favorite-new-word/\">bippin\u003c/a>‘.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Car windows are shattered. Backpacks are snatched. Underbuckets bend corners through busy San Francisco streets. There’s guns, sex, big money and high stakes. \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>, written and directed by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/berner415/?hl=en\">Berner\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6484571/?ref_=tt_ov_1_2\">Alex Ferrufino\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7229790/?ref_=tt_ov_2_2\">David Mansanalez\u003c/a> (and distributed by Lionsgate), also features an affecting performance by Oakland lyricist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/babygas/\">Baby Gas\u003c/a>, a cameo from Pinole-raised producer \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13971354/p-lo-for-the-soil-warriors-golden-state-entertainment-nba-all-star-weekend\">P-Lo\u003c/a> and a brief appearance by Fillmore rapper \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/mobetta__mochedda/?hl=en\">Ronski Mayfield\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Car windows are shattered. Backpacks are snatched. Underbuckets bend corners through busy San Francisco streets. There’s guns, sex, big money and high stakes. \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>, written and directed by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/berner415/?hl=en\">Berner\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6484571/?ref_=tt_ov_1_2\">Alex Ferrufino\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7229790/?ref_=tt_ov_2_2\">David Mansanalez\u003c/a> (and distributed by Lionsgate), also features an affecting performance by Oakland lyricist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/babygas/\">Baby Gas\u003c/a>, a cameo from Pinole-raised producer \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13971354/p-lo-for-the-soil-warriors-golden-state-entertainment-nba-all-star-weekend\">P-Lo\u003c/a> and a brief appearance by Fillmore rapper \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/mobetta__mochedda/?hl=en\">Ronski Mayfield\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But it’s the film’s antagonist who embodies an archetype often seen in hood films. Through him, \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em> brings into focus real-life issues caused by wealth inequality in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But it’s the film’s antagonist who embodies an archetype often seen in hood films. Through him, \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em> brings into focus real-life issues caused by wealth inequality in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13991926\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R-160x67.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R-768x320.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R-1536x641.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reed Shannon as Julian ‘Juju’ Johnson and Quincy ‘Galaxy’ Brooks as Darnell ‘Dolo’ Ferguson in ‘Splash City.’\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It was a time in my life where I was waking up and bippin’ all day,” says \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DbBmf7ovBO6/\">Quincy “Galaxy” Brooks\u003c/a> today. “That’s how I was getting my money to eat.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Brooks, a 27 year-old rapper and son of San Francisco hip-hop legend \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-quinn\">San Quinn\u003c/a>, plays the menacing role of Darnell “Dolo” Ferguson in the film. As the ultimate bad guy, his character is a wolf in high-end clothing, tattoos and shiny jewels.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Brooks, a 27 year-old rapper and son of San Francisco hip-hop legend \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-quinn\">San Quinn\u003c/a>, plays the menacing role of Darnell “Dolo” Ferguson in the film. As the ultimate bad guy, his character is a wolf in high-end clothing, tattoos and shiny jewels.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To prepare for the role, Brooks relied on his own lived experiences, and his mother’s mentality from a time when she, too, was forced to navigate all the streets entail. Lastly, Brooks says, he was heavily influenced by the iconic role Tupac played in 1992 film \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>To prepare for the role, Brooks relied on his own lived experiences, and his mother’s mentality from a time when she, too, was forced to navigate all the streets entail. Lastly, Brooks says, he was heavily influenced by the iconic role Tupac played in 1992 film \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I was like ‘I want make that new millennium 2026 Bishop,’” says Brooks, adding that he watched \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em> over a dozen times before taking the role of Dolo. In doing so, he saw beyond the ruthless character on the screen and identified with Tupac the person, a young rapper and actor influenced by the Bay’s culture. Tupac brought a certain “ummph” with him to the set of the film, says Brooks, and “that’s the same thing I wanted to do for Dolo.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I was like ‘I want make that new millennium 2026 Bishop,’” says Brooks, adding that he watched \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em> over a dozen times before taking the role of Dolo. In doing so, he saw beyond the ruthless character on the screen and identified with Tupac the person, a young rapper and actor influenced by the Bay’s culture. Tupac brought a certain “ummph” with him to the set of the film, says Brooks, and “that’s the same thing I wanted to do for Dolo.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13991933\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R-160x67.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R-768x320.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R-1536x641.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reed Shannon as Julian ‘Juju’ Johnson in ‘Splash City. ’\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>, Dolo is a headstrong character who holds a boss-like influence in the community. He pays for a couple younger homies’ jewelry when their stolen credit card is declined. He also does scandalous stuff to the younger ring of thieves, cutting them short on loads of cash because he runs the operation.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>, Dolo is a headstrong character who holds a boss-like influence in the community. He pays for a couple younger homies’ jewelry when their stolen credit card is declined. He also does scandalous stuff to the younger ring of thieves, cutting them short on loads of cash because he runs the operation.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As the film’s story unfolds, a chain of events pits Dolo against a childhood friend and rising hoop star, Elijah “Slim” Johnson (\u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7094722/?ref_=tt_cst_t_8\">Zach Sowers\u003c/a>). Eventually, Slim’s brother and the main protagonist of the film, Julian “Juju” Johnson (\u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5476739/?ref_=tt_cst_t_2\">Reed Shannon\u003c/a>), steps up to bring Dolo to justice — but not before Dolo and his hot temper wreak havoc on the community.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As the outspoken live wire of the crew, Dolo is an archetype that we’ve seen before. Similar to Bishop in \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em>, O-Dog in \u003cem>Menace II Society\u003c/em> or Bundy in \u003cem>Belly\u003c/em>, he’s a Black man who’s both charismatic and a crashout. Full of ego and rage, he overly flexes his power to get revenge on those who once made him feel powerless.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R.jpg\" alt=\"A young Black man in a beanie has a terrified look as a pistol is aimed at his face in a darkly-lit room\" class=\"wp-image-13991927\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R-160x67.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R-768x320.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R-1536x641.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Quincy ‘Galaxy’ Brooks as Darnell ‘Dolo’ Ferguson in ‘Splash City.’ Brooks, the son of San Francisco rapper San Quinn, drew on real-life experiences for the role.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“\u003cem>I know that dude\u003c/em>,” Brooks says, explaining his familiarity with the role, which he landed in a circuitous way. Initially in contact with \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/berner415/?hl=en\">Berner\u003c/a> (founder of the Cookies cannabis brand and San Francisco hip-hop artist) to play the role of Preach in the film, he heard Dolo described as “a young street dude from the city — the wild one.” Brooks said to himself: “I feel like I do that real good.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He and his younger brother Zakee “\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/h2othawave/\">H20\u003c/a>” Brooks, who raps with Brooks in a group called \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JnWE3QX96U\">THA SOULJAS\u003c/a>, each auditioned multiple times before being awarded roles in the film. “I wasn’t \u003cem>that\u003c/em> deeply involved in the streets,” the older Brooks says, contrasting his life with Dolo’s.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“My mom was ruthless out here on the streets,” says Brooks, adding that she’s done it all, from robberies to theft, all as a means of survival.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“My mom made everything happen, by any means necessary,” says Brooks. Even as she settled down and found legal employment, Brooks saw her adapt that same hard-won “I’m gonna do what I have to do to make sure my kids get by” mentality in the corporate world.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“And Dolo was that same type of dude,” Brooks says.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“He’s a dude of logic,” explains Brooks, adding that he’s also “a little bit of a dictator.” Despite Dolo’s immoral actions throughout the film, Brooks says, there’s a certain rationale to his logic, based upon the circumstances from which he comes.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“He’s a dude of logic,” explains Brooks, adding that he’s also “a little bit of a dictator.” Despite Dolo’s immoral actions throughout the film, Brooks says, there’s a certain rationale to his logic, based upon the circumstances from which he comes.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ultimately, Brooks says, Dolo’s downfall is that he wants it all. “He didn’t know how to be a team player,” Brooks tells me. “There \u003cem>was\u003c/em> an ‘I’ in ‘team’ for Dolo.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Ultimately, Brooks says, Dolo’s downfall is that he wants it all. “He didn’t know how to be a team player,” Brooks tells me. “There \u003cem>was\u003c/em> an ‘I’ in ‘team’ for Dolo.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even with Dolo’s snake-like mentality, many viewers may find themselves siding with him at times, much like Bundy in \u003cem>Belly\u003c/em> or Bishop in \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I think we all have a little Bishop or O-Dog or Dolo in us,” says Brooks. A lot of folks have experienced the feeling of being pushed to the limit. “Especially as Black people, just because all the scrutiny and hardships. Dolo is just a young dude who’s been through hardships and isn’t turning down no more.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>What’s more human than navigating an oppressive system by taking vengeance out on those in close proximity? In the Bay Area, where the chasm between the haves and have nots is wider than the Salesforce Tower laying on its side, it’s no wonder that people wielding a spark plug are preying on the parked vehicles of others.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>What’s more human than navigating an oppressive system by taking vengeance out on those in close proximity? In the Bay Area, where the chasm between the haves and have nots is wider than the Salesforce Tower laying on its side, it’s no wonder that people wielding a spark plug are preying on the parked vehicles of others.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bippin’ has been around for years. At this point, if you haven’t had your car window busted, it means you ride a bike to get around. People readily live in worry that they might be the next victim. It’s nearly impossible to get audiences to feel empathy for the head of a crime syndicate focused on burglarizing vehicles.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Bippin’ has been around for years. At this point, if you haven’t had your car window busted, it means you ride a bike to get around. People readily live in worry that they might be the next victim. It’s nearly impossible to get audiences to feel empathy for the head of a crime syndicate focused on burglarizing vehicles.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Dolo is a foul snake. But somehow, in \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>, you can \u003cem>lightweight\u003c/em> understand where he’s coming from.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I think the reason he’s got that likability,” Brooks says, reflecting on his role, “is because I was able to add a little bit of myself in there.” Brooks credits the directors for allowing him to bring his full self to his first acting role, and for pushing him to “humanize” Dolo.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I didn’t want him to be a ruthless murderer,” says Brooks. “He has a conscience too.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>‘\u003cem>Splash City’ is currently showing at select theaters nationwide, with upcoming screenings on \u003ca href=\"https://www.amctheatres.com/showtimes/145059063/seats\">Friday, July 31\u003c/a> in San José and \u003ca href=\"https://www.amctheatres.com/showtimes/145059056/seats\">Saturday, Aug. 1\u003c/a> in San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/splashcitythemovie/\">Screening times and more information here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>The crime drama \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27666105/\">\u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>\u003c/a> is a feature film with local star power, glossy cinematography and a dark storyline about an issue that has long plagued the Bay Area: \u003ca href=\"https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/let-me-show-you-how-to-bip-tracing-the-origins-of-hip-hop-favorite-new-word/\">bippin\u003c/a>‘.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Car windows are shattered. Backpacks are snatched. Underbuckets bend corners through busy San Francisco streets. There’s guns, sex, big money and high stakes. \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>, written and directed by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/berner415/?hl=en\">Berner\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6484571/?ref_=tt_ov_1_2\">Alex Ferrufino\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7229790/?ref_=tt_ov_2_2\">David Mansanalez\u003c/a> (and distributed by Lionsgate), also features an affecting performance by Oakland lyricist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/babygas/\">Baby Gas\u003c/a>, a cameo from Pinole-raised producer \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13971354/p-lo-for-the-soil-warriors-golden-state-entertainment-nba-all-star-weekend\">P-Lo\u003c/a> and a brief appearance by Fillmore rapper \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/mobetta__mochedda/?hl=en\">Ronski Mayfield\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But it’s the film’s antagonist who embodies an archetype often seen in hood films. Through him, \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em> brings into focus real-life issues caused by wealth inequality in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"834\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13991926\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R-160x67.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R-768x320.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01166R-1536x641.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reed Shannon as Julian ‘Juju’ Johnson and Quincy ‘Galaxy’ Brooks as Darnell ‘Dolo’ Ferguson in ‘Splash City.’ (Courtesy of Lionsgate)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It was a time in my life where I was waking up and bippin’ all day,” says \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DbBmf7ovBO6/\">Quincy “Galaxy” Brooks\u003c/a> today. “That’s how I was getting my money to eat.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Brooks, a 27 year-old rapper and son of San Francisco hip-hop legend \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-quinn\">San Quinn\u003c/a>, plays the menacing role of Darnell “Dolo” Ferguson in the film. As the ultimate bad guy, his character is a wolf in high-end clothing, tattoos and shiny jewels.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To prepare for the role, Brooks relied on his own lived experiences, and his mother’s mentality from a time when she, too, was forced to navigate all the streets entail. Lastly, Brooks says, he was heavily influenced by the iconic role Tupac played in 1992 film \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I was like ‘I want make that new millennium 2026 Bishop,’” says Brooks, adding that he watched \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em> over a dozen times before taking the role of Dolo. In doing so, he saw beyond the ruthless character on the screen and identified with Tupac the person, a young rapper and actor influenced by the Bay’s culture. Tupac brought a certain “ummph” with him to the set of the film, says Brooks, and “that’s the same thing I wanted to do for Dolo.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"834\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13991933\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R-160x67.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R-768x320.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00886R-1536x641.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reed Shannon as Julian ‘Juju’ Johnson in ‘Splash City. ’ (Lionsgate)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>, Dolo is a headstrong character who holds a boss-like influence in the community. He pays for a couple younger homies’ jewelry when their stolen credit card is declined. He also does scandalous stuff to the younger ring of thieves, cutting them short on loads of cash because he runs the operation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the film’s story unfolds, a chain of events pits Dolo against a childhood friend and rising hoop star, Elijah “Slim” Johnson (\u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7094722/?ref_=tt_cst_t_8\">Zach Sowers\u003c/a>). Eventually, Slim’s brother and the main protagonist of the film, Julian “Juju” Johnson (\u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5476739/?ref_=tt_cst_t_2\">Reed Shannon\u003c/a>), steps up to bring Dolo to justice — but not before Dolo and his hot temper wreak havoc on the community.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the outspoken live wire of the crew, Dolo is an archetype that we’ve seen before. Similar to Bishop in \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em>, O-Dog in \u003cem>Menace II Society\u003c/em> or Bundy in \u003cem>Belly\u003c/em>, he’s a Black man who’s both charismatic and a crashout. Full of ego and rage, he overly flexes his power to get revenge on those who once made him feel powerless.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"834\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R.jpg\" alt=\"A young Black man in a beanie has a terrified look as a pistol is aimed at his face in a darkly-lit room\" class=\"wp-image-13991927\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R-160x67.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R-768x320.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_01655R-1536x641.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Quincy ‘Galaxy’ Brooks as Darnell ‘Dolo’ Ferguson in ‘Splash City.’ Brooks, the son of San Francisco rapper San Quinn, drew on real-life experiences for the role. (Lionsgate)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thanks to Brooks’ performance, even as Dolo goes off the deep end, his character retains a relatable humanity.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“\u003cem>I know that dude\u003c/em>,” Brooks says, explaining his familiarity with the role, which he landed in a circuitous way. Initially in contact with \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/berner415/?hl=en\">Berner\u003c/a> (founder of the Cookies cannabis brand and San Francisco hip-hop artist) to play the role of Preach in the film, he heard Dolo described as “a young street dude from the city — the wild one.” Brooks said to himself: “I feel like I do that real good.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He and his younger brother Zakee “\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/h2othawave/\">H20\u003c/a>” Brooks, who raps with Brooks in a group called \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JnWE3QX96U\">THA SOULJAS\u003c/a>, each auditioned multiple times before being awarded roles in the film. “I wasn’t \u003cem>that\u003c/em> deeply involved in the streets,” the older Brooks says, contrasting his life with Dolo’s.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In order to really tap into that cutthroat mentality, he looked to his mother, Cheryl-T.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My mom was ruthless out here on the streets,” says Brooks, adding that she’s done it all, from robberies to theft, all as a means of survival.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/Vrze2vx3avI'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/Vrze2vx3avI'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a child, Brooks’ mom moved from New Orleans to the West Point housing projects in Bayview-Hunters Point. She later lived in the notorious Harbor Road projects before being kicked out of the house at age 13. She became a parent while still young, mothering two children before Brooks, plus his younger brother soon after.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a mom, Brooks says, Cheryl-T stole school clothes to ensure the kids had fresh fits in the classroom. She took football pads from the store to make sure Brooks had the gear he needed when he stepped on the gridiron.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My mom made everything happen, by any means necessary,” says Brooks. Even as she settled down and found legal employment, Brooks saw her adapt that same hard-won “I’m gonna do what I have to do to make sure my kids get by” mentality in the corporate world.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And Dolo was that same type of dude,” Brooks says.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“He’s a dude of logic,” explains Brooks, adding that he’s also “a little bit of a dictator.” Despite Dolo’s immoral actions throughout the film, Brooks says, there’s a certain rationale to his logic, based upon the circumstances from which he comes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ultimately, Brooks says, Dolo’s downfall is that he wants it all. “He didn’t know how to be a team player,” Brooks tells me. “There \u003cem>was\u003c/em> an ‘I’ in ‘team’ for Dolo.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"834\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00165R.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13991932\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00165R.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00165R-160x67.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00165R-768x320.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/SPLASHCITY_SG_00165R-1536x641.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reed Shannon as Julian ‘Juju’ Johnson and Zach Sowers as Elijah ‘Slim’ Johnson in ‘Splash City.’ (Lionsgate)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even with Dolo’s snake-like mentality, many viewers may find themselves siding with him at times, much like Bundy in \u003cem>Belly\u003c/em> or Bishop in \u003cem>Juice\u003c/em>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think we all have a little Bishop or O-Dog or Dolo in us,” says Brooks. A lot of folks have experienced the feeling of being pushed to the limit. “Especially as Black people, just because all the scrutiny and hardships. Dolo is just a young dude who’s been through hardships and isn’t turning down no more.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What’s more human than navigating an oppressive system by taking vengeance out on those in close proximity? In the Bay Area, where the chasm between the haves and have nots is wider than the Salesforce Tower laying on its side, it’s no wonder that people wielding a spark plug are preying on the parked vehicles of others.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bippin’ has been around for years. At this point, if you haven’t had your car window busted, it means you ride a bike to get around. People readily live in worry that they might be the next victim. It’s nearly impossible to get audiences to feel empathy for the head of a crime syndicate focused on burglarizing vehicles.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Dolo is a foul snake. But somehow, in \u003cem>Splash City\u003c/em>, you can \u003cem>lightweight\u003c/em> understand where he’s coming from.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think the reason he’s got that likability,” Brooks says, reflecting on his role, “is because I was able to add a little bit of myself in there.” Brooks credits the directors for allowing him to bring his full self to his first acting role, and for pushing him to “humanize” Dolo.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I didn’t want him to be a ruthless murderer,” says Brooks. “He has a conscience too.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>‘\u003cem>Splash City’ is currently showing at select theaters nationwide, with upcoming screenings on \u003ca href=\"https://www.amctheatres.com/showtimes/145059063/seats\">Friday, July 31\u003c/a> in San José and \u003ca href=\"https://www.amctheatres.com/showtimes/145059056/seats\">Saturday, Aug. 1\u003c/a> in San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/splashcitythemovie/\">Screening times and more information here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "30-years-after-its-founding-youth-speaks-to-host-national-poetry-slam-competition",
"title": "30 Years After its Founding, Youth Speaks to Host National Poetry Slam Competition",
"publishDate": 1783983756,
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"headTitle": "30 Years After its Founding, Youth Speaks to Host National Poetry Slam Competition | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Tears will fall, voices will raise and words will be cast to the ether like spells from the mouths of young magicians this week as \u003ca href=\"https://bravenewvoices.youthspeaks.org/\">Brave New Voices\u003c/a>, the nation’s largest youth poetry slam, returns to the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Starting Wednesday, young artists from across the country will recite poems, lyrics and limericks at workshops and performances, culminating on Saturday with the festival’s competitive poetry slam, an annual event that began nearly three decades ago. This year, the Bay Area team will defend its title after \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTKUn7ix7D4\">winning the 2025 slam\u003c/a> — its first victory since 2006.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21.jpg\" alt=\"Four poets making hand gestures while performing on stage.\" class=\"wp-image-13991565\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The first Brave New Voices Poetry Slam took place in the Bay Area in 1997. This year, the nationwide competition is back at its place of origin. (Courtesy of Youth Speaks)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Brave New Voices was founded in 1997 by local nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://youthspeaks.org/\">Youth Speaks\u003c/a>, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary of promoting the power of the spoken word. Among the organization’s many alumni are Tony- and Grammy-winning actor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/daveed-diggs\">Daveed Diggs\u003c/a>, filmmaker \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13798311/women-to-watch-chinaka-hodge\">Chinaka Hodge\u003c/a> and actor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/rafael-casal\">Rafael Casal\u003c/a>. The larger network of Brave New Voices alums includes \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanda_Gorman\">Amanda Gorman\u003c/a>, who delivered a landmark poem at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEfZuSWiI_s\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 2026 Brave New Voices lineup is stacked with top-tier names in wordsmithing, says Brave New Voices executive co-producer \u003ca href=\"https://youthspeaks.org/bijou-mcdaniel/\">Bijou McDaniel\u003c/a>. This Wednesday’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brave-new-voices-festival-day-1-feat-aja-monet-tickets-1990210972594?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">opening ceremony\u003c/a> features well-known poet and activist \u003ca href=\"https://ajamonet.com/\">aja monet\u003c/a>, immediately followed by a showcase called ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brave-new-voices-festival-day-1-feat-aja-monet-tickets-1990210972594?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">All Power to the Poets\u003c/a>,’ the theme of this year’s festival.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wednesday’s second showcase features\u003ca href=\"https://substack.com/@historyin3\"> Dr. Xavier Buck\u003c/a>, executive director of the \u003ca href=\"https://hueypnewtonfoundation.org/\">Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation\u003c/a>, as well as artists who are part of Youth Speaks national poetry fellowship. The event is inspired by the Bay Area’s legacy of activism, including the Black Panther Party, \u003ca href=\"https://www.bpp60.org/\">which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year\u003c/a>. The goal, McDaniel says, is to allow young poets to grow politically, and see “what happens when poets go beyond the page and the stage.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The second day of events brings people to San Francisco’s In Chan Kaajal Park for ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brave-new-voices-festival-day-2-tickets-1990211501175?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">Queeriosity in the Park\u003c/a>,’ a day of activities led by Youth Speaks’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/performance/article/Youth-Speaks-alum-Santiago-gives-back-6894186.php\">Brandon Santiago\u003c/a> and aja monet, with topics ranging from the politics of the hyphy movement to love as a personal and political practice.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>An opening plenary with aja monet, youth poet fellow \u003ca href=\"https://thewowfoundation.com/profile/aniya-butler/\">Aniya Butler\u003c/a> and DJ \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/djcharleshawthorne/\">Charles Hawthorne\u003c/a> will be moderated by podcast host \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13981680/stars-and-stars-with-isa-nakazawa-futuro-studios\">Isa Nakazawa\u003c/a> to discuss the intersection of art and activism. Live performances from the likes of \u003ca href=\"https://www.raestudios-sf.com/post/vogue-fem\">Soho Tisci Vogue Class\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/xiuhcoatldanza/?hl=en\">Azteca Dancers\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/oaklandoriginalz/?hl=en\">Oakland Originalz\u003c/a> keep things lively, along with a drag story hour from San Francisco Drag Laureate \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/per_sia/?hl=en\">Per Sia\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1336\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554.jpg\" alt=\"A crowd erupting with an ovation after a poetry performance.\" class=\"wp-image-13991564\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554-1536x1026.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With the support of their peers in the audience, many young poets who participate in the Brave New Voices competition go on to impressive endeavors. (Courtesy of Youth Speaks)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Day three,” McDaniel exclaims, “is what everybody came for.” The semifinals of the Brave New Voices Poetry Slam, hosted at multiple venues across downtown Oakland, will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. That night brings two more events: “\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mc-olympics-ft-guapdad-4000-tickets-1990210660661?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">MC Olympics\u003c/a>,” guest-judged by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11943512/oakland-rapper-guap-on-his-black-and-filipino-roots-and-what-inspired-the-song-chicken-adobo\">West Oakland rapper and entrepreneur Guapdad\u003c/a>, and a fundraiser at the Starline Social Club hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.shannonmatesky.com/\">Shannon Matesky\u003c/a> and showcasing the talents of Youth Speaks alums including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13979065/jwalt-love-myself-every-version-of-me-album-oakland\">Jwalt\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13925905/tia-nomore-earth-mama-a24-savanah-leaf\">Tia Nomore\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/twisted.cant.fix.it/\">Ajai Kasim\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/jada-imani\">Jada Imani\u003c/a>. “And,” McDaniel adds, “we have Tank from \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/artists/517688972/tank-and-the-bangas\">Tank and the Bangas\u003c/a> headlining that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The final day of the four-day series centers the Brave New Voices Poetry Slam finals at San Francisco’s Herbst Theater. As the newest poet champions compete for this year’s crown, the evening includes performances by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101911658/sf-poet-laureate-genny-lim-and-the-del-sol-quartets-new-performance-celebrates-asian-american-diaspora\">San Francisco Poet Laureate Genny Lim\u003c/a> and singer \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/artists/591500094/serpentwithfeet\">Serpentwithfeet\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I know, that’s a lot,” says McDaniel preparing for the week ahead. “And next year we’re celebrating Brave New Voices’ 30th, which is crazy to think about.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://bravenewvoices.youthspeaks.org/\">Brave New Voices\u003c/a> runs Wednesday, July 15, through Saturday, July 18 at various venues around the Bay Area. Most events are all-ages and free to attend. \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/o/youth-speaks-319282441\">Tickets, RSVPs and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tears will fall, voices will raise and words will be cast to the ether like spells from the mouths of young magicians this week as \u003ca href=\"https://bravenewvoices.youthspeaks.org/\">Brave New Voices\u003c/a>, the nation’s largest youth poetry slam, returns to the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Tears will fall, voices will raise and words will be cast to the ether like spells from the mouths of young magicians this week as \u003ca href=\"https://bravenewvoices.youthspeaks.org/\">Brave New Voices\u003c/a>, the nation’s largest youth poetry slam, returns to the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Starting Wednesday, young artists from across the country will recite poems, lyrics and limericks at workshops and performances, culminating on Saturday with the festival’s competitive poetry slam, an annual event that began nearly three decades ago. This year, the Bay Area team will defend its title after \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTKUn7ix7D4\">winning the 2025 slam\u003c/a> — its first victory since 2006.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Starting Wednesday, young artists from across the country will recite poems, lyrics and limericks at workshops and performances, culminating on Saturday with the festival’s competitive poetry slam, an annual event that began nearly three decades ago. This year, the Bay Area team will defend its title after \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTKUn7ix7D4\">winning the 2025 slam\u003c/a> — its first victory since 2006.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21.jpg\" alt=\"Four poets making hand gestures while performing on stage.\" class=\"wp-image-13991565\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The first Brave New Voices Poetry Slam took place in the Bay Area in 1997. This year, the nationwide competition is back at its place of origin.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21.jpg\" alt=\"Four poets making hand gestures while performing on stage.\" class=\"wp-image-13991565\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The first Brave New Voices Poetry Slam took place in the Bay Area in 1997. This year, the nationwide competition is back at its place of origin.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Brave New Voices was founded in 1997 by local nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://youthspeaks.org/\">Youth Speaks\u003c/a>, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary of promoting the power of the spoken word. Among the organization’s many alumni are Tony- and Grammy-winning actor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/daveed-diggs\">Daveed Diggs\u003c/a>, filmmaker \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13798311/women-to-watch-chinaka-hodge\">Chinaka Hodge\u003c/a> and actor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/rafael-casal\">Rafael Casal\u003c/a>. The larger network of Brave New Voices alums includes \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanda_Gorman\">Amanda Gorman\u003c/a>, who delivered a landmark poem at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Brave New Voices was founded in 1997 by local nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://youthspeaks.org/\">Youth Speaks\u003c/a>, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary of promoting the power of the spoken word. Among the organization’s many alumni are Tony- and Grammy-winning actor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/daveed-diggs\">Daveed Diggs\u003c/a>, filmmaker \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13798311/women-to-watch-chinaka-hodge\">Chinaka Hodge\u003c/a> and actor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/rafael-casal\">Rafael Casal\u003c/a>. The larger network of Brave New Voices alums includes \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanda_Gorman\">Amanda Gorman\u003c/a>, who delivered a landmark poem at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEfZuSWiI_s\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The 2026 Brave New Voices lineup is stacked with top-tier names in wordsmithing, says Brave New Voices executive co-producer \u003ca href=\"https://youthspeaks.org/bijou-mcdaniel/\">Bijou McDaniel\u003c/a>. This Wednesday’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brave-new-voices-festival-day-1-feat-aja-monet-tickets-1990210972594?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">opening ceremony\u003c/a> features well-known poet and activist \u003ca href=\"https://ajamonet.com/\">aja monet\u003c/a>, immediately followed by a showcase called ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brave-new-voices-festival-day-1-feat-aja-monet-tickets-1990210972594?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">All Power to the Poets\u003c/a>,’ the theme of this year’s festival.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The 2026 Brave New Voices lineup is stacked with top-tier names in wordsmithing, says Brave New Voices executive co-producer \u003ca href=\"https://youthspeaks.org/bijou-mcdaniel/\">Bijou McDaniel\u003c/a>. This Wednesday’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brave-new-voices-festival-day-1-feat-aja-monet-tickets-1990210972594?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">opening ceremony\u003c/a> features well-known poet and activist \u003ca href=\"https://ajamonet.com/\">aja monet\u003c/a>, immediately followed by a showcase called ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brave-new-voices-festival-day-1-feat-aja-monet-tickets-1990210972594?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">All Power to the Poets\u003c/a>,’ the theme of this year’s festival.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wednesday’s second showcase features\u003ca href=\"https://substack.com/@historyin3\"> Dr. Xavier Buck\u003c/a>, executive director of the \u003ca href=\"https://hueypnewtonfoundation.org/\">Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation\u003c/a>, as well as artists who are part of Youth Speaks national poetry fellowship. The event is inspired by the Bay Area’s legacy of activism, including the Black Panther Party, \u003ca href=\"https://www.bpp60.org/\">which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year\u003c/a>. The goal, McDaniel says, is to allow young poets to grow politically, and see “what happens when poets go beyond the page and the stage.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Wednesday’s second showcase features\u003ca href=\"https://substack.com/@historyin3\"> Dr. Xavier Buck\u003c/a>, executive director of the \u003ca href=\"https://hueypnewtonfoundation.org/\">Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation\u003c/a>, as well as artists who are part of Youth Speaks national poetry fellowship. The event is inspired by the Bay Area’s legacy of activism, including the Black Panther Party, \u003ca href=\"https://www.bpp60.org/\">which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year\u003c/a>. The goal, McDaniel says, is to allow young poets to grow politically, and see “what happens when poets go beyond the page and the stage.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The second day of events brings people to San Francisco’s In Chan Kaajal Park for ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brave-new-voices-festival-day-2-tickets-1990211501175?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">Queeriosity in the Park\u003c/a>,’ a day of activities led by Youth Speaks’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/performance/article/Youth-Speaks-alum-Santiago-gives-back-6894186.php\">Brandon Santiago\u003c/a> and aja monet, with topics ranging from the politics of the hyphy movement to love as a personal and political practice.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The second day of events brings people to San Francisco’s In Chan Kaajal Park for ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brave-new-voices-festival-day-2-tickets-1990211501175?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">Queeriosity in the Park\u003c/a>,’ a day of activities led by Youth Speaks’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/performance/article/Youth-Speaks-alum-Santiago-gives-back-6894186.php\">Brandon Santiago\u003c/a> and aja monet, with topics ranging from the politics of the hyphy movement to love as a personal and political practice.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>An opening plenary with aja monet, youth poet fellow \u003ca href=\"https://thewowfoundation.com/profile/aniya-butler/\">Aniya Butler\u003c/a> and DJ \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/djcharleshawthorne/\">Charles Hawthorne\u003c/a> will be moderated by podcast host \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13981680/stars-and-stars-with-isa-nakazawa-futuro-studios\">Isa Nakazawa\u003c/a> to discuss the intersection of art and activism. Live performances from the likes of \u003ca href=\"https://www.raestudios-sf.com/post/vogue-fem\">Soho Tisci Vogue Class\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/xiuhcoatldanza/?hl=en\">Azteca Dancers\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/oaklandoriginalz/?hl=en\">Oakland Originalz\u003c/a> keep things lively, along with a drag story hour from San Francisco Drag Laureate \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/per_sia/?hl=en\">Per Sia\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>An opening plenary with aja monet, youth poet fellow \u003ca href=\"https://thewowfoundation.com/profile/aniya-butler/\">Aniya Butler\u003c/a> and DJ \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/djcharleshawthorne/\">Charles Hawthorne\u003c/a> will be moderated by podcast host \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13981680/stars-and-stars-with-isa-nakazawa-futuro-studios\">Isa Nakazawa\u003c/a> to discuss the intersection of art and activism. Live performances from the likes of \u003ca href=\"https://www.raestudios-sf.com/post/vogue-fem\">Soho Tisci Vogue Class\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/xiuhcoatldanza/?hl=en\">Azteca Dancers\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/oaklandoriginalz/?hl=en\">Oakland Originalz\u003c/a> keep things lively, along with a drag story hour from San Francisco Drag Laureate \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/per_sia/?hl=en\">Per Sia\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554.jpg\" alt=\"A crowd erupting with an ovation after a poetry performance.\" class=\"wp-image-13991564\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554-1536x1026.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With the support of their peers in the audience, many young poets who participate in the Brave New Voices competition go on to impressive endeavors.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Day three,” McDaniel exclaims, “is what everybody came for.” The semifinals of the Brave New Voices Poetry Slam, hosted at multiple venues across downtown Oakland, will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. That night brings two more events: “\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mc-olympics-ft-guapdad-4000-tickets-1990210660661?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">MC Olympics\u003c/a>,” guest-judged by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11943512/oakland-rapper-guap-on-his-black-and-filipino-roots-and-what-inspired-the-song-chicken-adobo\">West Oakland rapper and entrepreneur Guapdad\u003c/a>, and a fundraiser at the Starline Social Club hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.shannonmatesky.com/\">Shannon Matesky\u003c/a> and showcasing the talents of Youth Speaks alums including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13979065/jwalt-love-myself-every-version-of-me-album-oakland\">Jwalt\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13925905/tia-nomore-earth-mama-a24-savanah-leaf\">Tia Nomore\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/twisted.cant.fix.it/\">Ajai Kasim\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/jada-imani\">Jada Imani\u003c/a>. “And,” McDaniel adds, “we have Tank from \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/artists/517688972/tank-and-the-bangas\">Tank and the Bangas\u003c/a> headlining that.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The final day of the four-day series centers the Brave New Voices Poetry Slam finals at San Francisco’s Herbst Theater. As the newest poet champions compete for this year’s crown, the evening includes performances by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101911658/sf-poet-laureate-genny-lim-and-the-del-sol-quartets-new-performance-celebrates-asian-american-diaspora\">San Francisco Poet Laureate Genny Lim\u003c/a> and singer \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/artists/591500094/serpentwithfeet\">Serpentwithfeet\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I know, that’s a lot,” says McDaniel preparing for the week ahead. “And next year we’re celebrating Brave New Voices’ 30th, which is crazy to think about.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I know, that’s a lot,” says McDaniel preparing for the week ahead. “And next year we’re celebrating Brave New Voices’ 30th, which is crazy to think about.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://bravenewvoices.youthspeaks.org/\">Brave New Voices\u003c/a> runs Wednesday, July 15, through Saturday, July 18 at various venues around the Bay Area. Most events are all-ages and free to attend. \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/o/youth-speaks-319282441\">Tickets, RSVPs and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://bravenewvoices.youthspeaks.org/\">Brave New Voices\u003c/a> runs Wednesday, July 15, through Saturday, July 18 at various venues around the Bay Area. Most events are all-ages and free to attend. \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/o/youth-speaks-319282441\">Tickets, RSVPs and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "The Bay Area nonprofit has championed the power of youth voices for three decades and counting.\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Tears will fall, voices will raise and words will be cast to the ether like spells from the mouths of young magicians this week as \u003ca href=\"https://bravenewvoices.youthspeaks.org/\">Brave New Voices\u003c/a>, the nation’s largest youth poetry slam, returns to the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Starting Wednesday, young artists from across the country will recite poems, lyrics and limericks at workshops and performances, culminating on Saturday with the festival’s competitive poetry slam, an annual event that began nearly three decades ago. This year, the Bay Area team will defend its title after \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTKUn7ix7D4\">winning the 2025 slam\u003c/a> — its first victory since 2006.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21.jpg\" alt=\"Four poets making hand gestures while performing on stage.\" class=\"wp-image-13991565\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/ceremony_bnv_gp-21-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The first Brave New Voices Poetry Slam took place in the Bay Area in 1997. This year, the nationwide competition is back at its place of origin. (Courtesy of Youth Speaks)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Brave New Voices was founded in 1997 by local nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://youthspeaks.org/\">Youth Speaks\u003c/a>, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary of promoting the power of the spoken word. Among the organization’s many alumni are Tony- and Grammy-winning actor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/daveed-diggs\">Daveed Diggs\u003c/a>, filmmaker \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13798311/women-to-watch-chinaka-hodge\">Chinaka Hodge\u003c/a> and actor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/rafael-casal\">Rafael Casal\u003c/a>. The larger network of Brave New Voices alums includes \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanda_Gorman\">Amanda Gorman\u003c/a>, who delivered a landmark poem at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/EEfZuSWiI_s'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/EEfZuSWiI_s'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 2026 Brave New Voices lineup is stacked with top-tier names in wordsmithing, says Brave New Voices executive co-producer \u003ca href=\"https://youthspeaks.org/bijou-mcdaniel/\">Bijou McDaniel\u003c/a>. This Wednesday’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brave-new-voices-festival-day-1-feat-aja-monet-tickets-1990210972594?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">opening ceremony\u003c/a> features well-known poet and activist \u003ca href=\"https://ajamonet.com/\">aja monet\u003c/a>, immediately followed by a showcase called ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brave-new-voices-festival-day-1-feat-aja-monet-tickets-1990210972594?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">All Power to the Poets\u003c/a>,’ the theme of this year’s festival.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wednesday’s second showcase features\u003ca href=\"https://substack.com/@historyin3\"> Dr. Xavier Buck\u003c/a>, executive director of the \u003ca href=\"https://hueypnewtonfoundation.org/\">Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation\u003c/a>, as well as artists who are part of Youth Speaks national poetry fellowship. The event is inspired by the Bay Area’s legacy of activism, including the Black Panther Party, \u003ca href=\"https://www.bpp60.org/\">which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year\u003c/a>. The goal, McDaniel says, is to allow young poets to grow politically, and see “what happens when poets go beyond the page and the stage.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The second day of events brings people to San Francisco’s In Chan Kaajal Park for ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brave-new-voices-festival-day-2-tickets-1990211501175?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">Queeriosity in the Park\u003c/a>,’ a day of activities led by Youth Speaks’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/performance/article/Youth-Speaks-alum-Santiago-gives-back-6894186.php\">Brandon Santiago\u003c/a> and aja monet, with topics ranging from the politics of the hyphy movement to love as a personal and political practice.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>An opening plenary with aja monet, youth poet fellow \u003ca href=\"https://thewowfoundation.com/profile/aniya-butler/\">Aniya Butler\u003c/a> and DJ \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/djcharleshawthorne/\">Charles Hawthorne\u003c/a> will be moderated by podcast host \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13981680/stars-and-stars-with-isa-nakazawa-futuro-studios\">Isa Nakazawa\u003c/a> to discuss the intersection of art and activism. Live performances from the likes of \u003ca href=\"https://www.raestudios-sf.com/post/vogue-fem\">Soho Tisci Vogue Class\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/xiuhcoatldanza/?hl=en\">Azteca Dancers\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/oaklandoriginalz/?hl=en\">Oakland Originalz\u003c/a> keep things lively, along with a drag story hour from San Francisco Drag Laureate \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/per_sia/?hl=en\">Per Sia\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1336\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554.jpg\" alt=\"A crowd erupting with an ovation after a poetry performance.\" class=\"wp-image-13991564\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BNV_2015-554-1536x1026.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With the support of their peers in the audience, many young poets who participate in the Brave New Voices competition go on to impressive endeavors. (Courtesy of Youth Speaks)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Day three,” McDaniel exclaims, “is what everybody came for.” The semifinals of the Brave New Voices Poetry Slam, hosted at multiple venues across downtown Oakland, will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. That night brings two more events: “\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mc-olympics-ft-guapdad-4000-tickets-1990210660661?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\">MC Olympics\u003c/a>,” guest-judged by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11943512/oakland-rapper-guap-on-his-black-and-filipino-roots-and-what-inspired-the-song-chicken-adobo\">West Oakland rapper and entrepreneur Guapdad\u003c/a>, and a fundraiser at the Starline Social Club hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.shannonmatesky.com/\">Shannon Matesky\u003c/a> and showcasing the talents of Youth Speaks alums including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13979065/jwalt-love-myself-every-version-of-me-album-oakland\">Jwalt\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13925905/tia-nomore-earth-mama-a24-savanah-leaf\">Tia Nomore\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/twisted.cant.fix.it/\">Ajai Kasim\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/jada-imani\">Jada Imani\u003c/a>. “And,” McDaniel adds, “we have Tank from \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/artists/517688972/tank-and-the-bangas\">Tank and the Bangas\u003c/a> headlining that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The final day of the four-day series centers the Brave New Voices Poetry Slam finals at San Francisco’s Herbst Theater. As the newest poet champions compete for this year’s crown, the evening includes performances by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101911658/sf-poet-laureate-genny-lim-and-the-del-sol-quartets-new-performance-celebrates-asian-american-diaspora\">San Francisco Poet Laureate Genny Lim\u003c/a> and singer \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/artists/591500094/serpentwithfeet\">Serpentwithfeet\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I know, that’s a lot,” says McDaniel preparing for the week ahead. “And next year we’re celebrating Brave New Voices’ 30th, which is crazy to think about.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://bravenewvoices.youthspeaks.org/\">Brave New Voices\u003c/a> runs Wednesday, July 15, through Saturday, July 18 at various venues around the Bay Area. Most events are all-ages and free to attend. \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/o/youth-speaks-319282441\">Tickets, RSVPs and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "jollof-rice-festival-west-africa-oakland",
"title": "West African Flavors Do Battle as Jollof Festival Returns to Oakland",
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"headTitle": "West African Flavors Do Battle as Jollof Festival Returns to Oakland | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Ishmael Osekre wanted to settle the debates once and for all. Amid the everlasting argument over which West African country makes the best Jollof rice, in 2017, Osekre launched a competition that involved actually tasting the food instead of “trying to insult each other’s mama,” he says today, with a laugh.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Saturday, July 18, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jollof-festival-oakland-26-tickets-1988023963190?gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ebps&utm_campaign=PSNB_CUAL_PMK_PDO_0_US_0_BAU_0_GA01-DSA-Page-Feed-High-Value&utm_term=&aff=ebmkmxperformance&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23357619767&gbraid=0AAAAAo0IdU2Z3ZGhY8ySz3F3yR2yhL_GG&gclid=Cj0KCQjwr4jSBhCSARIsAOX1E-I-xYqlUiipNLtcoIVbgoaCFh6rgODwElxLc_Ce1Kkw7h_rHuf_97waAtGbEALw_wcB\">Jollof Festival\u003c/a> returns to Oakland. Along with flavorful rice, the annual event includes live dance performances, an interactive kids zone, and handmade goods, in addition to the inevitable disputes about proper Jollof preparation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After the inaugural Jollof Festival in Washington D.C. and \u003ca href=\"https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-41053424\">a BBC article\u003c/a> that swirled around the internet, other regions demanded local iterations of the festival. The community interest, enthusiasm and passion behind the “Jollof wars,” Osekre says on a recent phone call, encouraged him to take the show on the road in hopes of “properly preventing the next world war.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1020\" height=\"702\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-1020x702.jpg\" alt=\"Customers eating jollof rice out of black plastic takeout containers.\" class=\"wp-image-13960583\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-1020x702.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-800x550.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-160x110.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-768x528.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-1536x1057.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Customers with Jollof Kitchen’s Nigerian-style jollof rice. Owner Kemi Tijaniqudus won the Oakland edition of Jollof Festival in 2021 and 2023. (Courtesy of Jollof Kitchen)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In its most common form, Jollof rice is made with a combination of rice, meat, tomatoes and spices. Though said to \u003ca href=\"https://www.trtafrika.com/article/17657471?_rt=1\">originate in Senegal\u003c/a>, nearly every country in West Africa has its own variety. And here in the Bay Area, the African diaspora is steadfast about repping their homeland through food.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The Bay Area shows its unapologetic appreciation, interest and curiosity of African culture, African food,” Osekre says. In one of the most diverse places on earth, it isn’t lost on Osekre that the Black community is deeply connected with their southern roots and African heritage. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/theesoulfulone/\">Quiana Webster\u003c/a>, co-producer of the festival, adds that “Oakland is the model.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Webster may be slightly biased — she’s an Oakland kid herself — but she’s done her homework, having traveled with the festival and witnessed it in Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta and other places.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In every state, no matter what, this rice is something that everybody wants,” she says. “They want to taste it, they want to vote about it, they want to argue and they want to come together.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2447\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4.jpg\" alt='A woman holding a yellow box of food that reads \"Jollof Festival\" on the top of it.' class=\"wp-image-13991492\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4-160x196.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4-768x940.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4-1255x1536.jpg 1255w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4-1674x2048.jpg 1674w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jollof rice, from West Africa, is a precursor and cousin to jambalaya, from Louisiana. (Courtesy Jollof Festival)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Working the Jollof Festival helped Webster expand her resources and branch off into catering as the owner of local catering business \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/symplysoul_/\">Symply Soul\u003c/a>. It’s also pushed Osekre to grow as a student of the culinary arts. During the pandemic, he says, he spent his downtime learning to cook so he could better articulate the details of the dishes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The festival’s format will be similar to past years. The competition is a blind tasting with “one little twist,” says Osekre. “We are introducing software that will actually tie the ticket that you bought to your vote.” (While in the past, there had been issues with Google forms and QR codes, this development will ensure one person, per vote.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even still, despite Osekre’s mediation efforts, the debate is sure to continue. It’s a part of the culture.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The 2026 \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jollof-festival-oakland-26-tickets-1988023963190\">Jollof Festival\u003c/a> takes place Saturday, July 18, at 811 Oakland (811 Washington Street, Oakland). Admission is available in multiple tiers, including a non-voting general entry ticket and a five-country “sample pack” voting ticket. \u003ca href=\"http://eventbrite.com/e/jollof-festival-oakland-26-tickets-1988023963190%20%E2%86%97\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ishmael Osekre wanted to settle the debates once and for all. Amid the everlasting argument over which West African country makes the best Jollof rice, in 2017, Osekre launched a competition that involved actually tasting the food instead of “trying to insult each other’s mama,” he says today, with a laugh.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On Saturday, July 18, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jollof-festival-oakland-26-tickets-1988023963190?gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ebps&utm_campaign=PSNB_CUAL_PMK_PDO_0_US_0_BAU_0_GA01-DSA-Page-Feed-High-Value&utm_term=&aff=ebmkmxperformance&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23357619767&gbraid=0AAAAAo0IdU2Z3ZGhY8ySz3F3yR2yhL_GG&gclid=Cj0KCQjwr4jSBhCSARIsAOX1E-I-xYqlUiipNLtcoIVbgoaCFh6rgODwElxLc_Ce1Kkw7h_rHuf_97waAtGbEALw_wcB\">Jollof Festival\u003c/a> returns to Oakland. Along with flavorful rice, the annual event includes live dance performances, an interactive kids zone, and handmade goods, in addition to the inevitable disputes about proper Jollof preparation.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>On Saturday, July 18, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jollof-festival-oakland-26-tickets-1988023963190?gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ebps&utm_campaign=PSNB_CUAL_PMK_PDO_0_US_0_BAU_0_GA01-DSA-Page-Feed-High-Value&utm_term=&aff=ebmkmxperformance&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23357619767&gbraid=0AAAAAo0IdU2Z3ZGhY8ySz3F3yR2yhL_GG&gclid=Cj0KCQjwr4jSBhCSARIsAOX1E-I-xYqlUiipNLtcoIVbgoaCFh6rgODwElxLc_Ce1Kkw7h_rHuf_97waAtGbEALw_wcB\">Jollof Festival\u003c/a> returns to Oakland. Along with flavorful rice, the annual event includes live dance performances, an interactive kids zone, and handmade goods, in addition to the inevitable disputes about proper Jollof preparation.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After the inaugural Jollof Festival in Washington D.C. and \u003ca href=\"https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-41053424\">a BBC article\u003c/a> that swirled around the internet, other regions demanded local iterations of the festival. The community interest, enthusiasm and passion behind the “Jollof wars,” Osekre says on a recent phone call, encouraged him to take the show on the road in hopes of “properly preventing the next world war.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>After the inaugural Jollof Festival in Washington D.C. and \u003ca href=\"https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-41053424\">a BBC article\u003c/a> that swirled around the internet, other regions demanded local iterations of the festival. The community interest, enthusiasm and passion behind the “Jollof wars,” Osekre says on a recent phone call, encouraged him to take the show on the road in hopes of “properly preventing the next world war.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-1020x702.jpg\" alt=\"Customers eating jollof rice out of black plastic takeout containers.\" class=\"wp-image-13960583\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-1020x702.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-800x550.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-160x110.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-768x528.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-1536x1057.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Customers with Jollof Kitchen’s Nigerian-style jollof rice. Owner Kemi Tijaniqudus won the Oakland edition of Jollof Festival in 2021 and 2023.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In its most common form, Jollof rice is made with a combination of rice, meat, tomatoes and spices. Though said to \u003ca href=\"https://www.trtafrika.com/article/17657471?_rt=1\">originate in Senegal\u003c/a>, nearly every country in West Africa has its own variety. And here in the Bay Area, the African diaspora is steadfast about repping their homeland through food.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The Bay Area shows its unapologetic appreciation, interest and curiosity of African culture, African food,” Osekre says. In one of the most diverse places on earth, it isn’t lost on Osekre that the Black community is deeply connected with their southern roots and African heritage. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/theesoulfulone/\">Quiana Webster\u003c/a>, co-producer of the festival, adds that “Oakland is the model.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/theesoulfulone/\">Quiana Webster\u003c/a>, co-producer of the festival, adds that “Oakland is the model.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Webster may be slightly biased — she’s an Oakland kid herself — but she’s done her homework, having traveled with the festival and witnessed it in Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta and other places.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“In every state, no matter what, this rice is something that everybody wants,” she says. “They want to taste it, they want to vote about it, they want to argue and they want to come together.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4.jpg\" alt=\"A woman holding a yellow box of food that reads "Jollof Festival" on the top of it.\" class=\"wp-image-13991492\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4-160x196.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4-768x940.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4-1255x1536.jpg 1255w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4-1674x2048.jpg 1674w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jollof rice, from West Africa, is a precursor and cousin to jambalaya, from Louisiana. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Working the Jollof Festival helped Webster expand her resources and branch off into catering as the owner of local catering business \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/symplysoul_/\">Symply Soul\u003c/a>. It’s also pushed Osekre to grow as a student of the culinary arts. During the pandemic, he says, he spent his downtime learning to cook so he could better articulate the details of the dishes.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The festival’s format will be similar to past years. The competition is a blind tasting with “one little twist,” says Osekre. “We are introducing software that will actually tie the ticket that you bought to your vote.” (While in the past, there had been issues with Google forms and QR codes, this development will ensure one person, per vote.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The festival’s format will be similar to past years. The competition is a blind tasting with “one little twist,” says Osekre. “We are introducing software that will actually tie the ticket that you bought to your vote.” (While in the past, there had been issues with Google forms and QR codes, this development will ensure one person, per vote.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even still, despite Osekre’s mediation efforts, the debate is sure to continue. It’s a part of the culture.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The 2026 \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jollof-festival-oakland-26-tickets-1988023963190\">Jollof Festival\u003c/a> takes place Saturday, July 18, at 811 Oakland (811 Washington Street, Oakland). Admission is available in multiple tiers, including a non-voting general entry ticket and a five-country “sample pack” voting ticket. \u003ca href=\"http://eventbrite.com/e/jollof-festival-oakland-26-tickets-1988023963190 ↗\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Ishmael Osekre wanted to settle the debates once and for all. Amid the everlasting argument over which West African country makes the best Jollof rice, in 2017, Osekre launched a competition that involved actually tasting the food instead of “trying to insult each other’s mama,” he says today, with a laugh.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Saturday, July 18, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jollof-festival-oakland-26-tickets-1988023963190?gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ebps&utm_campaign=PSNB_CUAL_PMK_PDO_0_US_0_BAU_0_GA01-DSA-Page-Feed-High-Value&utm_term=&aff=ebmkmxperformance&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23357619767&gbraid=0AAAAAo0IdU2Z3ZGhY8ySz3F3yR2yhL_GG&gclid=Cj0KCQjwr4jSBhCSARIsAOX1E-I-xYqlUiipNLtcoIVbgoaCFh6rgODwElxLc_Ce1Kkw7h_rHuf_97waAtGbEALw_wcB\">Jollof Festival\u003c/a> returns to Oakland. Along with flavorful rice, the annual event includes live dance performances, an interactive kids zone, and handmade goods, in addition to the inevitable disputes about proper Jollof preparation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After the inaugural Jollof Festival in Washington D.C. and \u003ca href=\"https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-41053424\">a BBC article\u003c/a> that swirled around the internet, other regions demanded local iterations of the festival. The community interest, enthusiasm and passion behind the “Jollof wars,” Osekre says on a recent phone call, encouraged him to take the show on the road in hopes of “properly preventing the next world war.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1020\" height=\"702\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-1020x702.jpg\" alt=\"Customers eating jollof rice out of black plastic takeout containers.\" class=\"wp-image-13960583\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-1020x702.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-800x550.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-160x110.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-768x528.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop-1536x1057.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/jollof-kitchen-crop.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Customers with Jollof Kitchen’s Nigerian-style jollof rice. Owner Kemi Tijaniqudus won the Oakland edition of Jollof Festival in 2021 and 2023. (Courtesy of Jollof Kitchen)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In its most common form, Jollof rice is made with a combination of rice, meat, tomatoes and spices. Though said to \u003ca href=\"https://www.trtafrika.com/article/17657471?_rt=1\">originate in Senegal\u003c/a>, nearly every country in West Africa has its own variety. And here in the Bay Area, the African diaspora is steadfast about repping their homeland through food.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The Bay Area shows its unapologetic appreciation, interest and curiosity of African culture, African food,” Osekre says. In one of the most diverse places on earth, it isn’t lost on Osekre that the Black community is deeply connected with their southern roots and African heritage. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/theesoulfulone/\">Quiana Webster\u003c/a>, co-producer of the festival, adds that “Oakland is the model.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Webster may be slightly biased — she’s an Oakland kid herself — but she’s done her homework, having traveled with the festival and witnessed it in Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta and other places.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In every state, no matter what, this rice is something that everybody wants,” she says. “They want to taste it, they want to vote about it, they want to argue and they want to come together.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2447\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4.jpg\" alt='A woman holding a yellow box of food that reads \"Jollof Festival\" on the top of it.' class=\"wp-image-13991492\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4-160x196.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4-768x940.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4-1255x1536.jpg 1255w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/unnamed-4-1674x2048.jpg 1674w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jollof rice, from West Africa, is a precursor and cousin to jambalaya, from Louisiana. (Courtesy Jollof Festival)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Working the Jollof Festival helped Webster expand her resources and branch off into catering as the owner of local catering business \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/symplysoul_/\">Symply Soul\u003c/a>. It’s also pushed Osekre to grow as a student of the culinary arts. During the pandemic, he says, he spent his downtime learning to cook so he could better articulate the details of the dishes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The festival’s format will be similar to past years. The competition is a blind tasting with “one little twist,” says Osekre. “We are introducing software that will actually tie the ticket that you bought to your vote.” (While in the past, there had been issues with Google forms and QR codes, this development will ensure one person, per vote.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even still, despite Osekre’s mediation efforts, the debate is sure to continue. It’s a part of the culture.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The 2026 \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jollof-festival-oakland-26-tickets-1988023963190\">Jollof Festival\u003c/a> takes place Saturday, July 18, at 811 Oakland (811 Washington Street, Oakland). Admission is available in multiple tiers, including a non-voting general entry ticket and a five-country “sample pack” voting ticket. \u003ca href=\"http://eventbrite.com/e/jollof-festival-oakland-26-tickets-1988023963190%20%E2%86%97\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
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"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
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"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
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"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
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"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
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"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
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"possible": {
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"title": "Possible",
"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm",
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"pri-the-world": {
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"info": "Each weekday, host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is.",
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"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-World-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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},
"radiolab": {
"id": "radiolab",
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"info": "A two-time Peabody Award-winner, Radiolab is an investigation told through sounds and stories, and centered around one big idea. In the Radiolab world, information sounds like music and science and culture collide. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the show is designed for listeners who demand skepticism, but appreciate wonder. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Death, Sex & Money, On the Media and many more.",
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"reveal": {
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"title": "Reveal",
"info": "Created by The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX, Reveal is public radios first one-hour weekly radio show and podcast dedicated to investigative reporting. Credible, fact based and without a partisan agenda, Reveal combines the power and artistry of driveway moment storytelling with data-rich reporting on critically important issues. The result is stories that inform and inspire, arming our listeners with information to right injustices, hold the powerful accountable and improve lives.Reveal is hosted by Al Letson and showcases the award-winning work of CIR and newsrooms large and small across the nation. In a radio and podcast market crowded with choices, Reveal focuses on important and often surprising stories that illuminate the world for our listeners.",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.revealnews.org/episodes/",
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},
"rightnowish": {
"id": "rightnowish",
"title": "Rightnowish",
"tagline": "Art is where you find it",
"info": "Rightnowish digs into life in the Bay Area right now… ish. Journalist Pendarvis Harshaw takes us to galleries painted on the sides of liquor stores in West Oakland. We'll dance in warehouses in the Bayview, make smoothies with kids in South Berkeley, and listen to classical music in a 1984 Cutlass Supreme in Richmond. Every week, Pen talks to movers and shakers about how the Bay Area shapes what they create, and how they shape the place we call home.",
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"order": 16
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},
"science-friday": {
"id": "science-friday",
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"info": "Science Friday is a weekly science talk show, broadcast live over public radio stations nationwide. Each week, the show focuses on science topics that are in the news and tries to bring an educated, balanced discussion to bear on the scientific issues at hand. Panels of expert guests join host Ira Flatow, a veteran science journalist, to discuss science and to take questions from listeners during the call-in portion of the program.",
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"snap-judgment": {
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