Follow Us
Oakland Freedom School encourages literacy in Black youth
September 29, 2011
Students learned many things about African and African American history, ranging from the classical African civilizations of Kemet (ancient Egypt), Songhai and Mali to the Black Arts Movement and the Harlem Renaissance. The African-centered curriculum is designed to encourage youth to read during the summer while building self-esteem and a strong cultural identity.
‘Block Reportin’’: Storytelling the African way
April 15, 2011
‘Block Reportin’ is a collection of captured conversations, continuing the rich African oral tradition, passing on stories and information to us in the format of an interactive dialogue. The next book signings are April 16, 4 p.m., at Marcus Books and April 22, 12:30 p.m., at Alexander Books, both in San Francisco.
Oscar Grant vs. Mehserle: Face off in Walnut Creek
August 2, 2010
A rally staged in support of former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle in Walnut Creek July 19 drew hundreds of protesters, dozens of journalists and photographers and plenty of police.
DA moves to force Tony Pirone’s return from North Carolina to testify at Mehserle’s trial for murder of Oscar Grant
May 26, 2010
Is Tony Pirone attempting to avoid testifying in Johannes Mehserle’s trial for the murder of Oscar Grant? The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has filed papers to force former BART Police Officer Tony Pirone – who was fired April 22 – to testify in the murder trial of Johannes Mehserle, set to begin with jury selection next week.
BART fires second officer involved with shooting of Grant
April 22, 2010
The BART police officer accused of punching Oscar Grant in the face and calling him a racial epithet moments before his death on New Year’s Day 2009 was fired Thursday. Officer Tony Pirone, who called Grant a “bitch ass nigger,” was also seen in a video attacking Grant. Pirone was the officer kneeling on Grant’s back when then-BART police officer Johannes Mehserle shot Grant in the back.
Embarcadero BART protests keep spotlight on Justice for Oscar Grant movement
April 12, 2010
Over 200 protesters disrupted the evening commute at Embarcadero BART station in San Francisco on April 8 demanding justice for Oscar Grant, who was shot and killed on an Oakland train station platform New Year’s Day 2009.
Bay Area mourns Black Business Listings publisher and Black Expo producer Dr. C. Diane Howell
January 1, 2009
“Dr. Howell was a beacon of optimism and hope, particularly for the owners of minority businesses in Oakland and throughout the Bay Area.” – Congresswoman Barbara Lee