by Jeffrey Grable
On September 25, 2025, the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center collaborated with Soultown Magazine to present Something On Thursdays! It was hosted by the spoken word artist, founder and CEO of Soultown Magazine, Chillin. She presented Something on Thursdays!, an African American professional networking event. This inspiring event, held on the last Thursday of each month, that rewards attendees with unapologetic conversations surrounding topics on black and brown culture, business, and communities. Just a reminder, the next Something on Thursdays! will occur on October 30 from 5:30pm-8:00pm at the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center.
Chillin with entrepreneurship
Setting the mood of the evening, DJ Brotha Reese of 102.97 played smooth Jazz, R&B, and many favorite old school hits throughout the evening. Not only did Reese provide the tunes, but he also represented true entrepreneurship and projected positive vibes through his music.
The floor General of the night was Chillin. She is the ultimate open mic artist, along with her daughter; the duo literally turned literacy into literature, dropping knowledge in every verse. Chillin’s talent goes well beyond lyrics.
In October 2025, she will be launching her video podcast called, “Talk to Chillin.” She also said, “Her Soultown Magazine is on its 107th issue, and it is time to take the words off the page and put them to life.” In the podcast, she will talk about current events, our feeling, the way we’re making it through the current times, Black entrepreneurship, and the unification of Black communities. Her platforms are needed and desired for and by Bay Area brothers and sisters. Something On Thursdays! is the number one Social Event in San Mateo County.
A Variety of artists and cultural artifacts
As the flow continued, other mixed open-mic artists performed. The beauty of open mic is that you never know the talent of the performer. This holds true for Sherinda Bryant, who stood confident and ready, unleashing her beautiful voice as she sang. Attendees sank back in their seats, as if they were at a concert. Several attendees asked, “What label are you signed to and where can we find your music?” She was all business and as humble as can be. Bryant smiled and waved at the crowd. Bryant is another example of talent on display.
During a brief intermission, snacks were served, and local entrepreneurs showcased their products while sharing knowledge about their industry. The museum was open for viewing, featuring thousands of books, magazines, paintings, and stories that tell the truth about Black and Brown History. There’s also a gift shop full of sports clothing and loads of Forty Niners gear for purchase. African American children’s coloring and activity books are also available in the shop.
Black health highlighted
Concluding the night, a conversation on health and wellness began with a 20-year nursing veteran who discussed the health of Black men and women, emphasizing the importance of regular health and wellness checks. Particularly, Black men have a high rate of prostate cancer. She also said, “Men may be more comfortable talking about their medical issues with another male doctor”. Invitations were extended to join experts from Sutter’s Mills-Peninsula Medical Center at the recent women’s and men’s health fair on October 4, held by the
Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council. There was free Prostate Cancer Screening, Breast Cancer Screening, Behavioral services, and more at the event.
Until Next Time
As advertised, Something on Thursdays! had something for everyone: networking, entertainment, and socializing. The museum is centrally located in downtown Redwood City and is open to host events such as birthday parties, meetings, school tours, and business seminars. All are welcome to come, learn, and enjoy a space designed with you in mind.
Again, Something on Thursdays! will be held at the museum on the last Thursday of each month at 5:30pm. Contact the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center for more information on other events and tour reservations at info@hoskinsblackhistorymuseum.org or 650-921-4191.
Jeffrey Grable is a business management major at San Mateo County Community College. He is a military veteran. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, tailgating, and smoking BBQ ribs and chicken. He is our newest intern as part of our Belle Haven Action and San Francisco Bay View Newspaper internship partnership launched last spring. He can be contacted at jbiznetwork25@gmail.com
