Tag: Saint John Coltrane African Orthodox Church

On Friday night, Jan. 15, many young people gathered outside of the Saint John Coltrane African Orthodox Church for the start of the “Reclaim MLK” weekend, a 96-hour action dedicated to non-violent protest against police terrorism and gentrification. During rush hour, “Reclaim MLK” protesters shut down the major intersection of Geary at Webster in the Fillmore, once San Francisco’s Black heartland.

The Coltrane Church, a pillar of the community known worldwide, is concerned it may be pushed out of its home in the West Bay Center and is asking readers to call West Bay and Center Director Floyd Trammell. The Coltrane Church is the last cultural, spiritual and historical institution in the Jazz Preservation District. The church has been serving the city of San Francisco and the Fillmore for more than 47 years.

This December will mark the 50th anniversary of the recording “A Love Supreme,” the John Coltrane album which many consider to be his seminal work. In celebration of this momentous occasion and its call for global peace, the Saint John Coltrane African Orthodox Church will celebrate A Love Supreme Mass on Monday, Dec. 8, at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. The mass is the high point of a global festival from Dec. 5 to the 9th.

Archbishop King and Rev. Mother Marina will be honored on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at an evening of fine dining, divine music and testimony. Keynote speaker will be Rev. Christopher Muhammad. The event will be at the West Bay Community Center, 1290 Fillmore St. near Eddy in San Francisco. Tickets for the event, including dinner and music, must be purchased in advance.

On June 12, family members held a memorial for Derrick Gaines, a 15-year-old who was shot and killed by an officer with the South San Francisco Police Department on the evening of June 5. Police claim that Gaines, who was walking with a friend near an Arco gas station, was engaging in “suspicious behavior.”