Community
Oakland Healer Provides Inspiration in Essays on African Spirituality
Tens of thousands of spiritual speakers around the world have been touched by James Weeks’ online essays and affirmations.
Now in book form for the first time, a rich collection of Weeks’ insights and inspirations has been gathered in a powerful, 140-page volume called “Meditations Across The King’s River.” Weeks wrote his stories and life lessons during his travels throughout the Caribbean and West Africa as a priest of Ifa, an ancient spiritual tradition that originated with the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Here, readers will find hope, encouragement, and wisdom to sustain them on their soul’s journey.
Weeks produced “Across The King’s River,” an upcoming documentary feature film, which follows his journey as a healer. He said his own spiritual awakening happened in 2002 while seeking help for his oldest son, who at the time, was caught up in the gang culture of deep East Oakland.
He ended up traveling to Nigeria with his son in 2003 with two objectives in mind. First, to undergo spiritual initiation as a healer. Then, to get spiritual help for his son who elders in the sacred city of Ile Ife were able to heal.
These days, his son is a successful businessman and a dedicated father of four. Meanwhile, Weeks, over the years, has developed an international following of fans who are energized by his daily spiritual teachings on social media.
“With this book and with his social posts, James provides seekers with salve for their bruised humanity. With the skill of a true shaman, James blends the ancient with the current, the archetypal with the postmodern,” said writer Monique Clendinen, in the foreword to “Meditations Across The King’s River.”
In addition to being an author, Weeks is also an award-winning photographer and journalist who has been published in Parenting magazine and S.F. Weekly newspaper. He is a native of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently lives in Oakland with his wife and youngest son. Visit his website by clicking here.
Bay Area
Obituary: Former California Education Superintendent Delaine Eastin Passes at 76
Delaine Eastin, who served as a former state Assemblymember representing parts of Santa Clara and Alameda County — and the first woman elected as State Superintendent of Public Instruction — died at age 76 on April 23. Eastin passed away from complications caused by a stroke.
By California Black Media
Delaine Eastin, who served as a former state Assemblymember representing parts of Santa Clara and Alameda County — and the first woman elected as State Superintendent of Public Instruction — died at age 76 on April 23.
Eastin passed away from complications caused by a stroke.
Known for her power of persuasion, Eastin used her influence to be a champion for bipartisan issues that helped raise academic standards, lower class sizes, and emphasize the importance of conserving nature and the environment in schools.
Former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown and fellow legislative colleagues said that Eastin was in demand on the speech circuit while serving as a legislator.
“Few could engender the kind of emotion and passion she delivered in every speech,” Brown said.
State superintendent Tony Thurmond called Eastin a trailblazer who inspired fellow public servants.
“California lost an icon in our school system today. Delaine Eastin’s legacy as a trailblazer in public education will forever inspire us. Her unwavering dedication to California students — from championing Universal Preschool and the “A Garden in Every School” program to honoring our educators by establishing the California Teachers of the Year Awards — has left an indelible mark on our state’s educational landscape,” said Thurmond.
Thurmond honored Eastin’s legacy at the California Teacher of the Year Program, an honor that she established during her time as superintendent.
Bay Area
Zefer O’Neal Ward, 105
Zefer O’Neal Ward transitioned from this life on Feb. 19. She was 105 years old. A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Zefer was the sixth of George and Zora O’Neal’s 14 children. Her joy of singing began at home at the tender age of 4 by being placed on a table and being asked to sing a song. By age 13, she was a member and directress of the youth choir at St. Paul Baptist Church. Zefer attended Merrill High School and Arkansas State College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
By Post Staff
Zefer O’Neal Ward transitioned from this life on Feb. 19. She was 105 years old. A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Zefer was the sixth of George and Zora O’Neal’s 14 children. Her joy of singing began at home at the tender age of 4 by being placed on a table and being asked to sing a song. By age 13, she was a member and directress of the youth choir at St. Paul Baptist Church. Zefer attended Merrill High School and Arkansas State College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
In 1945, Zefer made her home in Oakland, California, where she established deep roots. It was in 1950 that she married the late William “Bill” Ward. That same year, she joined Downs Memorial Methodist Church under the esteemed leadership of Rev. Roy C. Nichols, where her angelic voice soon became a cornerstone of the church’s 8:30 a.m. worship service.
She went on to lend her voice and talents to various choirs in the church including the gospel choir and the formulation of the children’s choir under the guidance of the late Rev. Amos Cambric Jr.
Zefer’s gift of song extended far beyond the walls of her church. For decades, she brought solace and inspiration to countless souls through her performances at funerals, weddings, concerts, conventions and church programs throughout the Bay Area.
Her unparalleled artistry even graced the ears of the late Robert F. Kennedy during a performance at the University of California, Berkeley. To quote her, “I have been involved with singing all my life. Singing is a joy for me. Every time I sing, I pray that I will bring joy to someone. I know that the Lord has used me to touch and bless someone … singing is my life, my joy.”
Surviving Zefer are her two children; Norma Ward-Sledge, CEO and co-founder of Progressive Transitions, Inc. a program in Oakland that has become a beacon of hope for women and families affected by domestic violence and human trafficking; and William Wilson, of Raleigh, North Carolina, a retired business owner. She also leaves behind her sister Minnie O’Neal of Dupont, Washington, two grandsons both of Raleigh, North Carolina and a host of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to Progressive Transitions, Inc., an organization that Zefer passionately supported.
There will be a “Memorial Tribute to Zefer” at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1 at Downs Memorial United Methodist Church, 6026 Idaho St. in Oakland.
A follow-up event, “Celebrating the Legacy of Lady Z,” will be held on June 22 at Z Café, 2735 Broadway Oakland at 2 p.m.
Please RSVP for this event via text or call (510) 917-0666.
Community
Gov. Newsom Issues Proclamation Declaring Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide
Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared April 24 as “a day of remembrance of the Armenian genocide.” This proclamation marks the first holiday honoring the victims and survivors of the systemic genocide of the Armenian people by the Ottoman Empire on the same day in 1915. The genocide targeted Armenians, who were a minority group that were forcefully deported and killed in the early 20th century.
By California Black Media
Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared April 24 as “a day of remembrance of the Armenian genocide.”
This proclamation marks the first holiday honoring the victims and survivors of the systemic genocide of the Armenian people by the Ottoman Empire on the same day in 1915. The genocide targeted Armenians, who were a minority group that were forcefully deported and killed in the early 20th century.
“We honor the strength and resilience of the Armenian people, who have built new lives and thriving communities in all corners of the globe,” the proclamation stated.
The genocide resulted in the deaths of over 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children. This great loss suffered by the community led to the displacement and deportation of many families, many of whom settled in California for refuge.
The declaration noted that the state government is committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of the Armenian community. The state government has taken action to address racial, ethnic, and religious hate through reinforced security at houses of worship, and cultural centers. The state has also implemented a comprehensive “Stop the Hate” program that promotes tolerance and support for victims. An anonymous hotline and internet resource have also been set up to report for victims and witnesses of hate acts.
The California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation sponsored an educational lunch to commemorate the 109th anniversary of the genocide.
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