Entertainment

Pilots Speak at Performing Stars’ ‘Red Tails’ Showing

Published

6 years ago

February 27, 2020

Nine pilots and two animators spoke at the Feb. 17 Performing Stars’ “Red Tails” showing at the Letterman Digital Arts Center in San Francisco.

They shared how aviation became a positive career choice for them to about 100 youths attending the event. They were also examples of how aviation can become a viable career choice for Black people and women of color.

Marin County resident Jordan Calhoun flew his first solo in an airplane at 16-years-old. He later graduated from University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Marketing, and now works as an assistant vice president in marketing for Jackson Square Aviation, which leases commercial aircrafts.

Courtland Savage, a North Carolina native, currently flies for United Express. Savage served for the Air Force Reserves as a crew chief on the Boeing C-17 Globe Master III., while attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. Savage founded Fly for the Culture, a non-profit organization that helps increase diversity within the aviation industry, and exposes disadvantaged and minority youth to aviation as a career option.

Colin Henry grew up in Mill Valley, graduated from the College of Marin, and currently flies a Gulfstream G650 jet for Nike. He is a flight instructor and air tour pilot, and a member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals.

Mikosha Phoenix is an air traffic controller in Bismarck, N.D., and the public affairs chairperson of the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees. Phoenix was born and raised outside of Houston, TX and graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with a degree in Journalism.

Tarah Ernest, first officer and Pilot Talent Acquisitions personnel for Republic Airways, is responsible for the safe operation of Republic’s aircrafts. Ernest, as a Haitian-American female pilot, understands the obstacles that confront minorities pursuing careers in aviation. She mentors those aspiring to be pilots and is involved with the Sisters of the Skies and Women in Aviation.

Capt. Tara Wright, from Oakland, is the first female African American pilot for U.S. Airways, and in 2017, became a captain for Alaska Airlines. She also owns and operates an air charter company. Wright says that aviation is a viable career option for women of color, and said “It is important to demonstrate that there are people like me who do this job.”

Lt. Col. Jason Harris, who grew up in East Oakland, has lead an accomplished military career and became a decorated Air Force pilot, and a motivational speaker, consultant and certified character coach who values dedication, service and excellence. Harris also recognizes the value of empowerment and an environment of trust where talented people can grow and flourish.

Capt. Ray Burkett of American Airlines studied Aeronautical Science at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University. Burkett grew up in Detroit, MI, and had no mentors, but still loves his choice of becoming a pilot.

Col. Yvonne Darlene Cagle, from Novato, received her doctor of medicine degree from the University of Washington in 1985, and retired from the United States Air Force in 2008. She is a member of NASA’s Astronaut Class of 1996, and currently works as a consultant for space telemedicine at the Johnson Space Center, studying the health of astronauts.

Cagle never flew on a space mission, and in 2018 was considered a “NASA Management Astronaut” in the Ames Research Center in California, which means that she is employed at NASA but is no longer eligible for spaceflight assignments.

Writer Greg Burnham, and artist Marcus Williams are the co-creators of the “Tuskegee Heirs,” a comic series about five young pilots living in a futuristic world where humans are banned from becoming pilots. They become trained to defeat the self-aware war machines fixated to destroy civilization and are “thrust into the middle of a war for humanities’ right to exist.”

Godfrey Lee

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Alameda County

The Marin City Flea Market Is Back

The Marin City Flea Market returns on May 23, offering arts, crafts, vintage items, and collectibles. The market aims to uplift local vendors and celebrate cultural diversity.

Published

1 day ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Customers shopping in Marin City Flea Market. Photo courtesy of marincityflea.org.

By Godfrey Lee

After a long absence, Marin City will once again hold its flea market. The market will have its grand opening on Saturday, May 23, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church parking lot on 101 Donahue St. It will be held every fourth Saturday of the month

The market will be free to the public

There will be arts, crafts, vintage, collectibles, and other items on sale at the market. Interested vendors can contact info@marincityflea.org or text (415) 484-2984 for more information.

“The Marin City Flea Market’s mission is to uplift local vendors, celebrate cultural diversity, and provide an accessible community space where creativity, entrepreneurship, and connection can thrive,” says their website, marincityflea.org.

The flea market is sponsored and run by the Rotary Club of Marin City.

For more information, contact info@marincityflea.org. Or text to (415) 484-2984

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Alameda County

Mayor Barbara Lee Declares ‘Delroy Lindo Day,’ Presents Acclaimed Actor with Key to the City

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee honored acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and declared “Delroy Lindo Day” to celebrate his contributions to film, television, and theater.

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee presents Oakland actor Delroy Lindo the key to the cCity Council chambers of Oakland City Hall in downtown Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

Oakland honored one of its most distinguished residents on May 6 as Mayor Barbara Lee presented acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and an official proclamation declaring “Delroy Lindo Day.”

The event, titled “Rooted in Legacy: Honoring Delroy Lindo,” took place at Oakland City Hall and brought together community leaders, artists, and young people for an evening centered on storytelling, cultural pride, and intergenerational connection.

Lindo, a critically acclaimed artist who lives in Oakland, was recognized for his extensive contributions to film, television, and theater, as well as his impact on the global African diaspora. Most recently the Oscar-nominated artist was recognized for his phenomenal role as a bluesman in Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” a winner both critically and at the box office.

His celebrated body of work included roles in “Unprisoned,” “Malcolm X”, “Clockers,” “Get Shorty,” and ”Da 5 Bloods,” among others.

“He’s brought depth, inspiration, and authenticity to the screen,” said Lee.

The program highlighted both Lindo’s artistic legacy and his influence as a mentor. A centerpiece of the evening was an intimate fireside conversation between MLee and Lindo.

“I am a living, breathing example of somebody who has achieved the American Dream,” said Lindo. “The other side of that is I walk through the world as a Black man of African descent.”

At 5 years of age, Lindo played King Balthazar in a Nativity play. And years later on Easter of 1973 in New York the Negro Ensemble Company’s play, “The River Niger” left a great impact on him.

“Seeing that production and so many Blacks in the audience, gave me an understanding that maybe I could have a career as an actor,” said Lindo.

Students from the Oakland School for the Arts delivered powerful monologues, adding a dynamic and emotional layer to the program. The students’ instructor, Tavia Percia, chairman of the school’s theatre department, watched the performance proudly. Their performances emphasized the importance of arts education and demonstrated the next generation of talent inspired by figures like Lindo.

Five young men from All Tied Up Academy had the honor of presenting the “Rooted in Legacy” plaque to Lindo with Lee.

The evening also featured a cinematic showcase of Lindo’s work, offering a retrospective glimpse into his decades-long career.

The Golden State Warriors presented Lindo with a custom jersey, symbolizing the city’s appreciation for his contributions both on and off the screen.

The highlight of the evening came as Lee formally presented Lindo with the Key to the City and read the proclamation establishing “Delroy Lindo Day.” The recognition marked not only his artistic achievements but also his enduring connection to Oakland and his commitment to community engagement.

Celebrities, including filmmaker Ryan Coogler, congratulated Lindo via a video presentation. Lindo did not hold back the tears of gratitude. “I carry Oakland with me wherever I go,” said. Lindo, who is Jamaican via the UK, said he chose the Bay Area to call home with his wife and raise his son.

When young men who grew up with his son entered the council chambers, Lindo welcomed them to the stage for a hug and acknowledgement. “These young men are all honorable. I’ve watched them grow up, and they are the future,” he said. “These are three people that give me hope for this country.”

Addressing the audience, Lindo said, “You are part of the infrastructure of my life. My life would not be as it is without you. You give me more than I give you. Wherever I go, I bring Oakland with me.”

advised everyone to push past negativity of the world.

“Hold onto your dreams, particularly now in this country being fed the constant narrative that ‘we are less than,’ because we know we are more than. And kudos to Mayor Lee at the forefront for decades repping us for Oakland and America.”

“Everyone, hold fast to your purpose and charge as a human being and to the young; go for yours!”

Lindo thanked his many fans, friends, and family in the audience. Attendees included broadcaster Dave Clark, attorney John Burris, former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Dr. Albert Brooks who delivered his son, and First African Methodist Episcopal Church Rev. Rodney Smith. Screenwriter David Webb Peoples, who gave him his first film role in Australia, “The Blood of Heroes, was also in attendance.