Arts and Culture
Elder Black Women Feted at ‘Grandma’s Hands’ Event in Oakland
Led by their mentor Asatu Musunama Hall, the members of Youth Empowered Wombmyn Achieving Self, Rites of Passage Program and Sisters of Tomorrow, honored 14 women elders for their contributions to the Black community. It took place at the East Bay Community Space, 507 55th St. in North Oakland.
The six girls, ranging in age from 10 to 12, chose some of the elders that were honored. served them food and drink and performed a short dance that they choreographed themselves at the Second Annual ‘Grandma’s Hands’ event.
The honorees included a great-great grandmother, who was there with the four generations who were her descendants. RoLanda Wilkins, from Sacramento, spoke of the movement across the nation to honor Black women elders. Cultural Development Fund Coordinator Denise Pate, representing Councilwoman Lynette Gibson-McElhaney, read a proclamation for the women from the City of Oakland.
Each woman was presented with a framed award of recognition from Grandma’s hands a commendation from Oakland City Council and a candle lovingly decorated in cowrie shells and sequins.
