Business

Event Preview: ‘Fashion v. Fascism’ – A Runway Revolution Is Coming to the Bay Area

“Fashion v. Fascism” (FVF) is an upcoming visually immersive event combining fashion, music, and political theater to expose the rise of fascism in the U.S. and advocate for resistance. Described as a live “runway revolution,” FVF premieres October 3 at The Rotunda in downtown Oakland. The event will feature five runway collections spotlighting elements of contemporary fascist politics, accompanied by political theater and live music, culminating in a call to action. Organizers state that culture is a potent defense when democracy is under siege. Read more to learn about this unique event.

Published

2 months ago

September 18, 2026

Post News Group

By Dr. Y’Anad Burrell

“Fashion vs. Fascism” (FVF) is a visually immersive evening of fashion, music and political theater exposing the rise of fascism in the U.S. and the need to resist. Democracy is under siege, and culture is one of our most potent defenses, organizers say.

Called a live “runway revolution,” FvF premieres Oct. 3 at The Rotunda, 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza in downtown Oakland.

A play that is part fashion show, part protest, part performance art, FvF stages five runway collections spotlighting the pillars of contemporary fascist politics and the urgent need to resist: the myth of a “glorious past,” the manufactured emergencies used to justify surveillance and crackdowns, and the oligarchs and grifters profiting from it all. Runway fashion shares the stage with political theater and live music, with a closing call to action.

“We need lawsuits, ballots and mass protests, but none of it lands if we’re not also fighting for people’s imagination,” says Linda Burnham, co-producer of the show. “People are exhausted and scared. FvF will expose the absurdities of fascist mythology and ideology in ways a news headline cannot and spark new ideas about how to resist.”

“Fascism doesn’t win by policy alone. It wins by telling a story. A myth about a ‘Golden Age.’ A permanent emergency that makes cruelty seem necessary. That’s not an accident, it’s a strategy, and it works on the same terrain as culture: image, spectacle, emotion,” says Aya De León, the show’s playwright.

“Every piece on this runway translates what is happening under fascism into a feeling,” explains Erica Furlong, the FVF creative director. “One designer’s trench coat is covered in pockets stamped ‘TRUTH,’ ‘MEMORY,’ ‘HOPE,’ ‘VOTE,’ ‘FUTURE,’ because that’s literally what gets seized first, pocket by pocket, under fascist decline. Fashion can hold grief and hope in the same silhouette, and that tension is exactly what this moment needs.”

At its best, fashion is about creativity, diversity, innovation, experimentation and the free exchange of ideas. Fascism, by contrast, demands conformity and control, while suppressing dissent.

FVF was created, organizers say, because democracy should always be in style.

Featured designers include Erica Varize, Rickie Lee, Tianna Charity, Julie Wong, and Maria Flores. The evening features a script by lead playwright Aya De León, musical performances by Mindeullae Project and DJ Emancipation, and other special guests.

FvF is designed to travel. Following the Oakland premiere, FvF will extend its reach through a documentary short, a curriculum on contemporary fascism in the U.S., and a full replication playbook — design templates, script, and curriculum — so organizers in other cities can stage their own version of the show.

Get more details at www.fashionvfascism.org.

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Black History

Loop Capital’s James Reynolds Keynotes the OAACC 23rd Annual Business Awards Luncheon

The Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its 23rd Annual Business Awards Luncheon, featuring James Reynolds Jr., founder and CEO of Loop Capital, as the keynote speaker. Addressing business and civic leaders, Reynolds discussed his firm’s partnership to redevelop the Oakland Coliseum site, a massive project expected to generate thousands of local jobs. The event also recognized four distinguished community leaders for their achievements in business, marketing, technology, and education. Discover the specific honors presented and the timeline for the upcoming Coliseum transformation by reading more.

Published

55 minutes ago

November 3, 2026

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Loop Capital founder James Reynolds delivered the keynote address at the OAACC 23rd Annual Business Awards Luncheon at Scott's Seafood Restaurant in Oakland's Jack London Square. Courtesy photo.

By Carla Thomas

The Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC) celebrated community and business leaders at the 23rd Annual Business Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 22 at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant in Jack London Square. Held under the theme “Building a Stronger Oakland Through Innovation, Technology, and AI,” the event brought together business owners, elected officials, and civic leaders.

Oakland Mayor Barbara lee and U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon were also present.

Keynote speaker James “Jim” Reynolds, Jr., founder, chairman, and CEO of Loop Capital, enthusiastically addressed the audience. Reynolds’ firm is backing the AASEG (African American Sports and Entertainment Group) and partners with funding to redevelop the Oakland Coliseum site in East Oakland.

Reynolds spoke of plans to provide thousands of employment and contracting opportunities to Oakland’s resilient residents.

“We expect to completely close the deal by Dec. 31 and in January we will begin digging,” he said of the six-year acquisition process.

“I want all small businesses, entrepreneurs, and contractors to prepare themselves for these opportunities,” Reynolds explained in the green room.

Reynolds has successfully completed multiple billion-dollar developments and projects including Los Angeles International Airport, LaGuardia International Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport, and now Queens, New York.

AASEG President Ray Bobbitt said the Coliseum Project will be the largest development in the country. Bobbitt stressed that Reynolds and his team took a chance on Oakland at a time when companies were abandoning the city.

“Mr. Reynolds is committed to the project and transforming the area,” said Bobbitt. “Mr. Reynolds sees Oakland as a great city with untapped potential. We are very grateful he believes in us.”

In 1997, Reynolds founded the Chicago-based municipal bond firm, growing it into one of the nation’s leading minority-owned financial services companies and among the largest privately held investment banks in the country.

Reynolds said he was very impressed with Oakland’s business community. “This community is really ready for something new and we plan to deliver.”

During the luncheon, OAACC presented awards to four honorees.

Derreck Johnson received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Johnson founded Home of Chicken and Waffles in Jack London Square in 2003, creating jobs for the formerly incarcerated and young people from Oakland’s inner-city communities.

Celessa Baker, vice president of Marketing Partnerships at Sephora, received the Visionary Leadership Award. A marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience, Baker served as retail marketing lead for the global launch of Fenty Beauty by Rihanna.

Angela Johnson, director and head of Global Delivery Partnerships at Uber Technologies, received the Business Excellence Award. She previously served as Uber’s chief of staff and founded the Coalition of Black Excellence.

Dr. Denise Saddler, superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District, received the Educational Recognition Award. Saddler has spent more than 40 years in the city’s education system, working as a teacher, principal, and district leader before becoming superintendent in 2025.

Lee announced that Oakland is listed in the Top 10 as best destinations. “Oakland is on the move,” said Lee. In agreement with Lee, Simon vowed to continue fighting for the resources needed to keep Oakland moving forward.

“The chamber is committed to strengthening Oakland’s economy and uplifting its Black business community,” said Cathy Adams, president and CEO of OAACC.

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Business

Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce Hosts CHCC Convention, Generating $3 Million in Economic Impact

The Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 47th Annual California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Statewide Convention, drawing more than 1,000 attendees to the city. The event generated an estimated $3 million economic impact, providing a significant boost to local retailers, hotels, and small businesses. Developed in partnership with Visit Oakland, the convention featured innovative initiatives like the Oakland Mercadito to showcase regional entrepreneurs and recorded workshops to support long-term professional development for members across the state. Discover how this major event strengthened local partnerships and read more.

Published

2 hours ago

November 3, 2026

Post News Group

By Special to The Post

The Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce (OLCC) recently served as the Host Chamber for the 47th Annual California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) Statewide Convention, held in Oakland in August 2026.

The Convention welcomed more than 1,000 attendees from throughout California and generated an estimated $3 million economic impact for the City of Oakland, providing significant support to local hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, retailers, and small businesses.

In conjunction with Visit Oakland, OLCC brought in various local sponsors and worked closely with the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, to make the Oakland Convention a success.

The success of the 47th Annual CHCC Statewide Convention demonstrates what is possible when business leaders, entrepreneurs, community organizations, and public partners work together with a shared vision, said Aliza Gallo, president of the OLCC.

“By welcoming more than 1,000 attendees and generating an estimated $3 million economic impact, we not only showcased Oakland as a premier destination for business and innovation but also created lasting opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Gallo, who also served as co-host of the event.

She adds that the “convention elevated Oakland’s visibility, strengthened statewide and local partnerships, and reinforced the Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to advancing economic prosperity for our members and our community.”

As part of its leadership role, OLCC introduced two innovative features designed to extend the convention’s impact beyond the event itself. Conference workshops were recorded and made available for continued learning and professional development.

These recordings will be shared with OLCC members and made available for broader public access, expanding educational opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs throughout California. The workshop content will also be distributed to the 85 Latino Chambers and Affiliate Members within the CHCC network, which collectively is 135 member organizations statewide.

In addition, OLCC created and managed the Oakland Mercadito, a vibrant marketplace showcasing local Latino and Latina entrepreneurs. The Mercadito provided small business owners with an opportunity to market their products and services, connect with new customers, and gain exposure to business and community leaders from across the state.

The initiative highlighted Oakland’s entrepreneurial talent and demonstrated OLCC’s commitment to supporting small business growth and economic opportunity.

“Oakland is one of the most diverse cities in the United States” commented Peter Gamez, president & CEO of Visit Oakland. “Our city’s celebration of culture makes everyone feel they belong here and allows for truly authentic experiences.

“Our diversity is a powerful draw for groups and individual visitors. We are extremely proud of this and continue to cultivate and grow this message as we welcome conferences and conventions to The Town,” Gamez said.

For more information, see the Visit Oakland video about the CHCC Convention In Oakland: https://lnkd.in/p/eRpe2sYD

The Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce is the source of this story.

About The Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce

Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce (OLCC) www.oaklandlatinochamber.com is dedicated to advancing economic opportunity, strengthening business capacity, and elevating the visibility of Latino-owned businesses throughout Oakland and the East Bay. Through advocacy, partnerships, technical assistance, and community engagement, OLCC works to ensure that Latino entrepreneurs have the resources and support necessary to thrive.