Arts and Culture

List of MLK Week Events to Honor Dr. King’s Legacy Across the Bay Area

Published

9 years ago

January 10, 2017

The following is a list of upcoming events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. next week across the Bay Area. (* after the event name indicates an admission fee).

Where Do We Go From Here Chaos or Community? A film viewing and discussion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s works and legacy

January 14, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 6833 International Blvd.

2017 marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community. In honor of this work and Dr. King’s birthday, the MLK Branch, in collaboration with the Oakland International Film Festival, will host a screening of the films, “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Historical Perspective” and “Been to the Mountain.” The films will be followed by a discussion of the book and Dr. King’s legacy. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2iSGIhf or call 510-615-5728.

MLK Service at Stanford Memorial Church

January 15, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Stanford Memorial Church, 450 Serra Mall at Stanford University

The service is the 50^th anniversary celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community” book. It will feature dramatic readings of his sermons and music related to his life.

http://events.stanford.edu/events/644/64491/

MLK Day of Service & Resistance – Public Land for Public Good

January 15, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Drivers Plaza at Stanford Ave. and Adeline St.

Join Self Help Hunger Program, Santa Fe CAN Beautification Committee, and The Island Crew for a MLK Day of Service and Resistance. This year’s theme is #PublicLandforPublicGood. Volunteers will be planting an additional 18 fruit trees in this public community orchard.

Join the group for a free pancake breakfast (bring a topping to share), cob oven pizza potluck (bring a topping for the free cob oven pizzas), prepping and planting 18 memorial fruit trees for the 2nd phase of the living fence program, and planting tree collards for the Self Help Hunger Program Community Feeds.

In the Name of Love: 15th Annual Musical Tribute Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.*

January 15, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Dr.

In the Name of Love, Oakland’s Annual Musical Tribute to Dr. King, is proud to present “Marvin Gaye, What’s Going On?” highlighting five outstanding vocalists including Kenny Washington; Terrie Odabi; Will Russ, Jr.; Destani Wolf and Luq Frank with Tammy Hall on piano, Marcus Shelby on bass, Sly Randolph on drums, John Santos on percussion and Teo Avery on sax.

The powerful 65-voice Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and the 300-voice Living Jazz Children’s Project will also perform. The Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award will be presented to Mr. Glen Upshaw for his work on behalf of the Oakland community. Upshaw has worked in the field of street outreach and violence interruption for close to five years.

The 15th Annual Tribute, which will support the Living Jazz Children’s Project — a free music education project for Oakland public elementary schools, promises to be a profound celebration of civil rights and an amazing evening of music.
mlktribute.com or 510-858-5313

MLK2017 March and Parade in San Francisco

January 16, 9 a.m. – Noon

SF Caltrain Station (700 4^th St in San Francisco) to Yerba Buena Gardens

Join thousands in honoring the Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery, Alabama marches at the MLK2017 commemorative march/parade from San Francisco’s Caltrain Station to Yerba Buena Gardens.

The 1.5-mile journey crosses the Lefty O’Doul Bridge and stops at Willie Mays Plaza at AT&T Park to commemorate the crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, a symbol of violence and victory in the civil rights movement. On arriving at Yerba Buena Gardens an interfaith commemoration will commemorate Dr. King.

Participants in groups of ten or more are encouraged to register to ensure a designated location within the march/parade for your team and participants.

MLK Day of Service: Jingletown

January 16, 9 a.m. – Noon

Check in at the Jingletown Native Plant Garden Art Wall, 2934 Ford St.

Join the Friends of Sausal Creek and Jingletown Arts & Business Community for a workday to clean up the shoreline and tend to the Jingletown Native Plant Garden. All tools and instruction will be provided. All need a signed waiver to participate (bit.ly/2bqkyBI), and anyone under 18 also needs a parental signature on both forms. Bring sturdy shoes, long pants and warm clothes.
http://bit.ly/2i8kyql

MLK Day of Service: Brookfield Elementary

January 16, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Brookfield Elementary, 401 Jones Ave.

Volunteers will plant 50 trees and install garden boxes. Bring garden gloves, a water bottle and sturdy shoes.
http://bit.ly/2jsgTFE

MLK Day of Service: Fruitvale

January 16, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

1001 Fruitvale Ave. at the corner of E. 10th St.

Join the group at the corner of Fruitvale and E. 10th Street for beautification efforts along International Boulevard. Volunteers will mulch, weed and clean up trash from the sidewalk and gutters. Coffee and refreshments provided. Great event for adults, students and families. Children must be accompanied by parents. All projects are taking place rain or shine! Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle.
http://bit.ly/2i4eocg

MLK Day of Service: Peralta Hacienda

January 16, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Ave.

Peralta Hacienda is partnering with Alternatives in Action at Life Academy and the City of Oakland for a full day of service to clean-up and beautify Peralta Hacienda Historical Park and Life Academy campus. Be part of a major community stewardship effort.
http://bit.ly/2jlLNM0 or 510-532-9142

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Commemoration in Oakland

January 16, 10 a.m.

Oakland City Church (corner of Coolidge and MacArthur Blvd)

Join the Oakland City Church for a celebration of Dr. King’s legacy. The event will be keynoted by human rights activist and educator Dr. Cesar Cruz and will feature a hip-hop performance from Hebrew Boyz featuring Pastor Mustafa Muhyee, gospel music by Sister Mattie Johnson of the Street’s Disciples, and praise music by the Oakland City Church Praise and Worship Band.

There will also be a community Charge to Action from Councilmember Annie Campbell-Washington.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Multi-Cultural Rally

January 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Warehouse Union Local 6, ILWU, 99 Hegenberger Rd.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Multi-Cultural Rally is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. This year’s theme is “Initiate Change Through Non-Violence & Education, and Justice, to Keep the Dream Alive.” Newly elected
Alameda County Superior Court Judge Jennifer Madden will be the keynote speaker.
510-798-5535

3rd Annual March to Reclaim King’s Radical Legacy in Oakland

January 16, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Frank Ogawa Plaza, 14^th St. and Broadway in Oakland

All are invited to the march on Monday to #ReclaimMLK, which also launches 120 hours of direct actions of protest and resistance leading up to the January 20 inauguration of Donald Trump.

The march will start at Frank Ogawa Plaza at 14^th St and Broadway in Oakland.

This year, the Anti Police-Terror Project will begin its week of action with the Reclaiming King’s Radical Legacy March. This year’s focus is on immigrant rights, protection of Muslim neighbors, women’s reproductive rights, loving LGBTQ sisters, brothers and siblings, and the defense of Black life.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Film Festival in Oakland

January 16, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

African American Museum and Library at Oakland, 659 14th St.

Join AAMLO for its annual film festival honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Film screenings will include “Black Americans Since MLK: And Still I Rise,” “The African American: Many Rivers To Cross,” “The Powerbroker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights” and “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution.”
http://bit.ly/2iSZH9v or 510-637-0200

20th Annual Bringing the Noise for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.*

January 16, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Nourse Theater, 227 Hayes St., San Francisco

Youth Speaks celebrates 20 years of Bringing the Noise for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Curated by Senior Poet Mentor M.C. K-Swift, this year’s showcase is inspired by Dr. King’s seminal speech and text “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” Join as audiences listen with urgency to Dr. King’s profound oratory and witness the next generation respond, reinterpret and renew the work he left behind.

Featuring guests and performances by Youth Speaks Grand Slam Champions 2015 & 2016, Brave New Voices Alumni Poets, Tongo Eisen-Martin with Peck the Town Crier, Toaster, Jeff Chang, Rico Pabon, and hosted by Queen Nyabingha Zianni. youthspeaks.org

Interfaith Candlelight Vigil and Walk in Oakland

January 17, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway St. in Oakland

Join the First Presbyterian Church for this family-friendly event in remembrance of the work of Dr. King and in recognition of the work communities need to do to make the Beloved Community a reality. Bring a candle, glowstick or other source of light.

After a brief gathering ceremony, participants will begin their candlelight walk to Frank Ogawa Plaza. Clergy and faith leaders are invited to wear vestments or other garments relevant to their ministry.

Bay Area Women’s Marches

January 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Oakland: Madison Park (Madison St. and 8^th St.) to Frank Ogawa Plaza (14^th St. and Broadway)

SF: Civic Center to Justin Herman Plaza

The Women’s March is a national movement to unify and empower everyone who stands for human rights, civil liberties, and social justice for all. This is a non-partisan march.

In Oakland, marchers will meet at Madison Park in Oakland at 10 a.m. At 11AM marchers will begin their march up Oak Street to Grand Street along Lake Merritt. They will then march down Broadway to end at Frank Ogawa Plaza.

At 12:30 p.m., the event will begin its rally with speakers, art and music concluding at 3 p.m.

In SF, people will rally with speakers, arts and music from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Civic Center in San Francisco. At 5 p.m., marchers will begin a candlelight march down Market St. to Justin Herman Plaza.

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#NNPA BlackPress

COMMENTARY: The National Protest Must Be Accompanied with Our Votes

Just as Trump is gathering election data like having the FBI take all the election data in Georgia from the 2020 election, so must we organize in preparation for the coming primary season to have the right people on ballots in each Republican district, so that we can regain control of the House of Representatives and by doing so, restore the separation of powers and balance that our democracy is being deprived of.

Published

3 days ago

February 10, 2026

Oakland Post

Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper. File photo..

By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper

As thousands of Americans march every week in cities across this great nation, it must be remembered that the protest without the vote is of no concern to Donald Trump and his administration.

In every city, there is a personal connection to the U.S. Congress. In too many cases, the member of Congress representing the people of that city and the congressional district in which it sits, is a Republican. It is the Republicans who are giving silent support to the destructive actions of those persons like the U.S. Attorney General, the Director of Homeland Security, and the National Intelligence Director, who are carrying out the revenge campaign of the President rather than upholding the oath of office each of them took “to Defend The Constitution of the United States.”

In California, the primary comes in June 2026. The congressional races must be a priority just as much as the local election of people has been so important in keeping ICE from acquiring facilities to build more prisons around the country.

“We the People” are winning this battle, even though it might not look like it. Each of us must get involved now, right where we are.

In this Black History month, it is important to remember that all we have accomplished in this nation has been “in spite of” and not “because of.” Frederick Douglas said, “Power concedes nothing without a struggle.”

Today, the struggle is to maintain our very institutions and history. Our strength in this struggle rests in our “collectiveness.” Our newspapers and journalists are at the greatest risk. We must not personally add to the attack by ignoring those who have been our very foundation, our Black press.

Are you spending your dollars this Black History Month with those who salute and honor contributions by supporting those who tell our stories? Remember that silence is the same as consent and support for the opposition. Where do you stand and where will your dollars go?

Oakland Post

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Activism

Dorothy Lee Bolden: Uniting Domestic Workers

Domestic work followed Bolden beyond high school. According to sources from the New York Times, Bolden said she would wake “at 4 a.m. to leave home by 6 a.m., and be on the job by 8 a.m., perform all those duties necessary to the proper management of a household for eight hours, leave there by 4 p.m. to be home by 6 p.m. where I would do the same things I’ve done all over again for my own family.”

Published

3 days ago

February 10, 2026

Oakland Post

Dorothy Lee Bolden. File photo.

By Tamara Shiloh

Her first experience with domestic work was at the age of nine. For $1.25 per week, Alabama-born Dorothy Lee Bolden (1923–2005), alongside her mother, washed soiled diapers for a White employer. Little did anyone know that this profession would spur Bolden to spearhead the movement for basic dignity and respect for generations of domestic workers.

Domestic work followed Bolden beyond high school. According to sources from the New York Times, Bolden said she would wake “at 4 a.m. to leave home by 6 a.m., and be on the job by 8 a.m., perform all those duties necessary to the proper management of a household for eight hours, leave there by 4 p.m. to be home by 6 p.m. where I would do the same things I’ve done all over again for my own family.”

It was Bolden’s experiences working as a domestic in 1940’s Atlanta that inspired her civil rights activism. A White female employer demanded that Bolden remain beyond her shift and wash dishes. Bolden refused. She was arrested and held in a county jail because “she was crazy.” There was no other reason for disobeying an order from a White person.

Bolden was never sentenced or institutionalized, but this event was the seed that grew into organization that would protect domestic workers across the United States: the National Domestic Workers Union of America.

Rosa Parks had made public transportation a major breeding ground for civil rights activism, so Bolden began organizing during the long bus rides her peers made to the wealthy neighborhoods. Many were fed up, working long hours for little pay, with little to no worker protections.

This organization of women would go on to fight for worker’s rights, create training programs, and teach workers to advocate for themselves. It was also important to Bolden to teach communication skills.

In the book Household Workers Unite, Bolden is quoted as saying: “You have to teach each maid how to negotiate… And this is the most important thing — communication. I would tell them it was up to them to communicate.”

But respect for Bolden’s activism was not shared by everyone. Although she consulted presidents Ford, Reagan, and Carter, she received several death threats from the Ku Klux Klan.

The New York Times reported that during the makings of an oral history project, Bolden said that “men claiming to be members of the KKK called her house and spoke about “whipping my behind,” but in coarser terms. “I told them any time they wanted to, come on over and grab it,” Bolden said during the interview. “It didn’t scare me, didn’t bother me. It made me angry. It made me determined to do what I had to do.”

Representative John Lewis of Georgia said that Bolden “spoke up, and she spoke out, and when she saw something that wasn’t fair, or just, or right, she would say something.”

The NDWU of America ran until the mid-1990s, but Bolden’s legacy lives on.

Oakland Post

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Arts and Culture

Book Review: Books on Black History and Black Life for Kids

For the youngest reader, “As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons” by Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle, illustrated by David Wilkerson (Magination Press, $18.99) is a book for young Black boys and for their mothers. It’s a hope inside a prayer that the world treats a child gently, and it could make a great baby shower gift.

Published

3 days ago

February 10, 2026

Oakland Post

Photo of Black History Month book covers by Terri Schlichenmeyer.

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Authors: Various, Copyright: c. 2025, 2026, Publishers: Various, SRPs: $17.99-$18.99, Page Counts: Various,

Everybody in your family has stories to share.

Your parents have told you some, no doubt. Your grandparents have offered a few, too, and aunties and uncles have spun some good tales. But there’s so much more to know, so grab one of these great books and learn about Black History and Black life.

For the youngest reader, “As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons” by Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle, illustrated by David Wilkerson (Magination Press, $18.99) is a book for young Black boys and for their mothers. It’s a hope inside a prayer that the world treats a child gently, and it could make a great baby shower gift.

If someone said you couldn’t do something that you were clearly able to do, would you fight to do it anyhow? In the new book, “Remember Her Name! Debbie Allen’s Rise to Fame” by Tami Charles, illustrated by Meredith Lucius (Charlesbridge, $17.99), a young girl in the Jim Crow South is told that she can’t dance because of the color of her skin.

She didn’t listen, though, and neither did her mother, who took her daughter to Mexico, where the girl soared! This is an inspiration for any 5-to-7-year-old; be sure to check out the back-of-the-book information, if you’re an adult fan.

Do you often hear your elders say things that sound like lessons? They might be, so “Where There is Love: A Story of African Proverbs” by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Leticia Moreno (Penguin Workshop, $18.99) is a book you’ll like. It’s a quick-to-read collection of short proverbs that you can say every day. Kids ages 4-to-6 will easily remember what they find in this book; again, look in the back for more information.

Surely, you love your neighborhood, which is why the tale inside “Main Street: A Community Story about Redlining” by Britt Hawthorne and Tiffany Jewell, illustrated by David Wilkerson (Penguin Kokila, $18.99) is a book for you.

Olivia’s neighborhood is having a block party, but she’s sad when no one shows up. That’s when she learns that “the government” is discriminating against the people and businesses near where she lives. So, what can she and her neighbors do? The answer might inspire 6-to-8-year-old kids to stand up to wrongs they see, and to help make their neighborhoods stronger and safer.

And finally, if a kid wants a book, where can they go to find it? In “I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy” by Mychal Threets, illustrated by Lorraine Nam (Random House, $18.99) is a good introduction to the best of what a library has to offer. The freedom to walk into a library and borrow a book is the theme here, as is the sheer happiness of being welcomed, no matter who you are. This is an easy book for kids as young as two and as old as five to enjoy.

On that note, if you want more, head to that library, or a nearby bookstore. They’ll be glad to see you. They’ve got stories to share.