By Carla Thomas 

On Friday, June 14, the San Francisco Black Wall Street Foundation hosted their annual Black and Gold Gala at the San Francisco Conservatory at One Sansome St. in San Francisco. 

The ‘Black Print’ Juneteenth Gala highlighted the success of S.F. Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. An upscale affair, community members showed up in their best couture and were serenaded by soul jazz saxophonist Shawn Raiford. During the program a fireside chat included former NBA player for the Warriors, Baron Davis.

Majeid Crawford, CEO of SF BLOC graciously hosted Susan Brown of the Willie Brown Foundation, podcaster Kim Caldwell, publicist Jackie Wright, and author Dr. Tyree L. Robinson at his organization’s table.

Guests dined on chicken, salmon and gourmet desserts. A performance by entertainer Joe led the audience to sing along to his greatest hits during a full-fledged video and light show.

Guests also had the opportunity to strike a pose behind a glass enclosure bearing VOGUE on it. Each photograph taken inside the enclosure resembled being on the front cover of an issue of Vogue magazine. The palatial setting also featured a high-end bar area and sitting area with DJ Shell Heart. The gala was catered by Tease Southern Kitchen.

Chassity Gantt, employed by Code Tenderloin, said she had a great time and reunited with mentors in her life. Robinson shared two new books he authored in 2023, and Jackie Wright shared her day with Mario Van Peebles at Channel 2 and Channel 7 on social media.

Crawford was happy to bring community advocates and leaders together in honor of deserving awardees and the great work of Black Wall Street.

SF Black Wall Street Foundation was established in 2021 to ensure that Black San Franciscans are fully represented and included in the city’s economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.

SF Black Wall Street provides advocacy, strategic partnerships, and culturally relevant programming to ensure Black San Franciscans receive investments, technical support, and access to sustainable opportunities.

The organization created the Black Millionaire Development Program with support from the Human Rights Commission, the Dream Keeper Initiative, and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development.

The Black Millionaire Development Program assists owners of start-ups and established micro-ventures with business planning, licensing, setting up systems and processes, and networking to increase the likelihood of success.

The program aims to increase the number of microbusinesses in the Black community, stabilize existing micro-businesses, connect business owners to service providers, increase networking and support among participating entrepreneurs, and increase the number of nontraditional business owners. Since launching, the BMDP’s mission has been to strengthen the Black entrepreneurial ecosystem in San Francisco one entrepreneur at a time.

“The Black Millionaire Development Program (BMDP)’s mission is to level the playing field for current and aspiring Black entrepreneurs by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to grow or
start their businesses.

“This Juneteenth, we are honoring the spirit of our ancestors by unapologetically reclaiming space, pursuing joy, investing in our healing, fighting for justice, and financial freedom,” said co-director Tinisch Hollins with co-director Gwen Brown.

Carla Thomas

Posts by Carla Thomas