By Post Staff

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The Oakland Black-Eyed Pea Festival (BEPF), a celebration of African American traditional music, food and art, will return to its roots through a partnership with Farms to Grow, Inc., the hosts of the Freedom Farmers’ Market on Sept. 12.

Now in its 11th year, the downsized festival sponsored by Omnira Institute will open with presentations by Wakan Wiya Two-Spirit Drum, a drum invocation for the ancestors by Awon Ohun Omnira, a performance by Andre Thierry of Accordion Soul, and most importantly, fresh black-eyed peas for sale.

Freedom Farmers’ Market (FFM) vendors sell produce and promote wellness and nutrition through organic herbs, massage, and other gift items from July through October on the second and fourth Saturdays at a dozen canopies in the last block of Shattuck Avenue, where it merges with Telegraph Avenue.

Over the years, FFM vendors have appeared at the Black-Eyed Pea Festival and vice versa, so this collaboration is like a family reunion.

Farms to Grow, Inc. Executive Director Elaine Smith said the collaboration with Omnira Institute was an opportunity she couldn’t refuse. “People talk about community and unity for Black people – I always want to be an example of what has to be done,” Smith said. “Anyway that we can partner with our people, we want to do that.”

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Charlotte Jackson, a longtime vendor with FFM and the festival, had been known for her jellies, jams and chow-chow through Pots n’ Jars. For the last several years, she hasn’t been able to find a commercial kitchen she can afford, so she began selling vegan soap and skin care products that her son and his partner produce under the name Lather and More.

“It’s been a blessing,” said Jackson, who will tell her customers that although they can order the wares from the website, there’s no such thing as ‘smell-avision.” From her table, she encourages passers-by to take a sniff of the soaps, then directs them to the nearby booths.

Jackson functions as a sort of ‘town crier’ of ‘buying Black,’ never failing to encourage Black people to take their mule or Pontiac or Chevrolet and steer it toward Black businesses like Mandela Market.

Likewise, the Black-Eyed Pea Festival was established to encourage Black entrepreneurship by providing a space for Black creatives to sell their handmade or original designs and products without competing with commercially produced goods.

It also served as a way to both commemorate and invigorate memory of the once-thriving Black community of West/North Oakland before it was divided by highways, BART, and then ravaged by the crack cocaine epidemic.

“For one day, I wanted to invoke the success of that community through the sound of music, the taste of soul food and black-eyed peas and the beauty of our art,” Ravernell said.

Once deciding to follow through on the idea of holding a festival celebrating African American traditions, Ravernell settled on using the black-eyed pea as its symbol because of its pride of place in Black people’s consciousness on New Year’s Day and because the peas were originally cultivated in Africa.

Learning that Fresno farmer Wil Scott, former president of the California African American Farmers Association, grew black-eyed peas as well as other legacy crops that are the foundation of a soul food menu, Ravernell was intent on ensuring Scott’s presence at the first festival in 2014. Whenever he could, and whenever the weather yielded a bountiful crop, Scott would bring his black-eyed peas to the festival, shelled or on the pods.

Originally cultivated in Africa, the black-eyed pea is believed to have been brought to the U.S. hidden in the hair of African captives brought to the Western Hemisphere during the holocaust of the Atlantic Slave Trade.

Known to grow plentifully even in poor soil, the pea was associated with abundance in Africa and later, in the U.S., with good luck.

She also learned that black-eyed peas nourish poor soil, that they are a very good source of nutrition, and that they probably contributed to the longevity of the enslaved.

“I thought the black-eyed pea, its story and its significance for Black people made it a great symbol to represent Black culture,” she said. In spite of everything they endured, Black people emerged from slavery and Jim Crow as masters of making a lot from a little, creating a culture that would be emulated and imitated at home and abroad.

Feeling that many people know only the most recent iterations of Black music – Hip Hop and R&B – she created the festival to promote the music of earlier eras, which reflect the thoughts and feelings of Black people over time.

That’s why the festival highlights straight-ahead jazz, gospel, zydeco and the Second Line of the New Orleans jazz funeral.

“It’s not enough to remember,” Ravernell said. “We need to actively nourish the roots of our culture.”

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By Special to The Post

The interfaith community effort commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S.

More than 29,000 meals were received and distributed at the historic Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in West Oakland as part of an interfaith community effort to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB), Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (MZMBC), and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) partnered to address food insecurity throughout Alameda County.

A semi-truckload of food arrived at MZMBC in Oakland on Tuesday, July 21. This was one of 250 trucks the LDS church is sending throughout the United States. By the end of the year 10 million pounds of food will be donated. Each truck carries approximately 40,000 pounds of shelf-stable pantry staples that can feed 1,400 families for one week.

The need for food is significant. According to the ACCFB, 1 in 4 members of the community they serve is experiencing or at risk of hunger.

“The challenges get much harder during the summer when children no longer have access to healthy meals at school,” says Regi Young, executive director of Alameda County Community Food Bank. “Our community and our food bank face similar challenges accessing some of the highest quality and high demand foods because they are typically also the most expensive.

“Fresh milk is among the top items on these lists, so we are extremely grateful for this donation to help more families stretch their budgets and get through these challenging summer months,” Young said.

Two days later, on July 23, another semi-truck, this one bearing fresh milk from the LDS church, arrived at the ACCFB.
Event organizers share a commitment to caring for those in need and fostering meaningful service connections within communities.

“After 250 years, there is still food insecurity in America, and this is an interfaith community effort to eradicate hunger in our communities and cities,” said Pastor Michael Wallace of Mount Zion. “We believe that having food is a basic human right and to address it is our Christian duty. That’s what makes this partnership so meaningful.”

“Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in following the Savior’s commandments to love God and to love our neighbor,” says David Kimball, president of the Oakland Stake of the LDS church. “We are grateful to partner with these organizations to help care for those in need in our community.”

Welcoming the truck’s arrival at 10 a.m. at MZMBC were Kimball, Young, Wallace of MZMBC, and civil rights activist and Post News Group Publisher Paul Cobb. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee was in attendance and addressed the hundreds of volunteers. Inspiring music was provided by members of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir under the leadership of Terrance Kelly.

Teens from both churches were on hand to assist with loading food items for various local nonprofits and community groups to distribute to those in need. The teens also assembled 1,000 hygiene kits for the unhoused. Each kit will include a note of encouragement written by the children and youth of each church.
The churches and organizations that received food include:

• Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
• ECAP (Emeryville Citizens Assistance Program)
• Support Life Foundation/Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California (ICCNC)
• Serenity House
• CRECE (Central American Refugee Committee)
• ION (Impact Oakland Now -Word Assembly, Center of Hope and Abyssinian Baptist Church)
• True Faith Baptist Church (East Oakland)

“These two large shipments of food and milk, along with this interfaith, community event, exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and community service that this country was built on,” says Gregg Ankenman, assistant director of Community Service for the Oakland/San Francisco Communication Council of the LDS Church.

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Staying sober can lead to better physical health, stronger relationships, improved mental clarity, and greater financial stability. While the path looks different for everyone, building healthy routines and finding the right support can make long-term sobriety both achievable and rewarding.

A father arrives at his daughter’s birthday party fully present for the first time in years, remembering every laugh, conversation, and candle blown out. That single afternoon reminds him that sobriety is about getting life’s meaningful moments back. If you are ready to create a healthier, more fulfilling future, the right strategies and support can help you build a joyful life, one day at a time.

Benefits of Sobriety

One of the greatest rewards of sobriety is the opportunity to build a life based on intention instead of impulse. As recovery progresses, many people find they have greater control over their choices, making it easier to pursue long-term goals with confidence and consistency.

Sobriety can also strengthen personal resilience. Difficult situations still happen, but learning to face challenges without relying on substances often builds problem-solving skills and emotional maturity. Over time, setbacks become opportunities to learn rather than reasons to give up.

Many people also discover a renewed sense of self. Interests that were neglected during active addiction often return, while new passions emerge through learning, travel, creativity, or community involvement. This process helps people develop an identity that is no longer centered on substance use.

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Personal achievements tend to become more meaningful as well. Completing a fitness challenge, earning a promotion, returning to school, or simply keeping promises to yourself can create genuine pride. These accomplishments reinforce the belief that lasting progress comes from steady effort rather than quick fixes.

Sobriety also encourages greater independence. Making thoughtful decisions, managing responsibilities, and handling everyday challenges without relying on alcohol or drugs builds confidence over time.

Tips for Remaining Sober: Creating Healthy Habits

Healthy habits give each day structure and make it easier to stay focused on recovery. Instead of trying to change everything at once, start with a few realistic goals that can be repeated consistently. Small improvements often become lasting routines when practiced over time.

Building habits around your personal goals can also create a stronger sense of purpose. Setting aside time for exercise, preparing meals at home, reading, learning a new skill, or spending time with supportive friends helps fill your schedule with positive activities that support long-term success.

Consistency matters more than perfection. Missing a workout or having a stressful day does not erase your progress. Returning to your routine as soon as possible helps reinforce healthy behaviors and keeps temporary setbacks from becoming lasting obstacles.

Have a Support System

Recovery is easier when you have people who encourage your progress and understand your goals. A strong support system can include:

• Family members
• Close friends
• Counselors
• Sponsors
• Support groups for sobriety

Knowing someone is available to listen or offer advice can make it easier to stay committed to sobriety.

Support groups also create opportunities to learn from people with shared experiences. Hearing how others have handled setbacks, celebrated milestones, and maintained long-term recovery can provide valuable encouragement and practical ideas for your own journey. Many people also choose to find high-quality AA tokens to recognize important sobriety milestones and celebrate the progress they have worked hard to achieve.

Building a support network takes time, but every positive connection strengthens your foundation for lasting recovery. Staying in regular contact with supportive people, attending meetings consistently, and asking for help when needed can make challenges feel less overwhelming while reminding you that you do not have to navigate sobriety alone.

Trying New Activities

Recovery creates an opportunity to explore interests that may have been overlooked in the past. Trying new activities can replace old routines with experiences that bring enjoyment, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. It also helps reduce boredom, which is a common trigger for many people in recovery.

There is no single activity that works for everyone. The goal is to find hobbies that match your interests and encourage regular participation. Many people discover new passions through activities such as:

• Hiking local trails
• Taking cooking classes
• Learning a musical instrument
• Joining a recreational sports league
• Painting or photography
• Gardening
• Volunteering in the community
• Taking online or in-person courses

Exploring different hobbies also introduces you to people who share similar interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Handle Peer Pressure While Staying Sober?

Handling peer pressure starts with being confident in your decision to start living a sober lifestyle. Let friends know your boundaries ahead of time, and have a simple response ready if someone offers you alcohol or drugs. Many people find it helpful to suggest alternative activities or bring a nonalcoholic drink to social events, so they feel more comfortable.

If certain people repeatedly pressure you or dismiss your choices, it may be necessary to spend less time with them. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends who respect your commitment can make social situations easier and help you stay focused on your long-term recovery goals.

How Can Volunteering Support a Sober Lifestyle?

Volunteering can strengthen sobriety by providing purpose, structure, and meaningful social connections. Helping others encourages a sense of accomplishment and shifts attention away from cravings or negative thought patterns. It also creates opportunities to meet people who share positive values and healthy lifestyles.

Whether serving at a food bank, mentoring others, helping at community events, or supporting local charities, volunteering can build confidence while creating a rewarding routine. Many people find that giving back reminds them of their progress in overcoming addiction challenges.

How Does Sobriety Affect Sleep Over Time?

Sleep often improves as sobriety continues, although the process can take time. During the first few days or weeks, some people experience insomnia, vivid dreams, or restless sleep as the body adjusts. As recovery progresses, sleep patterns typically become more consistent, allowing for deeper, more restorative rest.

The following can all support healthier sleep throughout recovery:

• Maintaining a regular bedtime
• Limiting caffeine late in the day
• Exercising regularly
• Creating a relaxing nighttime routine
• Limiting daytime naps

Staying Sober: Now You Know

A lot goes into staying sober. With the right habits and support, you’ll have an easier time.

Do you need more health and wellness tips? Explore some of our other useful articles today.

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