Eric Murphy’s latest exhibition, “Oakland City of Stars: From the Archives,” on view through Aug. 31, offers more than a visual tribute to Oakland; it presents history and a global connection rooted in the city’s cultural legacy.

Curated by Veda Silva at the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO), the mixed-media solo show builds on Murphy’s evolving “Oakland All-Stars” series, highlighting figures rooted in community history.

Murphy’s artistic journey is grounded in a lifelong passion for storytelling through visuals. Beginning as a child sketching celebrities, he later expanded into collage, blending illustration with found imagery and photography.

His formal training at Laney College sharpened his photography skills, while his early career as a fashion photographer exposed him to broader creative networks. At the same time, his decade-long work with Pro Arts Gallery in Oakland expanded his artistic journey.

These experiences converge in “City of Stars,” where Murphy combines photography, digital collage, and graphic design into distinctive portraits. Each subject is embedded within a stylized map of Oakland, marked by district lines, and layered with visual references tied to their personal and cultural narratives.

Presented in a ‘playing card’ format, the works replace traditional suits with the City of Oakland logo, while multilingual elements and hand-painted details deepen the storytelling. The result is a series that feels both archival and contemporary, an artistic documentation of Oakland’s influence across generations.

The exhibit’s opening reception was also Murphy’s birthday celebration. “I’m celebrating my birthday, Oakland history, cultural ties, and art.”

About 50 guests attended the exhibit, including Joyce Gordon of Joyce Gordon Gallery, entertainer Zina Escovedo, and activists Alan Banks and Inez Banks. “We loaned one of our pieces to the exhibit,” said Alan Banks proudly.

Murphy credits much of his inspiration to his deep interest in Oakland history and its global intersections. Murphy also created a line of Oakland International language shirts. The concept originated in 2012 during a cultural exchange exhibition he managed between Oakland and its sister city, Fukuoka, Japan, celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Working with artists such as Emmy Award-winner James Gayles and photographer Hiroko To, Murphy began exploring language as a bridge between cultures. After studying Japanese at Laney College, he became fascinated with how “Oakland” could be expressed across languages.

That curiosity evolved into a design series beginning in 2019 with “Oakland” translated into Japanese as “Okurando.” From there, Murphy collaborated with community members and translators to create versions in multiple languages. By incorporating archival materials, cultural symbols, and historical references, Murphy transformed each shirt into a narrative artifact rather than a simple translation.

“Each design allowed me to show how rich our history is and how connected Oakland is to the world,” said Murphy.

This same philosophy drives the “Oakland All-Stars” series. Inspired by a moment of pride watching actor Shemar Moore acknowledge his Oakland roots on national television, Murphy began researching other successful people connected to the city. The series now includes former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, actress Zendaya, and the late comedian Paul Mooney, among others linked to Oakland.

“I am proud to feature Oakland in my artwork,” said Murphy. “Oakland is a special place, and art is a great way of showing the world what we are about.”

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Congresswoman Lateefah Simon moderated an insightful panel discussion at Hella Bees on Thursday, July 9, sponsored by Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) Oakland/Berkeley Chapter and the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC). 

Themed “A Voice for the People,” the event featured San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, and community advocates Dante Jones and Vincent O’Bannon.

The open dialogue set before the packed lounge at 2340 Harrison St. offered a rare occasion for an open exchange centered on reformative justice, public safety and accountability.

According to event coordinators, tackling complex issues in the community through many angles allows for meaningful reform. The discussion covered the justice system’s far-reaching impact on crime victims, families, survivors, the formerly incarcerated, prosecutors, and law enforcement and gave audience members more clarity on how the justice system operates.

 The speakers all agreed that a person and their life is not defined by one act or mistake and should be treated as such.

“People are not a case file. They are a person,” said Jenkins, urging prosecutors to take into consideration the whole individual and expanded circumstances of a case. Jenkins also emphasized perpetrators must also be accountable and dealt with fairly based on the severity of the crime.

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Simon boldly advised everyone on the importance of coming together to take on the tough issues. “We may not always agree, but when communicate, we humanize each other,” said Simon.

Panelist Dante Jones challenged attendees to recognize the possibility of redemption. “People who make a mistake aren’t their mistake,” he said, reflecting on the importance of creating pathways for accountability alongside opportunities for transformation.

Jones, originally from South Central Los Angeles, was released from San Quentin under California’s resentencing law after serving 17 years of a 39-to-life sentence. During his incarceration, he advocated for the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, using storytelling to reshape public perception via San Quentin News, and documentary films. 

The event with Simon echoed his work as an organizer creating transformative events inside prison, working with correctional staff and state officials to build solutions around systemic issues. 

For panelist Vincent O’Bannon, job creation and employment opportunities are key for the formerly incarcerated. 

“The change begins inside of you, but there have to be opportunities available for those who have changed their lives and are returning.”

O’Bannon, who served 15 years of a 28 years-to-life for commercial robbery, went from being a San Quentin News writer to photographer and podcaster. O’Bannon even helped his daughter create a truck-driving training course inside the San Quentin prison.

“Black Women Organized for Political Action believes that democracy is strengthened when communities have direct access to the leaders whose decisions shape their lives,” said Danielle Motley-Lewis, president of the BWOPA Oakland/Berkeley Chapter.

“Convening conversations like ‘A Voice for the People’ reflects our longstanding commitment to civic engagement, public accountability, and informed participation.”

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In her 80s and still actively working as an agricultural engineer, Effie Gant continues to break barriers in urban farming and community leadership.

The certified USDA grower and respected urban farmer, based in South Sacramento, was recently spotted vending at the Freedom Farmers’ Market by the Temescal Street Fair on Saturday, July 11, where she proudly displayed dozens of sweet, juicy watermelons.

Festivalgoers gathered not only to purchase her produce but also to enjoy activities like the popular watermelon-eating contest. Yet beyond the festive atmosphere, Gant has a larger vision.

Gant is now setting her sights on the Bay Area, where she plans to launch a farmers’ market to increase access to fresh, locally grown food.

Known for her leadership in sustainable agriculture and food justice, she brings decades of hands-on experience and community advocacy to regions where food access remains inconsistent.

She has built a strong reputation through her work with Meadowview Urban Farm and the Yisrael Family Urban Farm, cultivating crops such as watermelons, honeydew melons, and collard greens. Her approach emphasizes sustainability, education, and empowering residents to grow their own food, even in small urban spaces. 

As a USDA-certified grower, Gant blends technical expertise with grassroots engagement to combat food insecurity.

Beyond farming, Gant serves as CEO and President of Highways to Hedges, a nonprofit focused on environmental justice and community development. She is also president of the Hampton Station Neighborhood Association and board chairman for HHCORE, where she advocates for safety, equity, and economic opportunity.

Her proposed farmers market will connect small-scale farmers with urban communities while elevating Black farmers and other underrepresented growers.

“I want to teach the next generation about farming and how lucrative it can be,” Gant said. “You don’t need hundreds of acres. You can start with one acre or even your backyard.”Gant also noted her involvement in a collective of farmers who supply produce through government-supported programs.

“We operate as a team, and we all benefit,” she said.

Through workshops, speaking engagements, and hands-on training, Gant and her organization continue to educate communities about agriculture and food justice. Her market initiative will emphasize affordability, cultural relevance, and nutrition education.

Her broader work includes creating edible forests in partnership with Soil Born Farms, planting fruit trees directly in neighborhoods to expand food access. As a mentor with the Center of Expertise on Food Justice and Health Equity, Gant remains a leading voice in building sustainable and resilient food systems.

Gant says she welcomes the community to join her in creating a new farmer’s market. 

“Farming is essential to life,” she said. “I want to train as many people as I can to use food and farming as a tool for empowerment, health, and long-term change.”

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