We’re kicking off Women’s History Month by highlighting three events showcasing women’s contributions in the realms of music, local entrepreneurship, and social activism. If you’re still not venturing to indoor venues, then the Oakland Public Library’s virtual conversation with Dolores Huerta might be for you.

Need some help assessing whether or not to start attending indoor events? Then check out our recent Q&A with Dr. Noha Aboelata of Roots Community Health Center. 

We’ll continue incorporating indoor events in the coming weeks as COVID restrictions ease and case rates decline. Is there an event that you think we should highlight? Email your questions and comments to azucena@oaklandside.org. 

Special screening of Pixar’s Turning Red

For one week only, from March 11 to March 17, Pixar fans will have the chance to watch the studio’s latest animated film, a coming-of-age comedy directed by Domee Shi, on the big screen. It’s the first of Pixar’s films to be directed by a woman and the second with an Asian lead character. The Grand Lake Theatre was one of only three cinemas in the country chosen to host a theatrical debut. Turning Red will also be available to stream on Disney + beginning on March 11. 

Friday, March 11 to Thursday, March 17, see website for screening times, Grand Lake Theatre, 3200 Grand Ave.

Hip Hop For Change’s 4th Annual Women’s Empowerment Summit

Hip Hop for Change inspires and empowers women to participate actively in the male-dominated culture of Hip Hop. Credit: Hip Hop for Change

Join female trailblazers in conversation about the need to dismantle hyper-sexualization and misogyny in the often male-dominated hip-hop world. The event will include a workshop and discussion about the origins of hip-hop and how women influenced this genre. There will also be a panel featuring local talents Ryan Nicole, Gina Madrid, DJ Madre, heyLuv, and others, moderated by LiL MC. This event wouldn’t be complete without musical performances by Kamaiyah, Su-Lan, Jane Handcock, DJ Lady Ryan, DJ Shellhart, Iron Lotus Street Dance, and Bay Area B-Girls. The summit will take place at the newly reopened West Oakland music venue, The Continental Club.

Saturday, March 12, 4 p.m., free to attend, must register, The Continental Club, 1658 12th St.

International Women’s Day Market

Agency Oakland, an art space located at The Loom, a new space for creatives that opened in what used to be the California Cotton Mills in Jingletown, is celebrating Women’s History Month by hosting this special market featuring nothing but women-identified, trans, gender-fluid, and gender-non-confirming vendors. If you are looking for a locally made gift for a loved one and want to listen to some tunes while you’re at it, this is the place to be. DJs Hey Love, Ignacia, and Yerba Bruja will be providing the soundtrack. 

Saturday, March 12, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., free to attend, The Loom, 2150 Livingston St. 

Hyphy Murph Pop-Up Shop

Members of Trey Coastal from left to right: Philip Lang, Ryan Klenk, and Cameron Moss. Credit: Azucena Rasilla

Rapper and artist David “Jetpack” Jones is the man behind the underground comic-book character Hyphy Murph, a stoney alien from the Bay. This Saturday, Jones’ brand, Fried Water, is hosting a pop-up with live music at Hella Positive, a streetwear brand and grassroots movement with a storefront in West Oakland, featuring performances by comedian Lang Bang, and hip-hop trio Trey Coastal. There will also be cannabis goodies by Dank Sweets, and custom crystal creations by The Crystal Children. 

Saturday, March 12, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m, free to attend, Hella Positive, 1606 7th St.

‘Fan’s Fest’ at Brooklyn Basin

A’s memorabilia on display at the coliseum. Credit: Azucena Rasilla

The MLB lockout is quickly approaching its hundredth day, Spring Training is canceled until at least March 18, and the Oakland Athletics have already trimmed seven home games from their 2022 schedule. The team’s popular A’s Fan Fest—a celebration marking the start of each new season—is also canceled. But members of the “Oakland 68s,” an independent group of A’s fans who take over the right-field bleachers at games are putting together their own fest for A’s fans itching for baseball to come back to the coliseum. The crew will meet at Brooklyn Basin’s waterfront. There will be food, live music, and more.

Saturday, March 12, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., free to attend, Rocky’s Market, 288 9th Ave. 

A virtual evening with Dolores Huerta

Dolores Huerta is a labor leader and civil rights activist. Credit: Oakland Public Library

One of the many perks of having an Oakland Public Library card is being able to attend the curated events put together by OPL staff. Next week, library members can participate in a virtual (and bilingual) conversation with longtime civil rights activist and community organizer, Dolores Huerta. Attendees will get the chance to hear directly from Huerta about her past work with the National Farmworkers Association (now United Farm Workers) and the genesis of the slogan “Sí, se puede,” and learn about the campaigns and initiatives she’s working on now. There will also be the chance to ask questions.

Wednesday, March 16, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., free, members must register 

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Azucena Rasilla is a bilingual journalist from East Oakland reporting in Spanish and in English, and a longtime reporter on Oakland arts, culture and community. As an independent local journalist, she has reported for KQED Arts, The Bold Italic, Zora and The San Francisco Chronicle. She was a writer and social media editor for the East Bay Express, helping readers navigate Oakland’s rich artistic and creative landscapes through a wide range of innovative digital approaches.