Alameda distillery St. George Spirits will celebrate its 40th anniversary this weekend.
Author Archives: Brandy Collins
Brandy Collins is a writer and public services advocate, born and raised in the Bay Area. She is a 2019-2020 cohort graduate from the Maynard Institute for Journalism, a correspondent for Oakland Voices, a blogger, and the funny one in numerous group chats. She is concerned with civic engagement and leadership development toward making public works more efficient for the people. Brandy is full of Scorpio magic and a self-proclaimed Professional Aunty. Follow her on Twitter @MsBrandyCollins or Instagram @story_soul_collecter.
Posted inNosh
Oakland craft distillery wants to define California whiskey
Scoot over, Tennessee, Indiana and Kentucky: Wright and Brown Distilling Co. wants to give your spirits a run for their money.
Posted inArts & Community
Bay Area hip-hop artist Mystic puts love at the center of new album
The longtime Oakland resident and Grammy-nominated artist talks about her latest project, “Dreaming in Cursive: The Girl Who Loved Sparklers.”
Posted inArts & Community
‘Tales of the Town’ is a love letter to Oakland’s Black history
The Hella Black Podcast production uses audio, film, photos, and music to chronicle 100 years of Black resistance, activism, and life in Oakland.
Posted inBreakfast Week
Sometimes, you need a little drag in your brunch
When to trade eating and drinking for lip syncing and reading.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Election 2022: Oakland District 4 residents say public safety is a top concern
We spoke to a range of community members in D4 about the issues they care about most.
Posted inArts & Community
Bay Area hip-hop history on display at ‘Oakland Picture Lady: Tales of a 90’s Girl’
Traci Bartlow’s pics have graced mags like ‘The Source’ and ‘Rap Pages.’ But her photo journey began at her family’s laundromat in East Oakland.
Posted inArts & Community
‘Artist As First Responder’ residencies focus on justice and healing
Ashara Ekundayo is creating multi-faceted residency programs for Black artists in Oakland.
Posted inArts & Community
Black Futures Ball will fundraise for youth and honor Oakland community members
The inaugural East Oakland Youth Development Center gala supports the Pathway to College and Careers program.
Posted inNosh
This Oakland-founded group helps Black drinkers consider their cocktails
The six-year-old Black Bourbon Society boasts 30,000 members and events across the country.
Posted inNosh
Oakland’s Black Bar Crawl brings costumed teams to Black-owned businesses
“If you are a person that enjoys a day party and getting back home before 10:30, this event should appeal to you.”
Posted inNosh
Black Restaurant Week returns to the East Bay
Over 50 restaurants across the Bay Area are participating in this year’s event.
Posted inArts & Community
Oakland filmmaker Ryan Coogler’s detainment is all over the news. It wasn’t news to me
The director of “Fruitvale Station” and “Black Panther” was running a mundane errand in Atlanta—and ended up in handcuffs.
Posted inArts & Community
Black Joy Parade returns to downtown Oakland this Sunday
Before the pandemic forced it online last year, the festival had quickly grown to be one of Oakland’s largest outdoor celebrations.
Posted inNosh
Can the Inclusion Beer Project prompt real change at East Bay breweries?
Local craft breweries have announced a commitment to diversity and inclusion, but information on change can be hard to find.
Posted inArts & Community
East Bay musicians and artists remember Traxamillion, an innovator of Bay Area anthems
Sultan Banks’ sonic creations helped fuel Oakland’s rich hip-hop scene, and so much more.
Posted inArts & Community
For the Culture will blend history with something new at former Mexicali Rose
The storied downtown Oakland restaurant closed in 2018, but Chris Rachal, plans to honor its legacy with his new restaurant and meeting space, For the Culture.
Posted inArts & Community
Huey P. Newton bust unveiled in West Oakland
Community members gathered on Sunday to remember the Black Panther Party co-founder, whose likeness was sculpted in bronze by artist Dana King.
Posted inNosh
Oakland’s first Black-owned brewery created a popcorn-packed beer to honor rap legend Shock G
A music icon, a community-focused brewery, and an established Oakland taproom teamed up to create a special tribute brew.
Posted inArts & Community
OMCA’s ‘Mothership: Voyage Into Afrofuturism’ is a story of survival
The Oakland museum’s latest exhibit melds historical and current works by Black artists into a tapestry of color and sound.