Ashara Ekundayo is creating multi-faceted residency programs for Black artists in Oakland.
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 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.
Posted inArts & Community
At the Crucible, Oakland youth can explore industrial arts and careers
The West Oakland school offers scholarships that expose BIPOC young people to skills from glasswork to welding.
Posted inNosh
The Busy Wife hopes to make its pop-up at Dyafa a permanent affair
Chef Michauxnee Olier’s Creole soul food spot is a hidden-in-plain-sight gem in Jack London Square.
Posted inNosh
Soul Slice’s biscuit-crust pizzas push the boundaries of Southern food
Oakland’s newest pizza spot might not serve pizza after all.
Posted inArts & Community
The Town remembers legendary rapper ‘Shock G’ of Digital Underground
Gregory Jacobs was a key member of the Oakland group that started a national dance craze and introduced the world to Tupac Shakur.
Posted inArts & Community
‘Verzuz’ battle meant more to Oakland and the Bay Area than just entertainment
Two legendary East Bay rappers, Too Short and E-40, gave a musical history lesson in the latest installment of the online event.
Posted inNosh
Magnolia Street Wine Lounge opens its doors in West Oakland with community in mind
Chef Leilani Baugh returns to her childhood neighborhood with her signature Southern-Asian comfort food, a diversity of wines, and a strong Oakland spirit and hustle.
Posted inNosh
These East Bay coffee businesses say equity and diversity shouldn’t be an afterthought
High-end coffee companies that prioritize equity on a global level are looking closer to home to resolve racial bias in the coffee world.