Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Kimberla Lawson Roby


Q:

Your characters are so easy to relate to and realistic. Thank you for writing such entertaining novels and projecting Black women in a realistic light. What was the first thing you wrote and were paid for?

KLR:

The first novel I wrote and was compensated for was BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. I first self-published it (after receiving tons of rejection letters from agents and publishers) and then it was sold to a small press in Baltimore, MD called Black Classic Press.

Q:

When did you realize there was an audience for your books? Frankly, there are many women doing ‘African American Chick-Lit,’ but none are doing it quite like you. How did you find your “niche,” which makes your writing different from the rest? And, are you comfortable with the term ‘Chick-Lit,’ OR how would you best describe your writing style?

KLR:

Thank you for offering such a kind compliment. I first realized there was an audience for my work shortly after my first novel was released. What I heard from readers was that the reason they felt they couldn’t put it down was because they were able to relate the characters and the storyline to their own lives or to the lives of friends or family members. Then, in terms of how my work is categorized, I hear anything from contemporary women’s fiction, chick-lit, contemporary Christian fiction, etc. It pretty much just depends on how each individual reader tends to see it and which book they are reading.

Q:

Is there a particular time of day or night, when you are at your writing best and what is your writing process (i.e. do you type on a computer or do you write long-hand or record into a recorder)? Do you wake up in the middle on the night with an idea and jump out of bed to get it on paper?

KLR:

Sometimes the early part of the day (9 or 10 AM for me) works very well and sometimes early evening. When I’m writing my first draft, however, I write all-day (nearly ten hours) every day until it is finished. Then, I go back and do my edits and revisions before submitting it to my editor. I do type on a computer when I’m writing the novel but sometimes I’ll write long-hand when I’m first writing the outline. Then, as far as waking up in the middle of the night with an idea, this does happen, but I never get up to write it down—although, sometimes I wish I had!

Q:

How much of the material in your books is taken from your real-life experiences or those of people you know?

KLR:

With every novel I write, I always include bits and pieces of myself. For example, if a character is out to dinner and orders a certain kind of salad or entrĂ©e, it might be one of my own favorite foods. Or, if a character has certain moral values, those values might be similar to what I believe in. Then, in my fourth novel, IT’S A THIN LINE, I based two of the characters on myself and my mom as my mom really was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor.

Q:

How important is it for African American women to develop, nurture and maintain their relationships/friendships?

KLR:

It is very important for all women to develop, nurture and cherish their relationships and friendships. My husband is the best of my best friends, but I could also never imagine being without the women in my life who are certainly my best friends, too. Over many years, they have each become more like my sisters and not only do I need their friendship, I wholeheartedly depend on it. I would do anything for them the same as I know they would do for me.

Q:

When did you realize that you had “made it” as a writer?

KLR:

I sort of realized it when my third title, CASTING THE FIRST STONE, sold far more than my first two titles had, and I went to New York and met with eight major publishers over a three-day period. They were all interested in acquiring my next two titles and submitted bids to my agent during an auction that she ended up holding for my next contract.

Q:

What topics have you yet to explore that we can anticipate in coming novels.

KLR:

I still have so many topics that I want to explore, and actually, I just finished a novella that centers on childhood sexual molestation. This is by far the most different story I’ve written, but it is probably the most important. It is also my hope that it will be informative and helpful to people everywhere, no matter who they are.

Q:

How important is the support you receive from family and friends?

KLR:

The support I receive from family and friends means everything and without it, I never would have gotten to where I am today. When I first wrote BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and received all the many rejection letters, I was basically prepared to give up. But then, my mom kept encouraging me to keep trying and my husband encouraged me to start my own business so I could publish the book myself. They both had such strong confidence in what I was trying to do, and it really did make all the difference. Then, my brothers, other family members and friends have always supported me in such a tremendous way as well, and I am beyond thankful for that.

Q:

Last, but not least, can you give us a “sneak peek” of “The Best of Everything?”

KLR:

THE BEST OF EVERYTHING centers on Alicia Black Sullivan, the eldest child of my recurring character, the Reverend Curtis Black. Alicia has recently married a wonderful man named, Phillip, who is also her father’s assistant pastor, but the only problem is, Alicia has a serious shopping problem. Alicia pretty much wants what she wants when she wants it and is willing to do whatever she has to in order to get it. What readers will find is that Alicia is definitely her father’s daughter.

Q:

Finally, thank you for doing what you do. You’ve got a fan for life!

KLR:

Thank you so much for requesting the interview and for reading my work!




-DWS

Bio of Kimberla Lawson Roby

Kimberla Lawson Roby


New York Times Bestselling Author, Kimberla Lawson Roby, has published eleven novels which include, ONE IN A MILLION, SIN NO MORE, LOVE & LIES, CHANGING FACES, THE BEST-KEPT SECRET, TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING, A TASTE OF REALITY, IT’S A THIN LINE, CASTING THE FIRST STONE, HERE AND NOW, and her debut title, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, which was originally self-published through her own company, Lenox Press. Her novels have frequented numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times and those in The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Emerge Magazine, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, The Dallas Morning News, and The Austin Chronicle to name a few and both BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and CASTING THE FIRST STONE were #1 Blackboard bestsellers for four consecutive months in both 1997 and 2000. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS was the #1 Blackboard Best-selling book for paperback fiction in 1997.

In addition, Ms. Roby’s first novel was nominated for Blackboard’s 1998 and 1999 Fiction Book of the Year Award, and she received the Blackboard Fiction Book of the Year Award in 2001 for CASTING THE FIRST STONE. She is also the 2006 and 2007 recipient of the Author of the Year – Female award presented by the African-American Literary Award Show in New York, the recipient of the 1998 First-Time Author Award from Chicago’s Black History Month Book Fair and Conference, and her fifth novel, A TASTE OF REALITY, was a 2004 finalist for the Atlanta Choice Awards sponsored by the Atlanta Daily World. Additionally, TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING received a 2004 Patron Choice Award from the Central Mississippi Regional Library System.

Each of Ms. Roby’s novels have dealt with very real issues---in BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, social status, gambling addiction, and infidelity; in HERE AND NOW, single motherhood, infertility, and sibling rivalry; in CASTING THE FIRST STONE, the first of the Reverend Curtis Black series, corruption within the church; in IT’S A THIN LINE, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and care-giving of a parent; in A TASTE OF REALITY, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace with subplots exploring sexual harassment; TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING and THE BEST-KEPT SECRET, continuations of the Reverend Curtis Black series; in CHANGING FACES, overweight issues, a female illness, damaging secrets and a devoted friendship between three women; in LOVE & LIES and SIN NO MORE, the Reverend Curtis Black saga continued and in ONE IN A MILLION, a woman learns the best news and the worst news of her life all at the same time.

Ms. Roby resides in Illinois with her husband, Will. Her twelfth title, THE BEST OF EVERYTHING, will be released on January 13, 2009.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Nikki Thomas of KBLX at Kwanzaa Gift Show, December 13 & 14, Marriott Downtown Oakland




Nikki Thomas and her adorable daughter at the Kwanzaa Gift Show this past weekend.







Stay tuned for more photos from Edward Miller Photography.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Making Music at Macdonald 80 Shopping Center

Wells Fargo Opens New Branch at Macdonald 80 Shopping Center in Richmond, California


Photography by Edward Miller. All Rights Reserved.

Kwanzaa And Gift Show, OAKLAND Marriott Convention Center

23rd Annual
Kwanzaa & Christmas
Gift Show 2008

COME TO SHOP, SHOP, SHOP!

Bring the whole family!

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 AND 14, 2008

11 AM - 8 PM

Oakland Marriott Convention Center
10th & Broadway Oakland, CA 94607
$5.00 per person - Children under 12 Free

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Kimora Draws A Crowd

"Baby Phat"

Kisses From Kimora

If The Shoe Fits. . .Buy It From Kimora. . .



December 10, 2008

Kimora Lee Simmons made a guest appearance at Macy's Hilltop Mall in Richmond, California. Kimora has put her name on everything from perfume to clothing to . . .yes, ladies - shoes!








Photography: Edward Miller Photography, Richmond, CA (510) 237-0473
copyright protected

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

"Fabulosity"

Kimora Lee Simmons Comes to Macy's Hilltop Mall, Richmond

KIMORA LEE SIMMONS COMES TO MACY’S HILLTOP

President and Creative Director of Baby Phat inspires with her glamorous,
over-the-top style


WHAT: Macy’s Hilltop customers can meet Kimora Lee Simmons and get a
signed autograph. The first 200 customers to make a $75 Baby
Phat purchase will receive a $20 Macy's gift card and a
stationary kit from Baby Phat. Customers who bring in an
unwrapped toy for YES (Youth Engagement Service) will receive a
special thank you gift from Kimora. YES assists low income
parents and their children of all ages in the Richmond area.

Kimora’s influence in the world of fashion is undeniable while
her savvy as a businesswoman has made the former runway model a
worldwide brand phenomenon. Through her success as a model
Kimora developed her renowned sense of style, which propels her
as a designer. She is the instrumental force behind the brands’
creative designs, ad campaign strategies and marketing
concepts.

“Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane” debuted on Style and E! Networks
in 2007 and became the #1 rated program on cable television of
women between the ages of 18-34. Kimora stars and executive
produces the reality sitcom, which chronicles her life.

WHEN: Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.


WHERE: Macy’s Hilltop
Juniors’ Department
2500 Hilltop Mall Rd
Richmond, CA 94806



*While time permits. No personal items, please. One signature per customer.
Baby Phat purchases must be made December 11th, only at Macy’s Hilltop.
While supplies last.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Happy Holidays


Hogwart Hotel -

Made by the Pastry Chefs at Le Meridien Hotel, 333 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA

Friday, December 5, 2008

"Cadillac Records" Opens Today to Rave Reviews

Starring Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright and Beyoncé Knowles.

Directed by Darnell Martin. (

Rated R

Check it out this weekend!!

Ms. Bonita's Berries


Pure Decadence

Rest In Peace - Odetta Holmes, simply known as "Odetta"


Odetta Holmes

Sunrise: December 31, 1930
Sunset: December 2, 2008

Odetta, was an African-American singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter, and a human rights activist. Called by man "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement." Ms. Holmes, 77, died in New York City this week from heart failure.

Many thanks to Barbara Rodgers for sharing this photo. The picture was taken backstage at the Alice Arts Theater in Oakland in 1999. Barbara said that even though Odetta was nearly 70 years old at the time she put on an energetic performance and was very gracious upon their meeting.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Sistahs Getting REAL About HIV and AIDS - December 1, 2008




"Sistahs Getting Real About HIV/AIDS"
5th. Anniversary Billboard Campaign
In Commemoration of World AIDS Day
Monday, December 1, 2008
West Grand and San Pablo Streets
Oakland

Big "props" to 100 Black Women of the Bay Area

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Cathy D. Adams

CDA Consulting Group

(510) 653-4085

cdagroup@aol.com



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 25, 2008





The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Oakland Bay Area Chapter and CAL-PEP to host Free HIV Testing for the 5thAnniversary of “Sistahs Getting Real About HIV/AIDS Billboard Campaign” in comemoration of World AIDS Day

December 1, 2008



(Oakland, CA)- The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Oakland Bay Area Chapter (NCBW) and The California Prevention and Education Project (CAL-PEP) will provide Free HIV Testing and host a press conference for the 5th Anniversary Billboard Campaign for “Sistahs Getting Real About HIV/AIDS”, on Monday, December 1st in commemoration of WORLD AIDS DAY at the corner West Grand and San Pablo Avenues in Oakland, California. The press conference will start at 12 Noon. Free HIV testing will be provided from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.



The purpose of this press conference is to educate black women across multiple sectors about the impact of HIV/AIDS in the African American community to stimulate concrete and effective action to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among black women in America.



“Sistahs Getting Real About HIV/AIDS” billboards will be posted in the following locations:



Bayshore Blvd WS 400ft S/O Sunnydale F/N – 3, San Francisco

3rd St WS 50ft N/O Egbert F/S – 2. San Francisco

International Blvd NS 50ft W/O 76th Av F/E – 1, Oakland

Martin Luther King WS 11ft S/O 39th St F/S – 1, Oakland

Jefferson ES 70ft S/O 11th St F/N – 1, Oakland

Mac Arthur NS 75ft E/O Parker F/W – 1, Oakland

Telegraph WS 130ft S/O 31st St F/N – 1, Oakland

W Grand NS 50ft E/O San Pablo F/E – 1, Oakland

The billboards are sponsored by a grant made possible through Catholic Healthcare West.

The billboards has been a great vehicle for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Oakland Bay Area Chapter in partnership with CAL-PEP to continue to promote HIV/AIDS awareness while promoting free HIV testing in San Francisco and throughout Alameda County.

CAL-PEP is a community-based organization that specializes in HIV and AIDS prevention and education and wants to raise awareness about the state of emergency of HIV infections among African-Americans in Alameda County and educate community members on techniques and behaviors that can make the disease 100% preventable!

Oakland has the highest concentration of HIV cases in Alameda County and nationally of new HIV infections that occur each year over half occur in people 25 years or younger. AIDS is also steadily increasing among African American teens. African American teens make up only 16% of U.S. teenagers, but accounted for 69% of new AIDS cases among teens in 2005 according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Knowledge of one’s status and HIV/AIDS education is crucial to the prevention of HIV and AIDS. CAL-PEP’S Executive Director, Gloria Lockett, a nationally known educator, believes that “AIDS is 100% preventable” and CAL-PEP encourages everyone to get tested.



CAL-PEP will administer the OraQuick rapid HIV test free of charge. No needles are required (oral sample only, no blood) and results are provided within 20 minutes. In addition to testing, HIV test counselors will provide risk reduction counseling during the twenty-minute wait. Safer sex tips and safe sex kits will also be provided for all those being tested.



To get a free HIV test at anytime contact Sonya Richey at CAL-PEP at (510) 874-7850. For information about NCBW’s “Sistahs Getting Real About HIV/AIDS” billboard campaign please call (510) 287-2534 or call (510) 653-4085 or log on to the website

www.onehundredblackwomen.com.










Photos property of Edward Miller Photography

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

FORMER 49ERS' GREAT DELVIN WILLIAMS TO BE INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME

OAKLAND - The African American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame, which is dedicated to honoring black and other ethnic sports legends, will induct former 49ers great, Delvin Williams and six other retired professional athletes at its Annual Bay Area Induction Ceremony at The Temple on the Hill 4620 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland 94602 on Saturday, February 7, 2009.


A native of Houston, Texas, Delvin Williams was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1974, after graduating from the University of Kansas with a BS in Education. During three of his four years with San Francisco he led the team in rushing yards, setting the 49er's rushing record (1203 yards) for a single season in 1976. In a single game during that season, he had 34 carries and 194 yards and was named NFC All-Pro.


In 1978, Williams was traded to the Miami Dolphins, were he set their single season rushing record with 1258 yards; a record that stood for 25 years. When he was named First Team All-Pro, he became the first player in NFL history to:

· Rush for 1000 yards for two different teams,

· To set rushing records for two different teams, and

· To be named to the Pro Bowl for both an AFC & NFC team.


After retiring, Williams turned his energy and experience as a professional athlete to helping underprivileged youth by promoting sports and developing drug abuse prevention programs, including founding and running, including founding and serving as executive director of "Pros for Kids," which pairs professional athletes and young drug offenders. He organized a consortium of community, private and public sector organizations to create an employment clearinghouse called Jobs for Youth. Williams has also served on the boards of several organizations in San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Contra Costa and Alameda counties.



Among the community leaders who will be honored at the AAESHOF event will be Barbara Rodgers who will receive the Wendell Smith Media Award for outstanding contributions as a journalist. For nearly 30 years, Barbara Rodgers was one of the most recognizable newscasters on CBS 5 Eyewitness News. Starting in 1979 Rodgers quickly became a popular, award-winning anchor, reporter and show host and was the co-anchor of CBS 5's popular weekend newscasts with the late Doug Murphy from 1987 to 2000.


Before leaving in 2008, she was co-anchor of Eyewitness News at Noon and host of Bay Sunday, a weekly public affairs program where she interviewed dozens of newsmakers, community leaders and celebrities, including Spike Lee, Terry McMillan, Delroy Lindo and Jamie Foxx. She also was a reporter for the Jefferson Awards, given weekly to citizens for their outstanding public service.

Rodgers has received numerous honors for her work and community service, including the Frederick D. Patterson Outstanding Individual Award from the United Negro College Fund (2008), seven Emmy Awards from the Northern California Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS); five Excellence in Journalism Awards from the National Association of Black Journalists; and awards from the Associated Press, United Press International, the (San Francisco) Peninsula Press Club and The Society of Professional Journalists. In 2004, she received the "Pioneer Award" from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and the Governor's Award from NATAS, the highest local award a journalist can receive.

The complete list of inductees and other honorees will be announced on December 1st and can be viewed at www.afrosportshall.com.


The Annual Bay Area Induction Ceremony will begin with a "VIP Reception with the Stars" at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. and the induction ceremony at 8:00 p.m. This is the AAESHOF's major annual fund-raiser proceeds of which fund the Hall of Fame's After School Youth Intervention Program. It helps students from economically challenged backgrounds fund their education through our "Academia Achievers Award Program." The AAESHOF has assisted over 350 students to date through this program.

The AAESHOF is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, and is dedicated to the development of opportunities for young, less fortunate youth to gain exposure to positive aspects of life.



Sponsored in part by:
Ethiopian Airlines
Amtrak
PG&E
Wells Fargo
Comcast
LaHitz Media
Outback Steakhouse.


Tickets can be purchased at http://www.afrosportshall.com.


For more ticket information: Kim Meltzer at 818-516-1459, KidKesty Productions, kim@kidkestyproductions or Arif Khatib, afrosportshall@aol.com, 510-508-3309. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Contact Jackie Wright at 415 824.3990 or jackiewright@wrightnow.biz.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Renegade for Peace and Justice - Own Your Copy Today

Barbara Lee - In Person Book Signing "Renegade for Peace"

Barbara Lee - Author Signing Event


Saturday, December 06, 2008. 4:00 PM
Book Passage
Corte Madera
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
(415) 927-0960

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Sara Sidner - On the Front Lines in Mumbai


We've all heard and read and seen the images on television from the 60-hour melee/murder/rampage in India's Financial District over the las few days. The attack by suspected Islamic militants has left at this writing over 150 people dead and many hundred wounded.

What you may not have seen, if you were not watching CNN, is former KTVU Reporter/Anchor Sara Sidner, literally on the front lines.

Ms. Sidner was reporting the news while bombs were going off in the background and in one report, she was confronted by an angry mob (she said you could smell the alcohol on their breath) who demanded that she get the H-e-double-hockey sticks outta there!

Sara Sidner conducted her interviews with the utmost professionalism and showed what a true journalist looks like in a real live news situation. This was no fluff - I'm talking life-threatening danger. And "girlfriend" still looked good during the entire segment!

I am often frustrated by the lack of attention given to local anchors of color, particularly African Americans, in the Bay Area, who have so much talent that seems to - well, I'll just say, seems to not get the "fanfare" given some others.

So many times I've watched the news on KTVU and wondered why Sara Sidner isn't sitting in that anchor chair. Well, it seems God had something bigger for her.

I suspect we'll be seeing lots more of Ms. Sidner on the network airwaves from here on out.

That's what I call "Local Girl Makes Good."

You go, Sara!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Ms. Bonita's Pies


When I was a little girl, we used to visit my mother's family in North Carolina in the summer.

If you've ever been to North Carolina, you know it's beautiful. The air is fresh and there is greenery and life all around.

Okay, so there's the tobacco farms where people worked their fingers to the bones for the companies that made the cigarettes that killed so many. And the poultry plants where people used to work for less than minimum wage. But forget about that for a minute - ;0

I'm talking about the North Carolina where my grandmother sat on the porch of her one-story wooden house and watched us play in the yard, under the pecan tree. And it wasn't called a "Pe-KAHN," tree. They pronounced it "Pe-CAN" tree.

Well, those days are long gone. Grandma is gone, the house is barely standing and long vacant. The "kids" now have kids and grandkids of their own. But, the one thing that remains is the old Pe-CAN tree in the front of what's left of the yard.

Heck, instead of forty acres and a mule, I'd settle for half an acre and a Pe-CAN tree.

If you can't get to North Carolina, or if you don't have your very own pecan tree. Here's something almost as good.

Ms. Bonita's Pecan Pies.

These pies conjure up all those images and memories for me. They can do it for you too. And, for those of you who don't like nuts or are allergic to them, there are fruit pies, sweet potato pies and buttery pound cakes.

Stay tuned for more info in the "not-so-distant" future.

Now, this is what I call "Soul Food."

Providence Baptist Church of San Francisco Opens 50 New Senior Housing Units



On November 9, 2008, the Providence Bapist Church of San Francisco unveiled its Senior Housing Project. The development opened 50 brand new housing units for senior citizens in the Bayview Hunter's Point Community.

Many dignitaries were on hand for this momentous event, including, "Da Former Mayor" Willie Brown.

Providence Baptist Church is located at 1601 Mckinnon Ave, San Francisco, where Reverend Calvin Jones, Jr. is the Senior Pastor.

Visit their website - which says it all - Providence Cares. Or call them at (415) 641-8719.

www.providencecares.org

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

President-Elect Obama says "I Will Be In Charge"

How many people remember the scene in the movie "Hustle and Flow" where Terence Howard is being carted off to jail?

He turns to his female "sales associate" and says, "You're In Charge!" "Keep saying, it 'I'm In Charge.'"

And Taryn Manning repeats over and over, "I'm in charge!" "I'm in charge!" "I'm in charge!"

Well, if you remember the movie, you will recall that she turned things around.

That's how I felt this morning watching President Elect Barack Obama's third press conference in three days. He announced his Economic Advisory Team this morning. I can feel confidence being restored to the American people.

I love his swagger. I love his tone. I love everything about him.

President Obama - You're In Charge!


Peace and Blessings,

D.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Be Thankful for What You Got


In the words of the late Curtis Mayfield,

"You may not drive a great big Cadillac, gangster whitewalls, TV antenna in the back. You may not have a car at all, but remember,brothers and sisters you can still stand tall. Just be thankful for what you got."
Happy Thanksgiving Week. Be a blessing to someone.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

A TRUE "Urban Cowboy"

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, Las Vegas, NV - Nov. 21-23, 2008


Bill Pickett

December 5, 1870 - April 2, 1932

William (Bill) Pickett was a legendary African American cowboy from Texas.

From 1905 to 1931, the Miller brothers' 101 Ranch Wild West Show was one of the great shows in the tradition started by William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody in 1883. The 101 Ranch Show introduced bulldogging invented by Bill Pickett, one of the show's stars.

He died in 1932 as a result of injuries received from working horses at the 101 Ranch. His grave is on what is left of the 101 Ranch property near Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Bill Pickett was inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1972.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Photography by Edward Miller




510-237-0479

(copyright protected)

Congratulations to Dimensions Dance Theater Oakland - 35 Years and Still Going Strong

Thanks to our friends who were out and about last Saturday, November 15.

I can't be in more than one place at a time, but I have friends who keep me informed. My sister attended the Dimensions Dance Theater 35th Anniversary Celebration at the Mormon Temple in Oakland.

She reports that it was an amazing night. Stay tuned - my photographer was there and promises me he has the pictures to prove it.

Once again, OAKTOWN in the house.

Yes we can!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

FAME Oakland 150th Anniversary Celebration




First AME Church in Oakland celebrated its 50th Anniversary over the weekend.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Dr. J. Alfred Smith were among the award winners.

Pam Moore from KRON 4 served as Emcee.

First AME Church is located at 530 37th St,Oakland, CA 94609,(510) 655-1527.
Rev. Dr. Harold R. Mayberry is the Senior Pastor.

(Photos courtesy of Edward Miller Photography - copyright protected)

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

In Memory of All Who Died in the Jonestown Massacre

This week we've heard a lot about Jonestown and Jim Jones and the People's Temple. I believe I have suffered somewhat of a "suppressed memory" about the events which occurred thirty years ago.

The date of the mass murder/suicide was November 18, 1978.

There were 918 people who died. Rep. Leo Ryan, NBC correspondent Don Harris, NBC soundman Bob Brown, newspaper photographer Greg Robinson, and Temple defector Patty Parks – were shot to death at the Port Kaituma airstrip.

Sharon Amos and her children Liane Harris, Christa Amos and Martin Amos – died at the People's Temple house in Lamaha Gardens in Georgetown. The remaining 909 died in Jonestown.

My daughter, a high school junior, came home last night after watching the "Jonestown" documentary at school yesterday. She could not believe what happened on that day. She was even more surprised to find out that one my high school classmates, Dorothy Rollins, was among the dead. She said, "Mom, I can't believe you never mentioned it."

I felt so ashamed that I had put the events out of my mind. Someone once said, "Those who forget the past, are condemned to repeat it."

May we never forgot those who lost their lives in Guyana. Lest it happen again.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Congratulations to Barbara Rodgers, RTNDA Lifetime Achievement Award


I had the pleasure of attending the Nor-Cal Radio and Television News Directors Awards Ceremony last weekend at the Kabuki Hotel in San Francisco where Barbara Rodgers, Retired KPIX/CBS News Anchor was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

It was a star-studded event emceed by KGO's Rosie Allen and KCBS's Mike Sugerman. Rodgers whose illustrious career spans over three decades has covered everything and everyone, including, Nelson Mandela.

Here's to you, Barbara - a rare jewel.

How many people think that Ms. Rodgers is way too young to retire? Yes, that's what I thought. Me too.