Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce's 16th Annual Business Awards Luncheon

Thursday, October 24, 2019

11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Scott's Seafood Restaurant

Jack London Square, Oakland

Click HERE for Tickets and Sponsor Information

A CDA Consulting Group Presentation

Email:  cathy@cdaconsultingroup.com

Jessye Norman - In Memoriam

Jessye Norman (September 15, 1945 – September 30, 2019)

Rest In Peace, Toni Morrison

February 18, 1931 - August 5, 2019

Elaine Welteroth's new book "More Than Enough"

I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Elaine Welteroth, former Teen Vogue Editor-in-Chief in person last night in San Francisco.

What an inspiration to all women, especially, young women of color.

I tagged along with my daughter.  Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

If you don't know, Elaine Welteroth, it's the perfect time.

She's got a new book out, "More than Enough."

Available in all formats on amazon and in bookstores everywhere.

Beauty, brains and black girl magic.

When Tales are better left Untold - Queen Sugar's Season 4 Premiere

By now you've all caught up with the first episode of Season 4 of "Queen Sugar" on OWN TV.

I caught up this weekend.

Wow.

Talk about telling tales out of school, with the release of Nova' upcoming novel, "Blessings and Blood," it seems there is about to be more blood spilled than blessings realized.

If you watch the show, you know that Nova Bordelon (played by Retina Wesley) almost never apologizes for anything she does. She's definitely a "free spirit," but in the latest episode we see more of her self-righteous side than we've seen before.

I've always thought her character loves her family more than anything, which is why I don't see how she possibly thought that airing all of the Bordelon's "dirty laundry" was a good idea.  

In my opinion, it's not even good to tell all of your own secrets.  Especially, when other people are hurt by your truth.

In the case of Nova's novel, it's not even her truths that are causing the damage.  They aren't even her truths to tell.

One thing is certain, this has started off to be a nail-biter of a season.

Stay tuned.  

Pour yourself a cup of coffee and chicory and have a beignet or two standing by.  It's getting good.

Queen Sugar on OWN TV, Wednesdays 9 ET/PST

Harvard University Will Not Renew Contracts of First African American Deans of Winthrop, Robert Sullivan Jr. and Stephanie Robinson

Ronald S. Sullivan, Jr.

First of all, I'm no fan of Harvey Weinstein.  His abuse of power, sexual misconduct and assaults and reign of terror over Hollywood went on far too long.

That said, I'm having difficulty with Harvard University's decision to bow to pressure from what has undertones of a "mob mentality" of activists using the "me too" movement to oust the first two African American Deans at Harvard's Winthrop.  

Granted, I haven't investigated the story enough to know all of the underlying details, but it would seem to me that Harvard would support Mr. Weinstein's constitutional right to legal representation.  

Harvard's decision not to renew the contracts of husband and wife Winthrop Faculty Deans Ronald S. Sullivan, Jr. and Stephanie R. Robinson seems to have been heavily influenced by a campaign led by student activist, Danu A.K. Mudannayake, a student from Sri Lanka, who has been a very vocal opponent of Dean Sullivan.

This story will surely gain more national momentum both inside and outside of academic circles in the days and weeks ahead.  

This case bears watching.  

Stay woke.

Movies by Us, for Us - Rest in Power John Singleton

John D. Singleton
January 6, 1968 - April 29, 2019

When I  heard the news last week that John Singleton had suffered a stroke, my heart sank.  

I know first-hand about African American men having strokes at a higher rate and earlier age than their white counterparts.  

We can definitely do some things like watching our blood pressure, getting regular health screenings and the like, but considering how tough it is for Black folks in this country and in the world overall, sometimes everything we do isn't enough.

Yesterday, when the family announced his passing, I immediately reflected on the time I was watching "Baby Boy" for the umpteenth time, and my then 15 year old daughter said "What movie is that?"  My astonished response was, "Baby Boy!"  "You haven't seen "Baby Boy," it's a classic!"

And every thing that John Singleton touched was an immediate hit.  A classic.  Movies for us, by us, featuring us - something no one other than Spike Lee was really doing at that time.  Now we're blessed with Ava Duvernay and many others since, but John Singleton was a trailblazer for sure.

His movies made us feel important and noticed and heard.  And while tragic in the story lines, they felt good.  "Boys in the Hood," "Poetic Justice," "Shaft."  

John Singleton was the man.  

Sending warm thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and fans around the world.

Gone too soon.

"Before We Were Wicked" - the latest from Eric Jerome Dickey -- Online and In-Stores Now!

The Latest from Eric Jerome Dickey - Review Coming Soon!

They say the love of money is the root of all evil, but for Ken Swift, it's the love of a woman.

Ken is twenty-one, hurting people for cash to try to pay his way through college, when he lays eyes on Jimi Lee, the woman who will change the course of his entire life. What's meant to be a one-night stand with the Harvard-bound beauty turns into an explosion of sexual chemistry that neither can quit. And when Jimi Lee becomes pregnant, their two very different worlds collide in ways they never could have anticipated.

Passion, infidelity, and raw emotion combine in Eric Jerome Dickey's poignant, erotic portrait of a relationship: the rise, the fall, and the scars--and desire--that never fade.

"The Penalty for Success - My Father Was Lynched in Lowndes County, Alabama" by Josephine Bolling McCall

Josephine Bolling McCall

Elmore Bolling 

This weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting Josephine Bolling McCall during her San Francisco Bay Area Book tour for "The Penalty of Success - My Father Was Lynched in Lowndes County, Alabama."

Ms. Bolling McCall is a retired psychologist who was five years old when her father was murdered.  After retirement, she set upon her investigation to uncover what really happened to her father.

The book tells the story of the murder of a black man in 1940s Lowndes County, Alabama. It is a story that reveals the scheme to cover up a "lynching". The author's story of her father's brutal murder presents convincing evidence that he was lynched although he was not hanged, mutilated, or burned in front of a crowd of people. Elmore Bolling was shot six times in the front of his body with a pistol and once in the back with a shotgun. After years of research, including interviews with relatives and elderly Lowndes County residents, Josephine Bolling McCall sought and found answers to many troubling questions about events in her father's live. Her journey of discovery presents a revealing narrative of a time, a place, and a people that challenges us to rethink the reality of life for both blacks and whites in a rural, southern community. (From Amazon.com)

Rest In Power, ERMIAS ASGHEDOM "Nipsey Hussle" - Murdered in the Community He Loved

Ermias Asghedom (Nipsey Hussle)

August 15, 1985 - March 31, 2019

I never met Nipsey Hussle.  I learned of him and his work through my daughter.  

However, in his short life, he not only worked hard to bring relief and joy to the community in which he was raised, he crossed color, race and class lines in a desperate attempt to make the world a better place for Black people.  And specifically his Los Angeles Crenshaw community.

How did that community repay him?   He was gunned down in cold blood in front of the store which he opened in that same community.

His shocking death has an eerily similar resemblance to the death of Tupac.  

I don't buy into the conspiracy theories.  I do not believe he was killed because his work on the documentary about Dr. Sebi.  I believe he was murdered by the very people he loved.  And almost certainly by someone he knew.  

Because of his Eritrean American background he knew what it meant to be proud of who you are and proud of your heritage.  He had been to Africa multiple times.  

I can only imagine the pain and suffering his parents, siblings, Lauren London and his beautiful daughter and son are feeling at this moment.

We are blessed that he left in this world, his artistic and intellectual mark which will live on forever.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed

In Conversation with Meena Harris on March 7, 2019
San Francisco Commonwealth Club
(Photo Credit:  Johnnie Burrell)

National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Oakland/Bay Area Chapter's 21st Annual Madam C.J. Walker Luncheon and Empowerment Forum

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

APRIL RYAN

WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT AND BEST-SELLING AUTHOR

APRIL 19, 2019

MARRIOTT MARQUIS, 780 MISSION ST., SAN FRANCISCO

REGISTER HERE TODAY!

A CDA Consulting Production

Cathy Adams, 510-653-4085

cdaconsulting@gmail.com

Join POWERFUL WOMEN OF THE BAY on Friday, March 8, 2019 in Oakland

Powerful Women of the Bay are Celebrating Women's History month and the Contributions of Outstanding Women in the San Francisco Bay Area at their 10th Annual Awards Luncheon.

Friday, March 8, 2019
Scott's Seafood
Jack London Square
Oakland, CA

For more information regarding Sponsorship or Tickets, contact:

Cathy D. Adams, cathy@cdaconsultinggroup.com

(A CDA Consulting Group Production)

(there are a few remaining seats)

Jussie Smollett - the one that got away. . .

Honestly, I haven't written this post before today because I really wanted to be wrong.  I didn't want to rush to judgment.

I didn't really want to believe that someone would make up such a hurtful lie.  Although, I admit that I never thought it was true from the first time I heard the scenario.  Which, is another reason I didn't want to say anything.

But at this point, it's like "the elephant in the room."

I won't get into the details of Smollett's tale of being the alleged victim of a duo of "MAGA" supporters who, as you know by now, allegedly poured bleach on him and tied a makeshift noose around his neck in the middle of winter in freezing cold temperatures on the streets of Chicago as he strolled out for a late night/early morning Subway sandwich.

And, yes, this hurts many people, including Smollett.  We have the people who work and make their livings on the hit show 'Empire,' castmates, friends, the many politicians, activists and celebrities who came out in support of Mr. Smollett when the story first surfaced, the LGBT community and the African American community who will suffer (hopefully not in silence) because of Smollett's selfish need to be the center of attention.

However, I'm also very offended by the portrayal of the alleged attackers.  They've been spoofed, objectified, stereotyped and even though they may have been willing participants in what appears to be a terrible sham, they too, are victims in a sense.  Victims of a society who loves to point fingers and laugh at black men.

Bottom line - it's all bad.  

West Oakland Health Center - 50th Anniversary Gala

Details

Date:

February 16, 2019

Time:

6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Cost:

$ - See event webpage

Event Categories:

Adult, Art/Culture, Community, East Bay, Fundraiser, Gala/Awards, Health & Wellness, Oakland, Performing Arts, Young Professionals & Young Adults

Website:

http://bit.ly/2UxgoJ5

"Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" - Channeling James Brown in Black History Month

I'd been planning to do a Black History Month post for nearly a week now.  

I was kind of stuck in a writing rut about what to say.  

We all know the history of Black History Month (which began as Negro History Week), we know most of the well-known stories of the inventors, and civil rights activists, heroes and sheroes of our race.

But, what about the regular ordinary every day folks who make Black History Month so special.

As I was driving today, I stopped at the light and looked to my right at the caring crossing guard who not only held up her sign so the young black man could safely get to his middle school, but she put here arm around him, smiling and chatting as he safely navigated the busy intersection.  

And I thought, "Well, she's a real every day hero!"  

And last night I was watching a sports channel and they were telling the story of NFL players who take time out of their schedules to visit inner city schools and offer inspiration to the students.  Of course, they're role models.  However, my attention focused on the middle-aged woman who works in the after school program they visited in Georgia taking care of the elementary school kids after normal school hours.  She's a hero.  Yep.

And then I thought about the people who are running for President of the United States in 2020.  Two of whom look like me.

Despite a few bumps and some bad news the first week in February, I'd say we're showing our pride as best we can - considering the circumstances.

Happy Black History Month.

And in the words of the "Godfather of Soul,"  "Say it Loud!  I'm Black and I'm Proud!"

Music Legend Gladys Knight to Perform the National Anthem at Super Bowl

This just in:  It has been confirmed that Gladys Knight will perform the National Anthem at the Super Bowl on February 3rd in Atlanta.

Can You Support Kaepernick and Still Perform at the Super Bowl?

I might get assaulted for this, but this whole NFL season has caused me to experience conflicting emotions.

First of all, I prefer baseball and basketball as a spectator sport.  However, there may or may not be people in my household who enjoy football.  Maybe they like the 49ers.  Just saying.

Is there a way to reconcile watching NFL this season with the blatant disrespect owners have shown for Black athletes who wish to show their disdain for what's happening in our country today by kneeling for the anthem?  

I certainly support and applaud Colin Kaepernick's humanitarian efforts, as well as his selfless acts (which, by the way, have clearly cost him a football career).  And that is a travesty and a black eye on the NFL forever.  But, should we not watch football until Kap gets signed?  

I mean Eric Reid has signed with the Carolina Panthers, although, he's still been subjected to a disproportionate amount of "random" drug testing.

Having said that, is it wrong for Travis Scott and Big Boi to perform at the Super Bowl?

I understand solidarity and supporting each other, but on the other hand, it's a large venue with high visibility, which can be both good and bad for performers.

I'm not saying that if I were an entertainer that I would perform at the Super Bowl.  However, I do believe that we need to look at everyone's perspective and the reasons behind what they do.

"The World is my Home" - The Life of Paul Robeson, Friday, February 8, 2019 in San Jose, California

Ray Taliaferro Public Memorial Hosted by SF Commonwealth Club on Saturday, January 12

As many of you know, African American broadcast pioneer Raphael ("Ray") Taliaferro was found deceased on December 2, 2018 in Kentucky.

Ray was a San Francisco legend and is said to be the first African American talk show host on a major market radio station in the country when he was hired in 1967 at KNEW AM Radio.  His radio career spanned decades and he was the well-known overnight host on KGO Radio.

A Public Memorial is being hosted this coming Saturday, January 12, 2019 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the San Francisco Commonwealth Club where Mr. Taliaferro served on its Board of Governors.

All are welcome.  Please visit this LINK for further details and free tickets to this Celebration of a Legend.

Time's Up for R. Kelly

I struggled with watching the recent Lifetime documentary on R. Kelly.  

Initially, I said 'no way am I going to even give this life.'  But, I felt that as a parent, and as a Black woman I was obligated to see for myself what these poor young women and their families have gone through.  I thought, "if they can live it, I must not turn away."

It was as if I was a "voyeur."  It made me feel dirty.  It made me sick.  It made me angry.  I felt ashamed that I'd ever listened to his music.  Disgusted that we had allowed this monster to be a part of our family celebrations and milestones for so many years.

And it made me realize that maybe I didn't see myself in the victims.  That is, until I struggled through the six part series.

There is no room for forgiveness.  I don't believe that R. Kelly can be redeemed.  He is, without question, a reprobate.  

The worst part of it all is that I believe there are more men in the entertainment industry preying on young Black women in this same way.

We can no longer separate art from reality.  No more excuses.  No more blaming it on "the white man."

The responsibility is ours.  

Collectively, we must stop the rape and sexual exploitation of our Black girls and women.  

And R. Kelly is the perfect person to begin with.

Time's up.

#muteRKelly