Black Bird Press News & Review: President of Oakland City Council replies to Marvin X--Calling all BAM artists, vendors, business persons! Be there or be square!

Black Bird Press News & Review: President of Oakland City Council replies to Marvin X--Calling all BAM artists, vendors, business persons! Be there or be square!

Left to right: Elaine Brown, Chairwoman, Black Panther Party;Dr. Halifu Osumare,  founder of the Malonga Arts Center; Professor, authorJudy Juanita, Black Panther Party, Black Arts Movement;Portia Anderson, author; Kujichagulia, author; Aries Jordan, poet. Laney College celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Black Arts Movement, panel on BAM women, Feb. 7, 2015 A Marvin X Production. photo Southpark Kenny Johnson

I was a part of building the black cultural community in Oakland from 1977-1994. These plans to recognize the unique black cultural contributions of Oakland has been around for a
long time. It is high time it finally happens. Oakland is unique in the nation, and the city and the state should finally recognize that in a major way by supporting this Black Art Movemet Cultural and Business District.
--Dr. Halifu Osumare, Chair, African American Studies, University of California, Davis