Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Marvin X's Confidential Notes from BAMBD Planning Session and Council President Lynette McElhaney's Response


BAMBD News Update
confidential message
11/1/16
BAMBD planner Marvin X and Oakland City Council President,  Lynette McElhaney

Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, lead planner of the BAMBD, founder and director of the Lower Bottom Playaz, in residence at the Flight Deck Theatre, 1540 Broadway, downtown Oakland.

Maestro Marvin X, a founder of the National Black Arts Movement, chief planner of the BAMBD, Oakland CA. Maestro reads from his play Salaam, Huey, Salaam, about his last meeting with Black Panther co-founder Dr. Huey P. Newton in a West Oakland crack house. The play was performed coast to coast, from Oakland to Brooklyn at Sista's Place, Bed-Sty. It was also performed in Newark, NJ at the home of Amina and Amiri Baraka.
photo Alecia Mason

Oakland Post News Group Publisher, Paul Cobb, and Marvin X have been friends since childhood, growing up in West Oakland. Paul grew up on 7th and Pine, Marvin at 7th and Campbell. Marvin decries and mourns the fact that Paul Cobb knows more about his father than Marvin does. See Marvin's BAM classic Flowers for the Trashman. photo by Walter Riley, Esq.


BAMBD executive planners met this morning to work out the details on a comprehensive benefits package for a joint  meeting with the key developers in the BAMBD.  During the course of the meeting, chief architect, Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, attempted to retire from the project, just as her mentor Marvin X tried to do when he passed the baton to her. But BAMBD co-founder Paul Cobb and Marvin X rejected her proposal to step down. Marvin X found  the BAMBD task overwhelming and Dr. Nzinga came to the same conclusion after working with one developer on benefits for BAMBD. The task is immense due to the myriad forces at play, e.g., developers, lawyers, politicians, artists, planning commission, business persons, chamber of commerce and the people in general who are, like those mentioned above,  often opportunistic, greedy and self-serving. On her way to the meeting, Ayodele said a little voice told her to get back to her art which is theatre. As he has done many times after passing the baton to his star student, Marvin informed her this is the theatre of life. War is often called a theatre. And BAM philosopher-mystic Sun Ra said, "The Creator got things fixed: if you don't do the right thing, you can't go backward or forward, you just stuck on stupid." Paul encouraged Ayo to come forward and continue the mission we have started. He congratulated her of the progress she made and asked forgiveness for not being able to attend meetings with developers and other Oakland cultural district planners who are in a united front with severe reservations about those persons in cultural districts who think their plan should be a template for all other cultural districts, especially those representing cultural districts dominated by white supremacy hipsters such as the Uptown District.

We are so thankful to have Paul Cobb's political and activist wisdom to draw upon. Ayo offered to resign her post as the public face of BAMBD after Paul explained the need for a grand vision. "When we forced the City of Oakland to include the word Movement in the name, we were serious that BAMBD must be a social and cultural movement that represents the heart and soul of our people. And w are taking a stand for our equity in the City of Oakland. "

Cobb reminded us in the planning session this morning. "We must stake our claim to this turf and not be punked," he said, using street language he and Marvin X learned from growing up on 7th Street in West Oakland's cultural and economic district. He reminded Marvin that his father, Owendell Jackmon, was in a meeting at Paul's grand- father's house when West Oakland's North American Africans organized to prevent the destruction of our community when the Cypress freeway was planned circa 1954.As we know, the freeway collapsed during the last earthquake and is now Mandela Parkway.

At the Oakland City Council meeting tonight, Paul Cobb will address the Marijuana initiative that he demands must include equity for BAMBD, including a trust fund so we can at least have a 10% share in the economic benefits of the initiative so BAMBD and all Oakland's North American Africans can benefit, including all those persons convicted of drug crimes for selling marijuana. We need a trust fund that does not go into Oakland's General Fund but is reserved for BAMBD and related North American African cultural groups. If it takes $250,000 to open a Cannabis Club, we want a fund so our people can enjoy the economic benefits, rather than suffer jail time for selling cannabis after they buy it from legal clubs operated by white boys and girls. Yes, as we write, our brothers and sisters are still being jailed for buying legal cannibis from the white children at clubs.

Dr. Nzinga has requested letters of understanding from all non-profit groups seeking benefits from developers.We oppose benefits directed to City Hall as President of Oakland City Council, Lynette McElhaney has suggested. We reject the City of Oakland's decision to have benefits submitted as impact fees. We demand a seat on the planning commission so we can keep abreast of all planning requests submitted to the City of Oakland. We are thankful to have City of Oakland watchdog, Gene Hazzard, on our side. And we also list Donald Lacy of the Love Life Foundation as a key supporter. We informed him this afternoon that the BAMBD Newsletter shall include the official City of Oakland's motto: Love Life on the masthead of our newsletter The Movement.
Response from Oakland City Council President, Lynette McElhaney
 

Marvin,

I am saddened by your message and disappointed that you chose to provide misinformation to your readers rather than contact me or my staff directly to address your concerns.  Be that as it may,  here is a reminder of where we are on the process and timeline that I've presented to my Black Culture Keepers work group:

1) Budget. There is no established budget for the District.  Business Improvement Districts are funded by separate assessments that the property owners undertake voluntarily.  Cultural Districts do not yet have an identified source of funding.  My staff is researching concepts from around the country that we will share with the Black Culture Keepers group.  We anticipated coming back to the group in December with a report on what we've identified.  As of now there are no funding sources that are under Council control for any project and there is not one established for the BAMBD.

2) Banners. The banner implementation was directed to the City Administrator.  As you will note the Administration has not been able to advance all of the proposals adopted by the Council including the implementation of the Love Life theme.  The Council will request updates but this has not been prioritized over the time-sensitive work needed to get Renter Protection, Police Oversight and other measures before the voters.  My staff and I have also asked the City Administrator to provide guidance on a process that would allow the City to prioritize the selection of an Oakland artist for the design.  As we shared with the Black Culture Keepers, standard bidding procedures have often resulted in the lowest responsible bidder being someone who may not be from Oakland.  I will resume my efforts on getting this back in cue should I be fortunate to be re-elected.

3) Street Vendors. The street vendor proposal is included in the downtown specific planning process.  

In addition to the issues you cited, the Black Culture Keepers made two specific projects priority; namely the rehabilitation of the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Performing Arts ($5-$10 Million for full restoration and upgrade to the theater + upgrades to the residential units and offices) and the expansion of hours and programming at the African American Museum and Library.  Both of those efforts are underway and we've worked diligently to secure funding commitments from developers that are bringing projects to the corridor.  The Malonga artists are meeting regularly and I am delighted that they have secured technical assistance to fund their on-going participation in the rehabilitation efforts.

Lastly, we have made strong commitments to the businesses in the District to work with them to expand their participation in Visit Oakland and to assess additional supports for building improvements, loans and grants to support their businesses.  We're behind on bringing the businesses together but have had early meetings, particularly with the Black-owned tech businesses that are located in the District.

Be well, Lynette

Monday, November 7, 2016

Town Business: Judge Orders Council President McElhaney to Hand Over Records in Ethics Case

By Darwin BondGraham


  Lynette Gibson McElhaney.
  • Lynette Gibson McElhaney.
Superior Court Judge Kimberly Colwell issued a tentative ruling last Thursday requiring Oakland City Council President Lynette Gibson McElhaney to comply with a subpoena for records issued by Oakland's Public Ethics Commission.

McElhaney can still object to Colwell's ruling, but Colwell wrote that under the Oakland City Charter the PEC has the authority to compel her to hand over records.

McElhaney is accused of using her council office to interfere with a townhouse project that was going to be built next to her personal home. An investigation by the Express last year uncovered emails showing that McElhaney had her chief of staff draft an appeal against the project, and that she enlisted the help of the city's planning and building director to force the developer and his architect to redesign the project. The developer ultimately gave up and blamed McElhaney for interfering.

The Alameda County Grand Jury carried out its own investigation over the past summer and confirmed that McElhaney violated ethics rules and had a conflict of interest.

In October, members of the public attempted to schedule a censure hearing against McElhaney — several times. But McElhaney cancelled two of the Rules Committee meetings at which the censure items were to be discussed. The council president also skipped council meetings. According to McElhaney, she was sick with bronchitis, but during the October 19 council meeting McElhaney was spotted attending a party held in honor of Barbara Lee. Members of the rules and legislation committee ultimately decided to hold off on censure and wait for the PEC to complete its review of the matter.

But on October 5, the Oakland Public Ethics Commission filed a lawsuit against McElhaney, alleging that she has ignored subpoenas for records and stonewalled their investigation.

Judge Colwell's tentative ruling sides with the PEC. A hearing in the case will be held on today. The ruling gives McElhaney until November 23 to comply with the PEC's subpoena.

McElhaney, a first-term councilmember, is running for reelection this year. She recently formed a “legal defense fund” according to records on file with the Oakland clerk.





BAMBD calls for Town Hall Meeting: Toward Nonviolence in the Black Arts Movement Business District, 14th Street corridor


Monday, November 7, 2016

BAMBD Calls for a Town Hall Meeting: Toward Non-Violence in the Black Arts Movement Business District along the 14th Street corridor



For Immediate Release

November 5, 2016


Shooting in the 400 block of 14th Street


On November 5, 2016, just after 12:00 a.m., Oakland police officers responded to the 400 block of 14th Street on a report of a shooting. Officers were in the area and heard the shots. When officers arrived on scene, multiple victims were medically transported to local hospitals and some victims self-initialed transport to local hospitals.
Currently, the Oakland Police Department Felony Assault Section investigators are conducting an investigation. At this time, it appears the shooting took place outside.
Comment from The Movement, publication of the BAMBD
Toward Non-violence in the BAMBD
When I taught at Fresno State University, 1969, I thought my life was in danger when Gov. Ronald  Reagan told the State College Board of Trustees, "Get Marvin X off campus by any means necessary!" I had bodyguards everyday I taught at FSU. At 14th and Broadway, downtown Oakland, I have no bodyguards except the people who watch every thing I do. They watch how I treat the people, how I talk to the mentally ill and others. They listen to the  sound of my voice. "My grandson informed me, 'Grandpa, you really are a nice person. And you're very funny too!" FYI, I am heart broken at the violence in the BAMBD. My classroom has been the center of protests at 14th and Broadway, e.g., Oscar Grant, Occupy Oakland, police violence and other issues. I was not prepared to get tear gassed a few minutes after the Marine was shot in the head by police at 14th and Broadway. I am too old for this, I told myself as I took refuge in Burger King, but the tear gas followed us inside. A child was coughing and puking from the tear gas. And this ain't war? --Marvin X
In our original vision for the Black Arts Movement Business District, we imagined an "...Afro-centric, culturally  and artistically rich, economically sustainable area, a sacred space for people of good will and positive consciousness to gather and express themselves freely as divine beings in human form."

BAMBD Planner-poet Marvin X and Lynette McElhaney, President of the Oakland City Council.

Even before and since January 19, when  the Oakland City Council made official the BAMBD, violence has revealed its ugly head to test our dream of a sacred space for our cultural survival and thrival. We have appealed repeatedly to City Council President Lynette McElhaney to fly the Universal African flag as an expression of cultural consciousness. Even after Madam Mayor Libby Schaaf was made aware of our request to fly the Red, Black and Green throughout the BAMBD and asked Madam President about the delay, banners yet fly to inspire North American Africans in Oakland to be their better selves. In the past, we have talked about Gay Pride in San Francisco and how their flag flies along Market Street to the Castro, their cultural district. People are careful not to be disrespectful in the Castro. Homophobia is not tolerated. Symbols go a long way to letting people know they are in a sacred space. 
Banners in the BAMBD will let ourselves and the world know we are civilized and divine beings in human form. Uncivilized behavior will not be tolerated in the BAMBD. It appears security is a top priority in the BAMBD. If we cannot secure our sacred space, it becomes another space controlled by those who do not believe in peace, persons who do not believe in good will. To enter the BAMBD, such persons must enter recovery programs to address their negative behavior. Membership in the BAMBD shall be based on civilized behavior. No physical violence, no verbal violence. The greeting should be, "Peace, I appreciate you sister, brother!" 
Does BAMBD need our own security force? Perhaps, especially if the OPD cannot secure the BAMBD. There are many cultural and business districts who provide their own security. 
We have also called for vendors as a symbol of economic self-determination. Do for Self! For years we have questioned why there are no vendors on the streets of Oakland, although there are vendors in the downtown area of Berkeley and San Francisco. Vendors can be a symbol of economic vitality, especially since we occupy few properties in the BAMBD. North American African street vendors can inspire economic entrepreneurship. Brothers and sisters seeing such entrepreneurship should be inspired to be positive rather than negative, especially in the BAMBD. City Hall responded that vendors are a policy issue. Well, eleven months have passed and the vendor request has not been addressed. Vendors are now ready to occupy the BAMBD when the word is given.
BAMBD Board Chair, Rt. Col. Conway Jones, Jr. at statue of Tommy Smith and John Carlos, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Wash., D.C.
We think addressing the points above, will help create a positive atmosphere in the BAMBD. As artists, vendors, residents, business persons, perhaps a Town Hall Meeting is in order. We have therefore asked the BAMBD Community Development Corporation Board Chair, Rt. Col. Conway Jones, Jr. to call a Town Hall Meeting to address critical issues in the BAMBD, especially security, vending, business improvement and development, housing, artist space, developers, gentrification, etc. We request the presence of City Officials, including the Council President and the Mayor. City Planners should be present. As per the Planning Commission, we suggest Mayor Libby Schaaf appoint BAMBD Chair Conway Jones, Jr., as a member. We call upon all City and County agencies to keep BAMBD abreast of all issues relating to our district. BAMBD must be informed on all matters relating to and/or occurring in the BAMBD. 
The BAMBD Townhall should be a meeting and greeting of all persons and groups associated with the BAMBD. Stay tuned for date, time and place of BAMBD Town Hall. Call The Post News Group for more information: 510-287-8200.


--Marvin X. Jackmon, M.A.,
BAMBD Co-founder/Planner
mxjackmon@gmail.com
510-200-4164
 

The BAMBD Cultural Keepers at Oakland City Hall

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Black Love Lives: The Pan African wedding of Aries Jordan and Muhammad Diaw of Senegal

 Mrs.  Aries Jordan Diaw, Mr. Muhammad Diaw and son Legend Muhammad

 Mrs. Aries Jordan Diaw and Muhammad Diaw of Senegal

 Showing off their rings

 Ghanaian American poet Samantha Akwei told the couple to call upon the community for support when needed

Aries sister and poet Toya, poet Aries and their mentor poet Marvin X. "The Dream Team" read together Marvin's poem What is Love? Aries is associate editor of The Movement, Toya, copy editor, Marvin X publisher. The bride is a grad student at Mills College.

 The cake

The maids of honor

All photos by Photo Artist Gene Hazzard

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Paul Robeson play at Black Rep



Fresh from Paradise Island, BahamasTour
The Legendary
 Berkeley Black Rep
 "Keepers of the Culture" 
presents:
The NAACP Theater Award Winning 
"Best One Person Show"
"The World is my Home-
The Life of Paul Robeson"
(CLICK ON PICTURE FOR WEBSITE )

14th Anniversary Glossy Color 2x3 Commemorative Poster 
 
Berkeley Black Rep. Grp
3201 Adeline Street 
Berkeley, California 
  Friday & Saturday - Oct. 28-29th 
Curtain 7:00pm  
    Tickets:  510/652 2120
 
Special Guest Appearance by 
Bay Area Performer of the Year 
Steve Harvey Show winner;
"Dee Dee Simon" 
The Black Rep Grp. was started in the 1950's by the late Birel & Nora Vaughn; High School teachers in Vicksburg, Miss.  to celebrate the contributions of Black Artists.  Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis named them the "Keepers of the Culture"  After three aborted attacks by the KKK one which almost harmed their baby daughter Mona; they were forced to flee Mississippi & settle in Berkeley Calif.  Thru persistence & hard work they continued their mission to preserve our culture & founded what is now the Berkeley Black Rep.   

Their revolutionary vision is kept alive today by that three year old baby girl that fled Miss. with them years ago their surviving daughter  Dr. Mona Vaughn Scott.  I am honored to bring my passion peice back to their stage. We hope you can support us.    
 
" In my humble attempt to use Art as a vehicle for social change. This 
is more than just a show for me; it's a prayer for the forsaken & forgotten.  A story of heart & hope, of broken promises & broken dreams, a love song for the brave & broken-hearted enslaved Africans, who found enough forgiveness in their tortured souls to live, laugh & love. To remind us as we're sharing this brief moment in time on this third Rock from the Sun; to embrace our common humanity with kindness."  
   Stogie Kenyatta
              
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER & FACEBOOK 


  
Click on pic for website
For Worldwide Bookings Contact
Nicholas Anderson at Kingston Rose Mgmt   kingrosemgmt@gmail.com