Urban Black Aces

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Curt Flood's challenge before the Supreme Court to  major leagues Baseball's reserve clause was unsuccessful.  Ultimately led to the clause's demise, and is responsible  for millions baseball players now earn. At time of his court case, a healthy 23% of Major   League Baseball players were US born African Americans. Since  then, numbers have dwindled to less than 9%. What happened? Where are the new Mays, Aarons, Gibsons and Bonds?  Have African Americans baseballers given up? Ask Mel Simmons

The Episcopal Charities has shown immense respect and admiration for a  number of community leaders focused on advancing hope and opportunities  for the young people of their communities. Highlighted in this video are  programs of Hannah Freedom School in Marin City, The Interfaith Housing  Garden Project in Contra Costa County and The Village Project of the  Western Addition Fillmore in San Francisco.  

Johnny Clarke had an idea. With men and women locked up in SF Jails, why not assist  this captive audience become clear on how to use, manage and produce with digital tech?  The naysayers said "it couldn't be done". Where will money come from? Who will teach in this setting? How will you muster political will? Who cares? Turns out, organizations such as 5 Keys Charter Schools & M-3 were already assisting men and women return to normal life. Now, we just need a black board, chalk & eraser.

IT'S YOUR MONEY - Part 1

IT'S YOUR MONEY" Take it personally - Part 2

Night at the Monte Carlo

Dr. Annette Shelton shares a night on the town with San Francisco's Success Center. Whose mission is to empower marginalized community members through education, employment and art, so they may develop a positive purpose for their future. This night, in 2013 features many distinguished guest including London Breed,. Famous photographer David Johnson is interviewed by Black Film Festival curator Kali O Ray. Our host is Executive Director of the  Center Liz Jackson-Simpson

Sonny Buxton (pictured) among many contributors to the life, legend and spirit of Jazz Heritage on Fillmore. As Peter Fitzsimmons, Founding Exec Dir. helped re-kindle the vibrancy of the neighborhood that at once hosted the likes of Ella, Billie, Dinah and Sarah. Along with Duke, Count, Cab & Billy Eckstine . Not to mention, Miles, John Coltrane, Dizz and Charlie Parker. Oh yeah, Ben Webster, Pony Poindexter, Dexter Gordon and Sammy Davis were there too. A glorious period on Fillmore

  Artist, Machiko Asada - Jazz Artist, John Nichols. "In Living Harmony"

A circle of harmony from Barbary Coast SF to Western Addition's Lil' Osaka to the islands of Hawaii to Japan to Mozambique on the Indian Ocean and back to Fillmore. As long as 200 years the spirit of art, music and trade has been the common language between the cultures. Rejoice!

John William Templeton

At Marcus Bookstore - SF

Roy Bennett reminds us Jazz in SF got its start on the waterfront known as Barbary Coast as early as 1907. From Rincon to Pacific Street and on the waterfront. Sadly, it was too hot to handle for San Franciscans of the 1920s and 30s. 

Lance Burton brings this saga of Rag, Jazz and dance music on home from Happy Valley at Barbary Coast  (Montgomery St. at Pacific St.) to the Fillmore Street corridor.  "Cut a rug"

David Hardiman Jr., David Hardiman Sr., Maestro Curtis, Richard Harris and Earle Davis discuss with Kalime Baxter questions about the makings of Jazz. Responding  to a fan in the former Marcus Bookstore, of San Francisco notoriety, they sit in the staging area of what was once the original Bop City SF after hours salon cafe club of 1950- 60s legacy. - Venue to  many 'Jimbo' inspired jam sessions, till 6am when Jimbo  declared "Louie Louie it's time to go!" Get to class John Handy. - On my way!

YESTERDAY...WHEN WE WERE YOUNG  - In Memory and support of this website; Marcus Bookstore SF, Maya Bonner, Roy Bennett, Bobby Webb, Mel Simmons, Asanti,  Leola King, Frankie & Maxwell Gillette, Dr. Ruth Jackson, Dr. Espanola Jackson, Joseph (Bunny) Simon, John Geno McCall, Glenn Nance. All gone too soon. RIP.