The Black Arts Movement attends City of Oakland's Inauguration Ceremony

 West Oakland Councilwoman, Lynette Gibson McElhaney, Empress Diamond, Marvin X

Empress Diamond, East Oakland Councilwoman Desley Brooks, Marvin X

While attending the City of Oakland's Inauguration Ceremony at the elegant Paramount Theatre, Marvin X whispered to BAM Wellness Director, Empress Diamond, "As a poet, can't get too close to politicians, but since they have reached out to touch me, I can return the favor." Indeed, Oakland's new Mayor, Libby Shaaf and Councilwomen Brooks and McElhaney have endorsed the Black Arts Movement's 50th Anniversary Celebration, scheduled for Laney College, February 7, as well as the declaration of 14th Street, downtown Oakland, as the Black Arts Movement District. The BAM District is historic and puts Oakland on the map in recognizing the importance of the Black Arts Movement as the most radical artistic and literary movement in American history. Marvin X envisions the BAM District as a renaissance of West Oakland's 7th Street, Harlem of the West. "If we put certain buildings under a land trust, we can ensure a Black cultural district will have a long life, not subject to gentrification or "Negro removal," as happened in West Oakland and throughout America. Marvin attended the Lower Bottom Playaz production of August Wilson's Jitney this past weekend that dealt with urban renewal in the 1970s. Downtown Oakland has 1st Fridays, so why not Last Fridays or Black Fridays along the 14th Street corridor that will extend from 14th and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way to Alice Street. Councilwoman Lynette McElhaney will introduce legislation to make the BAM District a reality. For information about the Laney College BAM celebration, Feb. 7, email Marvin X at jmarvinx@yahoo.com or call 510-200-4164.