South Park Kenny Johnson's photos of BAM celebration at Laney College, Oakland Feb 7

 Front row, unidentified person, Dr. Nathan Hare. Far left: Earle Davis with trumpet; Val Serrant, Mechelle LaChaux, Renaldo Ricketts, Nefertiti Jackmon, niece Naima Joy, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Marvin X, grandson Jah Amiel, Aquella Lewis, James Gayles, Paradise Jah Love, Aries Jordan, Laney College President Dr. Elnora T. Webb, Samantha Akwei
photo South Park Kenny Johnson



 Black Arts Movement/Black Power Babies Panelist: Kujichagulia and daughter Taiwo. Taiwo is in the tradition of her mother 100%. Yes, she "brainwashed" Taiwo to save her from the addiction to white supermacy.
Nefertiti, Marvin X's oldest of three daughters. She said, "Dad, you say pass the baton but you won't pass the baton.  We are ready and qualified, so pass the baton." Her remarks went viral throughout the celebration. When the Mayor arrived, she told Nefertiti she'd heard about her comments. Nefertiti told her father weeks ago the program was too intense for one day. By the end of the day, Marvin X was exhausted along with everyone else.
photo South Park Kenny Johnson

 The 50th anniversary of the Black Arts movement conference at Laney College in downtown Oakland, curated by Marvin X, was no mere nostalgia event: "If we have a theme, it is passing the baton to the next generation of artistic freedom fighters," he writes. One of the most vital, engaging, gathering of performers, artists, activists, musicians, and educators I've had the honor of attending (including, for instance, Nathan Hare, Phavia Kujichagulia, Judy Juanita, Elaine Brown, Davey D., Aries Jordan, and a performance by Young Gifted and Black) breathed new life into the struggle against this culture's addiction to white supremacy. This amazing gathering of talent caught the attention of Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, who declared a Black Arts district in downtown Oakland....--Chris Stroffolino


Left to Right: Laney Art Exhibit curator Dr. Leslee Strandford, Marvin X and grandson Jah Amiel, Laney College President Dr. Elnora T. Webb, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf holding Marvin's granddaughter Naima Joy, Dr. Nathan Hare, President of Oakland City Council, Lynette McElhaney, Retired Col. Conway Jones, Jr., Cheif Adviser to Marvin X