Maafa Awareness Month concludes with:

The Oakpod presents ‘Push Rewind: Maafa 2007' art exhibit CLOSING reception

The closing reception for the Oakpod's "Push Rewind: Maafa 2007" art exhibit is Friday, Nov. 2. 6-8 p.m., at Inquiry Gallery, 2865 Broadway, Unit 2, Oakland. The exhibit features the work of Jason Austin, TaSin Sabir, James Gayles, Nena St. Louis, Wally Scott, Orlonda Uffre, Neter Aameri, Ashanti, Omar Lionel Sow and Kimara Dixon. Gallery hours are 1-4 p.m. Friday-Saturday and weekly by appointment. Call (641) 715-3900, ext. 36800, to check the schedule and to leave a message.

2007 Malaki Matanga: ‘Kongo Odyssey'

Fua Dia Congo celebrates its 30th anniversary, sharing never before seen archival footage and documentary screening. This commemorative multi-media theatrical production, "Kongo Odyssey," presents a special cast of over 35, including original members and a host of Fua alumni in celebration of this Bay Area homecoming event. It's at the Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive. Tickets are $18, $25 and $35 with a $50 VIP reception. Call (925) 798-1300 or, for the VIP reception, (510) 273-2407. To charge by phone or online, visit www.willowstickets.org.

‘Betcha Bottom Dollar: An Underground Currency Game'

"Betcha Bottom Dollar: An Underground Currency Game" at Cornelia Bell Gallery, 1018 Pine St., Oakland, opens Friday, Nov. 2, 6-9 p.m. Guest curators are Marcel Diallo, Letitia Ntofon, Aishah Bashir, Sharifa Ihsan, Eesuu Orundide and Gitinji wa Mbire. Diallo says: "This is an installation of a market place in which we are moving to exchange our bottom dollars instead of U.S. dollars. The games continue every Friday through Jan. 4. Visit www.blacknewworld.com.

‘Melody Speaks Our Language'

San Francisco BAAAM presents the Back Street Sunday Jazz Series at Oakland Conservatory of Music, "Melody Speaks Our Language," on Sunday, Nov. 4, 3 and 7 p.m. The Oakland Public Conservatory of Music is located at 1616 Franklin St., Oakland, The donation requested from adults is $15, for seniors and children, $10.

Be Still Together: Meditation Retreat, Stress Reduction and Self Care

This is a day for African people to renew their commitment to self care. It's a day focused on bringing various practices of mediation and self care to the African American community. The event is Saturday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jack London Square Aquatic Center, 115 Embarcadero East, Oakland, (between Oak Street and 5th Avenue). Space is limited at this free event. Call (510) 549-5990.

Word for Word presents: "Sonny's Blues"

This world premiere by James Baldwin directed by Margo Hall, with original music by Marcus Shelby is being presented Monday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m. at the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, Mason @ Sutter in San Francisco. The show opens February 2008. Tickets for the reading are $12 but no one is turned away. Call (415) 437-6775.

Marc Bamuthi Joseph's ‘Scourge'

Marc Bamuthi Joseph’s “Scourge”

It has since earned critical acclaim across the U.S. and Europe and earned Bamuthi a Creative Capital award and an inaugural United States Artist Rockefeller Fellowship. In addition, Bamuthi has just been named one of America's Top Young Innovators in the Arts and Sciences by Smithsonian Magazine (see www.smithsonianmag.com/specialsections/innovators/joseph.html).

"Fabulous choreography," writes the Boston Globe, "beautifully and seamlessly integrated ... biting, clever wordplay ... this 75-minute, perfectly paced work of dance theater is sharpened by its heartfelt integrity." The final performances are Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 1-3, 8 p.m., at ODC Theater, 3153 17th St., San Francisco, $25 general admission, $10 youth 18 and under. The play is suitable for all ages.

Bay View Arts Editor Wanda Sabir can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Visit her website, www.wandaspicks.com, for an expanded version of Wanda's Picks and for exciting "web exclusives."

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