What a loss to the community and to my friend and brother Kimara. His father would have been 77 April 6. The television and film actor, who starred in "Hogan's Heroes" and "The Twilight Zone," died on Sunday, March 16, in Charlotte, N.C. Visit www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88760112. The guest book is at www.legacy.com/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=105988768.

There was a candlelight vigil last night, Tuesday, March 25, 7-8 p.m., at 73rd Street at Garfield, Oakland, near the police sub-station at Eastmont Town Center. A brother on a motorcycle told us the shooting had actually occurred a few blocks away on Bancroft and 77th Street March 14. He was on his way home and noticed the yellow tape and the body in a bag. At 7 p.m., the assembled included mostly Uhuru organizers, but within the hour folks were there from the artist community: Casper's two nieces, his landlord, neighbors and others who still couldn't believe that the gentle spirit was gone. Akili Banjo, Casper's niece who is in charge of making the final arrangements for her uncle, hasn't gotten a report from the police yet, so the details are sketchy, although the brother on the bike said at the scene was a person in handcuffs.

Memorial services are Wednesday, March 26, 11 a.m., at the Baker Funeral Home, 980 Eighth St., Oakland. After the memorial there will be a repast at Prescott-Joseph Center, 920 Peralta St. at Ninth Street, Oakland, (510) 208-5651.

A rally Thursday, April 10, 6 p.m., precedes the Oakland Citizens' Police Review Board meeting in the City Council Chambers, third floor, One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. For more information, call Leroy Moore at (510) 649-8438 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

‘Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?'

Inequality is making us sick, whether it's the absence of access to fresh food or the structural violence Black people navigate daily. We don't need to mention the economics of health - an inadequate medical system, a medical system that values some lives over others, public schools or one's contaminated neighborhood. From what I read, the series doesn't look at the rage induced by this seemingly hopeless scenario: the proliferation of handguns, drugs and deadly violence - most of it intracommunity or by law enforcement. The series begins this Thursday, March 27, at 10 p.m., and continues the next three weeks, April 3, 10 and 17, on Channel 9.

March 27: In Sickness and In Wealth (56 min); April 3: When the Bough Breaks (28 min) and Becoming American (28 min); April 10: Bad Sugar (28 min) and Place Matters (28 min); April 17: Collateral Damage (28 min) and Not Just a Paycheck (28 min). Visit www.unnaturalcauses.org. Listen to a program on Forum about the series www.kqed.org/epArchive/R803260900.

Film Festivals

The San Francisco International Film Festival is April 24-May 8. Visit http://www.sffs.org/.
The Santa Cruz International Film Festival, "The Big Picture," runs May 9-17. There is a film, "Democracy in Dafur," which screens Sunday, May 11, 4:45. Visit www.santacruzfilmfestival.com to find out more.

‘In Our Own Words: The Negro Spirituals Heritage Keepers'

This wonderful project, headed by Lyvonne Chrisman, vice-president and co-founder, and Sam Edwards, president, of Friends of Negro Spirituals. The project, which consists of 10 oral histories conducted over a period of a year, premieres Sunday, March 30, at Mills College's Lisser Hall, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, at 3 p.m. Presented in partnership with Mills College, the community celebration will include old-time community and contemporary choral Negro Spirituals singing, an African dance performance and a compilation DVD, all hosted by the internationally renowned story teller, Diane Ferlatte.

The 10 50-minute DVDs and transcripts each feature an interview with a Negro Spirituals Heritage Keeper discussing his memories of learning about the slavery-born songs and ways he has been keeping them alive in Oakland-area communities. In an interview, Ms. Chrisman spoke of her experience and the reason why it's important for Black history and American history that the public know these songs and the stories that inspired them.

Besides Mills College, the partnership also included the Berkeley Media Center, which incorporated photos and music for each interview. She said hers highlighted the contributions of one of the organization's now deceased members, Mr. John Patton. She said hearing his voice on her DVD made tears come to her years.

Begun in 1998, it still amazes Ms. Chrisman, who is a Louisiana native, how few resources exist which document this work, one reason for this project. "Oral history projects are important," she said, as she lamented the absence of interest in the Black community, particularly youth, to preserve this heritage.
The interviewees were paired with interviewers under 40 to spark this kind of interest. Ms. Chisman was interviewed by Nancy Thompson, whose short film screens this weekend during the African American Museum and Library at Oakland event: "A Day and a Life of a Woman," Saturday, March 29, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The DVDs and transcripts, Oakland's first, will be released to Mills College Library, the Oakland Main Library's History Room and the African American Museum and Library in Oakland and will be available to the public.

AAMLO celebrates Women's History Month

This Saturday, March 29, at the African American Museum and Library, at Oakland, meet women authors, publishers, musicians, artists, hairstylists and designers and at the end of the day enjoy Sheryl Mebane's jazz trio "Tangia" and the designs of Henry Delton Williams. For more information and to RSVP, call Museum Project Coordinator Veda Silva at (510) 637-0200. AAMLO is located on the corner of 14th Street and MLK Jr. Way, 659 14th St., in Oakland.

Charles Lloyd's New Quartet

A new quartet and a new CD, "Rabo de Nube," features pianist Jason Moran, bassist Reuben Rogers and Charles Lloyd's longtime associate Eric Harland on drums. Lloyd is tied inextricably in my mind to Billy Higgins, just because I think it was with Higgins I saw him for the first time, and after Higgins' death he kept his friend alive via musical tribute documented on film so much longer.

It was an elegant departure for those of us who, along with Lloyd, weren't ready to say goodbye once Higgins' earthly presence was gone. Lloyd is such a phenomenal saxophonist and multiple reed player. His strength and power are unquestionably marvelous to witness and this latest CD and new ensemble is nothing short of a continuation of this stellar greatness on the occasion of his 70th birthday, March 13.

He and his new quartet will grace the San Francisco Bay area for one evening Friday, March 28, 8 p.m. at the Herbst Theatre, where I saw Regina Carter last week. The Carter Quintet was amazing! The Herbst Theatre is located at 401 Van Ness at the corner of MacAllister, in San Francisco. Civic Center BART will get you there. Exit at Grove and Larkin and walk up past the Main Library, Bill Graham Auditorium and City Hall. Visit www.SFJAZZ.org.

Saxophone Colossus: Sonny Rollins

Another saxophone great, Sonny Rollins, is in town next week, Thursday, April 3, 8 p.m., at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Auditorium. Visit www.calperformances.org or call (510) 642-2359 for tickets.

Sweet Honey in the Rock

Sweet Honey, the all woman a capella singing group from D.C., is in town at Zellerbach Hall, Saturday, April 3, 8 p.m. Some see the sisters as the second coming, a spiritual retreat of opportunity to connect to those places in Black life all too seldom visited. I say this to say, it's almost sold out, but if you love the music and need a shot of positivity, then this event is one you won't want to miss. Visit www.calperformances.org or call (510) 642-2359.

I went to see Peru Negro last week at UC Berkeley. Oh my goodness, the folks were taking us back to Africa via Peru. Dispersed or not, our culture is what keeps Black people together. Except for the language, every move, whether that was tap dancing or social dances or folkloric accompanied by rhythms on a mule jaw-bone, we were there in those fields, serving the slave master, planning escape. Susana Baca, an Afro-Peruvian treasure, is here next week for two days at Brava Center in San Francisco, Thursday-Friday, April 3-4.

Prescott Circus Theatre: Higher Ground

Fifty Oakland youth stilt dancers from Prescott Circus with Zulu Connection from New Orleans perform in two free events at 12 noon at Frank Ogawa Plaza, 14th and Broadway, in downtown Oakland and then at 5:30 p.m. at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts Theatre, 1428 Alice St.. That evening Destiny, Harpist from the Hood, is a special guest. Performers include children from Oakland Public Schools: Prescott, Lockwood, Piedmont Avenue, Garfield, Laurel, Parker and Manzanita. For information, call (510) 482-1674 or visit www.prescottcirus.org.

Mama Charlotte O'Neal

The incredible Charlotte O'Neal is co-founder with her husband, Pete O'Neal, former Black Panthers from Kansas City, of the United African Alliance Community Center in Tanzania, where she and her husband have lived for 35 years since persecution led them into exile. The films, "A Panther in Exile" and "American Exile," both shown on PBS, look at his remarkable life, the O'Neals remarkable lives. Visit www.pbs.org/pov/pov2004/apantherinafrica/resources_04.htm.

Mama Charlotte, who participated in the Maafa 2006 when she was here last, will perform poetry with Citizen Marty Paine, at EastSide Arts Alliance, 2277 International Blvd., in Oakland, at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 5. A $10 donation is requested. The following weekend, she'll be in Sacramento at Sierra 2 Center, 2791 24th St., also at 7 p.m. Call (916) 455-0908 for information. You can also visit www.itsabouttimebpp.com and www.uaacc.habari.co.tz.

‘My Sister, My Sister: A Personal Response to Homelessness'

The Jan Rae Community Art Gallery at the Women's Cancer Resource Center presents this exhibit in collaboration with The Sisters Project from March 28 through April 25. The artist reception is Friday, March 28, 7-9 p.m. There will also be a special screening of the film, "Walking in My Shoes," at 8 p.m. It's free. For information, call (510) 601-4040, ext. 111, or visit www.wcrc.org.

Film: ‘The Unforeseen'

"The Unforeseen," directed by Laura Dunn, is a powerful meditation on the destruction of the natural world and the American Dream falling victim to the cannibalizing forces of unchecked development. Gary Bradley became one of Texas' most powerful real estate developers, but when his endeavors began to threaten a local Austin treasure - a natural springs swimming hole - the community fought back and the subdivision became a lightning rod for environmental activism.

The film screens Thursday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the YBCA Screening Room, 701 Mission St., San Francisco. For information, call (415) 978-2787 or visit www.ybca.org Tickets are $8 regular and $6 students, seniors, teachers and YBCA members.

‘Artist Talk and Panel: Jazz and Visual Art' at Jazz Masters' Exhibition

In conjunction with James Gayles' Jazz Masters exhibit, up through April 13 at Swarm Gallery, 560 Second St., Oakland, (510) 839-2787, there is a panel discussion, Thursday, March 27, 6 p.m., which is free and open to the public. Panel members will open the discussion on jazz and visual art, moderated by Duane Deterville. The panelists include Angela Wellman, jazz musician and educator; Wanda Sabir, arts columnist for the Bay View newspaper and writer; Duane Deterville, writer, visual artist and musician; Marcus Shelby, jazz musician and educator; and James Gayles, fine artist and musician.

The Harriet Tubman Project

I had a great conversation with Marcus Shelby, musician, composer and arts educator, last week about his work and the upcoming CD release of the "Harriet Tubman Project," featuring the dynamic Ms. Faye Carol. The first of two concerts is Tuesday, April 1, at Yoshi's in San Francisco, 1330 Fillmore St., and the second is at Yoshi's in Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West, Wednesday, April 2. Show times are 8 and 10 p.m. I'll try to get the great interview posted to web exclusives at www.wandaspicks.com soon. In the meantime, listen to the great interview that Greg Bridges conducted on KPFA Monday, March 24, at www.kpfa.org/archives/index.php?arch=25455. Announcements precede it.

Brava! for Women in the Arts presents Susana Baca

Afro-Peruvian sensation and Latin Grammy winner Susana Baca is in town for two nights only - Thursday and Friday, April 3 and 4, 8 p.m., $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by phone at (415) 647-2822 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or on-line at www.ticketweb.com. Also visit www.luakabop.com/susana_baca/travesias/ to read an interview with Ms. Baca.

Jazz at the New Earth Artist Cafe

I hear Brother Rudi shook things up last weekend at the first in a series of concerts at The New Earth Artist Cafe in Oakland. Paradise opened the event and acted as emcee and will continue over the next month or two. The Rudi Wongozi Trio features Brother Rudi Wongozi on keyboards, vocals and percussion; Ollen Erich Hunt on bass; and Rudi's son, the phenomenal Issa Wongozi, on drums. This Sunday, March 30 they feature special guest Robin Gregory.

The café is owned by an artist, and as one sips tea or drinks coffee, eats a sandwich or has a bowl of soup, the ambiance is mellow. These shows are from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday evening and the café is open during regular business hours. Up the street from the Parkway Theatre, the Internet Café is a popular spot near Lake Merritt. I recall fondly, before I moved into deep East Oakland, the Monday night jam sessions with Angela Wellman in first chair position.

Urban Bush Women, Compagnie Jant-Bi Creative Exchange

The Urban Bush Women, Compagnie Jant-Bi Creative Exchange unites two dynamite choreographers in a creative exploration of the role community plays in forming identity. The collaborative work premiers next week, April 4-6, at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theatre, 700 Howard St. at Third Street, in San Francisco. In 2005 I saw Germaine Acogny, known as the mother of contemporary African dance, in a work with an all-male West African cast. It will be interesting to see how the two perspectives - Jawole Willa Jo Zollar's, whose Urban Bush Women tell stories from a woman's perspective, set on woman's bodies, and Acogny's - merge to create something unique and new.

I remember the last time I saw the Urban Bush Women at YBCA, it was an adaptation of a vampire tale set in new Orleans, Jewell Gomez's "Gilda Stories." It was really powerful and had me hanging garlic all around the house, plus leaving the lights on. There will be an artist talk with Zollar preceding the Saturday, April 5, performance at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30-$40 regular, $23-$30 for YBCA members, and $26-$34 for seniors, teachers and students. Call (415) 978-ARTS (2787) or visit www.ybca.org.

The collaboration looks at the importance of place and community in forming identity with their new work titled "Les écailles de la mémoire" ("The scales of memory"). The work blends the two choreographers' signature techniques and combines and confronts the ideas of culture, gender and geography. "Les écailles de la mémoire" marks Jant-Bi's second performance at YBCA following a previous engagement with the acclaimed work "Fagaala" in 2005.

YBCA presents the Urban Bush Women, Compagnie Jant-Bi Creative Exchange as part of its ongoing commitment to contemporary African work. YBCA also supports artists from Africa through its involvement with The African Contemporary Arts Consortium (TACAC), an alliance founded partly through the initiative of YBCA Executive Director Ken Foster. The TACAC is a landmark program designed to initiate, develop and sustain a dynamic exchange of arts and ideas between artists, arts organizations and public communities throughout the United States and the African continent.

YBCA has presented work by TACAC-supported artist Faustin Linyekula and his company, Les Studios Kabako, twice - during the 2005-‘06 season with Triptyque sans Titre and in the fall of 2007 with Festival of Lies. During the 2006-‘07 season, YBCA presented Compagnie TchéTché's work Dimi (Women's Sorrow) as a result of its TACAC-supported tour, the genesis of which came from Ken Foster's ongoing advocacy for the company.

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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