Out On The Town: Van Jones | Never Park Again | Hot Shot of the Week | Colors of Christmas | 100 Black Men and More...

Dec. 10th - Movement 50 Hosts Van Jones.  Earlier in the day Mr. Jones moved the crowd with his introduction of keynote speaker Rev. Jesse Jackson at the Intel/Diversity in Tech event in Santa Clara, CA.  During the evening, the same day, Mr. Jones commanded the stage at Impact HUB Oakland and in his true to form nature, always having a strong message to deliver, he addressed the movement around "Black Lives Matter" to the mission of #YesWeCode, which is a new initiative, founded by Mr. Jones, to train 100,000 people from low-income communities to code.  Mr. Jones put into very plain context that it's not that law enforcement officers are afraid of the violence that African American boys and men may do to them, but rather they are afraid of the potential of success of these individuals.  Movement 50, the group that hosted the event, are a group of new leaders, activists, artists, entrepreneurs, and pioneers energized about the future direction of Oakland and motivated to engage the larger community in joining that movement.  The organization started with the need to bring together the Bay Area's diversity and talent in order to harness that collective power towards change.

 

Dec. 13th - 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, 26th Annual Scholarship Dinner.  The damp weather in San Francisco did not stop close 600 supporters from gathering at the Marriott Hotel dressed to impress and ready to celebrate the many successes of their various programs throughout the year. The organization has several programs supporting youth: Youth Movement Program, The Junior 100 College Bound Mentoring Program, and The Collegiate 100 Black Men at UC Berkeley.  In 2014 they awarded $25,000 in scholarships and since their inception in 1988 they have awarded over $1.2M in educational scholarships and grants. The Gala Chair this year was Mr. Danny L. Williams and the MC of the hour was the funny and talented Daniel Dugar, and award recipients were: Michael Morgan, Oakland East Bay Symphony - Community Achievement Award; KBLX 102.9 - Corporate Community Achievement Award; Kazan, McClain et al - Corporate Achievement Award; and Robert L. Harris, Esq. - Lifetime Achievement Award. 

100 Black Men of America, Inc. seeks to serve as a beacon of leadership by utilizing our diverse talents to create environments where our children are motivated to achieve, and to empower our people to become self-sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the communities we serve.  Now more than 100 chapters and 10,000 members and still growing.

{Photo Lf to Rt: Daryle Wyte, 100 Black Men; Dr. Pastor Charley Hames, Jr., Beebe Memorial Cathedral; Michael DeFlorimonte, theREGISTRYBayArea}

 

ZIRX - Never Park Again.  I think I've FINALLY found a driver - well a driver of sorts - and I never have to worry about parking again.  For the many meetings and events that I attend in a day, I have to actually factor in time just to find parking which can add close to two additional hours to the hustle and bustle of the day.  Thank the stars for ZIRX, a parking concierge.  You simply download the app on either your Android or iPhone, stop you car near the address where you're going, request a driver/agent via your cell phone and usually arrive within 5 minutes they show up.  The agent will then take your car while you shop, do errands, attend meetings, etc..  Then, when you're done just call the agent and within about 15 minutes they show up with your car.  The $15 daily price includes it all: pickup, storage, redelivery, and tip.  Go online to read more about insurance, full day rates, etc. Read more - Zirx

 

Dec. 16th - Colors of Christmas w/Peabo Bryson @ Davies Symphony Hall.  From joining the crowd to engage in selfies to serenading the women and children, Peabo Bryson is a crowd favorite every year and I look forward to the event every year.  The Colors Of Christmas is an annual holiday musical celebration hosted by R&B sensation Peabo Bryson. Joined by a changing selection of musicians, Peabo Bryson and friends ring in Christmas every year with a musical evening full of favorite pop and Christmas hits.

This year, Peabo Bryson was accompanied by Taylor Dayne, best known for her No. 1 single Love Will Lead You Back and Tony and Grammy winner Jennifer Holliday, as well as American Idol Ruben Studdard, for an unforgettable performance. Every year the concert is backed by a full orchestra and the selected choir has been directed by the highly regarded and internationally known director, singer, songwriter, musician and Bay Area's own Jeffery Williams. - {Photo Lf.: Carolyn Tyler, Anchor ABC7)



 

Dec. 18th - The African American Employee Network (AAEN) Holiday Mixer @ W San Francisco.  Did you make it? I hope so because it's certainly an annual holiday event that you don't want to miss.  Some of the most influential movers and shakers in the Bay Area are all in the house, under one roof at one time which is rare.  It's not about passing business cards but more about 'cultivating a relationships' with the men and women who are moving the dial in both as corporate professionals and entrepreneurs.  As much as they are professionals they also know how to party and 'get it in' do it was not a 'stuffy' evening, but rather lot of good conversation, great music and smooth vibes.

AAEN of the Bay Area is a collaborative network of African American employee resource groups from the private, public, and educational sectors in the Greater Bay Area community. AAEN was organized by representatives from EY (Nicole Felix), Merrill Lynch (David Spencer), michaelD. Communications (Michael DeFlorimonte) and PG&E (Dela Weeks ) in direct response to a need expressed by members of the corporate community.  AAEN objectives are focused in four areas: Career/Professional Development • Financial Management • Work/Life Balance • Technology.  AAEN launched in Oct. 2011with an event sponsored by Merrill Lynch. Fifteen Bay Area corporations were represented. Today, AAEN is in contact with 30 Bay Area employee resource groups and associations.

 

 

Dec. 13th, 100 Black Men Annual Scholarship Gala.  Ms. Natalie Gunn and Mr. Bakari Adams were the 'BEST DRESSED couple of the evening. Done and Done!


And go!

 

 

Out On The Town: Rev. Jesse Jackson - Holiday Parties - MoAD, Diversity Council and more. It's Round-Up Time Again - Dec. 15th

Dec. 6th - Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) Re-opening.  After six months of construction and renovation, costing close to $1.3 million, patrons can now enjoy a refurbished entryway, which has been transformed into a multipurpose space with more natural light, as well as an L-shaped hallway that’s been reworked into an Emerging Artists Gallery. On the museum’s second floor, two previously permanent exhibitions have been replaced to make room for two new galleries, a performance space, and a small theater. There were speeches from Executive Director Linda Harrison, Harvard Professor Dr. Alejandro de la Fuente, Los Angeles artist Lava Thomas and City Administrator Naomi Kelley. There is no party without The Honorable Willie L. Brown Jr., who officially announced MoAD's status as a Smithsonian Affiliate which gives it access to the larger museum’s exhibitions and works. Visit MoAD and enjoy its two current exhibits: “Lava Thomas: Beyond,” which focuses on a local artist, and “Drapetomania,” a survey of the Afro-Cuban Grupo Antillano. {Photo Vanessa Mason (MoAD Vanguard), Brenda Wright (Wells Fargo and Former MoAD Board President) and Tyra Fennell (MoAD Vanguard)

Dec. 6th - Winter Wonderland Holiday Party - MoAD Vanguard - The MoAD Vanguard is a young professional organization dedicated to fostering a long-term commitment to the Museum of the African Diaspora.  The Vanguard advances MoAD’s mission by hosting a variety of distinctive social, educational, and philanthropic events. Every year the party is held at MoAD and this year was even more exciting given the newly renovated space.  The 'plushed-out' winter white entrance definitely gave guests the feeling of class and elegance and the greeting they received from the Vanguard Leadership Team was outstanding.

A SOLD OUT event with close to 300 party-people, you can rest assured the complimentary alcohol and food were draws to be in the house, while, from my observation, a nice handful were very interested in the exhibits and went through the treasure hunt and enjoyed the 3rd floor exhibit. 

It was endearing to see so many bringing toys to donate to those less fortunate.  Although these donations entered guests into a raffle to win some 'fan-tastic' gifts, I could tell the spirit of giving was much more important to them.

Don't dare show up without wearing  'show-stopping' attire.  The ladies and gentlemen came ready for the camera and for some it was a 'mini' photoshoot session.  You could tell who took hours 'to figure it out' and those who just have it like that 'effortlessly'.  I knowwwwwwwwwwww, you're asking where is a photo of me and my 'smashing pink to-die-for dress'. LOL.  Well as you can see I was the photographer on this particular night, as for just about all the events I attend.  But don't fret, I did not disappoint, hehehe.  And go!

{Photo: Ingrid Roseborough, MD - Rahel Marsie-Hazen - Meaghan Mitchell.  Vanguard MoAD Leadership Council Member}.  I serve on the Advisory Council of MoAD Vanguard.

Dec. 9th - CA Diversity Council - San Francisco Chapter - End of Year Mixer.  I am SUPER EXCITED to be appointed as the Board VP for the CA Diversity Council, San Francisco Chapter. Our end of year mixer was held at PG&E in San Francisco and the energy in the room was high and promising  Organized in 2009, the California Diversity Council (CADC) is committed to fostering a learning environment for organizations to grow and leverage their knowledge of diversity.  Our next meeting is January 13th at Golden Gate University and whether you're a member or not, please feel free to attend and get to know us.  Upcoming Events: March 10 - Women in Leadership Symposium.   June 2nd - CA Diversity & Leadership Conference.  To join our email list and get updates on all events, just send me an email - yanad@glasshousepr.com.  Done and Done!

Dec. 10th - Intel Hosts Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow Push Coalition.  Rev. Jesse Jackson has been demanding higher employment for blacks, Latinos and women in tech companies and Intel stepped up to the plate to host an honest conversation around the work they've been doing in this space for more than 10 years.  Rosalind L. Hudnell, Intel, VP Human Resources - Chief Diversity Officer - Video.  Tech companies have been targeted by the Rainbow Push Coalition, founded by Rev. Jackson, for not employing enough people of color at their companies.  Following pressure from the group, some companies like Google, Twitter and Facebook released employee diversity data which showed that their employees in the U.S. were predominantly white followed by Asians.  For many, as you can imagine, this was not a surprise, but rather just a larger disappointment of the reality.  We are far beyond the excuse of 'the talent among these diverse groups cannot be found' or 'these diverse groups are not applying for the jobs'.  When you have intentional targeted recruitment at, for instance non-HBCU colleges and/or predominately European population high schools, then yes your workforce would exhibit the same. 

Many of my colleagues who attended and several new friends I made at the event, are very anxious to 'see' the steps that are being taken to bridge this disparity, moving the dial beyond the 'conversation' to action, implementation and reported numbers that prove the same.  So many are hiding behind the 'it takes time' to develop the culture, get those at the top on board, and you can fill in the blanks on the rest.  However, I am very optimistic, and the results are already showing, that Rev. Jesse Jackson's efforts and passion behind this movement will hold those accountable to make the changes happen, not just for a time, but for the culture of these tech companies - Having Diversity and Inclusion is Having Good Business Sense.  Author: Y'Anad Burrell

{Photo #1: Rev. Joseph Bryant, Jr., West Coast Rainbow PUSH Tech Director.  Rev. Jesse Jackson, Founder.  Janice Mathis, Esq., VP Rainbow Push/Director, Atlanta Regional Office.  Martin King, Esq., Chairman, Rainbow PUSH Coalition}

{Photo #2: Linda Parker Pennington,  Talent & HR Advisor, Tech Futures Group

 

 


 

 

Out On THe town - Fashion, Museum, Music and Fancy Cars - December 8, 2014

Nov. 15th (Vallejo, CA) - Sara Anders, owner of Lifestyle by Sara hosted her first fashion show for her non-profit My Light Shines.  The event was hosted by comedian extraordinaire J-Red and he absolutely added 'funnies' to the evening. Some of the designers featured were La Belle Moi, Heavenly Lines, AllAttractive and others.  Sara rocked the runway with very smashing looks by La Belle Moi who is one of the Bay Area darlings in fashion as an emerging designer.  See photos and more information at Lifestyle By Sara.

Nov. 22nd - Moscone Center, San Francisco.  It's the most anticipated CAR SHOW in town and beyond and the SF Chronicle Newspaper VIP Reception never disappoints.  More than 3,000 people enjoyed a first look at the 2015 models of cars, everything from a Bentley to a Prius.  The experience and dream of owning some of these cars seems to be the motivation and excitement of the guests so you saw the adrenaline and happiness of most faces of simply touching those vehicles that sometimes require a 'credit check' just to test drive.

For many attendees the bites were refreshing and indeed the 'all you an drink spirits' (none for me, just saying), were the highlights of the evening.  However, for me it was all about sitting in as many cars as I could and thinking of driving off the lot one day with the best of the best.  The Academy of Art University, of course, had their own private showing of the classic vehicles that one would hardly see strolling down the highway (photo above).  More about the car show here.

Nov. 13th - 7x7 Magazine Hosts KEITH HARING, The Political Line Opening Exhibit Party at the de Young Museum.  American artist Keith Haring was best known for his graffiti-inspired drawings, which he first made in subway stations and later exhibited in museums. Haring began using the city as his canvas, making chalk drawings in subway stations and his art was eventually seen everywhere from public murals and nightclubs to galleries and museums around the world. He was also known for his activism in promoting AIDS awareness and he died of AIDS-related complications on February 16, 1990, at age 31. This exhibit is one of my favs for 2014 and you will be in awe when you see his work.  Harrings' exhibit is everything from electic to modern to educating which is rarely seen in one showing.  The exhibit ends in February 2015 but don't wait that long before you experience a masterpiece. See de Young Museum

Nov. 13th - Brisbane, CA Monster Fall Product and Technology Preview.  Video - Monster Product Launch - November 2014. Monster demonstrated several new category-defining products and we also had an opportunity to get a first look at products The U.S. debut of the Monster® SoundStage™ wireless music system is poised to redefine the multi-room audio category and set a new goalpost in the wireless home speaker market. My fav, Workouts Gone Wireless!  Monster debuted the first wireless in-ear headphones for its critically-acclaimed iSport®  fitness headphones with the iSport®  Bluetooth Wireless Super Slim  and iSPORT® Bluetooth Wireless. Check out the video clip. Video - Monster Product Launch - November 2014

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HBCU, UNCF and Stanford University - What do they have in common? An innovative conversation.

The challenges facing the landscape of tech innovation and economic inclusion are difficult to ignore. In the aftermath of the Great Recession, America has come to realize it cannot achieve its economic competiveness goals when so much of its talented landscape is producing so little.

UNCF (the United Negro College Fund) hosted the 2nd National HBCU (Historically Black College Universities) Innovation Summit at Stanford University and San Jose Marriot Hotel, November 13 - November 17, 2014. The Summit is an outgrowth of the UNCF-based HBCU Startup and Innovation Initiative launched as part of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Tech Inclusion Initiative two years ago.

The theme of this year’s Summit is Defining Pathways for Success in the Tech Industry, and the agenda focused on identifying best practices for computer science education and training, tech-workforce development as well as university-based innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship.

On November 17th, Dr. Persis Drell, Dean, Stanford University, School of Engineering, gave opening remarks and spoke candidly saying that while the students felt included, there was little engagement between them.  Dr. Drell is the first female Dean of the engineering school and also the first to be hired from 'outside' the university. According to Dr. Drell, there is work to be done in the areas of inclusivity and engagement among the students as they have exceptional talents that the university is eager to tap into.

Beverly Daniel Tatum, President of Spellman College, moderated one of the panels which included representatives from Chevron, Facebook, Texas Instruments, Google, SpaceX and Sodexo.  Dr. Tatum was very good at drilling down answers to ensure each panelist shared specific examples of what their respective companies were doing to address the lack of diversity and inclusion of African Americans   Nicholas Leach from Chevron stated that the majority of its contribution in this area are funds donated to UNCF to address the issue and they also had a University Partnership Program with several HBCU's.  Maxine Williams from Facebook stated that in her travels to many college campus advocating for STEM education, she realized the limited knowledge that students had around which kinds of jobs were available in the technology field.  In an effort to educate students and others, Ms. Williams informed that Facebook has recently posted interviews on their website to be more transparent about what to expect during an interview and this was also a way to inform on the various jobs available in the field and at Facebook.

Cedric Brown, Kapor Center for Social Impact

I was very excited about the remarks from Professor Ayodele Thomas, who is the first Black woman to receive a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.  Professor Thomas talked about the many PhD programs at the university that are completely paid for by the school.  These, of course, are highly competitive opportunities, but to know there are programs of this caliber where students receive a financial stipend and can attain an education by one of the top Ivy League schools in the country, was a THRILL!  I feel something 'bubbling' up in me. Imagine that!

The conversation and the work continues and it will take efforts similar to these forums and others to continue calling accountability to the carpet and following-up to ensure the needle continues to movs towards a much more diverse and inclusive society.  Not just in the technology space, but throughout corporate America in all areas, from the Board rooms, to the C-Suites and within those who hold the last words on recruitment/hiring strategies.  We understand it's one thing to be 'invited to the party' and another 'to be asked to dance at the party', and we need to move the dial on much more dancing.

Y'Anad Burrell, Board VP, California Diversity Council, San Francisco Chapter

HBCU Innovation Summit 2014 Press Release

It's Time - Out On The Town Round Up - November 19, 2014

Playing until Nov. 30th - Berkeley Reperatory Theater, PARTY PEOPLE, for me, was not about the Black Panther Movement itself, but it was closer to a 'Where Are They Now' depiction, and what are they doing in this 21st Century.  Also, seeing how the children of those who were part of the Movement are thinking. It's a powerful play so be sure to catch it! {Website}

November 1 - Rooms That Rock 4 Chemo fundraising fashion show featuring couture designer Vasily Vein. Compassionate artists and volunteers transform chemotherapy rooms into vibrant beautiful spaces that encourage healing and hope for all who are affected by cancer. A sold out event with more than 1,000 people in attendance, high energy and flowing donations filled the room.  Senator Diane Feinstein's $1 bill from her purse auctioned for $1,200 and there were many more items auctioned as part of this fundraising even raising over $50K before the evening was over. Vocalist Jason Brock, known from The Voice, captured the audience with a great performance. Location: Nikko Hotel, San Francisco, CA. {Photos - Website}

Nov. 4th - Assoc. of Fundraising Professionals, National Philanthropy Day at the Westin St. Francis Hotel with more than 800 attendees. Renel Brooks Moon was the Mistress of Ceremonies and AFP honored more than 20 philanthropists at this event.  Felecia Gatson (middle), Executive Director, Performing Stars of Marin, received the Vineyards Awards which celebrates organizations having less than $500K in private support.  More than 800 attended and it was a SOLD OUT celebration. Y'Anad Burrell, AFP-GGC Board VP, Diversity & Inclusion Comittee, {Website}

Nov. 12th - National Assoc. of Black Public Administrators, 11th Annual Bay Area Achievers Banquet - Scott's Restaurant, Oakland.  Honorees: Claude M. Steele, PhD - Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost UC Berkeley; July Cole, City of Berkeley Library; Charles 'Rick' Moore, Swinerton Construction; Dr. Calvin Wheeler, MD, Physician in-chief at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Fremont; Oral Brown, Founder, Oral Lee Brown Foundation in Oakland; and Michael Gibson, Program Director of Emergency Medical Services (EMS Corps).  Kelechi Uwaezuoke, MPH was their scholarship award recipient.

 Henry Gardner, City of Oakland Former City Administrator and currently

Interim City Administrator - NFBPA Achievers Banqueq

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 I flow through each day on Eastern Standard Time which translates for me 4:30 am - 11:30 pm PST.  It's easy to do because the first 1 hour and the last 1 hour of each day I spend in quiet time.  And go!

It's That Time - Out on the Town Round-Up

- Jayne Kennedy, Honoree DaVina Flemings -

September 13 - Sacramento Cultural Hub Magazine presented their 6th ANNUAL EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN OF COLOR CONFERENCE, honoring more than 10 powerful women in the Sacramento area. Keynote speaker Jayne Kennedy Overton shared her personal story about being the first African American woman in sports commentary and how her decision to step away from it all to be at a stay-at-home mom was the best choice she could have made. Mrs. Kennedy-Overton is now making a comeback to the industry after being gone for more than 20 years.

Sultry Sundays: Jamel Burrell, Cindy Hill

• SULTRY SUNDAYS took place monthly during the summer at W San Francisco at Penthouse Rooftop. This newly renovated space is an indoor/outdoor area with a fantastic view of San Francisco and an art installation that is a 'must-see'. Several hundreds gathered and the people were sexy, the music was on point and the energy was high each and every time. IT MUST come back again!

Bal Theatre: Y'Anad Burrell, Dwayne Wiggins

Legacy Award Attendees

• November 8 - D'WAYNE WIGGINS of Tony, Toni, Tone hits the stage at the Bal Theater in San Leandro, CA during the Khoree The Poet - Verbal Sax Event • October 22 - OCCUR held its inaugural DAVID E. GLOVER LEGACY AWARDS at Impact Hub Oakland – a benefit for the David E. Glover Education & Technology Center. Keynote speaker and awardee and Base Ventures founder Erik Moore delivered a touching yet funny retrospect on his life growing up in Richmond, California. The adoration and appreciation for his Mother was truly felt in his speech. The other award recipients were Fred Blackwell - San Francisco Foundation; Yvette Radford - Kaiser Permanente; Michael Bush - The 8 Factors; Konda Mason - HUB Oakland; and Jason Young - Mindblown Labs. Attendees included Denise Bradley Tyson (VP SF Film Commisson), Bernard Tyson (CEO, Kaiser Permanente), Angela Blackwell Glover and many others. View event photos online at theREGISTRY Bay Area.

Cal-Pac: Kim Caldwell, Gary Prevost

BABJA*

• October 28 - 38th ANNUAL NORTHERN, CA CAL-PAC CONFERENCE AWARDS dinner took place at Geoffrey's Inner Circle - Oakland CA. Award recipients: Michael LeBlanc, Pican Restaurant - Retailer Award; Ingrid Best, Moet Hennessey - Corporate Award; Bill Webb, Southern Wine and Spirits - Legendary Award • November 7 - BAY AREA BLACK JOURNALIST ASSOC. ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON honored Legendary and Award Winning Anchorwoman Carolyn Tyler. Mrs. Tyler has more than 30 years in the business and has been a trailblazer and mentor for African American women in media. Attendees included Hon. Willie Brown, Wilkes Bashford and Atty. John Burris. View event photos online at theREGISTRY Bay Area.
* Sarah Allen, John W. Ellis, IV, Pam Moore, Carolyn Tyler, Barbara Rodgers, Cristin Ayers and Kevin Epps.

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