Out On The Town: Michael Eric Dyson | Diann Valentine | Soledad O'Brien and more...

On April 8, 2016 the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Oakland/Bay Area Chapter hosted their 18th Annual Madam CJ Walker Scholarship Luncheon at the SF Marriott Marquis Hotel in downtown San Francisco.  Their keynote speaker and special guest was Debra Martin Chase, an Emmy nominated and Peabody Award winning television and motion picture producer whose has been affiliated with the Walt Disney Company since 2001.  Ms. Imani Brown, 17 year old high school student and recipient of the Essay Contest Award, gave an outstanding speech that celebrated her father for raising her to be a phenomenal young woman who aspires to study biochemical medicine in college.  She chose this major because of her interest in how DNA works and her interest in finding a cure for cancer.  See photos of this event HERE - Glass House Communications Facebook page and for more information about this organization visit www.onehundredblackwomen.com for more information.

On April 7, 2016 ColorComm launched the San Francisco Chapter with an Inaugural Luncheon at the Rotunda Restaurant inside Neiman Marcus.  The room was filled with excitement as everyone was over-the-moon to see so many women of color who work in the communications industry.  Keynote speaker, Daisy M. Auger-Dominguez, Global Head of Diversity Staffing at GOOGLE, delivered such an empowering and impactful message that everyone in the room connected became even more excited about their own journey in the profession.  The 2016 ColorComm annual conference takes place July 20-22 in Miami, FL and you can find more  HERE. {Photo: Y'Anad Burrell, Netta Haynes, Lauren Wesley Wilson, President Colorcom and Collette Luckie}

On April 2, 2016 Celebrity Wedding Planner Diann Valentine showcased her signature Bridal Cuff at I Do! Bridal Boutique in Oakland, CA.  Some of the best diamonds in a rough come out of Oakland, despite the negative vibe media gives The Town.  From giant tech companies like Pandora to social impact trailblazers like the Kapor Center, Oakland is, by far, one of the most sought after places to live right now.  When you're home-grown here and your life does not resemble what many have heard about this city, we then applaud and celebrate those who have made Oakland proud.  Who would have thought that a #1 Celebrity Wedding Planners would come out of East Oakland?  Ms. Diann Valentine left Oakland at the age of 26 to live in Los Angeles and pursue her 'love of love' and to this day her portfolio includes planning Toni Braxton's wedding  to being a TV Host.  Ms. Valentine was recently in Oakland at the I Do! Bridal Boutique for a trunk show featuring her signature Bridal Cuffs.  Check out her video HERE - Glass House Communications Facebook Page.

In March 2016 Heart and Soul Center of Light in Oakland, CA hosted Michael Eric Dyson as he talked about his book, The Black Presidency.  I have never been disappointed when hearing Mr. Dyson speak.  His perspectives, insights and overall knowledge continues to intriguing, engaging and constantly capturing my attention.  The renown Davey D moderated this event and from the beginning he dived right into reminding Mr. Dyson of his remarks about President Obama that were not so favorable during his first term as President and those views that remain today.  See a snippet of that conversation HERE - Glass House Communications Facebook Page.

On February 24, 2016 UCSF's Office of Diversity and Outreach hosted a Teach-in with CNN Correspondent Soledad O'Brien - Injustice and Health.  Many of us are familiar with Mrs. O'Brien's productions, "Black in America" and "Hispanic in America", and in the conversation UCSF she talked about how there are widespread healthcare injustices taking place towards African Americans, from the lack of a grocery store with fresh vegetables in their neighborhoods to the long period of time between the moment an African American is checked into an hospital to the time they will see a physician.  See my Twitter page @glasshousecomm for several video snippets from the event.

Diversity in Tech/Blacks in Tech.  The conversation has been heated for the last year or so, the lack of diversity in technology, which focused on African Americans, Hispanics and women.  While many corporations are yet still trying to 'figure it out', let's take a moment to celebrate those African Americans who are making waves in technology and doing it well.  Recently KQED did an article highlighting those trailblazers in tech saying, "Here, in the San Francisco Bay Area, there are a number of black engineers who are dedicated to increasing diversity in engineering. So we want to recognize some of those engineers—past and present—that have advanced, and continue to advance, diversity in STEM fields.  Read more HERE.

See you these upcoming event...

April 21 - May 5, 2016 - SF International Film Festival

April 23, 2016 - African Americans Making Connections - FREE

April 30, 2016 - MoAD Vanguard - It's Afropolitan

For more events, visit theREGISTRYBayArea.com

19th Annual Art of Living Black - Over 75 Artists Featured - Exhibiting in Richmond and Oakland, CA

The Art of Living Black (TAOLB) Exhibiting at the Richmond Art Center.  TAOLB was founded 19 years ago by the late sculptor Jan Hart-Schuyers and late painter Rae Louise Hayward after their realization that black artists were not being represented by galleries in any significant way. This year’s exhibition at the Richmond Art Center (RAC), located at 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA, will showcase a broad range of works by more than 75 artists from throughout the Bay Area.

Artist Talks Sat, Feb 14, noon – 1:30 pm: Artists: Dania Frink, Alix Magloire, James Knox, Julee Richardson, Hilda Robinson, Arthur Norcome. Moderated by Raymond L. Haywood

 The Art of Living Black Open Studio Sat, Mar 7, 11 am – 5 pm.  A unique opportunity to meet a selection of artists and purchase their work in our main gallery.

Several artists will also be exhibiting at Oasis Gallery @ American Steel Studios, 1960 Mandela Parkway, Oakland (enter on 20th Street) on the follow days and times: Feb. 28th & Mar. 1st, 11 am - 6 pm, Mar. 6th - 6 pm - 9 pm and Mar. 7th, 11 am - 6 pm

Artists featured in the 19th Annual The Art of Living Black: Dana King, Latisha Baker, Doug Blanc, Timothy Bluitt, Lorraine Bonner, Cedric Brown, Marguerite T. Browne, Stephen Bruce, Lawrence Buford, Melanin Buford, Sydney “Sage” Cain, Claude Lockhart Clark, Duane M. Conliffe, Courageous, Kelvin Curry, Bill Dallas, Paula de Joie, Jim Dennis, Cheryl Patrice Derricotte, Gene Dominique, Ann Edwards, Jimi Evins, Dania W. Frink, Anjuelle D. Floyd, Naomi Floyd, Donna Gatson, Delores Gray, Renata E. Gray, Nannette Y. Harris-Jones, and many many more.

About The Richmond Art Center (RAC)

RAC is the largest visual arts center in the East Bay. Their four galleries and sculpture courtyard allow them to mount rotating exhibitions that display the works of emerging and established Bay Area artists. Throughout their long history they have showcased artists such as Richard Diebenkorn, Jasper Johns, Jay DeFeo, Wanxin Zhang, Hung Liu, Ed Rossbach and Peter Voulkos.

Post by Glass House Communications.

Judy Smith - The REAL Olivia Pope of ABC7 Scandal

I have been a fan of ABC7's Scandal and the lovely Kerry Washington since the season started. However, meeting the real Olivia Pope, that would be JUDY SMITH, made the excitement much for enticing. I met Ms. Smith about 5 months ago at an event and was so happy to see how engaging, unassuming, delightful and unapologetic she was about her wit and intelligence.  

On Jan. 20th, Ken Coleman, technology giant and Special Advisor to Andreesen Horowitz, hosted a fireside chat with Judy Smith in their Menlo Park, CA office.  The chemistry between Ms. Smith and Ben Horowitz during the Q&A was the best I've seen in a long time.  When asked about how her career started, Judy shared that she had to be reminded by her childhood friend, affectionately known as 'beanhead', that her conflict resolution skills began at the age of 15 as she was always the neighborhood 'we can all work this out' negotiator. 

Judy's career in conflict resolution went through the roof right after her tenure as special assistant to the press secretary during President George H.W. Bush administration in 1991.  During her time with President Bush, some of her major work included PR guidance during the Clarence Thomas nomination, PR consulting during the Gulf War and dealing with US Kuwaiti relations.

While many saw the writing on the wall that President Bush would not be reelected, Judy stayed the course until the very end instead of leaving and looking for employment like many.  It was that tenacity, dedication and loyalty that lead to President Bush making several phone calls to key influentials in the political arena, sharing the stellar work Judy performed under his administration, that her phone began to ring constantly with requests for her services.  Since that time, Smith & Associates has been the most sought after crises management firm in the nation and beyond. 

Judy's most fascinating client was former Mayor Marion Barry.  According to Judy, even in light of his indiscretions and 6-month federal prison sentence for drug possession and use, Mr. Barry remained a 'people' person and very much connected to the community. Despite his history of political and legal controversies, Barry was a popular and influential figure in the local political scene.  After his release, he was elected to the Council of the District of Columbia in 1992, and ultimately returned to the mayoralty in 1994, serving from 1995 to 1999. 

Judy Smith's book, "Good Self, Bad Self: How to Bounce Back from Personal a Crisis is a must read.

 
And go!

Post by Glass House Communications.

Intel Invests $300M Towards Diversity in Technology while Microsoft Struggles With an Inclusive Workforce

"It's time to step up and do more. It's not good enough to say we value diversity," says Intel's CEO Brian Krzanich.  Intel will aim for its U.S. workforce at all levels to mirror the talent available in America in the next five years, and Krzanich said the compensation of Intel leaders would be directly tied to the progress they make in reaching that diversity goal.  "This isn't just good business. This is the right thing to do," he said.

While Intel should absolutely be applauded for this initiative, a huge red flag is their first step, according to Krzanich, which is putting together the structure for connecting managers' pay to diversity stats and that part of the program will be implemented for 2015 pay.  Money certainly talks so who is to say the managers' efforts will be truly a party of Intel's 'culture of diversity' as opposed to keeping their monetary compensation steady and growing.  Anything tied to money will influence behavior so does it become a game of just 'filling in the numbers', as opposed to truly believing that Diversity & Inclusion is 'just good business sense'.    Read More About Intel's Initiative!

In mid-December, Microsoft quietly released its EEO-1 form, a federal filing that outlines employment data by race and gender according to job type. While Microsoft has diversity in its highest ranks, including an African-American Board Chairman, an Indian CEO and a female CFO, the overall statistics are less flattering: the company is 60.6% white and 71% male, according to its EEO-1 form.  Read more!

I have been passionate about Diversity & Inclusion (affectionately called D&I) since my graduate studies at Golden Gate University when I chose to do my thesis on Change Management.  It's been a 'lifestyle' and not just the hot topic of the year or month.  While D&I can be challenging to grow in any industry (i.e. technology, art, education, etc.), it's the consistency of the effort that brings the most impact and not an effort that has a 'designated time period'.  If there is not an 'intentional plan in place that is part of a business model, company goals, human resource training, then results will come more fluidly and organically.  This is the best approach to building any effective and impactful culture of diversity and inclusion.

Diversity is being invited to the party.  Inclusion is being asked to dance at the party.  It's time to dance more!  And go!

Sunday Nite Live! Tribute & Celebration of Life - Bishop Gordon A. Humphrey, Jr. - Sunday, Jan. 18th

The Sunday Nite Live! Tribute and Celebration of the Life services for the late Bishop Gordon A. Humphrey, Jr., takes place on Sunday, January 18, 2015, 7:00 pm at Love Center Ministries, 10440 International Blvd., Oakland, CA.  Please join the Olivet Church family and friends in celebration one of God's best.  Blessings.

The Olivet reunion choir rehearsals take place Jan. 8th and Jan. 15th @ 7:00 pm at Olivet Oakland, 1125 West St., Oakland, CA.

 

Nicole 'Nik' Caldwell - 1st Time Author - Bay Area Native - TODAY on sale NOW!

Oakland native Nicole Caldwell continues to thrive with her many talents in becoming a 1st time author, book entitled TODAY.  Nik's passion to empower young girls around the globe with inspirations of hope and dreams, TODAY will capture your attention from start to finish.  Come and meet Nik on Jan. 17th, grab a copy of her book, and enjoy the company of one  of Oakland's best-kept secrets.

Order your advanced discounted copy at www.nikcaldwell.com.  For interview/media/press contact Glass House Communications - yanad@glasshousepr.com

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