Hello Richmondside readers. In this week’s What’s Up column, we’re highlighting a number of local events designed to honor Black History Month, which makes sense given Richmond’s rich history of being founded by Black families who immigrated from the South to help build ships during World War II.
Also, to help you better plan your week and month, you may notice we’re updating the column format by adding a table of contents and organizing the information into “Things to know” and “Things to do” sections.
Other highlights for this week include: You can join a meeting about improving traffic safety on Carlson Boulevard and find a few suggestions for celebrating Valentine’s Day.
Richmond things to know and do at-a-glance
- Things to know
- Public meeting to discuss Carlson Boulevard traffic problems
- Sign up for Richmond 5K, 10K and half marathon
- Register to have your art included in #ArtandFoundDay
- New program to help Black students succeed in college
- Mural competition to decorate tiny houses for unhoused people
- Taj Mahal, Los Lobos guitarists to teach at San Pablo arts academy
- Things to do in Richmond
- 4 things to do for Valentine’s Day
- 4 ways to celebrate Black History Month in Richmond
- Mayor’s office, UC Berkeley host event to discuss city’s ‘just transition’
- Richmond choreographer’s aerial dance film showing atop Salesforce Tower
- Educational tour of the Ford Assembly Plant
- Shadow puppets at the Richmond library
- Seminar with El Cerrito poet laureate
- Calligraphy art exhibit at Point Richmond Post Office
- Live music, comedy at local establishments
Things to know
Public meeting to discuss Carlson Boulevard traffic problems
Concerned about traffic on Carlson Boulevard? So is Richmond City Council member Sue Wilson, and she has organized a community meeting to talk about it.
The focus of the Feb. 12 discussion will be traffic on Carlson Boulevard between 23rd Street and Tehama Avenue.
The plans for the Carlson Crosstown Project Phase II call for improved traffic flow as well as new bicycle lanes, street lighting and paving.
Wed., Feb. 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Richmond Recreation Complex, 3230 Macdonald Ave.
Sign up for Richmond 5K, 10K and half marathon
Runners of all abilities can enjoy scenic views and friendly competition along the Richmond shoreline.
The Breeze to Victory races are being held on Sat., March 1. All races start and finish at the Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South.
A special half-marathon hiking event starts at 7:30 a.m. Half-marathon runners begin their 13-mile trek at 8 a.m. The 10-kilometer participants take off at 8:15 a.m. and the 5-kilometer competitors get started at 8:30 a.m.
The courses are flat and follow the San Francisco Bay Trail along the Richmond shoreline.
Entry fees range from $63 to $105, depending on the race and how early you sign up.
Register to have your art included in #ArtandFoundDay
Artists will be placing a variety of artworks around town for residents to find and admire.
The International Art and Found Day is coming to Richmond on Wed., March 12, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
On this day, members of Visual Artists of Richmond will be placing works such as paintings, photographs, drawings, handmade crafts and music albums at various locations in the city.
The items will be safely packaged and labeled with the hashtag #ArtandFoundDay. A note will also be placed inside each item describing the work and the artist.
Artists can register for the free event at this website. A map of artwork locations will also be available for those searching for the items.
New program to help Black students succeed in college
A nonprofit organization has announced a new program to help Black students navigate the college experience.
The Black Student Engagement Program is being overseen by 10,000 Degrees, a group focused on educational equity and assisting students from lower-income backgrounds to enroll and stay in college.
The program will work with students at John F. Kennedy High School, Richmond High School and Sylvester Greenwood Academy.
10,000 Degrees officials note that Black students enroll in college at comparable rates of other groups, but they are less likely to complete their higher education compared to white and Asian students. They said there are a number of factors, including Black students having to work fulltime and not being adequately prepared for college by their high schools.
The program helps high school students by exposing them to the college experience with campus visits and informational sessions as well as providing matriculation services and targeted outreach to high school athletes.
Mural competition to decorate tiny houses for unhoused people
Residents interested in being part of Richmond’s Tiny Village Spirit project have until Feb. 15 to submit their murals.
The project is part of a Bay Area-wide program to build emergency housing units for people ages 12 to 24. Organizers hope to have the shelters ready for occupancy in July.
The mural contest is for Richmond residents ages 16 to 25. The artwork will be used to beautify the tiny village and garden.
The contest winners will be announced on March 15. Cash prizes will be awarded.
Taj Mahal, Los Lobos guitarists to teach at San Pablo arts academy
Blues legend Taj Mahal and Los Lobos singer/guitarist David Hidalgo will have residencies this year at the Los Cenzontles Cultural Arts Academy, a production and education facility dedicated to amplifying Mexican roots in the Bay Area.
As part of their year-long residency, Mahal and Hidalgo will teach artist master classes as well as performing at public and private events.
Both Mahal and Hidalgo share a long-standing creative relationship with Los Cenzontles, collaborating on past recordings and performances.
“I am looking forward to continuing my creative journey with Los Cenzontles, a community treasure,” Hidalgo said in a press release.
“Los Cenzontles is doing important work discovering hidden roots of Mexico and connecting them to the world,” added Mahal.
The cultural arts center is located at 13108 San Pablo Ave. in San Pablo.
Things to do in Richmond
4 things to do for Valentine’s Day
An evening of love songs and chocolate
Get into a Valentine’s Day mood early by enjoying some romantic music along with sweet treats in a cabaret style setting at a special evening event.
Love Songs and Chocolate will take place Saturday at the Unitarian Universal Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Road in Kensington.
Singers from the community will share love songs ranging from classics to Broadway tunes to jazz.
The show is Sat., Feb. 8, 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students.
Valentine’s Day crafts at the library
The Richmond library is hosting a Valentine Day craft program. The program is designed for all ages. Participants can create gift bags, bookmarks and other items as Valentine gifts. Wed., Feb. 12, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Bayview Branch Library, 5100 Hartnett Ave.
Meet your sweetie outdoors
There’s no rain in the weather forecast for Fri., Feb. 14, so you can try a Valentine’s Day stroll or bicycle ride along the 36 miles of the San Francisco Bay Trail in Richmond. You can check out views of the Bay, San Francisco and Marin County while enjoying some fresh air.
You can also enjoy some romantic views from the top of the Nicholl Knob Hiking Trail off Crest Avenue in Richmond. The trail is part of the East Bay Regional Park District and has 360-degree views of San Francisco Bay and beyond.
Hear some romance-themed tunes
A “Love Jam” concert will be held next weekend featuring a variety of bands playing romance-related songs from The Temptations and other groups. Sat., Feb. 15, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza. Tickets start at $39.19, including fees.
4 ways to celebrate Black History Month in Richmond
African Diaspora exhibit and a look at Black activism in Richmond
Courtesy of museum
The Richmond Museum of History & Culture is showcasing three exhibits this month in recognition of Black History Month.
The museum is spotlighting works from the Art of the African Diaspora exhibit that has been at the Richmond Art Center. The exhibit features pieces from 150 artists to celebrate the creative achievements of artists of African descent.
The museum is also sponsoring an exhibit on Black activism in Richmond. The “Black History, Resilience and Legacy in Richmond” exhibit is being presented by Communities for a Better Environment. A closing reception on this exhibit will be held on Sat., Feb. 22, at 2 p.m.
The museum is also the site this month for an exhibit on the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of primarily African-American pilots who served in World War II. The exhibit is sponsored by The Walking Ghosts of Black History, an organization based in Hercules that promotes educational programs and community outreach focused on the preservation of African-American military history, education and culture.
Black History Month was started in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson to recognize the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. It initially was celebrated during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln. It is now held from Feb. 1 to March 1.
The history museum, 400 Nevin Ave., is open Thursdays through Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Join neighborhood council event honoring 3 community members
The Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council will honor some long-serving members of the community.
The neighborhood council will recognize the work of Myrtle Braxton of the Laurel Park neighborhood, Joe Fisher of the Coronado neighborhood and Naomi Williams of the Pullman neighborhood.
The Black History Month celebration is being held on Mon., Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Richmond City Council chambers, 440 Civic Center Plaza.
Free screening of documentary about civil rights attorney John Burris
A film about an Oakland attorney known as “The Godfather of Police Litigation” will be shown at Richmond City Hall.
The documentary was produced by East Bay filmmaker Doug Harris and details Burris’ career representing underserved clients in national landmark cases.
A question-and-answer session with Harris and Burris will follow the screening.
The event is part of the city and the library system’s recognition of Black History Month.
The free screening of the documentary about John Burris is set for Thur., Feb. 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the City Council Chambers, 440 Civic Center Plaza.
Food, music, line dancing at Richmond Black History Month celebration
A celebration of Black History Month will be held in late February.
The event is scheduled for Sat., Feb. 22, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza.
The cost is $15 per person. Advanced registration is required.
There will be food, music and line dancing as well as a recognition of local leaders who have contributed to the community.
Mayor’s office, UC Berkeley host event to discuss city’s ‘just transition’
City of Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez’s Office, with UC Berkeley’s Othering & Belonging Institute, will be co-hosting a series of public events for Richmond residents to learn, imagine, and plan projects and strategies for a just transition of the economy in Richmond.
There will be presentations on progressive changes in Richmond, stories of economic transformation and performances by the Belonging Resident Company and East Bay Center for the Performing Arts.
Feb. 12, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond choreographer’s aerial dance film showing atop Salesforce Tower
A film that pays tribute to the redwood trees of Mendocino will be shown on the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco throughout February.
Sequoia Spirits is an aerial dance tribute to the majestic trees. It’s a collaboration between Richmond artist Cherie Carson, the artistic director at Upswing Aerial Dance Company, and Novato artist David Creech.
“’Sequoia Spirits’ is more than just a film; it is an immersive experience meant to connect viewers with the beauty of nature through the art of dance,” said Carson in a press release. “We’re excited to showcase this project in such a prominent location, and we hope to inspire others to explore and protect our natural landscapes.”
The 12-minute film will light up the top of the tallest building in San Francisco from midnight to 1 a.m. all month. It will get an extended showing on Feb. 21, 22 and 23 from sundown to 6 a.m.
Educational tour of the Ford Assembly Plant
You can learn about Richmond’s dynamic World War II history at a special tour.
The “Manufacturing Pride Through Perseverance” tour will be held on Sat., Feb. 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Rosie the Riveter Home Front National Historic Park, 1414 Harbour Way South in Richmond.
At the free event, a National Park Service ranger will discuss the history of the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant in Richmond as it transitioned from manufacturing cars to assembling Jeeps as well as putting the finishing touches on tanks, half-tracked armored personnel carriers, armored cars and other military vehicles.
Shadow puppets at the Richmond library
Discover the world of shadow puppets at a special event at the library.
Some well-known folk tales will be told through the magic of shadow puppetry. Audience participation is encouraged.
The Firelight Shadow Theater will be unveiled on Sat., Feb. 8, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza.
Seminar with El Cerrito poet laureate
A conversation with two local artists is being presented by El Cerrito’s poet laureate.
The free event will feature Ishmael Reed, a songwriter as well as the author of 30 books of poetry, prose and essay, and Lewis Watts, a photographer and professor emeritus at UC Santa Cruz. Both will discuss the representation of El Cerrito and Richmond in art.
The seminar has been organized by Tess Taylor, the poet laureate of El Cerrito, as part of her Poet Laureate Project, which undertakes “meaningful and innovative projects that enrich the lives of community members, including youth, through responsive and interactive poetry activities.”
Taylor has recently received a grant to mentor students at El Cerrito High School’s new literary magazine. She also plans to bring in Bay Area poets to offer writing workshops at each of the city’s five public schools, helping students at each location access poetry.
Place and Peacemaking in Poetry and Photography will be held on Sat., Feb. 8, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane.
Calligraphy art exhibit at Point Richmond Post Office
Artwork that showcases the alphabet and calligraphy is now on display.
“Zentangles” by Arts of Point Richmond member Nancy Noble opened on Jan. 14 and continues until March 10 at the Point Richmond Post Office, 104 Washington Ave.
Noble’s Zentangles are drawn with graphite and micron pens. The exhibit, part of the ongoing Post Office Windows campaign, also includes books in which Noble has used accordion and hand-stitched book-binding methods along with an example of her Sumi-e Japanese paintings.
Noble has retired from San Francisco State University’s Design and Industry Department and now pursues her art career full-time.
Live music, comedy at local establishments
A number of establishments in Richmond feature live entertainment and other events each week.
The Baltic Kiss restaurant, 135 Park Place, will feature live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Sailing Goat restaurant, 1900 Stenmark Drive, will feature live music on Saturday and Sunday.
The Riggers Loft Wine Company, 1325 Canal Blvd, will have live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Factory Bar will host live music on Thursday. Food trucks are also at the establishment every evening with karaoke is set for Tuesday evening and Whiskey Wednesday the following night.
Be sure to add your Richmond events to our calendar. If you know of an event that you think we should highlight in What’s Up, please email hello@richmondside.org at least two weeks in advance if possible.
