ABC7 Celebrates Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, ABC7 celebrates the amazing achievements in black culture and history here in the Bay Area.

Attend the Professional BusinessWomen of California's 26th Annual Conference on March 10th and hear from Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee, the inspiring leader of the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace. This powerful yet nonviolent women's movement brought together Christians and Muslims to make a pivotal stand to end Liberia's civil war in 2003. Leymah is a trained social worker, the founder of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, and the mother of six children. Her 2012 TED Talk has been viewed by nearly 1 million people! She is a frequent guest on major television networks and was recently profiled on The New York Times' Op-Docs series by filmmaker Errol Morris, who called her "a modern day Joan of Arc." #whereyoulive #abc7celebrates #blackhistorymonth #pbwc #leymahgbowee #nobelpeaceprize

February 27 - Esterlina Vineyards BHM celebration

N

apa Valley's Esterlina Vineyards is the nation's largest African American vintner. A true family affair, Mario Sterling and his four sons started the winery in 1998. Their award-winning wines have been served in the White House on several occasions, and are nationally recognized by Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator with scores above 90 points. You can experience Esterlina Vineyards and Winery this Saturday, 2/28, at their inaugural Black History Month celebration in Healdsburg, benefitting three local charities. Photos courtesy of Esterlina Vineyards. #whereyoulive #abc7celebrates #blackhistorymonth #esterlinavineyards #everettridge #blackownedbusiness

February 24 - Tabia African American Theatre Ensemble

Don't miss "Before It Hits Home", a powerful, award-winning, provocative play on the impact of AIDS presented by the Tabia African American Theatre Ensemble at the School of Arts and Culture in San Jose. The play is a complex and thought provoking look at the effect of AIDS on one young man, his lovers, and his family. It is often raw and candid, and is ultimately about conditional and unconditional love. All too often, HIV/AIDS is considered a taboo topic, making it easy to ignore. Through this creative play, their hope is to generate open discussion and educate our community on awareness, prevention, testing, and treatment. Get your tickets today for the upcoming shows, Feb. 27th through March 1st.

February 23 - Oakstop Gallery's Legacy Exhibit

This year, Oakstop Gallery's Legacy Exhibit celebrates the 46th anniversary of the original Black Artists on Art book series by Dr. Samella Lewis, the leading historian of black fine art in the country. The exhibit serves as the launch of a campaign to create new books in the Black Artists on Art series featuring hundreds of contemporary black artists. Now in 2015, Samella Lewis's grandson, Unity Lewis is teaming up with Trevor Parham, founder and owner of Oakstop Gallery to continue the legacy of Black Artists on Art with a completely new lineup of contemporary artists. Their intention is to collaborate with other black artists throughout the United States to create a nationwide movement celebrating the legacy and value of black fine art. Abba Yahudah of Got Brand Solutions was the first artist to join forces with Unity and Trevor and has taken on the role of designing the new Black Artists on Art books. Show your support for Unity, Trevor, and Abba as they move forward to continue the Black Artists on Art legacy!

February 22 - Rhonel Roberts

Meet Rhonel Roberts, a brilliant artist and San Francisco resident for over 30 years. Since childhood, Rhonel loved drawing and painting which ultimately led him to study art at the University of the Pacific. Today, his creations are inspired by Paris, Africa, vibrant colors, and music. You can see more of Rhonel's work at Chez Rhonel Gallerie located in the historic Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, where he has created his art since 2003. Paint on, Rhonel!

February 21 - Oakland Health Wellness Fair/Festival of Wellness

Dr. Vera Singleton, a naturopathic doctor dedicated to natural health options, and Claudia Noble-Livingston, owner of Cultivating Gardens, a local business focused on creating sustainable, edible, urban gardens in small spaces, are just 2 of many guests today at the African American Museum and Library at Oakland's Festival of Knowledge. Together, they aim to remind everyone that "We Are What We Eat" and that our diets heavily affect the way we perform in school, work, and our overall sense of well-being. Knowledge is power! So remember to stay informed, eat right, and exercise regularly! Photos courtesy of AAMLO.