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Images of America: California
Black Artists in Oakland
Oakland's famous and vibrant arts heritage is known throughout the country, but many people are unaware of the extent of this city's contribution to the national stage in terms of music, dance, visual arts, and literature. Black Artists in Oakland celebrates this amazing story over the past half century through vintage images, from the early days of Slim Jenkins's nightclub to the changing styles of Esther's Orbit Room and the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts. More than 200 photographs lift the curtain on many inspiring artists--masters in their chosen aesthetic and neighbors to the community. Among the artists highlighted in these pages are Ruth Beckford, Raymond Saunders, Alice Walker, and E. W. Wainwright.
128 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2007
33 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Thompson
4 books11 followers Author Jerry Thompson
Thompson is not native to Oakland, but upon settling here (from New York, via Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vallejo), he felt at home. “In Oakland, I found my creative voice,” says Thompson. “I found the home I was looking for. And that filled me up.”
After co-authoring the 2007 Arcadia Publishing book Black Artists in Oakland,
A gregarious bookseller who’s stylish enough to pull off wearing plaid on plaid, Thompson thrives here in the cultural diversity of his chosen hometown. He loves helping people connect. “I’m the match striker,” he says. “I start the flame.”
Latest book - Berkeley Noir co-edited with the amazing Owen Hill
Thompson is not native to Oakland, but upon settling here (from New York, via Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vallejo), he felt at home. “In Oakland, I found my creative voice,” says Thompson. “I found the home I was looking for. And that filled me up.”
After co-authoring the 2007 Arcadia Publishing book Black Artists in Oakland,
A gregarious bookseller who’s stylish enough to pull off wearing plaid on plaid, Thompson thrives here in the cultural diversity of his chosen hometown. He loves helping people connect. “I’m the match striker,” he says. “I start the flame.”
Latest book - Berkeley Noir co-edited with the amazing Owen Hill
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 24, 2013
I bought this book a few years ago because it has two of my former teachers in it: David Bradford and Malaquias Montoya, both art teachers at UC Berkeley. It is basically a photo book and includes musicians, writers and visual artists. It also has photos of historic venues of Oakland such as night clubs and theaters, along with well-known people who performed or visited them. Great vintage photos and historical facts for anyone interested in Oakland's history.
Displaying 1 of 1 review