It was a bitter-sweet opportunity as the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre is now based in the African American Arts and Culture Complex. The now deceased founders
Quentin Easter, Executive Director
and Stanley Williams, Artistic Director had made it their life's work to make sure the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre would be in the "Theater District" of San Francisco. Considering the pricing of real estate in San Francisco, I am sure they would rest in peace knowing that LHT is at the African American Arts and Culture Complex in great artistic company as the theatre regains its footing. They would expect for the board to be on the look out for an opening again in the "Theater District." With years of looking for a home in the ever-pricy City when the Sheehan was sold to the Academy of Art University, Al Dixon, former Chairman and Steven Anthony Jones serving as Artistic and Executive Director and the LHT Board of Directors are to be highly supported for their work in keeping the theatre "alive and well." And as accolades are being extended, Gina Snow, who took over the reigns of marketing after the last remaining dedicated team member of Quentin and Stanley's team, Marc Paquette died, should be first in line to receive the "Above and Beyond" award for keeping the theater viable.
The Lorraine Hansberry Theatre is a tremendous historical gem in the treasure trove of unsung Black community jewels in San Francisco and the wider Bay Area. The experience of meeting John Marshall, who was on business in Portland and Celia Marshall, who was in Oakland for an API conference, reemphasized the great need for the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre and other Black cultural artistic organizations.
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John Marshall, Steven Anthony Jones, Cecilia Marshall, joined by Director of "Thurgood" Margo Hall. (photo courtesy of Gina Snow).
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It was in early 2000 that I ran into two Black tourists from Jamaica in front of San Francisco City Hall. They asked me "Where are all the Black people? Where can we go to be with our people?" Wow! Black tourists wanting to engage their culture, a concept I had not given much thought... so I proceeded to share info about the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, which wasn't in production at the time and a few other arts groups like African American Shakespeare Company, Afro Solo, and of course the Berkeley Black Repertoire Theater. As far as nightlife, I did not have much to offer off the top of my head. I mentioned a few Black restaurants, but I felt I had come up short. The importance of having Black culture show up in San Francisco was significant then and even more so now with the dwindling population of Black people. I have asked some of my professional colleagues recently, "When dignitaries from around the world, especially from Africa, come to San Francisco, where do they go to experience Black culture?" The silence is always deafening.
So if you'd like to experience Black culture beyond the mostly negative headlines fed to our society by media, "Thurgood" which ends this weekend is a must see. The Talkbacks with Bay Area Civil Rights Icons Eva Paterson & Pamela Price will be priceless.
Also, I remind you to support Black arts organizations. It's important for positive social discourse now and it's important for the future. Danny Glover and many other Black Bay Area artists cut their teeth at the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre. Let's make sure LHT and other Black arts groups are around so that our young Black actors, writers, directors, technical directors, costume designers, stage managers, accountants, executive directors and so many other positions have a place to start or cultivate their talents. There are job opportunities with Black organizations that can be cultivated into a workforce development model to increase training and experience.
Can't make the remaining "Thurgood" shows? Make a donation of tickets for youth or general support.
Find out more about "Thurgood" produced by the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre at the African American Arts and Culture Complex, 762 Fulton St. in San Francisco, 94102.
It's not only the job opportunities, it's the spiritual aspect of theater and the arts that should be noted here.
Judge Teri L. Jackson recently told the audience at the San Francisco 100 Black Women Luncheon that she decided to become a lawyer at the age of 5 years old when she saw "To Kill a Mockingbird" at the movie theater.
The work of San Francisco attorney Jacq Wilson in the Modesto and Fresno area of California, underlines the need for young lawyers to be inspired by "Thurgood" and others.
Police probe alleged hate crime involving video, Central Catholic students
Hate Crime/Bullying Incident 1:
12-year-old girl the victim of a hate crime (the subject of the OCR complaint, discussed below).
Harassment/Bullying Incident 2:
MCS President Steve Grenbeaux’s bullying, inappropriate, and disrespectful behaviors during a school board meeting on January 19, 2016. Specifically telling NAACP president Frank Johnson and an elderly (82-year-old) speaker to “Sit down!” as seen in the video. In the board meeting (minute 121:15), President Grenbeaux says, while performing his District duties, “I respect the community, just certain members.”
Hate Crime/Bullying Incident 3:
A video making death threats to a CCHS student.
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