Visions & Black History

Visions is heading out of the coldest months of winter having held a Black History Month event with participant performances, a trip to the Oakland Museum that celebrated the lasting impact of the Black Panther Party in its advocacy for healthier communities, and with The White Reaper published and more books to come!

Part of the reason there were so many performances at the Black History Month celebration was because so many had a chance to sing their their favorite songs. This happened because over time, the community has become more comfortable with different forms of self expression.

CEO Gwen Captain said, "I also think it helped that the celebration was music-driven." She added that because of the familial environment, other cultures were included as well, with those of German descent sharing words of welcome and greeting folks in their native tongue.

The smaller crowd also made the environment more cozy and comfortable to sing and share in front of an audience. “People became brave enough to do a recital, so we see the tools for self-advocacy blossoming because everyone got up to do something, including LaShun Allen. Parents and grandparents were there as well as board members," Captain said.

Another highlight was the trip to the Oakland Museum towards the end of Black History Month, which was a welcome outing into the community.

Tyriq Williams really loved The Black Panther’s exhibit at the Oakland Museum and loved having lunch at a park in Berkeley. "Tyriq would like to go again soon," Captain said.