Seen and Heard: Oakland Voices hosts free showcase on Oct. 25

Oakland Voices will host, “Seen and Heard: Oakland Artists and Their Stories” – a free multimedia storytelling showcase on Oct. 25. 

Three Oakland Voices correspondents – Dera R. Williams, Kristal Raheem, and Tanna Samone – produced original feature stories rooted in their personal interests and lived experiences.

They highlight intergenerational activism of Panther Cubs (children of Black Panther Party members), creatives using art for healing, and the Town’s comedy and queer scenes. 

“Arts and culture storytelling highlights members of the community who are expressing themselves and sharing information in creative ways,” Tanna Hall said, she uses the pen name Tanna Samone.

The theme: ‘Seen & Heard’

“We are intentionally shedding light on and amplifying the voices of members of the community that should be seen and heard,” Samone said. “Too often we see and hear people with money and power or large followings even if their messages are harmful, this event spotlights people and places that uplift the community.”

The group intentionally chose the theme, “Seen and Heard.”

“Seen & Heard is about love and resistance,” Raheem said. “The time it takes to preserve the journey and legacy of Oakland artists and culture keepers is an act of love. It’s an act of resistance to gather and show up as our authentic selves in a society that strives to fabricate our reality.”

The multimedia presentation will include live readings, interviews, poetry, and audience engagement. Oakland Poet Laureate Dr. Ayodele Nzinga will moderate an artist conversation after the presentations. R & B artist 3Lise will also perform.

“Oftentimes we are wrapped up in our own provincial lives, but I hope people will take the time to learn how the stories of a community’s past and present can lead to broader perspectives,” Williams said about the showcase.

How to get there

The event takes place at BAM House, Sat. Oct. 25 from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. The showcase is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

RSVP via Partiful to reserve your seat.

Join us to celebrate the power of arts and local storytelling and the voices that make Oakland shine.

This showcase is part of a special Oakland Voices project funded by the East Bay Fund for Artists II, supported by the East Bay Community Foundation. 

Seen and Heard: Oakland artists and their stories.