The Holiday Christmas & Kwanzaa Gift Show Aligns with Oakland Mayor's "Shop Safe Oakland"
The Californer/10219777

OAKLAND, Calif. - Californer -- Posted Courtesy of Wright Enterprises Community Spotlight San Francisco~Dallas

Thanksgiving Eve,  Mayor Libby Schaaf held a news conference heralding the "Shop Safe Oakland for the Holidays."  The two-day Holiday Christmas & Kwanzaa Gift Show, is a multicultural event providing a "Shop Safe Oakland" environment kicking off the giving season of Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa and is an example of the spirit of the campaign as people ready for the holidays.

In a news conference kickoff on Wednesday, Mayor Schaaf said "Shop Safe Oakland" is an effort to create a sense of safety and comfort for people to come back to neighborhood commercial districts and do their shopping in person.  "We want you to know the City is here to welcome you back and to enjoy your shopping ," said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.  Mayor Schaaf also explained there will be an Oakland City Council meeting on Tuesday to discuss grants for small businesses.  Cathy Adams, President and CEO of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce was on hand for the news conference.  News Conference link: https://youtu.be/LxfBspCTKMU .



The Holiday Christmas & Kwanzaa Gift Show is an excellent example of what Mayor Schaaf has announced with the "Shop Safe Oakland" initiative as it brings vendors near and far with products to stimulate Oakland's economy Black Friday Weekend starts special shopping and entertainment at the Oakland Marriott Convention Center, 550 10^th Street & Broadway, 10 am to 7 pm, November 26^th & 27th.

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With safety at the forefront of planning, BWOPA (Black Women Organized for Political Action) will provide COVID resources including test kits and general information. See their https://blackandvaxxed.org/campaign-toolkit/.

"Family and Community Reunion" is the event theme with a promotional price of $10 for all those who bring a nonperishable item that will be donated to Alameda County Community Food Bank. Attendees who spend $25 with any of the vendors will receive a gift courtesy of the African American Business Exchange while supplies last.

In addition to various vendors with unique gifts, entertainment, book-signings,  and panels will be part of  "The Holiday Christmas & Kwanzaa Gift Show" fare.   Attendees will enjoy special appearances by author and San Francisco Chronicle Columnist George McCalman who will be signing his new book, Illustrated Black History: Honoring the Iconic and the Unseen; San Francisco Artist Malik Seneferu, who will show how to set up a Kwanzaa Table; Mike Spiderman Robinson & Friends play Jazz; Children will love the Prescott Circus Theatre; TV Host & Cuisine Noir magazine contributor Phyllis Bowie from "Living With Phyllis" in conversation with Black food experts will discuss Black Food Sovereignty "From Greens to Black Eyed Peas". In a panel discussion hosted by Sandra Varner of Varner PR,  Black Vines shares Black Vintners tips for holiday wine pairings during a panel with Jerry Bailey of Ayaba Wines; Jamishia Ramsey of Black Excellence Wine Company and Monique Griffin of The Pour UP Wine Company.  Outdoor Afro's founder Rue Mapp shares her author's journey to creating Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors and signing books.

Additionally, Village Connect will host the Black Family-Power & Purpose panel; Mario B. Productions & Hip Hop TV will showcase the latest fashions from the Red Carpet to the VIP Club Scene; DJ Squaropolis will spin popular hits throughout the event; Lawrence Matthews & Friends will raise the roof with Gospel Praise;  Mayor Elect Sheng Thao, newly elected Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, other elected officials, BART Directors and Community leaders have been invited to attend.

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Everyone is welcome.  The public is encouraged to bring a nonperishable item to benefit the Alameda County Community Food Bank and get $5 off the $15 ticket price. Children 12 and under are free, yet they are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to instill a sense of giving and the importance of community investment.  The goal is to raise 400 pounds of food over the two-day community focused event.  People can bring their nonperishable food items and drop them off without having to attend the event; but organizers ask that they stay long enough to take a selfie.  Corporate and Community volunteer groups are extended this great community opportunity as well.  Just bring nonperishable food items while dressed in a corporate or organization T-Shirt and get a photo-op for newsletters.

"As Mayor Schaaf has announced "Shop Safe Oakland," we are pleased to be the first major event out the gate that is in alignment of what the City and evidently the people of Oakland like those involved with ' The Holiday Christmas & Kwanzaa Gift Show' want to do to rebuild Oakland's resilience,"  said James Moore, Jr., CEO of The African American Business Exchange (THEAABE.COM). "The family and community reunion" we are talking about brings the community together again as we help generate joy while stimulating business for our vendors and other businesses in downtown Oakland during the kickoff of this  holiday season".

Get more details at BAYAREAGIFTSHOW.COM or email info@thebayareagiftshow.com.

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