Oakland First Fridays

Much like the title of J. Cole’s new album, Oakland First Fridays is also in The Off-Season. We may not be physically together but we will never forget our roots of supporting local artists like, @b.yeedraws on Instagram. Spark Artist, Brandon Yee creates unique vibrant portraits that pay homage to hip-hop & basketball legends. These prints and more are available for sale on his etsy shop at PrintsByBrandonYee & are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and more! Check it out! #bayareaartist #jcole #nipseyhussle #lillard #supportlocalartists

Check out Rock Paper Scissors Collective new location and first exhibit on JUNE 4th from 5-9pm!

The streets of Oakland are not complete without some beautiful murals. Like these done by Oaklanders and Spark Artists, DJ AGANA & Desi Mundo! Pictured left, a new mural by DJ AGANA honoring Ma’Khia Bryant has just been completed on Broadway between 27th and 28th St. Show your support by visiting her online store where she sells unique jewelry and prints. https://www.djagana.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html Pictured right, is a gorgeous mural done by Desi (@withoutmyego o...n IG) located on Park Blvd & E 19th St. which says "A spiritual woman is the greatest threat to the status quo." #oakland #oaklandartist #oaklandmurals #mural

SPARK ARTIST REVISIT: Last year, Doran Dada painted these protector front line shields for the Black Lives Matter movement. They were recently SOLD with 50% of the proceeds donated to a local social justice organization in Oakland. "It's actions like this that make my artwork worthwhile. We all have a voice, let's use it to bring about a better world for all!" He used sacred kemetic hieroglyphs from Africa as power symbols intended to protect shield protestors from harm. T...he shields all use the letter X as their main power symbol which was first used by Osiris/Ausur as his sign of the throne, dominance, and later as resurrection and rebirth. Follow him or visit his website for more art like this! www.dorandada.com #blacklivesmatter #artmovement #oakland #socialjusticeart

Happy 510 Day! The culture and people are what makes this city thrive, NO ONE DOES IT LIKE OAKLAND Pictured: TURFinc

Oakland First Fridays is launching a free mentoring program to help emerging artists build a business. Info and applications at oaklandfirstfridays.org/spark

BIG LOVE and CONGRATULATIONS to OakFF Main Stage hosts Jael and Tyré Ellison, on the arrival of the lovely Anise Octavia Ellison!

Oakland First Fridays launches a free mentoring program to help emerging artists build a business. Info and applications at oaklandfirstfridays.org/spark

It's been a long year, it's been a long week, there's nowhere we'd rather be tonight than out on Telegraph with all of you. Keep the faith....

If you haven't sent in your ballot, be sure to get to the polls Tuesday. Change starts with YOU!

KONO, the producers of First Fridays, is looking at updated banner designs for the district. Want to help us choose? Cast your vote at KONOOakland.org!

Oakland First Fridays wishes a happy NINETY-NINTH BIRTHDAY to Betty Reid Soskin: businesswoman, singer, activist, author, "Rosie the Riveter" and the oldest Ranger in the National Park Service. (photo: NPS)

Traffic bollards recently installed in the OakFF footprint don't fix safety issues with the bike lanes, and may make it impossible for First Fridays to resume after the pandemic. We're asking the city to remove them. Read more and sign our petition at oaklandfirstfridays.org

It sure does not seem like six months since we were last out on Telegraph. Hope this First Friday finds you all doing well, and we can't wait till we can see you again.

Oakland has a long history of standing up for what's right. 1946: Disney's "Song of the South" draws picketers to the Paramount Theatre.

We sure miss seeing Ms.Nzuri Soul light up the OakFF main stage. But at least you can have her light up your screens with her Album Release Concert on August 22! Support local music! #MsNzuriSoul #OaklandPerformers

Remembering the good times: Fantastic Negrito unwrapped his first (of several) Grammies at Oakland First Fridays in 2017! We miss you all and we'll be back!

CALL TO ACTION! Oakland's Department of Transportation is making changes to Telegraph which could make it impossible for Oakland First Fridays to resume after the pandemic. Visit OaklandFirstFridays.org for more info and a link to our community survey so your voice can be heard!