African American Legacy in the Days of Gentrification

Pictured are Kerry Weddington, SF Jazz, and Dr. John Calloway,
SF Unified School District music teacher. Event speakers included:
Belva Davis Supervisor Malia Cohen, and Sister Stephanie Hughes.
Photo: Malik Looper

by Malik Looper

A press conference held at the SF Jazz Center Wednesday morning highlighted the issue of gentrification and the negative impacts being felt in the Bayview Hunters Point community, specifically the dwindling presence and perceptions of African American residents.

A collective of African American women philanthropists and various other change agents assembled at the SF Jazz Center to announce a partnership between SF Links and StoryCorps. The main purpose of the partnership is to reverse these downward population trends and restore linkages to the legacy of contributions that African Americans have made, and continue to make.

As an African American man born and raised in San Francisco, I was encouraged by Wednesday morning's event, and hope that people with roots in the community, and those who wish to establish or nurture their roots, will connect with this powerful collective of African American women.

Find out how to participate by emailing Angelique Tompkins, a SF LINKS organizer and Bayview resident. Or visit SF LINKS online.

SF LINKS, Inc. leadership.  Photo: Malik Looper