Best-selling author Michael Eric Dyson was in San Francisco last Wednesday at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) on a book signing and lecture tour promoting his new book: “April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Death and How it Changed America.” Professor Dyson, named by Ebony Magazine as one of the hundred most influential Black Americans, is currently Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University and reside in Washington, D.C. Dyson was nine years old when King was murdered.

Dyson examines King’s death and its impact on the nation, and uses the 40th Anniversary of his assassination as the occasion for a provocative and fresh examination of how King fought, and faced his own death, and how we should use his death and legacy. He probes the virtues and flaws of charismatic Black leadership that has followed in King’s wake, from Jesse Jackson to Barack Obama. The chapter entitled “Black Kennedy” notes: “the rise of Barack Obama as the most popular and potentially powerful Black American politicians ever is at once a nod to King’s legacy and a pioneering venture into new territory.”

Introduced by Dr. Julia Hare, Executive Director, San Francisco based “Black Think Tank,” the outspoken Dyson, an Obama surrogate, fiery orator who mixes rap dialogues, humor, while expounding on critical issues of today. A much sought after speaker, guest on CNN’S Larry King and other talks shows around the conversation of the Presidential Democratic campaigns of Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama. While on tour pulled into the discussion of Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s comments about Obama that was the hot topic that week. Found it unfortunate for the Senator, but understood Rev. Wright’s feelings to vent, and the need to be vindicated.

MoAD’s second floor Gallery overflowed with those there to hear the popular speaker, author of several books, one “Holler if you Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur,” attentive, fledged questions, purchased his book sold by Marcus Bookstore - Gregg and Karen Richardson-Johnson there. loaded with copies. The gathering introduced the Museum staff that included: Ave Montague, Publicist who coordinated the event; Paula Ramsey, Director of Development and Rentals, Demetrie Broxton, Educational Program and Coordinator, and Erica Agyeman, Exhibitions and Events Coordinator. Currently MoAD is undergoing a search for an Executive Director.

TGIF! Phenomenal multi-talented song stylist/musician/composer Rachelle Ferrell brought me back to Yoshi’s on Jack London Square! Absent from that scene since Yoshi’s San Francisco opened December 2007. Since making her DEBUT at Yoshi’s in 2006, Ferrell’s been a popular return. Amazing vocal chords - 6 -1/2 octave voice range (remember Minnie Ripperton?). A rarity in the music world, on both Pop/R&B and Jazz labels. Captured attention when her 1992 self-titled CD went gold on the R&B charts. known for her stunning R&B performances as a crossover artist whose equally at home with urban contemporary pop, gospel, classical music and straight-ahead jazz. One never know what to expect.

The first set, delayed about 30 minutes due to the overflow, kicked off with foot-pattin’ rhythm, entitled “Survival,” stunning “My Funny Valentine” in blues jazz flavor - the song that brought Rachelle to prominence in the 90s when captured on the Blue Note/Capitol Record label “The Instrument”. The soulful beautiful Sistuh’ was awesome as always, standing before us in blue jeans that formed her slender figure, upswept hairstyle - wide mouth stretched in song, stunning octave hollers that gave you chills!

Rachelle Ferrrell takes her time in recording new works, came back after 8 years with “Individuality - Can I Be Me?” featured the single “Satisfied.” Again a dry spell; no matter, her fan base travel from all over the Bay Area to catch her performance - a box office winner! This writer among her legion of loyal fans.

The last Sunday in April hung out with Bob Graham and The Rhythm and Blues Club members jammin’ at their San Francisco headquarters, The Verde Club (on Potrero and Mariposa), featured popular R&B Band “Passions” led by Jerome Clay on keyboards/vocals, layin’ down R&B, good feel dancing sounds.

Those seen having a good time included: Phyllis Sterling among those celebrating their birthdays; Gail Graham, wife of Bob, shared with me her experience living in France as a young child with her family (her father was a military man stationed at Orley Field located near Paris), and her love for the City of Lights; Eunice Jones (my heartfelt condolence to her in the loss of her dear friend - the late Ron Peterson); and R&B Event Coordinator Mary Frances - still loving that man!

HEY, IT’S NICE TO BE NICE AND TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE...LOOK FOR ME...I’LL BE THERE...
E-mail Rochelle at iheard@earthlink.net