Enjoy holiday production, support the African-American Museum and Black artists all at the same time

The ONME Newswire
Dec 16, 2020
2 min read

By ONME Newswire

California businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs are fielding their way through the COVID-19 chaos that has been an economic strain for everyone. One of the hardest hit industries has not only been small business restaurants, but the trickle down affect is also hurting local entertainers--often hired by the local restaurant owners.

Such income opportunities are currently diminished, especially with California's most recent stay-at-home order-- artists have had to find unique ways to survive the fickle economy.

In fact, The African American Historical and Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley (AAHCMSJV), located in Central California, is also experiencing a hard hit. The non-profit organization opened its doors in 1989, thanks to the sacrifices made by founder Sergeant Jack Kelley and a host of co-founders and supporters who saw the need to educate and inform residents of Central Valley Black local heroes and trailblazers who made a difference in their communities, against the odds and stark racism.

The AAHCMSJV Museum is privately funded by community donors, and is considered the Black culture and arts hub for all residents in the Central Valley; however, since the beginning of the pandemic in March, their doors have been closed due to state and/or county COVID-19 regulations, causing economic loss from its usual in-person, annual events.

The holiday season has begun ...

When the ONME Network was approached by several Black California artists to think of a way to use its media platforms and distribution networks to help them, a unique partnership was formed, allowing for both parties to work together to produce a holiday production.

The goal of the benefit is to provide emergency support for Black California artists and the AAHCMSJV Museum who are struggling considerably during the COVID-19 restrictions, causing considerable loss of income.

The ONME Network has made available online the 2020 California Holiday Special; people can enjoy a spirited, commercial-free musical production filled with festive music, spoken word, and holiday messages.

The approximate 100-minute production includes an opening prayer by Rev. Juanda Moore

, 2021 affirmations, a statement from AAHCMSJV Museum Board Chair Barigye McCoy, a statement from Vice-Chair Gregory Melancon about Kwanzaa, music, spoken-word performances and an excerpt of the AAHCMSJV Museum's Kwanzaa.

Featured artists include Les Franklin & The Oaktown Blues Gang, Al Turner & Friends, Baby Bee & The Goodfellas Plus, Keysha & the Impromptu Band with special guest appearances from legendary jazz and blues musicians Bobby Logan and Bobby Brown. Featured poets includes, Tay Reem, Swirv Azubuike, and Kiani Shaw.