From Africa to San Francisco

A photo of the Ferry building, with the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island behind it.

by Novalie Young

San Francisco has a high number of Black immigrants. The community began with the workers and entrepreneurs of the California Gold Rush in the 19th century, and in the early-to-mid 20th century, it grew as more migrant workers were drawn to the city. Since then, the Black community living here has attracted masses of other immigrants from developing countries in search of greener pastures. 

The increased population of homeless people in the streets and shelters around the city includes some of these Black immigrants.

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Dumb or Dumber—The Sweepy Town Chronicles, Part 4

by Andy Howard

Will was mesmerized as he stared through the dirty window of a local coffee shop. Wind gusts of 70 mph and raindrops that mimicked fish eyes pummeled anyone and everything in their path. Will was grateful to be standing inside. What was it like to be the poor homeless couple across the street in their wind torn tent with a bivy tarp tied fast to anything heavy enough to keep the tent on the ground? 

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Reflections from a 40-Year-Old

by Rupal Ramesh Shah

PLAY UNO
It is an easy game to learn if you can follow numbers and colors, and
a great way to bring people together.

DRINK WARM CHAI
Nothing soothes the heart like homemade chai on a cold or hot day.
Even better, try that cup of chai with cardamom, ginger, or saffron!

GIVE FIRM HANDSHAKES
Handshakes convey both confidence and collegiality.

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Side by Side

chair frames and baby toys, 

jackets, toothbrushes coffee cans and pillows

wrapped up in paper bags made of memories

nylon homes buried under lives made of storms… Povertyskola

 Sunday, February 12, 4PM @the Lab, 2948 16th Street in San Francisco

Sunday, February 26, 4PM @PianoFight, 1540 Broadway in Oakland

Six houseless residents of San Francisco, LA and Oakland live outside in tents,

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Political Issues Facing Black San Franciscans Today

by Andrew Khakali

When Same was a child, they didn’t see any difference between them and their mostly white  preschool mates. Like all children, they simply enjoyed the company of other people, and saw them as either nice or mean based on the way that person treated them. How they felt about others had nothing to do with race, who their parents were, how wealthy their family was or anything else.

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