Dr. King was the leader of this country's greatest nonviolent movement for justice, equality and peace. This exhibit is designed to pay homage to Dr. King, view unique material illustrating his life and teachings. During the month long King exhibit visitors will find invaluable resources to become informed about Dr. King and the ongoing efforts to fulfill his great dream.

"Black History Month in East Oakland would be nothing with out the spirit and labor of Ms. Betty Gadling." Said Leonard Charles Black Wall Street District board member. The Black History Celebrations start off Thursday, February 8th with Khalil Shaheed's review of Black music featuring a second line New Orleans Jazz band a segment of classical music and trumpet player James Tinsley. This is also a tribute to James Brown. On February 15th A Betty Gadling Production presents Four Horns featuring: Kevin Moore, Jono, Angelou Luster and Stabe Wilson doing Gospel music and Roland Gresham gospel guitarist.

Friday, February 22 Black History performances features a drama performed by the Allen temple youth department doing a portrayal of Slab Town Convention. This is a dramatization of a convention meeting during the early part of the 18th century. Allen Temple Baptist Church 8501 International Boulevard, Black Wall Street District TIME: 7:00 p.m.

There is also the African American Sports Hall of Fame Exhibit. The aim of the African American-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame Exhibit is to broaden the public's general understanding of African American & Ethnic history and the role of diversity and cultural tolerance in the growth of professional sports. The exhibit will be held at the Dr. Herbert Guice Christian Academy 6925 International Boulevard.

There are also book signings scheduled including Oakland's "Culinary Diva" Tanya Holland, Author of "New Soul Cooking: Updating a Cuisine Rich in Flavor and Tradition Holland is a regular host of the Food Network's Melting Pot Soul Kitchen. And Oakland's Marvin X will be reading, and discussing his collection of books which include: Beyond Religion, Toward Spirituality; Land of My Daughters.

There will be a Kenpo Karate Tournament on February 23rd. The Kenpo system is based on knowledge, foundation, speed, power and accuracy. Kenpo Karate teaches self-defense and self-control through three primary methods: basics, katas and sparring (also known as kumite or freestyle). Basics focus on various striking, blocking and kicking exercises that build foundation, proper form and technique. The Tournament will be held at Haywood Karate School at 4430 International.

"Every year, the Black Wall Street District is honored to host the various Black History Month events. Our district is very diverse; however, we come together at different times during the year to celebrate our glorious heritage and to promote our dreams of today and for the future". stated Glenda McComb, MBA, Executive Director for the Black Wall Street Merchants Association.

Sponsors include Amazon.com, Careerbuilder.com, American Express, Fast Imaging, Clear Channel Communications, KBLX 102.9 FM, Globe Newspapers, San Francisco Bay View Newspaper and Infaith.acnrep.com. Contact the spokesperson for the Black Wall Street District Black History Month 2008 celebrations: Maria Costen at 415 284 1029 x214 or maria.costen@blackwallstreet.org or for more information, other events, locations, dates and times visit www.blackwallstreet.org.

The Black Wall Street District is California's premiere African American spiritual, arts and commerce District. Taking a page out of the history books of Tulsa , OK (1830-1921). The district stretches from High Street to the San Leandro border along International Boulevard.

-30-

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Friday, February 1 - Friday, February 29 - The King Exhibit. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch in the Black Wall Street District in Oakland is one of few US living memorials dedicated to the advancement of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was the leader of this country's greatest nonviolent movement for justice, equality and peace. This exhibit is designed to pay homage to Dr. King, view unique exhibits illustrating his life and teachings. During the month long King exhibit you will find invaluable resources to become informed about Dr. King and the ongoing efforts to fulfill his great dream. Martin Luther King Jr. Library 6833 International 12:00 Noon 5:30 pm - Free

Friday, February 1 - Friday, February 29 - African American-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame Exhibit The aim of the African American-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame Exhibit is to broaden the public's general understanding of African American & Ethnic history and the role of diversity and cultural tolerance in the growth of professional sports. Guice Christian Academy 6925 International Blvd. 10:00 am 2:00 pm - Free

Friday, February 1 - James Henry of Samba Samba Presents Interactive Music Education. Celebrate Black History Month with dance and percussion. Come prepared to dance, sing, and have a great time. Martin Luther King Library 6833 International 3:30 pm - Free

Saturday, February 2 - Workshop: Being Black in The Business World Business Development Workshop Professionals will provide assistance with business plans and marketing strategies. 9101 International Blvd 1:00 pm - Free

Tuesday, February 5 - Stories from the African-American Diaspora. Celebrate Black History Month with the stories and characters of master storyteller Mary J. Kelly. "The images of our life are indelibly imprinted in our mind and create the stories we live by." -Mary J. Kelly. This event is co-sponsored by Young Audiences of Northern California. - Elmhurst Library 1427 88th Ave 5:30 pm - Free

Thursday, February 8 - Black History Performances: A Betty Gadling Production. Black History Month Concert Series Khalil Shaheed's review of Black music featuring a second line New Orleans Jazz band a segment of classical music, featuring a trumpet player named James Tinsley. This is also a tribute to James Brown. Allen Temple Baptist Church 8501 International Boulevard, Black Wall Street District TIME: 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 9 - Book Signing: Oakland's "Culinary Diva" Tanya Holland, Author of "New Soul Cooking: Updating a Cuisine Rich in Flavor and Tradition Holland is a regular host of the Food Network's Melting Pot Soul Kitchen. Lay's Mesa Grill. Martin Luther King Library 6833 International 2:00 pm - Free

Saturday, February 11 - Book Signing: Marvin X, Author Oakland's Marvin X will be reading, and discussing his collection of books which include: Beyond Religion, Toward Spirituality; Land of My Daughters - Free - Elmhurst Library 1427 88th Ave - 5:30 pm 7:00 pm - Free

Wednesday, February 13 - Bay Area Black Comedy Competition First Rounds. "Comedic Affirmative Action. "Geoffrey's Inner Circle 410 - 14th Street Downtown Oakland 6:00 pm 10:00 pm

Thursday, February 14 - Bay Area Black Comedy Competition First Rounds. Geoffrey's Inner Circle 410 - 14th Street Downtown Oakland 6:00 pm 10:00 pm

Friday, February 15 - Black History Performances. Black History Month Concert Series. A Betty Gadling Production. Four Horns featuring: Kevin Moore, Jono, Angelou Luster and Stabe Wilson doing Gospel music and Roland Gresham gospel guitarist. Allen Temple Baptist Church 8501 International Boulevard, Black Wall Street District TIME: 7:00 p.m.
- Bay Area Black Comedy Competition First Rounds. Geoffrey's Inner Circle 410 - 14th Street Downtown Oakland 6:00 pm 10:00 pm

Saturday, February 16 - International Boulevard Day Black Wall Street District All Day All Day. February, 16 is declared International Boulevard Day. The aim is to show solidarity between business owners, property owners and churches. Sponsored by Healthy Communities.
- Workshop: Doing Business In Oakland. Oakland CEDA Reps will outline the steps needed to do business here in Oakland. 9101 International Blvd 1:00 pm 3:00 pm
- Bay Area Black Comedy Competition Final Round. The Bay Area Black Comedy Competition & Festival, "Where the Laughter Never Ends! Paramount Theatre 2025 Broadway 7:00 pm 10:00 pm

Friday, February 22 - Black History Performances. Black History Month Concert Series. A Betty Gadling Production. A drama performed by the Allen temple youth department doing a portrayal of Slab Town Convention. This is a dramatization of a convention meeting during the early part of the 18th century. Allen Temple Baptist Church 8501 International Boulevard, Black Wall Street District TIME: 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 23 - Kenpo Karate Tournament Haywood The Kenpo system is based on knowledge, foundation, speed, power and accuracy. Kenpo Karate teaches self-defense and self-control through three primary methods: basics, katas and sparring (also known as kumite or freestyle). Basics focus on various striking, blocking and kicking exercises that build foundation, proper form and technique. Haywood Karate School 4430 International 11:00 am - Free
- Workshop: New Entrepreneurs Workshop. This Workshop will focus on the basics of business and tools for marketing strategies and technical support. All new business owners should attend. 9101 International Blvd 1:00 pm 3:00 pm - Free

Sunday, February 24 - A Black History Celebration his Celebration will include readings, poetry, song and soulful per-formances. The focus of this event is the history of the Black Church in America. New Life Church of God in Christ 4450 International 1:00 pm

Monday, February 25 - Book Signing: Oakland's "Culinary Diva" Tanya Holland, Author of "New Soul Cooking: Updating a Cuisine Rich in Flavor and Tradition Holland is a regular host of the Food Network's Melting Pot Soul Kitchen. Lay's Mesa Grill. Elmhurst Library 1427 88th Ave 2:00 pm - Free