LIVE CONCERTS ARE BACK AT GEOFFREY'S!
Because of the easing of the COVID restrictions, we're pleased to be able to invite our friends back to our space.
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Sunday Jazz At Geoffrey's, August 8th, with Carol Stallings
Geoffrey's Inner Circle 410 14th Street, Oakland 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm $15 Admission $15 Soul Food Buffet -
Sunday, August 1 — Yancie Taylor Featuring Vocalist Azure McCall
Geoffrey's Inner Circle 410 14th Street, Oakland 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm $15 Admission $15 Soul Food Buffet
Announcements
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Getting Ready For the Inner Circle Grand Reopening
Hello Geoffrey's Inner Circle Family! We are ecstatic to announce that with much ado Geoffrey's Inner Circle is preparing for our highly anticipated Grand Reopening! With plans to open doors ... -
Join the Friends of Geoffrey’s Inner Circle in preserving this Oakland cultural treasure!
Hello, Geoffrey's Inner Circle family! PLEASE NOTE: We have raised $22,000 of our $250,000 Go Fund Me goal in only three weeks!! For those who have already contributed, thank you, ...
News Of The Day
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Think winning Olympic gold is tough? Try doing it while coping with racism
Posted July 31, 2021 from The Guardian — Athletes like Simone Biles must perform at the highest level while also carrying burdens specific to Black sportswomen — By Brianna Holt ... -
Disturbing Footage Shows Atlanta Cop Kicking Handcuffed Black Woman In Head
Posted July 31, 2021 from Revolt — The cop was suspended alongside his partner, who failed to stop the brutal attack. — Two Atlanta officers have been relieved from active ... -
Jennifer Hudson Brings Down the House in New Aretha Franklin Biopic Clip
Posted July 31, 2021 from Rolling Stone — 'Respect' arrives in theaters August 13th — Jennifer Hudson, in the role of Aretha Franklin, delivers a show-stopping performance of the Queen ... -
Obama becomes minority owner, strategic partner for NBA Africa
Posted July 30, 2021 from The Grio — Former President Barack Obama’s investment in Basketball Africa will be used to support youth and leadership programming for the Obama Foundation across ... -
Coliseum Authority Approves African- American Led Group to Bring WNBA Team to Oakland
Posted July 30, 2021 from the Office of At-Large Oakland City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan — the Oakland- Alameda County Coliseum Authority (“OACCA) Board unanimously voted to approve a Term Sheet ... -
After a rough year, Geoffrey’s Inner Circle to relaunch Sunday night jazz sessions
Posted July 30, 2021 from Oaklandside — Geoffrey Pete was reluctant to ask for help. The namesake proprietor of Geoffrey’s Inner Circle has weathered many a storm since he opened ... -
Shelia Jackson Lee third Black lawmaker arrested during voting rights protests
Posted July 30, 2021 from The Guardian — Congress members Joyce Beatty and Hank Johnson were previously arrested for participating in separate demonstrations — Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democratic representative ... -
Upcoming 'King Richard': Will Smith As Venus And Serena's Father
Posted July 29, 2021 from Shadow And Act — Warner Bros. has dropped the first trailer for King Richard, starring Will Smith as Richard Williams, the father of iconic athletes ... -
Poor People’s Campaign march to prevent Texas voting restrictions
Posted July 29, 2021 from The Guardian — Marchers set off from Georgetown on Wednesday morning, aiming to reach state capitol in Austin for a voting laws rally on Saturday ... -
Why this East Oakland pastor got vaccinated
Posted July 29, 2021 from Oaklandside — Jacqueline Thompson, head pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church, got vaccinated for her congregation and 92-year-old mother — By Ricky Rodas — Last ...
Videos Of The Day
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President Biden gives major voting rights speech in Philadelphia
July 13, 2021: Biden gives speech in response to of Republican voting suppression bills in several states that attack the fundamental voting rights of Black and other citizens. -
C.L. Dellums And Romancing the Rails
This segment of the 1 hour, prime time special that first aired September 25, 1988 on WUSA, Romancing the Rails, focuses on the Sleeping Car Porters who played a major ... -
Angela Davis interviewed by Julian Bond
Julian Bond interviews Angela Davis, civil rights activist and university professor. Dr. Davis is professor emeritus at the University of California-Santa Cruz. Their shared conversation explores her personal history and ...
Geoffrey Pete And Geoffrey's Inner Circle In The News
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Live show venues in Oakland—like Geoffrey's—can now apply for emergency funding
Posted April 13, 2021 from Oaklandside — A new federal assistance program will provide over $16 billion in grants to entertainment venues that lost revenue during the pandemic — By ... -
Geoffrey’s Inner Circle Not included in City of Oakland Funding Support
Posted June 8, 2021 from the Post News Group — By Geoffrey Pete — Paul Mooney appeared at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle some 30 or more times over the years. His ... -
After a rough year, Geoffrey’s Inner Circle to relaunch Sunday night jazz sessions
Posted July 30, 2021 from Oaklandside — Geoffrey Pete was reluctant to ask for help. The namesake proprietor of Geoffrey’s Inner Circle has weathered many a storm since he opened ... -
Oakland Entertainment Veterans Emerge From COVID-19 With New Mission
Posted June 27, 2021 from the Post News Group — By Tony Spires — Oakland, like many major U.S. cities, has been severely impacted by recent unprecedented events. The COVID-19 ...
Worthwhile Causes That Deserve Your Support
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Forbes: Black-Owned Businesses To Support Part One
Voting with your pocketbook is one of the best ways to effect change in a capitalist society. The U.S. is home to roughly 2.5 million black-owned businesses, according to the ... -
Forbes: Black-Owned Businesses To Support Part Two
Voting with your pocketbook is one of the best ways to effect change in a capitalist society. The U.S. is home to roughly 2.5 million black-owned businesses, according to the ... -
Support Black Businesses: 10 Black-Owned Businesses Highlighted By Forbes Magazine
Voting with your pocketbook is one of the best ways to effect change in a capitalist society. The U.S. is home to roughly 2.5 million black-owned businesses, according to the ...
Snapshots
Celebrating Good Times At Geoffrey's Inner Circle
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Fifth anniversary of Yancie Taylor's Sunday jazz at Geoffrey's Inner Circle
March 18, 2018 Liz Dawson-DeWitt, guest vocalist for the night Geoffrey Pete and special guest, Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale -
Gospel Brunch Featuring The Edwin Hawkins Singers
1996 at Geoffrey's Inner Circle -
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Feeding Our Friends And Family On Thanksgiving
Annual Complimentary Thanksgiving Feast at Geoffrey's Inner Circle 2018 Version Sponsored this year by Oakland and NBA basketball stars Antonio Davis and Aaron Gordon Click on images to enlarge -
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Jazz @ Geoffrey's Inner Circle
With Rhonda Benin November 5, 2013
A History Of Geoffrey's Inner Circle
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2018 Jefferson Award Winner Owns Geoffrey's Inner Circle
Oakland Nightclub Owner Hosts Community Members For Free Meals -
A History Of Geoffrey's Inner Circle: The Athenian Nile Club, Part 1
By Joan Tarika Lewis Copyright 1999 To understand the significance of Geoffrey's Inner Circle is to examine, Africa’s story, our-story and history. Why is this important and what does this have to ...
Herman And Dorothy Reid Pete
Honoring The Parents Of Inner Circle Owner Geoffrey Pete
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Dorothy Pete: Her Life In Her Own Words
African American Museum & Library at Oakland oral history interview with Dorothy Reid Pete discussing her family’s history in the Bay Area and her integration of the Oakland YWCA. Dorothy ... -
DOROTHY PETE AT 90
MATRIARCH OF BLACK BERKELEY FAMILY MARKS 90TH BIRTHDAY — From the Berkeley Daily Planet Newspaper, March 9, 2004 — One of the great modern California folk myths is that African-Americans ... -
Herman Rideaux Pete: Outstanding Athlete And Proud Race Man
Herman Pete was a star student athlete in the 1930's, first at Alameda High School and then later at Marin Junior College, excelling in both football and baseball. Pete attended ...
Paul Mooney — August 14, 1941 - May 19, 2021
He Always Left Us Laughing And Then, Laughing, He Left Us
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Video: The Paul Mooney Awards (2004)
Legendary writer/comedian Paul Mooney took over the 2004 BET Comedy Awards in the way only he can. -
Video: Paul Mooney unfiltered comedy
Paul Mooney is the black, white and brown citizens go to for comic relief with his no holds barred style of comedy, in this video clip watch as Mooney dissect ... -
Video: Paul Mooney - Dropping Knowledge
More from Reelblack's 2010 interview with MR. PAUL MOONEY. In this clip, he talks about the difference between being half-African and half-Black, DNA, his Rip Van Winkle screenplay, Willie Lynch ... -
Steve Harvey, Chris Tucker and more gather for Paul Mooney memorial service in LA
Posted June 28, 2021 from The Grio — Mooney was memorialized during a service at The Hollywood Roosevelt that included a mixture of recorded messages and in-person appearances by Hollywood ... -
Paul Mooney was an elusive figure, but his influence was far-reaching
From The Undefeated — He wrote for some of the greatest Black comedians of our time while making people uncomfortable with his takes on race and culture — By Ashley ... -
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Paul Mooney, Oakland-based Comedian and comedy Writer, Dies at 79
Posted May 19, 2021 from Variety — Paul Mooney, the comedian, actor and writer for Richard Pryor, died on Wednesday morning, his representative Cassandra Williams confirmed to Variety. He was 79. ...
Frank Robinson - August 31, 1935 – February 7, 2019
He Stood Out In A City Full Of Outstanding Athletes
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Frank Robinson, MVP, first black manager, McClymonds great, dies at 83
Posted February 7, 2019 from ESPN — Frank Robinson, the first African-American manager in Major League Baseball and the only player to win MVP in both leagues, has died at ... -
McClymond's Coach Powles’s Athletes—Frank Robinson and others—Found Success
Coach George Powles speaks with McClymonds High School basketball players Frank Robinson and Brady Hord. January 8, 1953. Legendary McClymonds High School coach George Powles provided some last minute tips ... -
Remembering Frank Robinson's Legendary Career
A video tribute. -
Major League Baseball's Tribute To Frank Robinson
Frank Robinson, a trailblazing figure who was Major League Baseball's first African-American manager and one of its greatest players during a career that spanned 21 seasons, died Thursday after a ...
In Sadness And Respect
Ronald V. Dellums November 24, 1935 – July 30, 2018
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Bidding You Good-bye, And Good Rest
Ron Dellums at Geoffrey's Inner Circle on the night Barack Obama was elected -
Ron Dellums, 82, Dies; Unrelenting in Congress, He Upheld Left’s Ideals
Posted August 3, 2018 from The New York Times Ron Dellums, the son of a longshoreman who became one of America’s best-known black congressmen, a California Democrat with a left-wing ... -
Gene Hazzard Remembers Ron Dellums
Photos by Oakland photographer Gene Hazzard Click on images to enlarge -
Ron Dellums, In His Own Words
Memorial video first presented May 9, 2019 at memorial services for Congressmember Ron Dellums at the Metropolitan African American Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. -
These Were The Times
Ron Dellums, Congressman/Mayor, West Oakland Elder/Pioneer, and my childhood friend Ed Howard the Producer/Director Filming RonDellums in 1971 in his first campaign to be a congressman and at DeFremery Park. ...
Memories Of Dorothy King
Beloved founder and owner of Everett & Jones Barbecue, one of Oakland's finest and most famous eating spots
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Celebrating The Wonderful Life of Dorothy King
Funeral Services for Mrs. Dorothy King Jernegan, Owner of Everett & Jones BBQ Jack London Sq. Oakland, CA. Streamed live on Mar 31, 2021. -
Memories Of Dorothy King
The beloved founder and owner of Everett & Jones Barbecue, one of Oakland's finest eating spots
Honoring Our Freedom Fighters
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Dennis Pete, Black Prince And Panther
Dennis Pete is one of the older brothers of Inner Circle owner Geoffrey Pete. During the late 1960's, when the Black Panther Party was forming and recruiting young militant Black ... -
The Black Panthers: Black Power In Its Glory
Oakland native Dennis Pete pictured at right in Los Angeles Times article during demonstration on the steps of the Alameda County Courthouse in Oakland. -
Attorney John Burris Mentors Youth
Oakland Civil Rights Attorney John Burris is known for his high profile courtroom battles but another passion is mentoring youth. Originally aired February 14, 2018 on KTVU Click here to ... -
The Unsinkable Willie Brown
It is a fact of American life that when African Americans dominate the landscape in a particular endeavor, they often find that the rules are suddenly changed midstream in order to ... -
50th Black Panther Party Anniversary Celebration At Geoffrey's Inner Circle
Sports Movement icon John Carlos (who raised our consciousness along with his fist on the victory podium at the 1968 Olympics), Black Panther Party alumnus Tarika Lewis (the first woman ... -
Dr. Huey P. Newton Way unveiled in West Oakland
Posted February 18, 2021 from The Oaklandside — By Amir Aziz — Residents, activists, city officials, and community leaders gathered in West Oakland on Wednesday to dedicate a three-block section ...
Acknowledging Those Who Wove The Fabric Of Our Community
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Scenes From The 2017 Charlie Reid Christmas Party
Held Sunday, December 17 at the Richmond Police Athletic League hall. -
Edwin Hawkins, Famed Oakland Gospel Giant, Dead at 74
Statement by Geoffrey Pete on the death of Edwin Hawkins The richness of a city is defined by the historical nature of its culture and people. Without these enduring markers, ... -
Rosie Trust gala to celebrate Betty Reid Soskin’s 100th birthday
Posted July 28, 2021 from The Richmond Standard — Rosie the Riveter Trust, the nonprofit partner of Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, has ... -
Making Moments Count: The Many Lives of 98-Year-Old Betty Reid Soskin
Posted September 8, 2020 from In The Balance — Susan Lambert talks with Betty Reid Soskin about fighting injustice, following your truth and making every moment count in this beautiful ... -
Betty Reid Soskin: Living History
National Park Service By Vanessa Hua Several times a week, Betty Reid Soskin packs the theater at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park. Trim and ... -
C.L. Dellums And Romancing the Rails
This segment of the 1 hour, prime time special that first aired September 25, 1988 on WUSA, Romancing the Rails, focuses on the Sleeping Car Porters who played a major ...
Important Figures In And From Our Community
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CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MORRIE TURNER ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF WEE PALS
Posted March 4, 2019 from the newsletter of the African American Library & Museum of Oakland — By Marco Frazier The end of February, beginning of March marks the anniversary of ... -
Rep. Barbara Lee: on 40 Years of Seeking Justice
Posted January 14, 2021 from Outrider — From her first days in Washington, her policy outlook stemmed from Black revolutionary ideas and street activism, something you’ll almost never find in ... -
In all things film, it's Ryan Coogler
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Oakland native Ryan Kyle Coogler (born May 23, 1986) is an American film director and screenwriter. His first feature film, Fruitvale Station (2013), won the top ... -
Dave ‘Davey D’ Cook passes the baton to a new generation
Posted April 26, 2021 from Berkeleyside — Davey D will appear live May 2 in a free Bay Area Book Festival conversation with Jeff Chang about their co-authored YA version ...
Black History All Year Round
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C.L. Dellums And Romancing the Rails
This segment of the 1 hour, prime time special that first aired September 25, 1988 on WUSA, Romancing the Rails, focuses on the Sleeping Car Porters who played a major ... -
Former Enslaved Talk About Slavery
Recorded in the 1940's. -
Fred Hampton interviewed by ABC News shortly before his death
Fredrick Allen Hampton was an American social activist and Black revolutionary. He came to prominence in Chicago as chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and deputy ... -
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'Black Confederates: The Forgotten Men in Gray'
Clips from the documentary 'Black Confederates: The Forgotten Men in Gray' directed by Stan Armstrong. Available at www.desertrosefilms.7p.com -
This Woman is Believed to be America's Last Slave
Aunt Sally Smith, also known as Redoshi, was kidnapped as a child from her hometown of Benin, Africa. -
The Black Panther Party and the Rev. Cheryl Dawson
Posted March 16, 2021 from KQED Arts — By Pendarvis Harshaw — The sun shined down on West Oakland last Wednesday as I was greeted with a warm, welcoming, COVID-cautious ...
Hall Of Musical Giants
Those Notable Music Artists Geoffrey's Inner Circle Admires The Most
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“It Takes a While to Perfect Your Soul”: A Conversation With Sonny Rollins
Posted September 7, 2020 from Tidal — By Lee Mergner — There’s a young man, Aidan Levy, who is writing a biography on you. How are you going to feel ... -
A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE LIFE AND TRAGIC DEATH OF THE GREAT JAZZ TRUMPETER LEE MORGAN
Posted February 9, 2020 from The New Yorker — By Richard Brody Some of the best offerings in 2016 New York Film Festival were documentaries. The festival opened with Ava DuVernay’s ...
The Oaktown Sound
The Groups And Individuals Who Shaped The Music Of Our Times
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In Oakland It's En Vogue
En Vogue is an American female R&B vocal group from Oakland, California assembled by music producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy. The group has won more MTV Video Music Awards ... -
Shakir Stewart—Gone Much Too Early
Shakir Stewart, the executive who succeeded Jay-Z as the head of the hip-hop music label Def Jam Recordings, died in 2008 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in suburban ... -
Oakland's Own Pointer Sisters
The Pointer Sisters The Pointer Sisters began their formal vocal training in their father's church, The Church of God in West Oakland, California. They went on to achieve worldwide ... -
Too Short, Oakland's Rap Giant
Artist Biography by John Bush Born in Los Angeles, but an Oakland resident by the age of 14, Too Short was the first West Coast rap star, recording three albums on his own ... -
Tarika Lewis And The Bobby Young Project at Birdland Jazzista Social Club
Tarika Lewis, Violin, Funky Rob, Keys, David Daniel, Bass, Latrosse Harris, Drums, Wiley Trass, Vocals, and Bobby Young, guitar. -
Larry Graham: A One In A Million Oakland Entertainer
Artist Biography by Jason Ankeny Graham Central Station was a showcase for the revolutionary pop-and-slap bass guitar of Larry Graham, an alumnus of Sly & the Family Stone largely responsible for originating the percussive groove ... -
Ise Lyfe, Oakland's Philosopher Warrior
Ise Lyfe (pronounced "Ice Life"), born Isaac Patrick-Francis Brown, is a spoken word and hip-hop artist as well as an educator, community organizer, and activist in his native Oakland, California. He won ... -
Keshia Cole, Our Homegirl With Soul
Artist Biography by Jason Birchmeier One of the more genuine R&B singer/songwriters to emerge in the 2000s, Keyshia Cole worked her way up the industry ladder diligently yet quickly, making her major-label debut ... -
Our Great Legacy Of Sports Stars
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Top 10 Norcal Players from the 21st Century
From SimplyBasketball.com Many fantastic hoopers have their roots in NorCal. All-time NBA greats like Bill Russell and Jason Kidd grew up in the Bay, setting a foundation for the current ... -
Bill Russell, Basketball Giant
Bill Russell Biography.com Coach, Famous Basketball Players (1934–) Hailed as the greatest winner in sports, Basketball Hall of Fame center Bill Russell led the Boston Celtics to an unprecedented 11 championships in ... -
Brian Shaw: The Shaw'Nuff B-Ball Truth From Oakland
Wikipedia Brian Keith Shaw (born March 22, 1966) is an American retired professional basketball player and former head coach for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He ... -
Rickey Henderson: Oakland's Own's Hall Of Famer And Baseball-Stealing Champion
Professional baseball player Rickey Henderson set the single-season and career records for stolen bases over his 25-year Hall-of-Fame career. “Yes, I'm a hot dog. Yes, I'm a showman. But remember, ... -
Jason Kidd: From Oakland Playgrounds To NBA All-Star And Coach
LOVE OF THE GAME Jason Kidd’s story is a lesson in patience, proof that good things truly do come to those who wait. Jason embodied the qualities of a Hall ... -
Frank Robinson—Groundbreaking Baseball Star
“When I took the [manager] job in Cleveland, there was little time for me to think about repercussions. I made the right move, though. The barrier was broken, and if ... -
Joe Morgan—Oakland's Little Baseball Giant
Joe Morgan—A Little Man Playing A Big Man's Game “If I had to go into the draft right now, I never would have gotten a chance. I was 5'5", 140 ... -
Oakland's First Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion John Henry Lewis
John Henry Lewis was the first black American to win the light heavyweight championship, a title he held for four years. And as with many light heavyweights, Lewis often fought ... -
Damian Lillard—Oakland Star Still Rising
Oakland native Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard (born July 15, 1990) is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college ...
