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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November 28th Sunday Jazz @ Geoffrey's With Darryl Rowe
Featuring guest vocalist Daria Nile 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm $15 admission $15 soul food buffet Geoffrey's Inner Circle 410 14th Street in Oakland's Dynamic Downtown District -
New Events Coming Soon
Look for announcements here.
Announcements
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As We Re-open from the pandemic, thanking you for your support
This is a shout out and a big thank you to all of our many friends who have come out to support the Inner Circle for our return to live ... -
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 more than $45,000 of our $250,000 Go Fund Me goal in only a few weeks!! For those who have already ...
News Of The Day
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Review: HBO's 'Black and Missing' offers an antidote to Missing White Woman Syndrome
Posted November 28, 2021 from NPR — Review by Eric Deegans — It may be one of the saddest truisms of modern media: Attractive white women get news coverage when ... -
Donations Top $1 Million For Wrongfully Convicted black Man Who Spent 43 Years Behind Bars
Posted November 27, 2021 from Huffington Post — State of Missouri won't compensate Kevin Strickland for his lost time— Supporters have raised more than $1 million for a man who ... -
Oakland Police Officers Leaving the Struggling Department for Others Across the Bay Area
Posted November 26, 2021 from NBC Bay Area — The "Great Resignation" happening across the country appears to include Oakland police officers. The police union says officers – including rookie ... -
Black Broadway Star James D. Beeks Arrested For Role In Capitol Riot
Posted November 25, 2021 from Huffington Post — Broadway star James D. Beeks has been arrested for his involvement in the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. The ... -
three white Georgia men found guilty of murdering Ahmaud Arbery
Posted November 24, 2021 from The Guardian — The three white men who chased and killed Ahmaud Arbery have been found guilty of murder, following his 2020 shooting death in ... -
Jury finds radical right rally organizers liable for the violence that broke out in Charlottesville
Posted November 23, 2021 from NPR — A jury in Virginia has found a group of white nationalists who organized the deadly "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville liable of ... -
Oakland reels from weekend violence as chief asks for help
Posted November 23, 2021 from The Chronicle — Oakland’s debate over how to address violent crime was reignited Monday as the city reeled from a slew of incidents over the ... -
3 suspects arrested in the robbery of retired Oakland police Capt. Ersie Joyner
Posted November 23, 2021 from The Chronicle — Oakland police said Monday they have arrested three men in connection to the Oct. 21 robbery of retired police Capt. Ersie Joyner, ... -
Malikah Shabazz, Daughter Of Civil Rights Leader Malcolm X, Dies At 56
Posted November 23, 2021 from Huffington Post — Malikah Shabazz, one of six daughters of slain civil rights leader Malcolm X, was found dead in her home in New York ...
Videos Of The Day
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Larry Vann creator of Oakland Scratch Groove
Larry Vann creator of the Oakland Scratch Groove performing this groove on the Bruce Latimer Show -
Dujuan Armstrong death: Alameda County Sheriff releases body camera video
Armstrong died of asphyxiation while being restrained in custody at Santa Rita Jail on June 24, 2018. His family has been vocal in asking for the police body camera footage ... -
Black Women Congressmembers testify About Their Personal Abortion Experiences
On Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. E.T., Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, held a hearing to examine the threat to ...
Geoffrey Pete And Geoffrey's Inner Circle In The News
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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 ... -
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 ... -
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 ...
Worthwhile Causes That Deserve Your Support
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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 ... -
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 ... -
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 ...
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 -
Marcus Shelby and Tiffany Austin In Concert
December 1, 2018 Geoffrey's Inner Circle Oakland's Finest Black Tie Holiday Ball And Toy Drive -
Volunteers at this year's Thanksgiving Feeding at Geoffrey's Inner Circle
The faithful fed at Geoffrey's Inner Circle Thanksgiving Feeding Oakland attorney John Burris among the many volunteers at this ... -
Idlewild at Geoffrey's Inner Circle
Performance featuring LaFemma Panache and City Slam March 2, 2008 -
Bobby Womack Tribute
November 28, 2015 Geoffrey's Inner Circle -
Special Guest Appearance At Sunday Jazz At Geoffrey's Inner Circle
Guest appearance by vocalist Randy Crawford and Key boardist/vocalist Janice Maxie Reid Sunday, June 17 Click on image to enlarge Click on image to enlarge
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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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 ... -
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 ...
Paul Mooney — August 14, 1941 - May 19, 2021
He Always Left Us Laughing And Then, Laughing, He Left Us
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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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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 ... -
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 - 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 ... -
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 ... -
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 ... -
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 ... -
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.
In Sadness And Respect
Ronald V. Dellums November 24, 1935 – July 30, 2018
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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. ... -
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. -
Bidding You Good-bye, And Good Rest
Ron Dellums at Geoffrey's Inner Circle on the night Barack Obama was elected
Memories Of The Barbecue King Sisters
Beloved founders and owners of Everett & Jones Barbecue, one of Oakland's finest and most famous eating spots
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'The restaurant was her life': mary everett, Owner of Berkeley Everett & Jones, has died
Posted November 21, 2021 from The Chronicle — Mary Everett, who owned and operated the Everett & Jones barbecue restaurant in Berkeley, has passed away following complications due to COVID-19. ... -
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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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 ... -
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 ... -
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. -
John Burris, The Defender-Lion Of The Courthouse
John Burris casts a long shadow both in person and in civil rights law. In 2005 and 2009 he was named one of Californias leading 100 attorneys by the Los ... -
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 ... -
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 ...
Acknowledging Those Who Wove The Fabric Of Our Community
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legendary Oakland dancer and choreographer Ruth Beckford passes away
Posted May 10, 2019 from the East Bay Times — Ruth Beckford, the legendary dancer, choreographer and Oakland community activist, died May 8 of natural causes. She was 93. Beckford ... -
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, ... -
Betty Reid Soskin, Nation’s Oldest Park Ranger, Honored With School Renaming On 100th Birthday
Posted September 23, 2021 from KPIX 5 News — On Wednesday, Betty Reid Soskin, the East Bay author, social justice activist and oldest living National Park Ranger, celebrated her 100th ... -
Slim Jenkins, Oakland's Pioneer Black Entertainment Entrepreneur (1890-1967)
Harold "Slim" Jenkins was an African American entrepreneur and owner of the renowned Slim Jenkins Supper Club in Oakland, California, made popular during the 1930s to 1960s. Jenkins was born July 22, 1890 ... -
East Bay District Names School After Betty Reid Soskin on Her 100th Birthday
Posted September 23, 2021 from NBC Bay Area — On the day the oldest park ranger in the United States turned 100 years old, the West Contra Costa School District ... -
Charles R. Reid Memorial Christmas Party returns to Richmond
The Mercury News Posted December 15, 2017 Note: the following article was published in the Mercury News five years ago, just before the 65th annual holding of the Charles Reid Christmas ...
Important Figures In And From Our Community
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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 ... -
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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 ...
Black History All Year Round
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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 -
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Oldest park ranger in the U.S. turns 100
Posted September 23, 2021 from ABC News — Betty Reid Soskin of Richmond, California, celebrated her 100th birthday on Sept. 22. She is a national park ranger and said she’s ... -
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 ... -
We'll Never Turn Back
1963 SNCC Film featuring Fannie Lou Hamer -
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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 ... -
"Camptown Races" sung by Al Jolson
"Minstrel" was America's original entertainment form, and arguably its most racist. In its beginnings in the 19th century, white groups put on elaborate shows supposedly modeled after Black speech and ... -
The Harlem Hellfighters Of World War I
A fabled and famed American infantry regiment during World War 1. In spite of prejudice at home, these African American soldiers proved themselves valiant Americans on the battlefield.
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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The Oaktown Sound Of Tower Of Power
Oakland's Own Tower Of Power featuring Lenny Williams Tower's musical odyssey actually began in 1968 when Emilio Castillo met Stephen "Doc" Kupka in July of that year. When Doc auditioned during ... -
MASTERPLAN- CLINTON PARK, oakland, CA
Clinton Park is an Oakland neighborhood in the flatlands just east of Lake Merritt. In 1955, Clinton was home to one of the first federal urban renewal projects in the ... -
Oakland's American Idol: LaToya London
LaToya Renee London was born on December 29, 1978 in San Francisco, California. Her mother and stepfather brought her up in Oakland, California. At the age of 4, LaToya already ... -
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 The Natural Four
The Natural Four Artist Biography by Andrew Hamilton From allmusic.com The Natural Four began their quest for stardom in Oakland, CA, in the mid-'60s, landing their first deal with a local outfit ... -
Sheila E.—Oakland Music Royalty
During the mid-'80s, Oakland native Sheila E. was the biggest and brightest of Prince's protégées, unique in seeming that she could stand toe to toe with the Purple One. Certainly during ... -
Art n' Soul—The Oakland R&B Trio
Art N’ Soul were an R&B trio from Oakland, California that consisted of singer\bassist Tracy (Sam Bostic), keyboardist Latrel, and drummer Dion. In 1996, the trio released their debut album, “Touch ... -
Johnny Otis Show full concert at the North Sea Jazz Festival July 14, 1985
Johnny Otis (original name Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes; December 28, 1921 – January 17, 2012) was an American musician, singer, musician, composer, arranger, bandleader, disc jockey, television host, record producer, journalist, ... -
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 ...
Our Great Legacy Of Sports Stars
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Like Jackie Robinson, baseball should honor Oaklander Curt Flood’s sacrifice
Posted April 16, 2019 from The Undefeated — By William C. Rhoden Across Major League Baseball, April 15 has been designated as Jackie Robinson Day in honor of the memory ... -
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Don Barksdale: Ground-Breaking Basketball Player
Don Barksdale was the first African American to play on the U.S. Olympic basketball team. Unfortunately, the pro's did not allow black players at that time so he had to ... -
Charlie Reid's Richmond Twilight Basketball League
Video segment highlights the impact of Charlie Reid's Twilite outdoor basketball league at Shields Park in North Richmond. The league featured the top college and high school players from all ... -
How Damian Lillard remains loyal to the soil he was raised on
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has two careers, and both are defined by his hometown neighborhood of Brookfield Village in Oakland, California. In this installment of ESPN Cover Story, ... -
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 ... -
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 ... -
VADA PINSON – UNDERRATED AND OVERSHADOWED
By Bill Gutman “Vada never got the recognition; he never got any recognition at all. But not one time did I ever hear Vada badmouth anybody about it, never said a ...
