This segment of the Radio Chronicles highlights “Bay Area Treasures”: Wanda Sabir and Wanda’s Picks, as well as Stacey Hoffman and “Living Jazz.” For at least two decades, Wanda Sabir has been writing, including with the San Francisco Bay View Newspaper. This grandmother and poet also teaches at the College of Alameda. Moreover, Wanda hosts the online radio show, Wanda’s Picks (www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks). She holds the Bachelor’s of Arts in Humanistic Studies from Holy Names College in Oakland, the Master’s in Writing from the University of San Francisco. Wanda is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2012 Bay Area Black Media Appreciation Award. Her focus continues to be any and everything related to the African Diaspora—Black folk, see. During the first half of the Radio Chronicles, Wanda talks about the arts and arts access for journalists. Wanda Sabir also helps us jump-start National Poetry Month by sharing one of her recently written pieces.
Then, during the second half of the Radio Chronicles, hear a conversation with Stacey Hoffman, founder and Executive Director of “Living Jazz” (www.livingjazz.org). For three decades, Stacey has been working to bring quality and exciting music to the Bay Area. “Living Jazz” is responsible for starting “Jazz Camp West,” created to save a faltering summer music programme. “Living Jazz” has also established a free music programme in the schools: the “Oakland Community Children’s Choir.” “Living Jazz” brings the annual musical tribute honouring the late Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., “In the Name of Love,” Oakland’s only non-denominational celebration of Dr. King through music. “Living Jazz” newest programme, Jazz Search West, inspires and motivates emerging artists. Stacey Hoffman joins the Radio Chronicles to discuss the upcoming semi-finals of “Jazz Search West” being held Tuesday the 2nd April, 7pm – 10pm, at the SF Jazz Centre in San Francisco (www.sfjazz.org). Both Wanda Sabir and Wanda’s Picks, along with Stacey Hoffman and “Living Jazz,” are Bay Area Treasures. They are featured on the Radio Chronicles Sunday the 31st March, 6.30pm – 7pm, on KPFA Radio, 94.1FM and online, www.kpfa.org. Produced and hosted by Safi wa Nairobi.