Black to the Future
#HearMeRoar: The WQED studios in Oakland were transformed into a futuristic fete to celebrate the 12th anniversary of New Voices for Reproductive Justice during “Black to the Future” Saturday night. As nearly 250 guests entered the building through a dark hall lined with glow-in-the- dark people, Cosmic Coolers by the Common Plea were waiting to greet them. The bright blue signature vodka shots made with dry ice and a citrus mixture tasted like something that could transport you to another dimension. A VIP lounge was set up with an open photo booth by TapSnap, which allowed guests to be photographed in outer space while sharing it on social media. But the future is about more than space-age cocktails and fun photo technology. Creating the out-of-this-world experience was Eventful Event producers Theresa Kaufman and Sari Zatman.
#FuturePerfect: “This day is beyond my greatest imagination,” said New Voices founder and director La’Tasha D. Mayes in her black space suit and silver helmet. Costumes were encouraged and many complied, but behind the festivities was a serious mission. “If we are going to celebrate we all have to participate — that is the essence of this party,” said guest Sheba Gittens. “We believe in reproductive justice and this is our pathway to the future,” said guest Merrian Brooks. “New Voices is committed to bringing a future where women, girls, lesbians and all black lives matter,” added Ms. Brooks. The dedication to the cause was shared by the evening’s honorary co-chairs Alecia and Damon Young who thanked everyone for their support, as did Ms. Mayes. “New Voices is my joy, my passion, my inspiration to fight for justice,” she said. Since its founding in 2004 as a vehicle to mobilize women of color to attend the March for Women’s Lives in Washington D.C., New Voices for Reproductive Justice has spun off into chapters in Philadelphia and Cleveland.
#PartyWithPassion: Among those enjoying the African drumming by eightwoman group ABAFASI, food by Big Burrito, liquid nitrogen sweets by Bella Christie and Lil’ Z’s Sweet Boutique and music by DJ Turntable Ruckus were Carmen Anderson of The Heinz Endowments, Tara SherryTorres, Carmen Alexander, Ru Emmons, Renae Green, Jatolloa Davis, Barbara Arroyo, Alyssa Tethal, Jasmine Burnett, Lexi White, Aerion Abney, Ivonne Ortega, Dan Yablonsky and Cheryl and Blake Kleiman. —