On April 4th, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, at the ripe age of 39, was fatally shot at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968 and pronounced dead at 7:05 p.m.
This coming April 4th will mark 50 years since his assassination.
Just a year prior to his death, Dr. King fled the United States to the hills of Ocho Rios, Jamaica and wrote what would become his final manuscript: “Where Do We Go from Here” Chaos or Community?
Today, September 14th, 2017, almost 50 years later, America has witnessed remnants of its ugly past of segregation and discrimination. Many are asking “Where Do We Go From Here”? Chaos or Community.?
We choose community! Because of his dedication and perseverance in fighting injustice, every year, individuals and organizations celebrate the legacy of Dr. MLK by volunteering in their community. While, volunteering one day a year is a good start. What if we volunteered one day a month? Could we finish projects that we start? Could we recruit others in the community to join?
1stSaturdays.com, represents the 1st Saturday of every month as the official monthly volunteer day and is the “do now” strategy to advance communities towards #Familyhood. #Familyhood is an inter-generational vision that utilizes schools as the hub for the communities development. The mathematical formula for #Familyhood is: F= S.G.A+P.T.A+AA *F - #Familyhood, SGA - Student Government Association, PTA - Parent Teacher Associations, AA - Alumni Associations. * - represents community/business partners. #Familyhood is driven by two motto’s - “ 1) Every school shall have a functioning Student Government Association, Parent Teacher Association and Alumni Association. 2) Every school shall have a garden, a farmers market and a grocery store. “
We have joined forces with 1stSaturdays.com to promote #Familyhood in Oakland and beyond.
Schools interested in advancing towards #Familyhood should sign up today at 1stSaturdays.com.
1stSaturdays.com will map the schools where people can attend and volunteer.
The deadline for the October 7th, 1st Saturdays is October 7th. However, if you miss it, no worries. Start yours in November or December.
On April the 7th, the closing day of The 16th Oakland International Film Festival, join us by volunteering at schools throughout Oakland in celebration of MLK50. But don’t stop there. Continue your gardens or clean- up efforts each 1st Saturday’s of the month there after. MLK representing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 50 representing 50 years since his assassination (April 4th, 1968).
The Oakland Film Society is currently seeking submissions to showcase in the 16th Oakland International Film Festival- April 3-7th, 2018. We are seeking films that inspire peace, tolerance, diversity and community for all. Solutions over problems. Hope and dreams over doubt and fear. Films especially “Made in Oakland” that speak to the above.
The early Call for entries deadline is December 1st, 2017.
Best Feature film
Best Short film
Best film "Made in Oakland."
