Our Sponsors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 7, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jackie Wright, 415 525 0410 Wright Enterprises www.wrightnow.biz
For Sponsorships Contact: Brigette LeBlanc,
together.we.thrive2021@gmail.com
The San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce & SFJAZZ Join Forces
to Salute Juneteenth and Black Music Month with a Tribute to Dr. Nina Simone.
"Juneteenth, A Musical History of Freedom," June 17, 2022, at San Francisco's historic
War Memorial & Performing Arts Center
San Francisco- The San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce (SFAACC) invites the public
to join "Juneteenth, A Musical History of Freedom," its celebration of Juneteenth and Black Music
Month with a reception, dinner, and concert in tribute to the iconic civil rights activist and
artist Nina Simone, Friday, June 17 at the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, 401 Van Ness,
San Francisco.
The 49th annual SFAACC Juneteenth Celebration in partnership with SFJAZZ, "Juneteenth, A Musical
History of Freedom, "begins with a reception and dinner celebration in the Green Room. Journalist,
Zahrah Farmer of Days with Zahrah, who produces and hosts which airs on KGO TV, will be the
mistress of ceremonies. Zahrah has interviewed various people ranging from Haitian refugees and
Firefighters in the line of duty to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Clint Eastwood.
The event reception begins at 5:00 p.m., is hosted by The Golden State Warriors, and includes an
art Display of Nina Simone sponsored by Comcast. First Republic Bank is the Civil Rights Movement
Sponsor. AT&T is the Unity Sponsor; Dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. This year's theme, "A Musical History
of Freedom," brought to you by The World-Famous Show, will focus on the musical history of
Black Liberation in the United States.
From 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Herbst Theatre, the moving tribute to Nina Simone will be commanded
by Bay Area vocalist Kim Nalley, who "has pipes to burn and works the stage as she means it"
(San Francisco Chronicle). A blues-loving jazz singer with a rich and evocative voice, Nalley, honors
the legacy of one of her most significant influences.
"Our partnership with SFJAZZ is indicative of the community collaboration that we are fortunate
to experience here in the Bay Area," said Fred Jordan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce. The significance of Juneteenth will be
evident as we acknowledge and enjoy the multi-talented Nina Simone, whose musical repertoire
includes classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, and POP.) Thank our sponsors for making this rich experience
possible," added Jordan.
Greg Stern, the SFJAZZ CEO, noted: "We are excited to partner with the San Francisco African
American Chamber of Commerce. Our concert with Kim Nalley, honoring Nina Simone, is a perfect event
to recognize Juneteenth, and we appreciate the collaboration with SFAACC."
The joint celebration is poignant and significant. It marks the first anniversary of the day of
Juneteenth as a federal holiday signed by U.S. President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021. President
Biden affirmed the importance of Juneteenth (June 19), stating, "by making Juneteenth a federal
holiday, all Americans can feel the power of this day and learn from our history — and celebrate
progress and grapple with the distance we've come and the distance we have to travel."
Tickets for the "Juneteenth, A Musical History of Freedom" celebration can be purchased by clicking
here. Proof of vaccination is required.
The San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce (SFAACC) is one of California's most
influential minority business organizations, representing and promoting African American business
owners in San Francisco. Through advocacy and economic development, SFAACC is creating a firm
economic base that supports the self-determination and survival of African American businesses.
San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 foundation.
For more information about the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce and its mission,
visit https://www.sfaacc.org/.
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