Corporate Sponsors
The event was fabulous; thank you for inviting us. I agree with Patricia; the
speakers at the dinner were inspiring – the dinner was excellent also. After
dinner, Kim Nalley's tribute performance to Nina Simone was outstanding. Kim
got the house rocking. What was new to me and great to hear from Kim during her
between-songs patter – were the stories about how Nina was a strong activist who
did not back down from anyone – including, on occasion, Nina would duke it out
verbally with her audience if Nina felt her audience did not fully understand some
of the protest messages inherent in some of her songs including her classic
"Mississippi."
Guy A. Joslin
Credit Officer
The First Republic is committed to supporting the success of diverse entrepreneurs and business owners by investing in the programs that enable their growth. The San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce is an essential partner in this effort, and we are pleased to support their vision of long-term economic growth and sustainability of Black-owned enterprises.
Lena Robinson Director, Community Development Community Reinvestment Group FIRST REPUBLIC BANK
The Pac-12's Black Employee Resource group called "Black @ Pac" attended the 2022 SFAACC Juneteenth Event at The San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center. The event featured a great networking opportunity for our members, an array of multiple excellent speeches, and a wonderful concert tribute to Nina Simone. The Black @ Pac members felt at home with the musical tribute to such an influential Black artist and were inspired by the unique connections we made with other attendees at the event. Black @ Pac looks forward to attending next year's SFAACC Juneteenth event with the efforts to bring more members from our group. Thanks!
Keisha May Legal, Football Operations, and Finance Assistant
I always enjoy attending events that LeBlanc and Associates produce. The flow of the event and the message. Her network of money and connections has always benefited the community that she is so passionate about. Ms. LeBlanc is creative and does not leave a detail unturned. She had the amazing Russel Gatewood DJ, who is world known. She is excellent at sitting people at the right table. Our organization had the honor to sit at the Warriors Table. They requested a community-based organization, and we were honored that Ms. LeBlanc knows knows about nexgengirls and knew the Warriors Connection would be a win/win.
Jeanette Wright and Marlena Jackson Nexgengirls
The SFAACC hosted a beautiful celebration of Juneteenth and recognition of African American community champions.
Ken
Comcast
It was a pleasure and honor attending the SFAACC's Juneteenth event. Being at the event helped expand my understanding of its historical significance and how it's recognized and acknowledged in our communities.
Albert H. Le Manager, External Affairs Comcast – California Region
The Juneteenth event was great! I enjoyed the event, learned a few things about Black American history (including that there is an anthem!), the food was tasty, and really enjoyed the Nina Simone tribute performance. If there was anything that could be noted for improvement – I wish there was an ice breaker activity to help attendees get to know each other. I am unfamiliar with the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce and its members.
Judi Mosqueda SFO Director of Project Management
“This was a wonderful event focused on celebrating Juneteenth, black history, awareness, and honoring Airport Commissioner Linda Crayton. There was a lot of pride and respect in the room, good food, great conversation and dialogue throughout the evening. So glad I attended! “
SFO Chief Operation Officer – Jeff Littlefield
My guests and I all very much enjoyed the SFAACC Juneteenth event. The speakers were all quite compelling, and I loved the inclusion of music throughout the program. I always like attending events at the Green Room, and with the Tribute to Nina Simone right downstairs, it couldn't have been more convenient.
Cammy
AT&T
I was honored to be a part of the 2022 SFAAC's Annual Juneteenth Gala. The Chamber highlighted the importance of the Federal recognition of the holiday and the deeply rooted history of the African American experience in America. Thank you
Mitzi Givens-Russell Comcast
Franchise Operations Manager [External Affairs]
SFO Chief Operation Officer – Jeff Littlefield
Albert H. Le Manager, External Affairs Comcast – California Region
“This was a wonderful event focused on celebrating Juneteenth, black history, awareness, and honoring Airport Commissioner Linda Crayton. There was a lot of pride and respect in the room, good food, great conversation and dialogue throughout the evening. So glad I attended! “
SFO Chief Operation Officer – Jeff Littlefield
The event was lovely, and the choice of location was amazing. The food was excellent and the servers were so nice and gracious, I even received an extra piece of cheesecake The musical event with Nina Simone following the Juneteenth event was awesome. Kim Nalley sang so beautifully, I was blown away by the entire event and I look forward to attending all of SFAACC future events.
Chris Morgan – SFO Airport Duty Manager
On behalf of The San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce, we are proud to have the support from our corporate sponsors and community stakeholders.
Brigette R. LeBlanc, MTA
Vice Chairwoman of the Board
San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce
FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023
SFAACC JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
SAVE the DATE
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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