Vibrant evening in Japantown showcases art, culture and San Francisco’s Black jazz history

by Tabari Morris 

Japantown was bustling with energy on Saturday evening as locals and tourists alike gathered to experience a unique blend of art, culture and history. The event, held at Hotel Kabuki, transformed the space into a lively hub of artistic expression and cultural education. Upon entering the dimly lit lobby of the hotel, guests were greeted by the soft sounds of jazz music and a revolving door of artists and vendors.

One of the first attractions was a portrait on an easel, drawing photographers from multiple generations who paused to capture its beauty.

Nearby, a collection of booths offered everything from apparel to historical artifacts.At one booth, Prince Dean of Cloud Surfing Apparel showcased his brand Exotic Clouds, offering vibrant T-shirts, hats and more.

Prince, who has been traveling across the United States for seven years with his cousin, shared his mission to make a difference through his work. “From the Nile Valley to Bangkok – it don’t stop,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to community empowerment.

Another booth stood out for its powerful historical significance.

Artist Patricia Pittman Mitchell displayed artifacts related to slavery and emancipation, including cotton stems, ball-and-chain imagery and visuals of the Underground Railroad. Mitchell’s personal connection to this history runs deep – her great-great-great-great-grandfather was enslaved.

She passionately discussed figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman while introducing her concept of “recycling, repurposing and resistance” as a form of cultural preservation.

Monique El Amin also captivated attendees with stories of her upbringing in San Francisco’s Fillmore District. She highlighted the area’s rich cultural heritage – particularly its jazz scene – and reflected on how gentrification has transformed what was once a thriving Black community filled with Black-owned businesses and celebrations like Juneteenth.

The event continued next door at an art gallery hosted by Honey Art Studio. The gallery featured works from various artists and was accompanied by live music from a DJ. Attendees danced in the middle of the room as they admired the artwork in a celebration that honored the Fillmore District’s historical nickname: “Harlem of the West.”

The evening was a vibrant tribute to art, history and community – a reminder of San Francisco’s diverse cultural roots and the importance of preserving them for future generations.

Tabari Morris is a journalism student at City College of San Francisco and is interning at SF Bay View. Email him at beneficial415sf@gmail.com,

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