In 1988, the City of Oakland first proclaimed July 30th as “Soul Beat Day” for its contributions to Oakland culture. This year, “Soul Beat Day” returns on July 30 with a special commemorative event at The Busy Wife in Jack London Square. Invited guests include “Soul Beat” alumni Billy Jones and Tip Top, Rockefeller, Cindy Carter, Otis Penny Sanders, Pam Sterne, Cheryl Dockery, Chandler Robinson and more, as well as local celebrities ranging from Too Short to Mark Curry to Goapele to Mistah F.A.B., and supporters ranging from mayor Libby Schaaf to City Councilmembers Treva Reid, Loren Taylor, and Carroll Fife, to Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson. The event will feature testimonials, video screenings, live performances — and the opportunity for attendees to tell their own “Soul Beat Story.”
Reintroducing “Soul Beat Day” in 2021 not only evokes fond memories for Oaklanders, but creates new opportunities to further the network’s historic legacy. “This is just the beginning,” Johnson said. “My intention is to give the new generation a picture of what ‘Soul Beat’ was. Once they get that, it becomes part of their culture, and we can present ‘Soul Beat’ for today.”