Meet AHC Super Hero - Brahm Ahmadi
We are thrilled to honor Brahm Ahmadi, the Executive Director and Founder of People’s Community Market (PCM) at our 27th Anniversary Gala: “The Art of Building Legacy."
Brahm has been a force in our community for over 16 years and started building his legacy upon his arrival in 2000 as an advocate for social and environmental justice work. Brahm fell in love with the West Oakland neighborhood as he met folks and talked to principals in the community about the issues we were (are) having around segregation, gentrification, race, classism, power and privilege.
The topic of food access and health issues also kept coming up and it was not until Brahm moved to West Oakland and experienced the lack of access himself that he began to really think about West Oakland’s struggle with food injustices.
West Oakland’s 25,000 residents don’t have easy access to a local grocery store that has quality options at affordable prices, and therefore residents have to purchase high priced processed food at corner stores, or travel great distances to get healthy options. Brahm and his partners, Malaika Edwards and Leander Sellers, realized nothing was being done about this issue.
“I got excited about the possibility of making social change around this issue of building a grocery store where we could achieve positive social impact in a sustainable way for the city of West Oakland. We could serve the neighborhood, tackle health and diet related issues, and create a place where people could gather, talk about issues in the community and return West Oakland residents to their rich food culture.” said Brahm.
After doing lengthy research, Brahm, Edwards and Sellers realized that making PCM a reality would take a lot more work than they first anticipated. They were dedicated to establishing a sustainable and successful concept in West Oakland and so they decided to first create People’s Grocery, a local nonprofit. Brahm and partners wanted to focus on gathering knowledge and insights about the grocery business and more importantly, they wanted to build trust and a stronger relationship with the community around the issues of food justice.
After doing lengthy research, Brahm, Edwards and Sellers realized that making PCM a reality would take a lot more work than they first anticipated. They were dedicated to establishing a sustainable and successful concept in West Oakland and so they decided to first create People’s Grocery, a local nonprofit. Brahm and partners wanted to focus on gathering knowledge and insights about the grocery business and more importantly, they wanted to build trust and a stronger relationship with the community around the issues of food justice.
“Trust and a strong foundation is the biggest asset we have with the community. We had to show up, walk the walk, talk the talk, and make sure that residents knew we were the real deal." -Brahm
It was not until 2009, that Brahm got the blessing from the People’s Grocery Board to transition to the People’s Community Market (PCM) project as the CEO and founder, and in 2011, Brahm set out to raise capital. After pitching PCM to multiple impact investors, Brahm was denied because they didn’t understand the potential of PCM nor the community. Thankfully a more successful and inclusive business model prevailed. PCM has raised $1.5 million with a public stock offering that gave over 400 California residents the opportunity to purchase shares.
Additionally, with broad public support, an angel investor, and the help of East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC), a local affordable housing developer, the project has since generated an additional $1.8 million in public and private funding for a remarkable total of $3.3 million. PCM is set to open in 2017 at 3103 Myrtle St near San Pablo.
We applaud Brahm for his conscious dedication to the West Oakland Community.
- - -
Please join us at our 27th Anniversary Gala: The Art of Building Legacy
Let's celebrate Brahm and his vision as one of AHC's Super Heroes.
Additional Articles and Videos:
People’s Community Market finally secures West Oakland location - Inside Scoop SF
After setbacks, People’s Market secures Oakland site - Berekly side
Bringing Food to the People - The Atlantic
More Than Just a Grocery Store. Fresh Perspective in Oakland. - My People's Market
Filling the Food Desert - Unobscura
Food for West Oakland - Oakland North
People's Grocery - Documentary
Find Your Rhythm with our Brand New Djembe Drums!
Our good friends at Sageman Drums just blessed us with 8 customized Large Deep Carved Djembe Drums! Come experience the rhthyms of love with us!
These high quality Djembe Drums are roped tuned and deep carved out of real mahogany with a deep, rich sound. We want to give you an opportunity to own your very own AHC Djembe drum, so we’ve added a unique Drum Package to our list of raffle prizes at our 27th Anniversary Gala!
The AHC Drum package includes:
- 2 AHC Djembe Drums ($500 Value)
- 1 two-hour Session of Mindful Drumming for up to 12 people
- A copy of our book - “Mindful Drumming"
The total value of this package is $1,200!
Check out the description of Sageman Deep Carved Djembe drums:
"The Sageman Deep Carved Djembe has become a customer favorite and is one of the most popular drums we’ve ever produced. It’s easy to see why as these musician quality djembes produce an amazing range of sound from thunderous low-pitched bass and natural middle tones to high pitched slaps - these really do it all. The exotic tribal carving encompasses the whole base of the drum and looks incredible. All Sageman drums start with a handpicked piece of solid mahogany. The shell is precision lathe cut and then hand carved. Traditionally skinned, this drum creates an old world sound that is natural, warm and full-bodied, a sound that synthetic heads can’t produce. You won’t find another drum design like this anywhere in the world."
We invite you to experience the power these drums first-hand at our monthly Mindful Drumming Circle which takes place every last friday of the month. Our next Drumming Circle is TODAY, September 30th from 7PM - 9PM.
Don't miss out on your chance to win!
The AHC Drum Package is an exclusive raffle prize, available only at our 27th Anniversary Gala: The Art of Building Legacy!
In Memory of Antonio Ramos
Antonio Ramos painting at the West Street Mural.
One year ago today, the life of our beloved artist Antonio Ramos was taken away. Antonio was a creative and loving artist, passionate about using art to heal our community from the very same violence that claimed his life while working on the West Street Mural, the third in a growing series from our #OaklandSuperHeroes Mural Project
AHC Staff and community members at West Street Mural
Today our team gathered in front of the West Street Mural to have a moment of silence and recognition of the beautiful energy and gifts he shared with our community. The West Street Mural, which helps us remember Antonio's life, continues to fill our community with love, light, peace and hope that the senseless murders in our city, nation and world will someday come to an end.
West Street Mural
We ask you to please join us in remembering Antonio as a beautiful and talented being, by lighting a candle and sending loving energy to his family, friends and community.
We miss you Antonio!
Rest in Peace!
With Love,
Attitudinal Healing Connection, Inc.
Get your Yoga on with Barefoot Movement
Win a 30-Day Yoga Membership
Our friends at Barefoot Movement in Oakland have donated a 30-Day Membership Pass for the silent auction at our 27th Anniversary Gala: "The Art of Building Legacy"
Yoga is one of the biggest health trends to hit the US in recent years, with origins going back thousands of years in ancient India. It is a physical practice with a meditative and spiritual core that can bring a wide array of health benefits to your mind, body and soul including:
Increased muscle strength, agility and flexibility
- Balanced blood sugar levels
- Improved immune system functionality
- Strengthened cartilage and stronger joints
- Increased Focus
- Stress Reduction
- Enhanced memory and cognitive function
- Mindful awareness and increased compassion
- Improved self-esteem
Our friends at Barefoot Movement in Downtown Oakland have donated a 30-Day Membership Pass to the silent auction at our 27th Anniversary Gala: "The Art of Building Legacy." The studio offers a large selection of classes and workshops to choose from, like Bodywork Classes, Prenatal Yoga for pregnant women and a partner, and Handstands Practice to name a few!
This pass would make an excellent gift for yourself or a loved one.
Check out the full class schedule here. Don’t miss out on your chance to win!
Real-Life Super Hero Feature: Mike Brown jr.
One of our ArtEsteem Alumni stopped by last week to visit us at the AHC Office!
Mike Brown was a 7th grade student at Lowell Middle School and participated in our ArtEsteem program during the 2004 / 2005 school year. He worked with instructor Rodney Ewing to create his #SelfAsSuperHero portrait entitled “Glorothon,” which is also featured on pages 74 and 75 of our #SelfAsSuperHero Handbook.
"Glorothon is a half alien and half machine. Inside his head is where he controls what his arms and legs do. He has the power to do anything he wants, and what he wants is peace. He has different weapons, such as Respectoaro, which he shoots into the sky and people find it so beautiful that everyone begins to respect each other. Cupid beams help people who are in denial of love, fall in love with each other. Life beam is a weapon of mass devotion that gives life to any being or thing. The Peace Bomb Glorothon shoots out into the atmosphere and when it comes back to earth it explodes into stars and glitter everywhere. It is so beautiful that all beings - humans, aliens, animals and all creations - live together in peace. It even makes lions become vegetarians. They make a holiday called Unification Day!"
We caught up with Mike, and this is what he had to say about his time at ArtEsteem:
"ArtEsteem was more than a program. It was a way of life for me. It helped me get my creativity flowing, and I learned how to express myself on canvas. That was important for me because I get bored really easily. I was always taught that a busy mind, and a creative mind, is a good thing that should never go waste. So I did what I could to stay creative, stay busy, stay positive and have fun."
From Left to Right: Executive Director Amana Harris, Mike Brown III, Mike Brown Jr., and Art Esteem Program Manager Christina Samuelson
Mike Brown went on to graduate from Skyline High School in 2010, and became a real life super hero by joining the Navy in 2011. He is currently stationed in San Diego with his wife Ebony Nicole Brown and son Mike Brown III. We are so proud of you Mike, thank you for being awesome, and most importantly thank you for your work and serving our Country!
See more stories & portraits at
our #SelfAsSuperHero Exhibit on October 1st.
Make sure to RSVP
Win 2 tickets to the SF Ballet at our 2016 Gala!
Do you like ballet? Well we've got a treat for you!
Our generous friends at the San Francisco Ballet have donated 2 FREE tickets to a select performance during the upcoming 2017 repertory Season, which runs from January - May 2017. Some performances to look forward to include Swan Lake, Cinderella, and the North American Premiere of Frankenstein! Check out the full list of performances here: https://www.sfballet.org/tickets/2017_season
Founded in 1933, the SF Ballet is America’s oldest ballet school, and is known for being one of the world’s finest dance companies for its uncompromising commitment to artistic excellence in providing the highest caliber of dance training in its school.
Yuan Yuan Tan and Tiit Helimets in Tomasson's Swan Lake. (© Erik Tomasson)
Steven McRae as The Creature and Federico Bonelli as Victor Frankenstein in Liam Scarlett's Frankenstein. (© 2016 The Royal Opera House. Photo by Bill Cooper)
The tickets have an estimated value of $168, and will be part of the silent auction at our 27th Anniversary Gala: The Art of Building Legacy. Don't miss out on your chance to win!
MAKE SURE TO RSVP TODAY
MA Middle school Creates mural & Art Book To Benefit AHC
We received an amazing art book called "Be The Change," and a $100 donation from the Dover-Sherborn Middle School all the way out in Massachusetts!
We are so humbled honored to know that our work is able to inspire artists and youth, all the way from the Bay to MA! The book shows pictures of art and a temporary mural that was inspired by our Oakland Superheroes Mural Project.
Here is a note from Dover-Sherborn Middle School's visual arts teacher, Cathy Simino.
"Dear members of the Oakland Super Hero Mural Project, after learning about your fantastic community art program, our students at Dover-Sherborn, MA Middle School were inspired to create their own temporary mural to promote peace. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Ramos. Our heartfelt condolences g out to you. please accept our small donation and a copy of our book we created in support of all you are doing."
The book was featured at Dover-Sherborn Middle Schools annual arts festival.
The event featured visual art displays, poetry readings, and performances from the middle school's jazz bands, and several small breakout vocal groups. The event was featured an article which you can read in full here.
On Monday, June 6, the Dover-Sherborn Middle School held its annual “Arts Festival.” The event featured visual art displays, poetry readings, and performances from the middle school’s jazz bands, and several small breakout vocal groups. In addition, there was a student-led fundraising initiative from the Community Action Group’s Empty Bowls, which featured hand-made ceramic cups filled with lemonade and iced tea for a $10 donation. All proceeds went to Project Bread, which helps with community-based solutions, health center programs for children and adults, community supported agriculture, school breakfasts, chefs in schools, chefs in Head Start, and building sustainable food systems and informing public policy.
In addition, “Be the Change,” a book that was created to benefit the Oakland Superheroes Mural Project, was on sale for $20. A few of the books, which showcase much of the middle school’s art from this year and quotes from famous people and D-S Middle School students, is still available. To purchase a copy, email Cathy Simino at siminoc@doversherborn.org.
We need your help
Our impact at home and abroad is possible because of your support.
Please consider making a donation today, or purchasing tickets to our
27th Anniversary Gala: The Art of Building Legacy.
#SelfAsSuperHero Feature: "Pooky the Hate Destroyer"
Every year, we team up with 100's of Oakland Youth and ask them to re-imagine themselves as superheroes with powers to transform their community. The result is a colorful art exhibition that provides a creative platform for Oakland families, artists, and youth to come together through a journey of discovery, self-exploration and community empowerment.
Since July 21st, select pieces created by our ArtEsteem students have been on exhibit at Flax's Art & Design store in Oakland. The life-sized portraits are for sale, with 50% of the proceeds going directly to the student artists, and the other 50% going towards the future work of ArtEsteem.
- - -
Pooky the Hate Destroyer, uses his "Hate GPS" to overcome fear & destroy hate all over the world.
Pooky the Hate Destroyer, Tomme Lee, 2016
One day, Pooky The Hate Destroyer appeared out of nowhere in the streets. He felt afraid of everything that was moving. A stranger eyed him like Pooky was an alien. Pooky felt nervous because he thought he did something wrong already. One thing he saw while he was walking was there was a lot of hate going on. He saw a fight and tried to stop it. The “arguers” were arguing about who crashed into who's car. He had gotten pushed out of the conversation and failed trying to stop the fight. Zeus the Sky Heaven saw what Pooky did and decided Pooky was a special person. Zeus hid two items called the “hate GPS” and the “hate destroyer.” Pooky traveled through the world and found those items. When he found them he decided his destiny was to destroy hate. A hero was born. As Pooky was traveling, he overcame fear and destroyed hate all over the world.
Tommy Lee
Pooky the Hate Destroyer
6th Grade
Willie Brown Middle School
2016
Come see Pooky the Hate Destroyer, meet our student-artist Tommy Lee, and so much more as we celebrate another successful art exhibition at the Closing Reception of our #SelfAsSuperHero Exhibit: "The Bravery of Love & Legacy," on Saturday, October 1st from 1pm - 3pm at FLAX Art & Design!
RSVP HERE: HTTP://CONTA.CC/2BROJCB
Our Summer 2016 Newsletter is here!
It's been a very busy, but fruitful and exciting summer!
We've got some updates for you, and new things to look out for.
Click here to view our newsletter! http://conta.cc/2ccSoJ5
Back to School is Here!
The 2016-2017 school year is fast approaching, and we are gearing up for our in-school and after-school Art Enrichment and Education programs, for both students and teachers. Our classes offer lessons in Visual and Cultural Art, that combine Attitudinal Healing concepts in an art integrated curriculum linked to Common Core.
We will begin this academic year serving 11 Oakland and 4 San Francisco Schools, including:
- Hoover Elementary
- Lafayette Elementary
- Martin Luther King Elementary
- Carl B. Munk Elementary
- Laurel Elementary School
- Howard Elementary School
- West Oakland Middle school
- Frick Impact Academy
- Westlake Middle School
- Street Academy
- Oakland Tech High School
- Malcolm X Elementary (SF)
- Carver Elementary (SF)
- Willie Brown Middle School (SF)
- Thurgood Marshall Academic Highschool (SF)
Since 1995, ArtEsteem’s Art and Literacy programs have impacted thousands of students in schools throughout the Bay Area. By offering art classes to under-funded schools, ArtEsteem is able to address the impacts of socioeconomic conditions that negatively impact academic and personal achievement of our youth.