Of special note, just across the Bay Bridge:

Literary/research: African American Museum and Library (659 14th St., Oakland; 510-637-0200), a division of the Oakland Public Library, original documents related to African Americans in California and the West. Marcus Books (3900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland; 510-652-2344), frequent readings and other events.

Entertainment: Alice Arts Center (1428 Alice St., Oakland; 510-238-7219), performing arts facility that features African American dance and theater. Black Repertory Group (3201 Adeline St., Berkeley; 510-652-2120), classics and new plays by African American writers. Yoshi's (510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland; 510-238-9200), THE place for jazz and blues in the Bay Area. Kimball's East (6005 Shellmound St., Emeryville; 510-658-2555), for comedy, salsa, soul, Latin jazz and blues.

Churches: Beth Eden Baptist Church (1183-10th St.; 510-832-2730), the oldest African American Baptist church in the East Bay, founded in 1895. First A.M.E. Church (530 37th St.; 510-655-1527), the Bay Area’s oldest African Methodist Episcopal church, founded 1858. The 4,000-member Allen Temple Baptist Church (8501 International Blvd.; 510-544-8910).

Food: T.J.’s Gingerbread House (741 5th St.; 510-444-7373), award-winning Creole and Louisiana cuisine. Everett & Jones Barbeque, with three Oakland locations (3411 Telegraph, 510-601-9377;2676 Fruitvale, 510-533-0900; and 8740 International Blvd., 510-638-6400), great takeout food. Pies and more at Sweetie Pie and Poppy's Authentic Southern Cuisine (5319 Martin Luther King Jr. Way; Oakland; 510-547-9743). The Black Muslim Bakery and Temple (5832 San Pablo Ave.; 510-658-7080), famous for its takeout pies and breads, fish sandwiches and tofu burgers.

Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe,
AfroSolo Arts Festival