Welcome to Town Business: An Evening of Cultural Power. We love live events, especially when they're in our own backyard among our friends! This was the kickoff event to celebrate Oakland's Mayor Sheng Thao's bold initiative to center film and television production as a cornerstone of economic development. And all we can say is, it's about damn time! The space was energized, the drinks and tacos were flowing, and we were lucky enough to chat with some of Oakland's finest. You'll hear from artist/organizer/co-founder and president of the Center for Cultural Power/one of the evening's panelists, Favianna Rodriguez, Chuck Johnson of Soul Beat, filmmaker Niema Jordan, entertainment lawyer/producer George Rush, and grammy winning musician/culture maker Tommy Shepherd. They share their thoughts on Oakland's cultural roots in activism and the arts, what makes storytellers from the Bay unique, how tv and film can revitalize the city, locations in Oakland they'd like to see on the big screen, and their roles in making sure this exciting  initiative is successful.Follow Favianna Rodriguez on IGFollow Chuck Johnson on IGFollow Niema Jordan on IGFollow Tommy Shepherd on IGBitch Talk Podcast recorded this episode live from Mama Dog Studios in Oakland special audio support provided by Kayla AnchellKQED article about Soul Beat from 2020--Thanks for listening and for your support! We couldn't have reached 10 years, 700 episodes or Best of The Bay Best Podcast  without your help! --Be well, stay safe, Black Lives Matter, AAPI Lives Matter, and abortion is normal.--SUPPORT US HERE!Subscribe to our channel on YouTube for behind the scenes footage!Rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts!Visit our website! www.bitchtalkpodcast.comFollow us on Instagram & FacebookListen every Tuesday at 9 - 10 am on BFF.FM