OUR MISSION The A. Philip Randolph Institute San Francisco (APRISF)
is a community-based organization that has served
residents of San Francisco, particularly in the Bayview-Hunters
Point (BVHP) community since 1994. Our mission has been
to support racial equality and economic justice and to
advocate for disadvantaged communities throughout San
Francisco through community engagement and civic
participation.
Hundreds
Turn Out to APRISF’s Annual Awards and Fundraising Night
By Emilia Flin/APRISF
SAN FRANCISCO - The San
Francisco Marriott Marquis’ Golden Gate room was
bustling with community advocates and San Francisco’s
political elite Friday October 12th, 2012, guests
mingling and networking like old friends. The
fashionably dressed were posing for photos, connections
were reaffirmed, and new relationships were forged
amidst hor d'oeuvres and the smooth harmonies of Jay’e (Ji-a).
This was the opening scene to the A. Philip Randolph
Institute San Francisco’s 12th Annual Fundraising
Dinner.
Guests were ushered in to the dinning room by 6:30pm and
were welcomed and thanked by the leading figures of our
organization; APRISF Executive Director Jacqueline Flin,
Western Regional Director James Bryant, and President of
APRISF Dave Turner. This was followed by the performance
of the National Anthem and the Black National Anthem by
the musical group Napata and the Kisses, prior to
dinner.
Reverend Amos Brown gave an inspiring speech emphasizing
the original principles of Asa Philip Randolph and what
he stood for and the importance of active political
action by the community, an ideal that transcends all
generations. Honorees of the night included Henry
Alveraz, Ramon Hernandez, John Avalos, Malia Cohen,
Vince Courtney, Sr., and Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, who
received awards. All of these men and women are
dedicated advocates for the San Francisco community and
have provided services for them for years, and APRISF is
proud to acknowledge their accomplishments.
Guest keynote speaker Robyn Fryday, director of Oscar
nominated film “Barber of Birmingham”, presented the
making of the film and how it inspired our youth of
today to register to vote. The movie documents the
actions of the “Foot Soldiers” during the Civil Rights
movement, focusing primarily on Martin Luther King Jr.’s
Barber, James Armstrong. A brief clip of the movie was
shown and audience members were allowed to ask Fryday
about the production of the movie and if there were
other avenues to get community members more active in
the voting process. For more information on Robyn Fryday
and the Barber of Birmingham, go to: () And to purchase
the video, go to: ()
Members of the APRISF Youth Chapter gave their
presentation over the highlights and milestones of the
many achievements accomplished this year. Youth
Coordinator Tim Henderson set the stage for what his
fellow Youth members would be speaking about that
evening. Sarah Wilson shared her experiences in
Washington D.C., where the A. Philip Randolph Institute
held its national conference this past summer. Jalik
Davis spoke about his internship with the SFPUC, who
have partnered with APRISF dealing with Youth
Internships for a year now. Tatiana Jones gave a brief
synopsis of the field trips and educational pieces that
took place during the Summer Youth Program, while Shawn
Gilliam closed the presentation by reciting a moving
poem about how the A. Philip Randolph Institute helped
him become the great young man who he is today.
Guest speakers from the Bayard Rustin Coalition
introduced the tribute to civil rights leader Bayard
Rustin, who contributed to the Civil Rights Movement
alongside Asa Philip Randolph and Martin Luther King Jr.
In honor of his 100th birthday a presentation about
Rustin’s achievements was given, and a birthday cake was
served to the audience.
For the 12th year, this successful dinner closed with
acknowledgements and gratitude to all who attended.
