‘Black in Sac’ events: Shop Black Friday, a comedy show, DJs, self-defense classes
The Equity Lab at The Sacramento Bee would like to wish everyone a happy holiday and hope that your turkey dinner put you in a food coma so deep you woke up Friday morning energized and ready for the weekend.
These lists aren’t possible without your emails, Google Form entries, and by tagging us, The Equity Lab and Black Communities reporter, Marcus D. Smith on social media when planning events. We appreciate your listings and ask that you continue to highlight events through the city.
There’s family coming to town and friends reuniting. Expect there to be plenty of attractions and things to do in Sacramento this weekend. Our weekly Black in Sac event list will assist you in making sure you, your family and friends enjoy Sacramento this Thanksgiving and Black Friday weekend.
Check out some of the staple events and cool places to vibe that you can invite your friends and family to while they’re in town. Here’s a list of events from Nov. 26 through Dec. 1.
The Fifth Annual Shop Black Friday Sacramento
The Black Friday Coalition will make the return of their 5th annual Shop Black Friday event at Florin Square. Their hours this year will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Shop Black Friday will take place at 2251 Florin Rd., where over 80 local and out-of-town Black-owned businesses, vendors, and entrepreneurs will be on display selling their merchandise and products during the two-day event.
Friday starts the weekend off with a raffle giveaway; those tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Raffle tickets prices range from one ticket for $5 to 25 tickets for $50. To pre-purchase tickets, contact Berry Accius at 916-949-9026.
On Saturday, it will also feature a music showcase at 4 p.m. called, “Sac Who’s Got Talent?” hosted by Larriah Jackson, a Sacramento resident and former contestant on The Voice. The talent show is calling for all poets, dancers, musicians, artists, and singers to register for the opportunity to expose their skills for a chance to win a cash prize and gift cards.
For more information, contact Adejah Accius at 916-562-3156.
Hey Fam Comedy Show
The Night Market Series and Backyard Boogie present the Hey Fam Comedy Show on Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Guild Theater, located at 2828 35th St.
Tickets range from $10 to $20 and are available for purchase on Eventbrite.
Kooky and Lajuane are hosting the comedy bash with sounds by DJ Smash. The event will be held at Foreign Native, located at 3540 Third Ave.
Algorhythm Black Friday at Solomon’s
BaseOne.FM, the DJ-quartet, returns this Friday at Solomon’s, inside The Russ Room, for Algorhythm Black Friday, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. They will be joined by their guest DJ Soosh.
In the spirit of Black Friday, the DJ-quartet agreed that a black light theme was the appropriate way to celebrate the unofficial holiday. If you’ve never been to black light party, this would be an opportunity. White or reflective clothing is best for such events.
Proof of vaccination is required for access to the second floor. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased here.
Filthy Gorgeous Tiger
Tiger is closed for Thanksgiving, but on Friday they will return with “Love Fridays” from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
There you can expect DJs Patrick Coe and Antonie Lewis to play R&B songs all night long. There will be live performances by local artist Julian Cunningham, better known by his artist name, Jamal Tru and Hayez, the band.
Love Friday’s is from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tiger is located at 722 K St. For more information, click here. Also on Saturday is a Special Night with DJ Noodles, Robbie, and DJ Eddy. A $40 guaranteed entry ticket can be purchased here.
Faith J. McKinnie Gallery presents: Jupiter The Artist
The Faith J. McKinnie Gallery is a newly opened Black-operated contemporary art gallery in midtown, at 1610 R St., in Rice Alley behind Device Brewing Co.
The gallery will host a solo exhibit showcasing the artwork and projects of Jupiter, the artist, through Jan. 2.
Jupiter says the show was created to focus on the gaze and perceptions that have been placed upon African American and Black people in this country. She gives Black figures the audacity to take space on canvases in their authenticity.
The gallery is open Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday it is open from noon to 4 p.m. FJM Gallery is also open by appointment. The event is free and open to the public.
Children’s Literacy Book Drive
Nonprofit organization Escape Velocity Resources Foundation, Inc. is asking for donations to their Children’s Literacy Book Drive through Dec. 15.
They are accepting new and gently used African-American baby, children’s and young adult books. Donations can be dropped off at All Things Literacy Books & More Bookstore, located at 2251 Florin Rd., Suite 113.
The following times are their available drop off times.
Wednesday, Noon to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Noon to 5 p.m.
Saturdays, Noon to 5 p.m.
The nonprofit is asking the community to donate a book, shape a life, and spread literacy in Sacramento. For more information, email escapevelocityfoundationinc@gmail.com or contact Felicia Armelin at 916-399-3952 for additional information or if you’d like a tax deduction donation receipt.
Self-Defense Training presented by Our Streets Coalition
On Saturdays, Our Streets Coalition partners with Black Lives Matter (BLM) Sacramento and All-African People’s Revolutionary Party to teach useful self-defense information to the community.
On Saturday, they will teach techniques on how to diffuse a hostile situation in their training class, “How to carry out conflict de-escalation techniques” from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m, at McClatchy Park, located at 3500 35th Ave.
In the past they have taught how to build a security plan and weapon defense training. They plan to have future events where they teach security practices and other self-defense basics. There will not be classes on Christmas and New Year’s weekends.
They are inviting the community to learn how to protect themselves, their community, and de-escalate while gathering information. For more information visit the BLM Sacramento Facebook page.
Touch Shooting Camp Presents 94 Feet of Game Skills Clinic
Touch Shooting is hosting a skill camp called The 94 Feet of Game Skills Clinic on Monday at 7:30 p.m, at the Touch Shooting Academy, located at 11327 Folsom Blvd., suite 180.
Touch Shooting is a skills academy of basketball performance and psychology, founded by Ryan Sypkens, a local Elk Grove basketball recruit who went on to UC Davis to break the school record all-time in 3-pointers.
The 94 Feet of Game Skills Clinic is a chance to train with one of the top player development coaches in the world, Phil Handy.
Coach Handy is currently an NBA Player Development coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has made six finals appearances and won three championships with the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Toronto Raptors.
It is $150 for students and $60 for coaches to have the opportunity to learn different aspects of the game as well.
Registration is available at www.touchshooting.com/philhandy.
Naija Boy Taco Tuesday at Ro Sham Beaux
The Naija Boy Taco Tuesday is a weekly event at Ro Sham Beaux, located at 2413 J St.
Rasheed Amedu is bringing West African flavor to Mexican cuisine every Tuesday, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There he will provide Naija vibes and natty wine when you dine with him on Tuesday.
Spectra karaoke on Wednesdays at Streets Pub
Spectra is a musician, artist, and an avid fan of karaoke.
On Wednesdays, you can find her at Streets Pub, a Black-owned bar, located on 1804 J Street. Join her on Dec. 1.
She also hosts karaoke at Faces Nightclub, located 2000 K St., on Thursdays and Lighthouse Bar and Grill, located at W Capitol Avenue in West Sacramento, on Fridays and Saturdays.