The Oakland Gathering was a lively and festive event that took place at the University of Creation Spirituality.

Over 250 women attended the standing room only event.

The evening included an art exhibit, music, dance, inspirational speakers and refreshments.

Featured speakers included author Adriana Diaz (who is also the 1998 International Tango Champion and led the audience in a Tango Lesson that helped us learn to "Lean into Life).

San Francisco Poet Laureate and Executive Director of Glide Memorial Church, Janice Mirikatani, inspired us with her powerful poetry.

Carol Adrienne, author of When Life Changes or You Wish It Would, The Purpose of Your Life, Find Your Purpose, and Change Your Life talked about the power of Positive Choice and how to Activate it.

Aeeshah Ababio-Clottey, Director of the Oakland Attitudinal Healing Center, spoke on what we as women can do to heal racism. Aeeshah is author of Beyond Fear: Twelve Spiritual Keys to Racial Healing.

Badia Cooper, Director of the Oakland Chapter of the Season for Non-Violence spoke on the Peace Walk held on March 3 to the Oakland Police Station.

Sia Amma

Corinthia Peoples

Music enveloped the evening with the African drumbeat of Afia Walking Tree and Spirit Drumz

As well as the angelic sounds of Electric Angel who closed the evening with a rousing rendition of the Gather the Women theme song.

The audience spontaneously joined hands as they repeatedly sang the chorus over and over --

Gather the Women...

Gather the Women...

Gather the Women of the World!