Frank Espada (1930–2014)

photo by George Soler

Frank Espada’s impact as a civil rights leader and award-winning photojournalist who documented the struggles of Puerto Ricans in the United States will be felt for decades to come.

Born in Utuado, Puerto Rico, Espada only spent his first nine years on his native soil before immigrating to New York with his family. He showed an interest in taking pictures as a youth, and after service in the Air Force, studied at the New York Institute of Photography under the G.I. Bill and discovered documentary photography, the art form that would be his greatest legacy. Through this work, he was inspired to take direct action in his community and bring much-needed attention to the plight of his fellow Puerto Ricans and all those living on society’s margins. He soon found himself deeply involved as a leader and tireless advocate for social justice, working with the Puerto Rican Community Development Project and organizing strikes against unfair rent increases, arranging sit-ins, leading voter registration drives and marches for safe streets, and speaking publically, once even sharing a podium with Malcolm X. In 1979 Espada received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and continued his community activism with the National Welfare Rights Organization, the National Latino Media Coalition and many other organizations. Despite all his efforts, Espada looked back on his life of activism as wasted time. In the introduction to his masterwork, The Puerto Rican Diaspora, he wrote, “In retrospect I can say that I believe it was all a bloody waste of my creative years. Although I documented some aspects of the struggle, I was too busy being an organizer and ‘leader’ to think of much else.” In 1985, Espada moved with his family to San Francisco, where he found a new passion – teaching. He spent 18 years teaching his love for photography to new generations of artists at the UC Berkeley Extension Program in the Embarcadero before retiring in 2005. He died unexpectedly of a heart condition in February of 2014.

On Sunday, August 9th, percussionist and composer John Santos presents a multi-media concert in tribute to Espada, whose arts and advocacy continues to resonate as strongly as ever.

More Info: John Santos & Friends: Tribute to Frank Espada 

WATCH: SFJAZZ Monday Night Band - Spring Trailer

Don't miss the SFJAZZ Monday Night Band FREE Showcase in Miner Auditorium on May 12th! Directed by Jazz Mafia's Adam Theis, SFJAZZ's hip community band gives local musicians (high school hot shots to retired pros, and everyone in between) a place to let loose and play a diverse big band repertoire!

More info at sfjazz.org. See more videos on the SFJAZZ YouTube Channel!

Jazz At The Center on KPOO 89.5 FM

Introducing Tom Porter, resident SFJAZZ DJ.

From bebop giant Thelonious Monk, to modern guitarist John Abercrombie, to South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, the new Jazz At The Center radio program on KPOO 89.5 FM covers quite a wide spectrum of jazz. Jazz At The Center also taps the resources of the new SFJAZZ Center, featuring interviews and live performances from today’s top artists. Airing every Wednesday, Noon to 3pm, on San Francisco's endeared community radio station, Jazz At The Center provides a connection to the world of jazz.

DJ Tom Porter grew up listening to classics such as "Stormy Weather" and "Blue Skies," played by his father on the family upright. Porter later discovered the virtues of free-format community radio through an apprenticeship at KGLT 91.9 FM in Montana. Porter recently relocated to the Bay Area to join SFJAZZ as the Corporate Sponsorship Manager. A champion of community radio, Tom crafts his shows in the moment, and always considers it a victory when a listener calls in and says, “I didn’t think I liked jazz, until I heard you play...”

Tom Porter takes a break from exploring the KPOO library to pose with Tina Turner.

KPOO is an independent, listener-sponsored, noncommercial radio station, whose ongoing mission has been to open the airwaves to the disenfranchised and underserved. KPOO Radio has always operated with a volunteer staff, ranging from students, musicians, community activists, actors, doctors, attorneys, young people, seniors, blind and disabled, record collectors, as well as broadcasters and engineers. In addition to broadcasting a wide variety of music not typically heard on commercial stations, KPOO focuses on topics of concern to minorities, women, LGBT, low income households, and youths.

Jazz At The Center

Wednesdays, Noon - 3pm

Tune in at 89.5 FM

Stream live at: http://www.kpoo.com/hearus.html