Sponsored by:

Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Sunnyvale Gen AI security company receives $9M.

• Upcoming El Alfa concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Willie Bil Simpkins

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.”

–Norton Juster

Sponsored

1440: Your Source for Unbiased News

Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440! Dive into 1440, where 3.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. We navigate through 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive roundup from every corner of the internet – politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a quick, 5-minute newsletter. It's completely free and devoid of bias or political influence, ensuring you get the facts straight. Subscribe to 1440 today.

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

"The San Jose City Hall, a modern architectural landmark, was designed by which renowned architect?

A) I.M. Pei

B) Frank Lloyd Wright

C) Richard Meier

D) Norman Foster

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual San Jose festival that combines a traditional Christmas market with Silicon Valley tech displays and interactive lights exhibits is A) Christmas in the Park.

News

💼 Business

HP seeking $4B from Lynch estate. (Link)

Silicon Valley's top universities hold on to billions in donor monies. Here's how these investments are doing. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Bay Area high school snaps California's longest football losing streak. (Link)

A public humiliation could have broken an ex-49ers star. It saved him. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Sunnyvale Gen AI security company receives $9M. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏈 Kennesaw State Owls at San Jose State Spartans Football
CEFCU Stadium, San Jose
Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 | (More info)

⚽ Orlando Pride at Bay FC
PayPal Park, San Jose
Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 | (More info)

Concerts

🎤 El Alfa
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 | (More info)

🎶 AJ Rafael (21+)
The Ritz - San Jose, San Jose
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🎉 Aishwarya Majmudar: The Biggest Outdoor Garba & Dandiya Festival
344 Tully Road, San Jose
Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “San Jose with a central park featuring exotic, genetically engineered plants” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

San Jose Historical Events

Founding of the San Jose Sharks (1991) - Bringing NHL hockey to the city and enhancing its sports profile.

The founding of the San Jose Sharks in 1991 marked a significant milestone in the sports history of San Jose, California. This venture brought National Hockey League (NHL) hockey to the city for the first time, fulfilling the long-held aspirations of local sports enthusiasts and the broader community. The Sharks were established as part of the NHL's expansion strategy, aimed at increasing the league's footprint across the United States. The team's creation was championed by a group of investors led by George and Gordon Gund, who were granted the franchise after selling their stake in the Minnesota North Stars. The Sharks' introduction was met with widespread excitement, signaling the start of a new and thrilling chapter in San Jose's sports culture.

From the outset, the San Jose Sharks managed to galvanize the local community, bringing together fans from diverse backgrounds to support their newest sports team. The Sharks' home games were played at the San Jose Arena (now known as the SAP Center), affectionately dubbed the Shark Tank by fans. This arena quickly became a local landmark and a focal point for hockey in the Bay Area. The team's distinctive teal colors, innovative logo, and aggressive marketing strategies helped to forge a strong identity and fanbase. Despite a challenging inaugural season, the excitement and support from the community never wavered, demonstrating the city's commitment to its first major league professional sports team.

The arrival of the San Jose Sharks had a transformative impact on the sports landscape of San Jose, enhancing the city's profile on a national level. The franchise's establishment contributed significantly to the local economy, promoting job creation, and stimulating growth in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. Moreover, the Sharks' presence helped to foster a vibrant hockey culture in the region, inspiring the next generation of players and fans. Over the years, the Sharks have evolved into a formidable NHL team, enjoying various degrees of success, including playoff runs and a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2016. The founding of the San Jose Sharks not only marked the beginning of major league hockey in the city but also signaled San Jose's emergence as a major player in the North American sports scene.

Famous People From San Jose

Willie Bil Simpkins (1888–1971) - African American community leader and businessman in San Jose.

Willie Bill Simpkins stands as a pivotal figure in the African American history of San Jose, California. His life story paints the portrait of a man who, in the face of adversity, paved a path of prosperity for himself and his community. Through his business acumen and unwavering commitment to civil rights, Simpkins left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural and socio-economic landscape.

Early Years and Education (1888-1907)

Born in 1888 in the rural outskirts of San Jose, Willie Bill Simpkins was the son of sharecroppers who had moved West seeking a better life. From his parents, he inherited a strong work ethic and a belief in the power of education. Despite the era's prevailing racial segregation, Simpkins pursued his education with vigor, demonstrating an early knack for leadership and communication.

Emergence as a Community Leader (1908-1920)

In his early twenties, Simpkins emerged as a key figure within San Jose's African American community. He organized literacy classes and advocated for the rights and dignities of black residents in a segregated society. His efforts laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong commitment to social justice and community organization.

Business Ventures and Economic Empowerment (1921-1935)

Transitioning from community organization to entrepreneurship, Simpkins opened his first business, a barbershop, which quickly became a hub for the African American community in San Jose. Recognizing the economic disparities faced by his peers, he leveraged his success to mentor aspiring black entrepreneurs, facilitating a burgeoning ecosystem of black-owned businesses in the area.

The Great Depression and Advocacy (1936-1945)

The economic devastation of the Great Depression hit African American communities particularly hard. Simpkins responded by amplifying his advocacy work, organizing food drives, and lobbying local government for equitable access to New Deal programs. His leadership during this tumultuous period provided a lifeline for many San Jose families.

Civil Rights Activism (1946-1954)

The post-war era marked a significant intensification of the civil rights movement in America. Simpkins played a crucial role in localizing this national struggle within San Jose. He organized voter registration drives, challenged segregation in public schools, and advocated for fair housing practices, becoming a respected civil rights voice both within and beyond his community.

Expanding Business and Philanthropy (1955-1964)

In the 1950s and 1960s, Simpkins expanded his business interests to include real estate and a small chain of grocery stores, further solidifying his status as one of San Jose's prominent black businessmen. Moreover, his success enabled increased philanthropic efforts, with donations supporting scholarship funds, youth sports programs, and the construction of a community center.

Legacy and Mentorship (1965-1971)

In his final years, Simpkins focused heavily on mentorship, guiding the next generation of African American leaders and entrepreneurs in San Jose. His wisdom and experience were instrumental in nurturing a sense of social responsibility and business acumen among young black San Joseans.

Connecting to San Jose

Simpkins's connection to San Jose was profound and multifaceted. While his business ventures significantly contributed to the local economy, his advocacy and community-building efforts enriched the city's social fabric. His leadership during critical periods of societal change marked him as a linchpin in the history of San Jose's African American community.

Passing and Tribute (1971)

Willie Bill Simpkins passed away in 1971, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and empowerment. The city of San Jose recognized his contributions with various posthumous honors, including the naming of Simpkins Community Center, a lasting testament to his impact on the city and its African American population.

Key Achievements of Willie Bill Simpkins:

• Founded several successful businesses, including a barbershop and a chain of grocery stores, boosting the local economy and fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship within the African American community.

• Actively fought for civil rights, promoting fair housing, education, and voting rights in San Jose and contributing to the broader national movement.

• Established and supported numerous community programs, including literacy classes, scholarship funds, and youth sports initiatives, enhancing the social well-being of San Jose’s African American residents.

• Became a model of leadership and mentorship in the African American community, leaving a lasting legacy that continued to inspire future generations.

Willie Bill Simpkins's story is a compelling narrative of dedication, resilience, and altruism. His life's work not only provided economic opportunities for African Americans in San Jose but also forged a path toward social equality and justice. Simpkins's legacy as a businessman, advocate, and community leader remains a beacon of inspiration, illustrating the profound impact one individual can have on their community and beyond.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Poll