This year will be the first time SEIU 1021 delegates and members will gather in person for a convention since the pandemic. Along with the important work of laying out a plan for the next few years, the convention will also feature a celebration to commemorate the special occasion. The union is thrilled to announce that 3x GRAMMY® Award-winner and Oakland’s own Fantastic Negrito will be headlining the event at the SAFE Convention Center in Sacramento.

Born Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, the musician incorporates blues, rock, and spoken word while drawing on his personal life experiences and family history for inspiration. As a child he was raised in an orthodox Muslim home and learned that his seventh-generation grandmother was a white indentured servant who had children with his grandfather, a Black slave. 

Fantastic Negrito is always sharing his gratitude for the gift of life, especially after surviving a near-fatal car crash 25 years ago. He went on to become the first winner of the NPR Tiny Desk Contest, bring home three consecutive GRAMMY® Awards for Best Contemporary Blues Album, tour with the likes of Chris Cornell, collaborate in the studio with E-40, and launch his own Storefront Records label. Most recently, Fantastic Negrito joined forces with 7x GRAMMY Award-winning® legend Sting for a new single titled, “Undefeated Eyes”. 

SEIU 1021 is proud to welcome the artist to the 2024 convention that will take place on Sept. 28 and 29. Be on the look out for upcoming announcements regarding featured guests, speakers, more entertainment, and how members who are not official delegates can sign up to attend.