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Wilfred Tibbs Ussery Celebrates 95th Birthday: “Have a Purpose”

Dr. Paul L. Cobb, publisher of the Post newspapers, served as the “Master” Master of Ceremonies as he welcomed guests to the stage to talk about Ussery. Geoffrey Pete, owner of Geoffrey’s, and Ussery’s old friend, provided the soul food refreshments.

Published

1 year ago

October 15, 2023

Oakland Post

(Left to right) Wilfred Tibbs Ussery at his 95th birthday celebration at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle in Oakland, Mrs. Gay Plair Cobb, Dr. Paul L. Cobb, and Mrs. Maxine Ussery. Photograph by Conway Jones.

By Conway Jones

Wilfred Tibbs Ussery celebrated his 95th birthday with his family and friends on Oct. 8 at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle in Oakland.

Ussery has dedicated his life’s work to civic engagement and the advancement of the disenfranchised.

He served as the chairman of the San Francisco Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). He was also the president of Black Urban Systems, a firm that consulted African Americans on getting control of services, institutions, and resources in their communities.

He served for 18 years as an elected director and president of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) District Board.

He was an active member of many national and local social change organizations.

He helped organize non-violent, civil disobedience sit-ins, including the successful 1963 demonstration at Mel’s Drive-In and the 1964 Automobile Row demonstrations in San Francisco.

Norman Brown and Dr. Oba T’Shaka spoke of his skills in architecture and his ‘people skills,’ teaching how to “put your ego aside” and let organizations be administered by the best qualified.

Among those present enjoying, bringing greetings, and reminiscing were his son, Wilfred R. Ussery, and old friends: Altheda Carrie, Norme Rogers Jackson, Rhonda Benin Long, Sophia Maxwell, Carol Tatum, Kitty Epstein, Dr. Lynette McElhaney, Merlin Edwards, and Troy Belton.

Ussery thanked his wife, Maxine, for her more than 50 years of love and support. He also thanked the assembled guests.

He challenged the next generation to “have a purpose,” to do something with their lives that will make a difference.

Wilfred Tibbs Ussery is not retiring. His last remark was that he was preparing his speech for his 100^th birthday celebration.

Oakland Post

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Oakland Post: Week of January 8 – 14, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of January 8 – 14, 2025

Published

3 days ago

January 11, 2025

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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Barbara Lee Launches Campaign for Mayor of Oakland

“At this critical moment, we must not be a city divided, but a community united,” she Lee. “If elected I will bring my hands-on leadership, new ideas and decades of experience in identifying billions in resources for our great city, so all residents and businesses are stronger and safer and our community has optimism and confidence in Oakland’s future.”

Published

6 days ago

January 8, 2025

Oakland Post

By Post Staff

Barbara Lee on Wednesday morning formally announced her candidacy for Mayor in Oakland’s April 15 special election.

“Time and time again, Oaklanders have faced our toughest obstacles by uniting to meet our challenges,” said Lee.

“At this critical moment, we must not be a city divided but a community united,” she said. “If elected, I will bring my hands-on leadership, new ideas, and decades of experience in identifying billions in resources for our great city so all residents and businesses are stronger and safer and our community has optimism and confidence in Oakland’s future.”

“As Mayor, I’ll address our homelessness crisis, prioritize comprehensive public safety and mental health services, and lead with fiscal responsibility to deliver the core City services residents and business owners deserve. Let’s do this – together.”

“I’ve never shied away from a challenge,” said Lee. “I’m always ready to fight for Oakland.”

Watch her campaign video here, which is online at BarbaraLee4Oakland.com

Oakland Post

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Who Wants to Be the Next Elected Mayor of Oakland?

The Oakland Post is issuing a CALL to all candidates to present their answers, plans, or solutions in response to our list of questions.

Published

1 week ago

January 7, 2025

Oakland Post

An aerial view of the downtown Oakland skyline on a clear sunny day. The federal building and other iconic buildings fill the skyline. Photo: iStock.

By Paul Cobb

Many of you probably recall the oft-repeated expression when describing leadership that “many are called but few are chosen.” We will be inundated during January with many claims of qualifications by those who want to lead Oakland.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, we have heard the names of 14 potential candidates who might become Oakland’s next Mayor.

The Oakland Post is issuing a CALL to all candidates to present their answers, plans, or solutions in response to our list of questions.

Any candidate who wishes to receive a free announcement, publicity or space in the paper must submit solutions.

The first questions we propose are 1) What is your budget balancing plan?
What is your position on requiring all city employees to work full-time in their designated offices rather than remotely from their homes?
What is your plan to provide open-access opportunities to all police officers for overtime pay?
Since many businesses, especially downtown, have closed, what is your plan to attract and increase revenues?

Please send your submissions of 300 words or less to each question to Social@postnewsgroup.com or visit www.postnewsgroup.com