Connect with us

Activism

Reimagining Senior Living at 77th & Bancroft a Community Hub for All

“This project represents a unique opportunity to create a sustainable, affordable housing community that not only meets the needs of our seniors but also revitalizes the heart of East Oakland,” said Carolyn Johnson, Black Cultural Zone’s Chief Executive Officer. “We envision a place where seniors can live with dignity, participate in cultural activities, and contribute to the fabric of our community.”

Published

on

77th and Bancroft architects Art Clark and Patricia Wells discuss project plans with seniors at the East Oakland Senior Center.
77th and Bancroft architects Art Clark and Patricia Wells discuss project plans with seniors at the East Oakland Senior Center.

Public Invited to Community Meeting on Oct. 7 at Praise Fellowship Christian Church 

By Tasion Kwamilele 

Once known as the city’s most challenging housing complex, 77th & Bancroft is undergoing a remarkable transformation! It’s poised to become a vibrant senior living community, complete with essential amenities and welcoming commercial spaces.

Community partners developing a home for seniors in the heart of East Oakland are holding an informational workshop seeking feedback on Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at Praise Fellowship Christian Church at 7711 MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland. 

Led by the Black Cultural Zone and Eden Housing, in partnership with the California Affordable Housing Initiative (CAHI) and the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA), this initiative directly responds to community concerns about blight and the desire for a thriving East Oakland.

“This project represents a unique opportunity to create a sustainable, affordable housing community that not only meets the needs of our seniors but also revitalizes the heart of East Oakland,” said Carolyn Johnson, Black Cultural Zone’s Chief Executive Officer. “We envision a place where seniors can live with dignity, participate in cultural activities, and contribute to the fabric of our community.”

“We are pleased and honored to share the exciting benefits of the 77th and Bancroft Senior Housing project with the East Oakland community, a spokesperson from Eden Housing shared. “This joint development with our partners at the Black Cultural Zone will provide 90 affordable units, offering seniors not only a place to call home but also access to vibrant community spaces, including 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor activity areas. By creating affordable, secure housing, we are helping ensure that our senior residents can age with dignity and remain connected to their community.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners—the Oakland Housing Authority and the City of Oakland—for their invaluable support in making this project a reality. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for East Oakland,” the spokesperson concluded.

The informational workshop on Oct. 7 “is your chance to engage with project developers and architects directly, ensuring the final design reflects the community’s needs and aspirations, particularly for our valued seniors,” added Johnson.

A complimentary dinner will be served, and attendees will be entered to win gift cards!

Visit www.77thandbancroft.com for more information and to RSVP for the workshop.

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Activism

IN MEMORIAM: William ‘Bill’ Patterson, 94

Bill devoted his life to public service and education. In 1971, he became the founding director for the Peralta Community College Foundation, he also became an administrator for Oakland Parks and Recreation overseeing 23 recreation centers, the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt, and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.

Published

on

William "Bill" Patterson, 94. Photo courtesy of the Patterson family.

William “Bill” Patterson, 94, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at his home in Oakland, CA. He was born on May 19, 1931, to Marie Childress Patterson and William Benjamin Patterson in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Dunbar High School and traveled to Oakland, California, in 1948. William Patterson graduated from San Francisco State University, earning both graduate and undergraduate degrees. He married Euradell “Dell” Patterson in 1961. Bill lovingly took care of his wife, Dell, until she died in 2020.

Bill devoted his life to public service and education. In 1971, he became the founding director for the Peralta Community College Foundation, he also became an administrator for Oakland Parks and Recreation overseeing 23 recreation centers, the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt, and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.

He served on the boards of Oakland’s Urban Strategies Council, the Oakland Public Ethics Commission, and the Oakland Workforce Development Board.

He was a three-term president of the Oakland branch of the NAACP.

Bill was initiated in the Gamma Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

In 1997 Bill was appointed to the East Bay Utility District Board of Directors. William Patterson was the first African American Board President and served the board for 27 years.

Bill’s impact reached far beyond his various important and impactful positions.

Bill mentored politicians, athletes and young people. Among those he mentored and advised are legends Joe Morgan, Bill Russell, Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, and Lionel Wilson to name a few.

He is survived by his son, William David Patterson, and one sister, Sarah Ann Strickland, and a host of other family members and friends.

A celebration of life service will take place at Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center (Calvin Simmons Theater) on November 21, 2025, at 10 AM.

His services are being livestreamed at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1250167107131991/

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Euradell and William Patterson scholarship fund TBA.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to receive news and updates from the Oakland Post

* indicates required

CHECK OUT THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE OAKLAND POST

ADVERTISEMENT

WORK FROM HOME

Home-based business with potential monthly income of $10K+ per month. A proven training system and website provided to maximize business effectiveness. Perfect job to earn side and primary income. Contact Lynne for more details: Lynne4npusa@gmail.com 800-334-0540

Facebook

Trending

Copyright ©2021 Post News Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.