Activism
Second Anniversary of FAME Oakland Fire Approaches with Powerful Commemorative Weekend
“The essence of a church lies in the actions taken outside the physical confines of a building. I am immensely proud of our congregation for their unwavering dedication to serving others and connecting community even in the face of adversity,” stated the Rev. Dr. Rodney D. Smith.
By Oakland Post Staff
As the second anniversary of the fire that devastated First AME Church of Oakland (FAME Oakland) approaches, the oldest African American church in the East Bay is gearing up for a major commemorative weekend.
Despite the loss of their permanent church home, FAME Oakland has remained steadfast in its mission of evangelism and growth through mental health, ministry and music.
“The essence of a church lies in the actions taken outside the physical confines of a building. I am immensely proud of our congregation for their unwavering dedication to serving others and connecting community even in the face of adversity,” stated the Rev. Dr. Rodney D. Smith.
FAME Oakland will host its second annual “Up From the Ashes” Commemorative Weekend, Feb. 22-23 (UFTA25).
The UFTA25 weekend kicks off with a “Community Day” on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Prescott Elementary School from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This day will focus on holistic wellness, providing essential resources, mental health conversations, and fun activities for attendees, who will also receive a grocery card.
On Sunday, Feb. 23, the Musical Experience featuring Grammy-winning artist and gospel icon Jonathan McReynolds will take place at the Bridge Yard, 210 Burma Rd., Oakland, CA 94607. This night of inspiration and upliftment will coincide with Pastor Rodney unveiling the next steps of FAME Oakland’s rebuild journey.
“Our rebuild is a journey towards reshaping the landscape of our spiritual leadership in Oakland and the greater East Bay area. We have taken the necessary time to reflect, heal, and envision the future of FAME for the next century, and I’m excited to share this vision with Oakland during our UFTA weekend.”
Sign up for the UFTA Community Day at www.tinyurl.com/ufta25communityday.
To purchase tickets for the musical experience with Jonathan McReynolds, go to www.tinyurl.com/Ufta25musical
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
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Activism
Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
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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.
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.
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