Activism
Dec. 19 Council Meeting Could Affect Future of Geoffrey’s Inner Circle
Geoffrey’s is a historic treasure, located in downtown Oakland at 410 14th St. Once an all-white, male-only club, the building was transformed by Mr. Pete into a place where regular residents listen to jazz; host benefits, hold meetings and galas; and feel warmly welcomed.
By Post Staff
Oaklanders will have a chance to support one of the most important Black businesses in the city on Tuesday, Dec.19 at 4 p.m. when the Oakland City Council will hear Geoffrey’s Inner Circle explain why a wealthy developer’s proposal is a danger to his business and the whole Black Movement Arts and Business District.
Geoffrey’s is a historic treasure, located in downtown Oakland at 410 14th St.
Once an all-white, male-only club, the building was transformed by Mr. Pete into a place where regular residents listen to jazz; host benefits, hold meetings and galas; and feel warmly welcomed.
And on some occasions Geoffrey sets out his best linen and most delicious food to serve those who live without a home as his honored guests.
The area was established as a Black Arts District by the City council in 2016. The Planning Commission has ignored this designation ever since and gave the green light to Tidewater developers to build more unneeded office space or more of the housing that no one in Oakland can afford.
In the process the construction would create damage to Geoffrey’s business in a variety of ways.
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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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Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
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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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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