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Groundbreaking for West Oakland 100%-Affordable Housing Complex

Seventh Street, called the “Harlem of the West” back in the day, was where Black business and cultural life thrived, resounding in the sounds of Billie Holiday and B. B. King and Al Green, who might play at Slim Jenkins Supper Club or some other spot there, like Esther’s Orbit Room, owned by the beautiful Esther Mabry. Seventh Street was where there had been a Black bank and pharmacy and movie theater—the Lincoln Theatre—most in the very same block as the new development. Appropriately, the groundbreaking revealed the new housing complex would be named “The Black Panther.”

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Development Headed by Former Black Panther Leader Elaine Brown

Special to the Post

Everyone gathered last Friday morning at the groundbreaking at 7th and Campbell in West Oakland for the 100% affordable housing development there seemed to recognize the historic nature of the moment.  Introduced by program host Regina Jackson, former president of the Oakland Police Commission, here was this former Panther leader, Elaine Brown, come home to build something where the Panthers started.

Brown immediately thanked Vince Bennett, President and CEO of her nonprofit’s co-developer McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS), a billion-dollar housing developer out of St. Louis, for coming to her rescue by bringing the power of its name and expertise to the development when it was floundering.  And, to the surprise of some, she thanked former Mayor Jean Quan, who seemed filled with pride, for courageously working hard to get the City to capitulate and let her nonprofit, Oakland & the World Enterprises (OAW), build on and eventually purchase this 30-year-blighted and vacant three-quarter acre property for one dollar.

Brown went on to remind everyone that it was in that very block of Seventh Street where, back in 1967, Huey P. Newton was involved in a confrontation with white Oakland police officers that ended with Huey being wounded and one of the cops being killed, triggering the “Free Huey” Movement and the explosive growth of the Black Panther Party nationwide.

Seventh Street, called the “Harlem of the West” back in the day, was where Black business and cultural life thrived, resounding in the sounds of Billie Holiday and B. B. King and Al Green, who might play at Slim Jenkins Supper Club or some other spot there, like Esther’s Orbit Room, owned by the beautiful Esther Mabry.  Seventh Street was where there had been a Black bank and pharmacy and movie theater—the Lincoln Theatre—most in the very same block as the new development.  Appropriately, the groundbreaking revealed the new housing complex would be named “The Black Panther.”

The Governor’s office came out, sending the message, via his surrogate, Sasha Wisotsky Kergan, Deputy Secretary for Housing at the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, that this was the first project to break ground funded by the Governor’s Housing Accelerator program and how proud the Governor was that the program’s $43 Million award to 7th & Campbell would push this important project over the line to construction.  And, there was Jennifer Seeger, Deputy Director of State Financial Assistance Programs, speaking on behalf of State Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez, who stated, “The 7th & Campbell project is going to completely revitalize this neighborhood.”

And other government representatives came echoing these sentiments, including in messages from the offices of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Supervisor Keith Carson and County Assessor Phong La, as in the speeches of Assemblymember Mia Bonta and County Treasurer Hank Levy and Mayor Libby Schaaf, applauded by Betsy Lake, Deputy City Administrator, and Kelly Kahn, from the City’s Economic and Workforce Development Department, including Christia Mulvey of Oakland’s Housing and Community Development Department—and most of the members of the Oakland City Council.

All seemed to understand that, in this economic desert, this food desert, this former “Harlem of the West,” decimated by racist government practices and policies in the building of the massive Seventh Street Post Office, the overhead BART train, the freeway connector that is now the 980 and racist federal, state and local government and bank housing practices that displaced thousands of Black families who had built Seventh Street into a street of dreams, along with FBI assaults that took down the Black Panthers, something big was being resurrected.

Brown called it the spirit of Seventh Street.  Some called it the Spirit of the Panther.

Adhi Nagraj, Chief Development Officer of MBS, spoke about how the $80 Million+ project was a model project, and that MBS intended to work with OAW to replicate that model elsewhere in the Bay, as, in California and, indeed, in blighted, abandoned Black urban neighborhoods throughout the U.S.  They were installing there, he said, not only 79 units of 100% affordable housing but also four, OAW-sponsored cooperatively-owned businesses, including a fitness center, a clothing manufacturing and sales space, a restaurant and a neighborhood market.

Other Project Team members echoed his sentiment about what a model this project projected, including Contractor John Branagh, Branagh Construction; Architect Carlton Smith, MWA Architects; Ali Kashani, Project Manager; Michael Baines, CEO, the Baines Group, construction consultant; Black woman-owned glass contractor Shaune Gbana of All Bay Area Glass; Donald Frazier, CEO of BOSS (Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency), which will provide supportive services to residents.

And, BART Board Director, Lateefah Simon, representing the 7th District, sent a message that she was committed to eliminating the noise pollution of the overhead train that had drowned out the sounds of Seventh Street, its grinding wheels screeching overhead every 10 minutes or so, heading into the tunnel to San Francisco’s financial district.

Soon, all realized this was no ordinary groundbreaking.  After Brown introduced her OAW Board members, including Mark Alexander, Deborah Matthews, James Nixon and Wendel Rosen Attorney Zack Wasserman, along with Advisory Board members Gordon Baranco, Chris Perryman and Tyson Amir, she introduced the tenacious Moms 4 Housing Misty Cross and Tolani King.

Cross and King applauded the project as realizing the dream they sought in 2019 on Magnolia Street for which they were overwhelmed by an OPD tank and police in combat boots carrying assault rifles and arrested—and still didn’t get that house on Magnolia or any other, despite everything.

Then Brown brought up two of the Bay Area Black mothers whose sons had been murdered by local police: Wanda Johnson (Mother of Oscar Grant, killed by BART police, 2009) and Gwen Woods (Mother of Mario Woods, killed by SFPD, 2015).  They praised the project, as it offered housing to the least of these, very low and extremely low income people, including formerly incarcerated people, noting the nexus between denial of housing to formerly incarcerated Blacks and police murders of Blacks.

Then came the moment that seemed to bring out all the tears, though many tears were shed throughout the two-hour program.  Ron Leggett, a first generation Urban Native American, born and raised in Lisan Ohlone territory of Huichin, now called Oakland, introduced Native singer Manny Lieras.  Manny explained that he was a Navajo but had the permission of Ohlone to bless the land and the project, and, with his drum as accompaniment, went on to sing a most powerful and haunting song of his people, giving permission to build on the land.

It was then Elaine called forth all the former Panthers there, including Ericka Huggins, Clark Bailey, Donna Howell, Flores Forbes, Carol Granison, Carol Rucker, James Mott (now Saturo Ned), Mark Alexander, Asali Dixon, along with Panther offspring Ericka Abram (Elaine’s daughter), Gregory Lewis and David Lautaro Newton, son of Melvin Newton—who then spoke about his brother Huey, founder of the Black Panther Party, who challenged the very foundation of the System with his life right there on Seventh Street.

All of them gathered around an architect’s rendering of the site, as it was revealed the name of the building would be “The Black Panther.”

The Project Team then donned hard hats and grabbed golden shovels and, symbolically, dug up shovels of dirt from a 16-foot rectangular wooden box and effected the groundbreaking.

Immediately after, Cathy Adams, CEO of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, closed the program with a message of solidarity for all the businesses the project is set to generate.  Then, the sultry and painful sounds of the blues shot through the air, drowning out the noise of the BART train, played by the West Coast Blues Society, headed by Ronnie Stewart, lifting up the songs in the way they used to play them right there on Seventh Street, back in the day.

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Activism

OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare. 

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Rhonda M. Smith.
Rhonda M. Smith.

By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners

Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”

That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.

That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.

The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.

These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.

I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.

About the Author

Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.

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Activism

OPINION: Supreme Court Case Highlights Clash Between Parental Rights and Progressive Indoctrination

At the center of this controversy are some parents from Montgomery County in Maryland, who assert a fundamental principle: the right to shield their children from exposure to sexual content that is inappropriate for their age, while also steering their moral and ethical upbringing in alignment with their faith. The local school board decided to introduce a curriculum that includes LGBTQ+ themes — often embracing controversial discussions of human sexuality and gender identity.

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Craig J. DeLuz. Courtesy of Craig J. DeLuz.
Craig J. DeLuz. Courtesy of Craig J. DeLuz.

By Craig J. DeLuz, Special to California Black Media Partners

In America’s schools, the tension between parental rights and learning curricula has created a contentious battlefield.

In this debate, it is essential to recognize that parents are, first and foremost, their children’s primary educators. When they send their children to school — public or private — they do not surrender their rights or responsibilities. Yet, the education establishment has been increasingly encroaching on this vital paradigm.

A case recently argued before the Supreme Court regarding Maryland parents’ rights to opt out of lessons that infringe upon their religious beliefs epitomizes this growing conflict. This case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, is not simply about retreating from progressive educational mandates. It is fundamentally a defense of First Amendment rights, a defense of parents’ rights to be parents.

At the center of this controversy are some parents from Montgomery County in Maryland, who assert a fundamental principle: the right to shield their children from exposure to sexual content that is inappropriate for their age, while also steering their moral and ethical upbringing in alignment with their faith. The local school board decided to introduce a curriculum that includes LGBTQ+ themes, often embracing controversial discussions of human sexuality and gender identity. The parents argue that the subject matter is age-inappropriate, and the school board does not give parents the option to withdraw their children when those lessons are taught.

This case raises profound questions about the role of public education in a democratic society. In their fervent quest for inclusivity, some educators seem to have overlooked an essential truth: that the promotion of inclusivity should never infringe upon parental rights and the deeply held convictions that guide families of different faith backgrounds.

This matter goes well beyond mere exposure. It veers into indoctrination when children are repeatedly confronted with concepts that clash with their family values. 

“I don’t think anybody can read that and say: well, this is just telling children that there are occasions when men marry other men,” noted Justice Samuel Alito. “It has a clear moral message, and it may be a good message. It’s just a message that a lot of religious people disagree with.”

Justice Amy Coney Barrett raised a crucial point, noting that it is one thing to merely expose students to diverse ideas; it is quite another to present certain viewpoints as indisputable truths. By framing an ideology with the certainty of “this is the right view of the world,” educators risk indoctrination rather than enlightenment. This distinction is not merely academic; it speaks to the very essence of cultivating a truly informed citizenry.

Even Justice Elena Kagan expressed concern regarding the exposure of young children to certain materials in Montgomery County.

“I, too, was struck by these young kids’ picture books and, on matters concerning sexuality, I suspect there are a lot of non-religious parents who weren’t all that thrilled about this,” she said.

Justice John Roberts aptly questioned the practicality of expecting young children to compartmentalize their beliefs in the classroom.

“It is unreasonable to expect five-year-olds, still forming their worldviews, to reconcile lessons that conflict fundamentally with the teachings they receive at home,” he said.

As was noted in my previous commentary, “The Hidden Truth In The Battle Over Books In American Schools”, what lies at the heart of these debates is a moral disconnect between the values held by the majority of Americans and those promoted by the educational establishment. While the majority rightly argue that material containing controversial content of a sexual nature should have no place in our children’s classrooms, the education establishment continues to tout the necessity of exposing children to such content under the guise of inclusivity. This disregards the legitimate values held by the wider community.

Highlighted in this case that is before the Supreme Court is a crucial truth: parents must resolutely maintain their right to direct their children’s education, according to their values. This struggle is not simply a skirmish; it reflects a broader movement aimed at reshaping education by privileging a state-sanctioned narrative while marginalizing dissenting voices.

It is imperative that we assert, without hesitation, that parents are — and must remain — the primary educators of their children.

When parents enroll a child in a school, it should in no way be interpreted as a relinquishment of parental authority or the moral guidance essential to their upbringing. We must stand firm in defending parental rights against the encroaching ideologies of the education establishment.

About the Author

Craig J. DeLuz has almost 30 years of experience in public policy and advocacy. He has served as a member of The Robla School District Board of Trustees for over 20 years. He also currently hosts a daily news and commentary show called “The RUNDOWN.” You can follow him on X at @CraigDeLuz.

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Activism

Newsom, Pelosi Welcome Election of First American Pope; Call for Unity and Compassion

“In his first address, he reminded us that God loves each and every person,” said Newsom. “We trust that he will shepherd us through the best of the Church’s teachings: to respect human dignity, care for the poor, and wish for the common good of us all.” Newsom also expressed hope that the pontiff’s leadership would serve as a unifying force in a time of global instability.

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Pope Leo XIV. Screenshot.
Pope Leo XIV. Screenshot.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom on May 8 issued a statement congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the first American to lead the Catholic Church.

The announcement has drawn widespread reaction from U.S. leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who called the moment spiritually significant and aligned with the values of service and social justice.

In their statement, the Newsoms expressed hope that the newly elected pope would guide the Church with a focus on compassion, dignity, and care for the most vulnerable. Newsom said he and the First Partner joined others around the world in celebrating the milestone and were encouraged by the pope’s first message.

“In his first address, he reminded us that God loves each and every person,” said Newsom. “We trust that he will shepherd us through the best of the Church’s teachings: to respect human dignity, care for the poor, and wish for the common good of us all.”

Newsom also expressed hope that the pontiff’s leadership would serve as a unifying force in a time of global instability.

“May he remind us that our better angels are not far away — they’re always within us, waiting to be heard,” he said.

Pelosi, a devout Catholic, also welcomed the pope’s election and noted his symbolic connection to earlier church leaders who championed workers’ rights and social equality.

“It is heartening that His Holiness continued the blessing that Pope Francis gave on Easter Sunday: ‘God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail,’” said Pelosi.

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