Oakland

Miles Bailer Armstead, 45

Published

5 years ago

June 3, 2020

Editor’s Note:

Miles Bailer Armstead’s life tragically ended at his property in East Oakland as a result of the all-to-common violence in our community. He was taken away from his family of four children, a wife and parents. We are publishing his family’s beautiful tribute to the man who faithfully sought to serve others.

Miles Bailer Armstead was a devoted son, husband, father, youth sports coach, church leader, professional networker, wealth management private banker—not to mention, die-hard New York Giants fan. He enriched all our lives with his big personality, infectious energy, enthusiasm, compassion, competitiveness, wit, fun-loving nature and love of family.

Miles was born November 20, 1975 in Manhattan, New York to Bonnie Bailer, an educator and attorney and Dennis Armstead, an artists’ manager. Miles started his education at St. John the Divine’s Cathedral School and continued his education at the prestigious Thacher School in Ojai, CA. He would go on to earn his B.S. in Political Science from the University of San Francisco (USF).

At 13, Miles recovered from two major surgeries that could have caused blindness and permanent brain damage. By age 19, Miles had traveled to 19 countries learning a deep love and appreciation for different cultures.

After graduating from USF, Miles began his professional career in business finance sales for such companies as Bank of America, Wells Fargo and most recently, Fremont Bank where he achieved many awards.

In 2002, Miles married his college sweetheart, Alexandra Leigh Brown. They raised three beautiful children (Chloe, Quinn and Elle). Although the marriage ended 11 years later, Miles remained a devoted, caring and compassionate father.

In 2017, Miles married his life partner Melina Ann Esquilin and loved Melina’s daughter, Isabella, as his own. Miles and Melina are expecting their first child together in August.

Miles, a sports enthusiast, was also a PTA board member, classroom volunteer, and the father that played on the jungle gym in his suit and tie. However, what he loved most was being an assistant coach for two years and then head soccer coach for six years with the Oakland Soccer Club.

Miles always took on leadership roles with various volunteer networks including the Sigma Alpha Epsilon International Fraternity, the Black Student Union, the Multicultural Student Union and was active with the Associated Students of USF the Business Network International, Embarcadero Chapter and the exclusive ProVisors business network.

He partnered with his wife Melina to lead multiple annual 24-Hour Relays at Oakland Technical High School—supporting the Ever Forward Club’s youth mentorship program.

In the spring of 2019, Miles and Melina made the ultimate family and church commitment and joined their current pastors as part of their Core Team to serve the city of Oakland by opening The Fathers House Oakland (TFH Oakland), an untraditional church helping people experience God, find family and live a life fulfilled—a mission that encompassed Miles’ life to the end.

Miles’ desire was to fill the foyer of Grand Lake Theater with the love of God and community. He greeted each parishioner by name as they returned every Sunday. Miles’ mark and legacy for the love of God, service, team, family and Oakland will continue to live on through TFH Oakland, his children, co-workers, friends, and family.

Miles is survived by his wife Melina, children—Chloe, Quinn, Elle and Isabella, mother, Bonnie Bailer and her husband Philmore Glover, father, Dennis Armstead and his wife Ingrid, brother Bradley and his wife Lisa Jean, brother, Terence and his wife Sandra, sister, Stephanie Douglas and her husband Jeff, mother-in-law, Judith Caliz, grandmother, Marvelyne Bailer and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and his dog, Macho.

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Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

Published

21 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Oakland Post

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City of Oakland Celebrates Reopening of Main Library

“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Left to Right- Jamie Turbak, Director of Library Services, LaTonda Simmons, Assistant City Administrator, Nikki Bas, President Oakland City Council, Shen Thao, Mayor of Oakland, Carroll Fife, Oakland City Councilmember District 3, Harold Duffey, Assistant City Administrator, Sean Maher, Projects Coordinator. Photo by Kevin Hicks.

The branch had been closed since May for critical infrastructure upgrades

Special to the Post

The City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library’s facilities and provide a better experience for patrons.

Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the building.

“This is truly something to celebrate, the reopening of our wonderful Main Library! I congratulate the staff and our partners for this important project to make the Main Library a more comfortable place for everyone for years to come, said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “Thank you to Oakland voters and the California State Library for making these crucial improvements possible.”

“Public libraries are a wonderful resource for our residents, offering a safe space for learning and being,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “It is critical to improve and modernize our libraries so more members of our community can utilize and enjoy them. I’m excited that the necessary renovations to the Main Library have been completed successfully and thank everyone involved, particularly the City team, who helped secured the necessary grant funds for this work.”

“I am proud of the City staff and project partners who kept this important project on schedule and under budget,” said Assistant City Administrator G. Harold Duffey. “The library is an incredibly important resource for our community members, and this project is an investment into the library’s future.”

“December 2nd was a momentous occasion for Oakland Public Library as we proudly reopened the doors of the Main Library following extensive infrastructure repairs,” said Director of Library Services Jamie Turbak. “Closing the Main Library for six months was no easy decision, as it serves as the central hub for our library system and is truly the heart of Oakland. Yet, this renovation was essential, representing more than just physical upgrades—it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”

The City Administrator Jestin Johnson also attended the press conference and signalled his support for the completion of the record-setting completion of the renovations. Gay Plair Cobb, a newly appointed Library Commissioner said the Library represents the soul and brains of our community.

The Oakland Public Library secured funding for these crititcal repairs through a variety of sources. The California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program awarded the Main Branch $4.2 million. To comply with the grant terms, the City of Oakland provided matching funds through Measures KK, as approved by the Oakland City Council in October 2023.

The Main Library will host an Open House to celebrate the reopening on February 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

About the Oakland Public Library

The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. Oaklandlibrary.org

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BWOPA Honors Black Leadership and Legacy at 2024 Ella Hill Hutch Awards Dinner

On Dec. 5, BWOPA held its Annual Ella Hill Hutch Awards Ceremony, at the Fairmont Claremont Hotel in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills. At the event, the group comprised of Black women from various professional backgrounds, honored distinguished local and state leaders whose contributions have shaped civic engagement and advanced critical social issues impacting Black communities.

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

L-R: BWOPA State Executive Director LaNiece Jones; State Asm. Mia Bonta; BWOPA 2024 Man of The Year/Urban League SFBA CEO Ken Maxey; BWOPA State President Hon. Dezie Woods-Jones; State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas; Rowena Brown, Oakland Councilmember At-Large, Elect; BWOPA State Regional Director Vashone Huff. Courtesy photo.

By Oakland Post Staff

Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) is a statewide non-profit advocacy and membership organization committed to solving problems affecting Black Californians.

On Dec. 5, BWOPA held its Annual Ella Hill Hutch Awards Ceremony, at the Fairmont Claremont Hotel in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills.

At the event, the group comprised of Black women from various professional backgrounds, honored distinguished local and state leaders whose contributions have shaped civic engagement and advanced critical social issues impacting Black communities.

The evening was hosted by Dr. Shawna Charles, founder of The Charles Communications Group (CCG) headquartered in Los Angeles. Charles served as mistress of ceremonies.

With a track record of elevating voices and empowering communities, Charles’ leadership and insight brought a certain dynamism to the celebration.

“Each year, this event not only celebrates the enduring legacy of our beloved BWOPA founding member, Ella Hill Hutch, but also reaffirms and amplifies our unwavering commitment to building and sustaining Black political power across California,” said Dezie Woods-Jones, BWOPA founding member and State president.

“Ella Hill Hutch’s trailblazing leadership continues to inspire us as we forge ahead, empowering Black women to lead, advocate, and shape a more equitable future for all,” added Woods-Jones.

This year’s event introduced the DWJ Rising Star Award, honoring young leaders like Solano County Board Supervisors-elect Cassandra James, Danielle Motley-Lewis, Naomi Waters and newly elected State Assemblymember elect Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton).

According to organizers, the awardees all exemplify “the next generation of changemakers.”

Other awardees included:

Lifetime Achievement Awardees: Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) and Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson
Man of the Year: Kenneth Maxey, CEO of the Greater SF Bay Area Urban League
President’s Corporate Award: Yvette Radford, Kaiser Permanente
In the Spirit of Ella State and Chapter Awards: Dr. Carolyn Greene, Dr. Marcella K. Smith, Dr. Carolyn Drake, Tinisch Hollins, Jackie Jones, Gloria Burgess Johnson, Tamika L’Ecluse, Ellen Nash, Betty Reid Soskin, and Ay’Anna Moody.

BWOPA also celebrated local champions across its chapters, including leaders in voter education, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and community advocacy.

In a statement, BWOPA said, “Honoring Ella Hill Hutch’s legacy, BWOPA recognizes her pioneering efforts as the first Black woman elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Her tireless work amplifying underrepresented voices continues to inspire BWOPA’s mission to build Black political power across California.”

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, partners and allies who believe in BWOPA’s vision to invest in building power for Black women’s leadership,” said LaNiece Jones, BWOPA State executive director. “Your support ensures that Black women have a voice at decision-making tables locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally, advancing diversity and equity in leadership spaces.”