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Oakland Forms Bonds with Bolton, England and Sanzule Kingdom, Ghana New Sister Cities Strengthen Cultural, Economic Ties and Promise Mutual Growth for All Communities Involved

On the heels of a groundbreaking trip to the United Kingdom, Oakland Post Ambassador Jonathan Fitness Jones, a member of the African American Sports Entertainment Group (AASEG), and global ambassador Dr. Maritony Jones, founder of LIFH and Maritony & Associates, have successfully laid the foundation for two new sister cities, representing a monumental stride in Oakland’s efforts for global unity and peace.

Published

2 years ago

November 7, 2023

Oakland Post

Dr. Maritony Jones and Jonathan Fitness Jones (third and fourth from respectively) in Kingdom Fellowship with the Bolton Youths discussing Youth Bootcamps and exchange programs with Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities International.

By Post Staff

From Oct. 8-17, spearheaded by Jones, the pair visited Bolton in Greater Manchester and London to solidify sister-city relationships and explore economic and cultural possibilities. They were hosted by Bolton leaders and business partners Dr. Ronnie and Constance Chikwama.

Through a series of meetings, they explored opportunities in community development, mental health, labor, youth engagement, and several investments. The Bolton business community was enthusiastic about the tie-up, already planning youth programs for the coming year and looking forward to the formation of Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities International (OBSCI).

Bolton youths planning next year’s Kingdom Youth Bootcamp in the UK and are excited to host Oakland youth. In return, Oakland is geared to welcome youth from Bolton, whose families have immigrated primarily from Zimbabwe, Jamaica and various African nations.

The Joneses also visited Bolton’s urban and rural areas, malls, markets, transportation, restaurants, local shops and landmarks like Bolton Town Hall in Victoria Square. They also visited different parts of Manchester.

(L-R) Amb. Jonathan Fitness Jones, Dr. Maritony Jones, Nana Ofei Nkansah (Queen Mother of Akuapem Kingdom, Ghana East Africa) in London England (UK) discussing Oakland-Ghana Sister Cities International

(L-R) Dr. Ronnie Chikwama, Constance Chikwama, Dr. Maritony Jones, Amb. Jonathan Fitness Jones in Chinatown, Manchester England (UK) after Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities International meetings

A pivotal part of the trip was meeting with Queen Nana Ofei Nkansah (Queen Mother of Akuapem Kingdom, Ghana East Africa), spouse of King Okatakyie Asafo Boakye III of the Sanzule Kingdom in Ghana.

They discussed the Sanzule Kingdom’s role in the newly formed “Oakland-Ghana Sister Cities International” (OGSCI) and creating the partnership to strengthen economic opportunities and deepen cultural understanding.

The Sanzule Kingdom, which is part of the Greater Nzema Kingdom became the first African nation to free themselves from the British Empire and then went on to establish the democracy and government of Ghana.

Nana Ofei, who invited Mr. and Dr. Jones to London, introduced them to some of her Ghanaian royal family members and took them to the Speakers’ Corner which is located in London’s Hyde Park, a stone’s throw from Marble Arch and Oxford Street shops.

Historic figures such as Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, George Orwell, Marcus Garvey, and Lord Donald Soper all came here and joined the common man, and occasionally woman, to give public speeches. The Joneses also visited Buckingham Palace and explored the heart of British culture and lifestyle during the annual London Art Week.

In summary, the Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities Int. (OBSCI) and Oakland-Ghana Sister Cities Int. (OGSCI) initiative aims to foster economic development and entrepreneurship; empower youth and women; strengthen cultural and historical bonds; promote peace and mutual understanding; capture the wisdom of elders, and promote tourism and sports for both communities.

“Together, we have the opportunity to build a remarkable bond that transcends borders, uplifting both communities and contributing to a more harmonious world,” Jonathan Fitness Jones said.

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Oakland Post: Week of February 25 – March 3, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 25 – March 3, 2026

Published

1 week ago

March 1, 2026

Oakland Post

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Chase Oakland Community Center Hosts Alley-Oop Accelerator Building Community and Opportunity for Bay Area Entrepreneurs

Over the past three years, the Alley-Oop Accelerator has helped more than 20 Bay Area businesses grow, connect, and gain meaningful exposure. The program combines hands-on training, mentorship, and community-building to help participants navigate the legal, financial, and marketing challenges of small business ownership.

Published

2 weeks ago

February 21, 2026

Oakland Post

Bay Area entrepreneurs attend the Alley-Oop Accelerator, a small business incubation program at Chase Oakland Community Center. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

The Golden State Warriors and Chase bank hosted the third annual Alley-Oop Accelerator this month, an empowering eight-week program designed to help Bay Area entrepreneurs bring their visions for business to life.

The initiative kicked off on Feb. 12 at Chase’s Oakland Community Center on Broadway Street, welcoming 15 small business owners who joined a growing network of local innovators working to strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

At its core, the accelerator is designed to create an ecosystem of collaboration, where local entrepreneurs can learn from one another while accessing the resources of a global financial institution.

“This is our third year in a row working with the Golden State Warriors on the Alley-Oop Accelerator,” said Jaime Garcia, executive director of Chase’s Coaching for Impact team for the West Division. “We’ve already had 20-plus businesses graduate from the program, and we have 15 enrolled this year. The biggest thing about the program is really the community that’s built amongst the business owners — plus the exposure they’re able to get through Chase and the Golden State Warriors.”

According to Garcia, several graduates have gone on to receive vendor contracts with the Warriors and have gained broader recognition through collaborations with JPMorgan Chase.

“A lot of what Chase is trying to do,” Garcia added, “is bring businesses together because what they’ve asked for is an ecosystem, a network where they can connect, grow, and thrive organically.”

This year’s Alley-Oop Accelerator reflects that vision through its comprehensive curriculum and emphasis on practical learning. Participants explore the full spectrum of business essentials including financial management, marketing strategy, and legal compliance, while also preparing for real-world experiences such as pop-up market events.

Each entrepreneur benefits from one-on-one mentoring sessions through Chase’s Coaching for Impact program, which provides complimentary, personalized business consulting.

Garcia described the impact this hands-on approach has had on local small business owners. He recalled one candlemaker, who, after participating in the program, was invited to provide candles as gifts at Chase events.

“We were able to help give that business exposure,” he explained. “But then our team also worked with them on how to access capital to buy inventory and manage operations once those orders started coming in. It’s about preparation. When a hiccup happens, are you ready to handle it?”

The Coaching for Impact initiative, which launched in 2020 in just four cities, has since expanded to 46 nationwide.

“Every business is different,” Garcia said. “That’s why personal coaching matters so much. It’s life-changing.”

Participants in the 2026 program will each receive a $2,500 stipend, funding that Garcia said can make an outsized difference. “It’s amazing what some people can do with just $2,500,” he noted. “It sounds small, but it goes a long way when you have a plan for how to use it.”

For Chase and the Warriors, the Alley-Oop Accelerator represents more than an educational initiative, it’s a pathway to empowerment and economic inclusion. The program continues to foster lasting relationships among the entrepreneurs who, as Garcia put it, “build each other up” through shared growth and opportunity.

“Starting a business is never easy, but with the right support, it becomes possible, and even exhilarating,” said Oscar Lopez, the senior business consultant for Chase in Oakland.