Events

“Speak What You Expect,” Says Author Tawana Williams

Published

10 years ago

August 6, 2014

Born without arms and impaired use of her legs, motivational speaker and “UNarmed But Dangerous” author Tawana Williams has persevered through adversity. After doctors told her mother she wouldn’t walk or live past two weeks old, Williams not only overcame those obstacles but she surpassed them and now travels around the country sharing her story of struggle and triumph.

Since 1996, Williams has spoken at multiple churches, schools, prisons, daycares, and organizations motivating millions. She has authored five books, including “UNarmed But Dangerous,” “Mind Interrupted,” “Motivation for the Soul,” “Da-Bomb!” and “I’m Different but I Can.”

Her hope is to help others learn how to live a “no excuse” lifestyle.

As a wife, mother, author, mentor, artist, advocate, TV personality and CEO of Tawana Williams Outreach, Inc., she recently came to Oakland to give her inspiring testimony and show others that anything is possible.

From learning to tie her shoelaces, to changing her daughter’s diaper and braiding her hair, to drawing remarkable portraits all using her feet, when Williams wanted to do something she didn’t let anything stop her.

“I don’t care how hard it is, I kept trying it,” she said speaking at the Herbert Guice Academy in Oakland.

Refusing to view her physical condition as a disability, Williams has become self-sufficient and has never looked for a handout.

“I seldom think about my limitations because I’m focused on my possibilities,” she says in a statement on her website.

Using her experiences as a motivator, Williams empowered and challenged her audience to “speak what you expect” and never give up on your dreams. Her words of wisdom related to all generations and encouraged people to “make it happen for yourself.”

Having battled with a drug addiction and a stroke in which she suffered some memory loss, Williams’ motivational words resonated with those people dealing with health issues. She encouraged them saying, “Whose report are you going to believe about yourself? What do you believe about yourself?”

“Remove the word ‘try’ and say ‘do,” Williams said.

“I know that this will make lives better. It’s about being able to help people,” said Martha Brown, a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, who organized the speaking event.

For anyone that has not experienced Williams telling her inspiring story, her words of advice are something to live by. Reprogram your mind and tell yourself yes, she said. Be confident; stay focused with no distractions; get a mentor; and make no more excuses.

“Speak what God tells you about yourself,” Williams said. “Move in your greatness.”

For more information about Tawana Williams, visit www.tawanawilliams.com.

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Activism

Who Wants to Be the Next Elected Mayor of Oakland?

The Oakland Post is issuing a CALL to all candidates to present their answers, plans, or solutions in response to our list of questions.

Published

7 hours ago

January 7, 2025

Oakland Post

An aerial view of the downtown Oakland skyline on a clear sunny day. The federal building and other iconic buildings fill the skyline. Photo: iStock.

By Paul Cobb

Many of you probably recall the oft-repeated expression when describing leadership that “many are called but few are chosen.” We will be inundated during January with many claims of qualifications by those who want to lead Oakland.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, we have heard the names of 14 potential candidates who might become Oakland’s next Mayor.

The Oakland Post is issuing a CALL to all candidates to present their answers, plans, or solutions in response to our list of questions.

Any candidate who wishes to receive a free announcement, publicity or space in the paper must submit solutions.

The first questions we propose are 1) What is your budget balancing plan?
What is your position on requiring all city employees to work full-time in their designated offices rather than remotely from their homes?
What is your plan to provide open-access opportunities to all police officers for overtime pay?
Since many businesses, especially downtown, have closed, what is your plan to attract and increase revenues?

Please send your submissions of 300 words or less to each question to Social@postnewsgroup.com or visit www.postnewsgroup.com

Oakland Post

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Activism

Oakland’s Black Chamber of Commerce Awards 63 Businesses $1,000 Micro Grants

“Our members are essential to Oakland’s economic and cultural fabric,” said Cathy Adams, president of the OAACC. “These grants are a testament to our dedication to fostering business growth and sustainability within our community.” The microgrants are designed to provide vital support for members to strengthen their operations, invest in growth opportunities, or meet pressing needs, Adams added.

Published

17 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Oakland Post

Cathy Adams, president of the OAACC. Photo courtesy of the OAACC.

By Oakland Post Staff

Last week, the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC) announced the distribution of $63,000 in microgrants to 63 member businesses. These $1,000 grants, generously sponsored by Supervisor Nate Miley, Amazon, and the Tides Foundation, reflect the organization’s goals and unwavering commitment to empowering Black-owned businesses in Oakland.

The microgrants are designed to provide vital support for members to strengthen their operations, invest in growth opportunities, or meet pressing needs, Adams added.

As part of this initiative, OAACC leaders are encouraging all grant recipients to inspire their communities to support Oakland-based businesses by shopping locally, sharing referrals, and following their social media pages.

For more information about the OAACC and the organization’s initiatives, please visit www.oaacc.org.

Oakland Post

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Activism

Port of Oakland to Host January Meeting for Interfaith Council of Alameda County

State, county, and city officials have been invited to join ICAC board members and the community to explore effective strategies for addressing these interconnected challenges across Alameda County, including ICAC’s Safe Car Park program expansion and efforts to convert trailers into shelter for the unhoused.

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2025

Oakland Post

The Port of Oakland. Courtesy photo.

Special to The Post

The Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC) will hold its first meeting of 2025 on Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Port of Oakland, located at 530 Water St. Hosted by the president of the Port of Oakland, the meeting will run from 1-2:30 p.m. and will focus on pressing community issues including environmental justice, housing solutions, and crime and safety.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend and contribute to this important discussion. For more information, visit interfaithAC.org.