City Government
Vallejo Kwanzaa Celebration
The Kwanzaa principle “ujima” means “to build and maintain our community together, making our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems, and solving them together.”
Celebrating this principle, the 13th Annual Kwanzaa will be held on Saturday, Dec. 28 at the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum.
As a traditional celebration in the African American culture, Kwanzaa begins the day after Christmas and lasts until Jan. 1. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are: “umoja”- unity; “kujichagulia”- self-determination; “ujima”- cooperative work and responsibility; “ujamaa”- cooperative economics; “nia”- purpose; “kuumba”- creativity; and “imani”- faith.
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga as the first African American holiday, to honor the African heritage and give Blacks the opportunity to celebrate themselves. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits of the harvest.”
Symbols of the holiday include a candle holder “kinara” with seven candles that represent the principles of Kwanzaa; a decorative mat “Mkeka”; a cup for the pouring of libations; and a black, red, and green flag.
The 13th Annual Kwanzaa celebration will feature food, vendors, and entertainment including a drumming performance. It will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum, 734 Marin St. Donations of $5 are requested.
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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
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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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