The Town
Oakland in Color
As Oakland’s Black Chamber President, I have the honor of showing people the best of Black Oakland. The businesses in my city make that easy.
Though we locals lovingly call it ‘The Town,’ Oakland is not some pitstop on the highway. Oakland is the place to be and the destination to reach. We are the people that gave ‘hyphy music’ to the world and broadcast the Black excellence of natives like Ryan Coogler and Zendaya to your TV screens.
Frankly, I cannot overstate how consequential Oakland has always been to the nation's political and cultural fabric. In the 1970s, we raised the collective Black consciousness with people like Huey Newton and Angela Davis. Our anthems and streets brought a freedom struggle to the world. Today, activists and advocates carry on that tradition. As the birthplace of the Black Panthers and the hometown of Vice President Kamala Harris, Oakland is proudly a city of radicals, misfits, and go-getters all looking to make the world a better place.
But even with our diverse ideas and personalities, we locals can always agree that we love the unapologetically Black nature of this city. Every year we shut down and turn up throughout the city streets for the Black Joy Parade in February. Attendees can catch performers like Ashanti and vendors like Uhuru Foods & Pies serving smiles all day across an array of stages and street corners. During the holiday season, our Chamber organizes an immersive shopping experience known as the OAACC Black Sunday Holiday Expo. And Each Summer, we host the beloved Art & Soul Festival with crowds and vibes that bring the entire Bay Area together. With some of the region's best Blues, Funk, Gospel, and Latin music all on display, it has gained fame as the best way to spend two days in the Bay.
In the End
Regardless of whether you visit for a seasonal festival or parade, Oakland is a city that does not need a reason to celebrate. Every month, the community gathers for First Fridays: a massive street vendor extravaganza with food, nicknacks, performances, and dancing. If outdoor events aren't your thing, you are always welcome to the Black Cultural Zone here in East Oakland. Oakland also boasts a free African American History Museum worthy of a quick stop. But as you build an itinerary for Oakland, keep one thing in mind: it is always a good time to visit. And like the businesses and entrepreneurs I represent on this list, we will always be ready to share the best of what the Black Bay Area has to offer.
