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Black communities in Oakland were building vibrant, connected, and transit-oriented neighborhoods along West Oakland’s 7th Street and East Oakland's corridors long before the “15-minute city” became trendy. ![]()
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In the face of racist policies and systemic barriers, these communities flourished—creating a thriving hub of Black commerce and culture. ![]()
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This Black History Month, dig deeper into the climate resilience blueprint Black Oaklanders created—these neighborhoods offer critical lessons for climate adaptation: www.greenbelt.org/blog/oakland-black-neighborhoods-resilience/ ![]()
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📸Photo 1: Two men shaking hands under Elsie’s neon sign, circa 1950s, Harold Jenkins Photograph collection, MS 11, (African American Museum and Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library). ![]()
📸Photo 2: 1911 map showing various streetcar and commuter train lines that would later become the Key System (Secret San Francisco: The Key System). ![]()
📸Photo 3: Neighborhood and business block of 7th Street., 1940s (FoundSF). ![]()
📸Photo 4: Musicians Jimmy Buchanan (sax), Earl Watkins (drums), Eric Miller (guitar), Commodore Lark (bass), Norvell Randall (piano) playing at Slim Jenkins Supper Club on Seventh Street in Oakland ( African American Museum and Library at Oakland).
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