Oakland

Oakland is a town rich with history; black history; rife with stories of bygone eras, rough and glorious. Growing up in the Bay Area, Oakland was only a place my dad worked late at night from the early 80's until today. I remember harried stories of the crack days and beautiful Chinese restaurant owners who sent home pastries. Oakland was never on my radar until my best friends paved the wild west and claimed it was fantastic. So I made the move, and what I bring is 8 years of hard fought loyalty. I am a die hard A's fan, a Baggy's/Queer/Lake/West/Kaiser Employed/Soldier Death Sibling Survivor/Bike Party/Neighborhood Beautification Project Loving Oakland Woman. Sometimes I feel like the Carrie Bradshaw of my apartment building, I will never leave until my "Big" chance comes along. Oakland, your stray cats, Bermuda Triangle, progressive communities, idealistic city council and bizarre Mayor make me love you. You have been the backdrop for my life. The "pot" for my roots to grow. You have created the perfect scene for a life of color, creativity and challenge. I have seen Chicago, Madison, LA, New York, Miami and DC, and nothing compares to your micro-climate 70 degree weather, Brooklyn Ave and perfectly climbable native Grand Oak Trees. There are three things I respect more than anything: Billie Holiday, The Truth, and Oakland. Billie will always feel like home, the truth will wrap you in Freedom and Oakland, the perfect backdrop for it all.