West Oakland Community Organization OneFam Fights Illegal Eviction

[A group picture outside One Fam in West Oakland. Undated photo by Daniela Kantorova.]

Oakland, May 20th, 2018: OneFam, a community organization located in the historic Prescott/Lower Bottom neighborhood of West Oakland, is fighting against eviction from their landlord, Arnold Fields. Currently, they have received a “Stay of Execution” and is contesting the eviction.

OneFam is seeking broad support from neighbors, local organizations, and leaders in Bay Area’s business and entertainment community. Ryan Coogler, an Oakland native (director of Black Panther), has committed to give back to the community and OneFam is calling on his backing. OneFam will march at 5:15pm from Bobby Hutton Park to OneFam on the 1600 block of 7th Street, for a press conference and reception at 6pm.

According to Tony Coleman, Executive Director of OneFam and well-known West Oakland activist, it’s “no surprise that this day was coming”. In 2015, KQED profiled the community space where Mr. Coleman predicted this day would come. “‘They’re going to get it ready. But who are they getting ready for?’ he says. ‘The neighborhood is simmering with activity and more development is coming. The writing is on the wall,"

OneFam has been serving the community for nearly a decade, holding regular monthly neighborhood meetings and were recently chosen as a location to do community engagement for the City of Oakland’s Bike Plan. In addition, they provide a platform for cultural exchange, a performance venue and gardening space for West Oakland residents. Mr. Coleman also serves on the community advisory council for BART (W.O.B.S.C.A.C.) redevelopment plan. OneFam is a collective that includes Bikes4Life and 7th Street Rev Cafe.