The last decade has seen gentrification transform the city of Oakland in ways that are often unbelievable.

Increased rent, high-rise apartments, expensive coffee shops, and other luxuries that accompany capitalist

development have been at the forefront of the displacement of a once-dense black community.

As our elders who left the South, as part of the first and second great migrations begin to pass away,

and their children and grandchildren are forced to move out the town,

generations of people and their stories and culture are leaving with them.

Over the next few weeks, you'll hear stories documenting almost 100 years of Oakland's black history.

You'll learn about the movements and the moments that have made this place what it is,

directly from the people who lived them.

My grandfather had to leave.

They were going to kill them.

7th Street is referred to by some writers and music colleges, the Harlem of the West Coast.

And if you're not from here, you might be asking yourself, why should you listen to a podcast about Oakland?

We'll give you a few reasons.

For decades, black culture has been the heartbeat of Oakland,

and that culture has influenced not only the nation,

but black people throughout the world.

From the music, to sports.

And Shon Lynch for the touchdown.

And most importantly, revolutionary organizing.

The man doesn't have us out, nobody has out organized. We don't hate nobody because of that color. We hate murder of

black people in our communities. We all get the pressure. When the community

...