Activism
LAHF Gets Resiliency Relief Fund Grant to Continue Helping So Many in Need
For 23 years, the Lend A Hand Foundation (LAHF) has carried out its mission, “To enhance the quality of life for low-income children, youth, and families by offering resources otherwise not available including educational, cultural, social, and sporting activities as well as basic needs.”
Their motto is: “Lending A Hand Wherever We Can.” The Resiliency Relief Fund grant they received from the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC) allowed them to continue helping so many in need.
The past seven months have been strange and challenging for the organization. The needs of children, youth and families are greater than ever. Due to COVID-19 and its financial impact, LAHF is currently working in communities to address families living in unhoused situations as well as others. It is a bit overwhelming at times as LAHF seeks funds for both basic essentials and school supplies.
“We purchased 500 additional backpacks with supplies for children,” said Dee Johnson, founder and executive director of LAHF. “We also procured many essential items for students as well.”
Dee said, “I find it difficult to come to terms with the level of poverty that many children in America are currently living in. We see a world where the disparities between the rich and poor have grown, and the plight of the poor is not very high on the federal government’s agenda. Black and Brown children and their families lack the opportunities to rise above their impoverished circumstances. This concerns me greatly, frankly, it breaks my heart.”
When asked what beautiful days ahead would look like for LAHF and other nonprofits that work continually to loosen the grip of poverty, Dee replied, “More businesses, corporations as well as professional sports teams coming together in the same spirit as the OAACC. Through their Resiliency Fund, the OAACC provided much-needed support to many Black-owned businesses and to nonprofits. Lend A Hand Foundation is a proud recipient.”
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025
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Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
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Activism
IN MEMORIAM: William ‘Bill’ Patterson, 94
Bill devoted his life to public service and education. In 1971, he became the founding director for the Peralta Community College Foundation, he also became an administrator for Oakland Parks and Recreation overseeing 23 recreation centers, the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt, and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.
William “Bill” Patterson, 94, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at his home in Oakland, CA. He was born on May 19, 1931, to Marie Childress Patterson and William Benjamin Patterson in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Dunbar High School and traveled to Oakland, California, in 1948. William Patterson graduated from San Francisco State University, earning both graduate and undergraduate degrees. He married Euradell “Dell” Patterson in 1961. Bill lovingly took care of his wife, Dell, until she died in 2020.
Bill devoted his life to public service and education. In 1971, he became the founding director for the Peralta Community College Foundation, he also became an administrator for Oakland Parks and Recreation overseeing 23 recreation centers, the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt, and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.
He served on the boards of Oakland’s Urban Strategies Council, the Oakland Public Ethics Commission, and the Oakland Workforce Development Board.
He was a three-term president of the Oakland branch of the NAACP.
Bill was initiated in the Gamma Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
In 1997 Bill was appointed to the East Bay Utility District Board of Directors. William Patterson was the first African American Board President and served the board for 27 years.
Bill’s impact reached far beyond his various important and impactful positions.
Bill mentored politicians, athletes and young people. Among those he mentored and advised are legends Joe Morgan, Bill Russell, Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, and Lionel Wilson to name a few.
He is survived by his son, William David Patterson, and one sister, Sarah Ann Strickland, and a host of other family members and friends.
A celebration of life service will take place at Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center (Calvin Simmons Theater) on November 21, 2025, at 10 AM.
His services are being livestreamed at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1250167107131991/
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Euradell and William Patterson scholarship fund TBA.
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