Activism
A Son of Oakland Gives Back
Born and raised in East Oakland, William Haney has traveled the world managing and promoting his boxer son, Devin Haney, who holds four undisputed championship belts as the world’s youngest world champion in his weight class.
By Richard Johnson
I write this article with pride and admiration for having the opportunity to speak with and ask of a son of Oakland who shares my background of being formerly incarcerated, but not allowing it to be a hindrance to positive growth toward becoming a better man, better father, and a contributor to this precious thing we call life.
Born and raised in East Oakland, William Haney has traveled the world managing and promoting his boxer son, Devin Haney, who holds four undisputed championship belts as the world’s youngest world champion in his weight class.
The elder Haney, known to many as Bill, has raised his son to be a world champion, not only in the ring but equally as a man.
Bill responded with very inspiring, insightful answers to my questions in a way that demonstrates his dedication to fatherhood and shared what it takes to nurture and raise kids to be true to their nature as kings and queens.
I asked Bill if he considered himself to be an entrepreneur or a philanthropist; he said the latter. He embraces the concept of giving back to the community by contributing to its prosperity in various forms as his body of work plainly demonstrates.
There are several great sportsmen from Oakland who haven’t given back to their place of origin in any form. Giving back motivates others and helps to shine a light on the needs of our city.
Bill was quite receptive when asked about partnering with others who share similar visions for Oakland. Bill presently resides in Las Vegas, an ideal spot to train his world-champion son. He is very interested in helping to create safe places where kids can seek refuge, get training and learning skills that will help them become better men and women as they transition into whatever life has in store for them.
Bill considers himself a cultural engineer. He is a practicing, dedicated Muslim and a true believer. He sees Oakland as presently being in a state of turmoil, but not hopeless. He summarizes some of his advice to us by saying “we don’t need to be looking to the stars for help because help rests within our own desires and determination. It’s within our grasp.”
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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Activism
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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