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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. 

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Richard Johnson, William Haney and Wayne Kendrick.
Richard Johnson, William Haney and Wayne Kendrick.

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.”

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025

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Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee Reflects on Her Career as She Bids Farewell to Congress

“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.

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Rep. Barbara Lee. File photo.
Rep. Barbara Lee. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Outgoing Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) expressed deep gratitude to her constituents and marked the end of her 26-year career in public service.

Lee, who is succeeded by Lateefah Simon, a civil rights and racial justice activist, praised people in her community for their support. She also highlighted her dedication to promoting peace, justice, and equity.

“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.

Throughout her tenure, Lee earned a reputation as a principled lawmaker known for taking bold and sometimes unpopular stances. One of her defining moments came in 2001 when she was the sole member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for the Use of Military Force in response to the September 11 attacks. This decision led to death threats but ultimately cemented her legacy of courage.

Lee’s leadership extended beyond her district, where she fought for social justice, the rights of low-income communities, and global health initiatives. She was a key figure in pushing for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). She was a vocal critic of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion services.

The Congresswoman also faced significant challenges in her career, including a failed Senate bid in 2024. Yet, Lee’s efforts have paved the way for more excellent representation, with more Black women now elected to Congress. She worked closely with organizations like Representation Matters to encourage more women of color to run for office.

Lee says she looks to the future, confident that the next generation of leaders will continue her unfinished work, particularly on issues like military force and reproductive rights.

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Oakland Post: Week of February 5 – 11, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of February 5 – 11, 2025

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